Chapter 13

Confused Plans

As inconsequential as it probably was, Marik couldn't help but feel a sting in his nerves after what he'd just seen.

He knew better than to think Bakura liked Yami...in that way. Marik had doubts Bakura liked anything at all. But it didn't make it any easier.

He hurried into the bedroom, where bodies were sprawled out sleeping against the very early morning glow of light, pushing through the curtains. Marik couldn't close the door in time, as Bakura pressed it open with mild force. His expression was shadowed and stern as he approached Marik.

"Get out," Marik hissed, backing up a fair bit, and almost treading on a torso in the process. A faint moan confirmed it was Ryou; still mostly asleep. Marik kept his eyes sharp on Bakura. "Get out," he repeated. "I don't want to talk."

Bakura looked like he was going to protest, but it was ridiculous even to Marik. Bakura wouldn't try to justify, apologise or explain himself. There was no understanding there. Marik could see it even now, in the dim semi-light of the bedroom, the blank and familiar look in the Spirit's eyes. Always prominent, always reminding Marik what he was.

It hurt even more than that stupid kiss.

"Don't you understand?" Marik gritted his teeth. "Leave me alone!"

Bakura's expression hardly faltered. He slipped slowly back out the door. It clipped quietly shut behind him.

Marik heaved a sigh that felt like it had always been there, then settled shakily onto the floor, unable to contain a sob. He rubbed his eyes, then turned round to find Ryou looking at him with some concern, propped up on his elbows.

"Want to talk about it?"

"I don't know," Marik murmured, clearing his throat and trying to seem less pathetic.

"Sometimes it helps," Ryou shrugged. "I mean...I can't promise that. Especially if it's more demon invasion type stuff. I'm pretty awful with that. But I'm a great listener. Well actually I'm just told I am...I can't be sure if that's true or not..." he trailed off, smiling lamely. "I'm also a terrible rambler. Just tell me to shut up."

Marik was already smiling, just a little. He liked Ryou, who had a kind, unassuming face, soft eyes and a warm smile. In that moment Marik thought he looked almost angelic, with the backdrop of morning sun haloing him like that.

He was like the anti-Bakura really. They may have owned the same bodies, the same faces, but their features were anything but alike. Where Ryou's eyes shone, Bakura's darkened. When Ryou smiled it was easy and fluid, like liquid. When Bakura smiled it was always gradual, creeping...like he wasn't even sure he could do it.

"Marik, you look tired," Ryou observed. "You should sleep."

"I'm not really," Marik shook his head, then lay down, propping his cheek on his hand, mirroring the other boy's position. "I'm just so tired of everything that keeps happening."

"It's a very weird situation you're in," Ryou admitted. "But remember, you've got two other people who've felt this same sort of thing," he smiled a bit. "Anyone would think this multiple personality stuff was catching."

Marik managed another smile then. "Yeah, pity mine's got a few screws loose, isn't it?"

"I don't think Bakura will win any awards in the sanity department either," Ryou pointed out, somewhat hesitantly.

Marik wanted to defend the Spirit; at any other time he would. But Yami and Bakura, locked together on the couch was still too close in his mind, so he just nodded. And anyway Ryou was right. Bakura wasn't all there, he really did walk the line of sanity.

"I just...I keep thinking things will be okay," he said, looking past Ryou to the window. "But then something happens and I realise it's not."

"Things will get better. Your brother is okay now, right?"

"I know, and I'm glad, of course I am." Marik said quickly. "But...some things are complicated...and confusing."

Ryou's eyes darted uncertainly, and he seemed to swallow in that awkward way of his. "Marik, I can understand if you're worried about Bakura-"

Marik pulled a face. "I'm sick of worrying about him," he snapped. "I feel like it's all a waste of time."

"I don't think it is," Ryou said, his voice quiet but firm at the same time. It made Marik curious;

"How can you be so sure?"

Ryou tapped his head; "I still have that link, remember."

"I feel sorry for you," Marik muttered.

Ryou shook his head, smiling wryly. "Marik, things are very different now. Before, when I was Bakura's host, I didn't feel anything except my own fear...I couldn't guess whatever Bakura might be thinking, because he never let me know," he paused a moment. "He wants to protect you, Marik. I feel it all the time."

Marik considered it. Ryou's face looked so sincere, he sounded sincere. But that was just the kind of person Ryou was.

Marik leaned forwards, close to Ryou, incase someone else might hear; "Something happened...between him and Yami," he winced even with the words, and prayed that Ryou wouldn't ask him to elaborate.

Ryou opened his mouth, like he might, but seemed to read Marik's expression at the last second. He hesitated, then placed a hand over Marik's.

"Well, whatever happened, I'm sure Yami did it for the best. You know he wants to end all of this, don't you?"

Marik nodded, feeling another stupid lump rising in the back of his throat. "I'm just scared. I know it won't stop..not until it kills me. I know it."

Ryou sat up properly in his sleeping bag, careful not to knock Joey, who was stretched out near his feet.

"It's not going to kill you, understand?" there was a rare note of defiance in Ryou's calming voice, and he placed both hands on Marik's shoulders, forcing the tomb keeper to look at him. "Everyone here wants to protect you. I already told you, I can sense Bakura wants to-"

"He's still...he's not human, though," Marik interrupted, shivering as he said it. He grabbed Ryou's wrists, holding them tight, feeling how warm they were compared to Bakura. When he glanced at Ryou's face, he could almost squint and see Bakura.

It wasn't the same.

Ryou moved back a little, like he knew Marik's thoughts and was disturbed by them.

Marik didn't really care; too much was going on to pay attention to what others thought about his own sanity. And he had an excuse, with his other half trying to kill him and all that.

He laughed softly, amused by his own casual thoughts. It seemed like nothing would surprise him anymore.

Ryou smiled nervously. "Get some sleep, Marik."

At the same moment the doorbell rang, quickly followed by a sharp succession of knocks. Tristan mumbled from somewhere on the bed, but Joey was the one who sat up, rubbing his eyes.

He blinked at the clock and frowned sleepily; "who the heck is that?"

Ryou looked worried; "should we answer it? It's rather early for visits."

"D'ya think it's that psycho Marik? Maybe he's tryin' a more direct approach."

"The door?" Tristan deadpanned. "That thing

isn't even in our world..."

Joey jabbed him in the side. "I knew that," still he gave Marik a curious look, like he might know; "You think it's safe?"

Marik shrugged, as another series of knocks sounded from the door.

"Doesn't look like they're leaving."

"I'm not answering," Duke said, sounding mostly asleep. "It's too cold. Also I don't want to die."

Joey stood up, looking very annoyed and with spiked up bed hair. "Bunch of wimps."

Marik sat up straighter when Joey left the room, and listened to footsteps and doors opening and loud voices which couldn't quite be distinguished as words. Next moment, Joey walked back into the bedroom, looking very angry.

"What is it?" Ryou looked scared.

"See for yerself," Joey sloped back into bed. "I'm sleeping till he leaves."

88

Ryou nibbled awkwardly on his toast, observing the tense atmosphere around him with a want to just leave and pretend he had nothing to do with his demented friends anymore.

Seto Kaiba stood like an arrogant statue in the kitchen, not bothering to take the seat that Yugi offered him, and not touching the drink that Tea had made for him. He kept his concentrated gaze on Yugi and no one else, and every word he spoke seemed to be suppressing an intense hatred. Ryou couldn't ever imagine him laughing.

"You expect me to offer you my jet to Egypt?" he said slowly. "You are all insane, or you must think I am."

Yugi looked inclined to agree, and he nodded earnestly. "It's just one last favour."

Since last night's escapade between the Pharaoh and Bakura, Yugi looked pale and tired. But his face was determined enough, and Tea was doing an enthusiastic job of feeding him and asking if he was alright every fifteen minutes or so.

"I already gave you my God Card," Kaiba said darkly. "Just because you win one stupid duel you think you freaks can ask me for anything?"

Joey leaned over the couch; he was far too annoyed by Kaiba to remain in the bedroom for too long after all; "freaks? Speak for yerself, Kaiba."

Yugi wasn't put off; "It's just like I asked on the phone…we'd really appreciate if we could use your jet…"

"To get to Egypt, right," Kaiba nodded like he was in a hurry. "You've explained this to me already, Yugi, and I still think you're crazy."

"Well I thought it was too," Yugi agreed. "but I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important." he took a deep breath, "And to show I mean it, I'll return your God Card...and I'll give you my own."

Kaiba's eyes widened and there was an incredulous gasp from the couch.

"You are crazy, Yug," Joey said. "What're you thinking?"

"But," Yugi continued, seeing the wolfish look in Kaiba's eye, "I'll give them to you after the trip to Egypt."

Kaiba's expression shifted slightly into the realm of possibility. He looked around at his small audience, as though relishing the anticipation of it all.

"So...you all need to take this sudden urgent holiday to Egypt?" he asked, eyes resting on Bakura. "Even that...demon...thing?"

Bakura grinned at him; "Apparently I am a necessity."

"He'll be good," Yugi added quickly.

"Hm." Kaiba tapped his foot on the tiled floor. "I suppose I can afford a trip when the price is so tempting."

Yugi looked relieved. "thanks so much, Kaiba."

"But why can't you give me the cards now? Don't you trust me?"

Joey snorted. "No."

"It's complicated," Yugi said. "Very complicated."

"Can't you just mind your own business?" Joey glared at Kaiba.

"You don't trust me?" Kaiba sighed. "come on, Wheeler. Where am I gonna run off to with a rare card? It's not like I'm a very anonymous identity, Kaiba Corp is quite big, you know."

"Yeah, alright," Joey grimaced. "I get it. Now stop talking before your ego gets any bigger."

"You shouldn't be passing out the usual insults so readily," Kaiba warned. "I could withdraw this massive favour I seem to be giving you all at any moment."

"Don't even think about it-"

"Joey!" Serenity, always striving to be nearby when her brother and Kaiba were in close proximity, yanked him back.

A small and satisfied smile graced Kaiba's features, like it always did when he got one over on Joey. Ryou noticed Bakura smiling in the same sort of way. They could have made a wonderfully dastardly duo in another time, perhaps.

The Spirit leaned forwards on the couch, as though to get a better look at Kaiba.

"What're you staring at?" Kaiba growled, looking down at him full of disgust.

"You," Bakura's smile crept into a grin. "I remember you."

"Well congratulations. It's only been a few days."

Bakura's grin didn't falter; "Before that. A long time before that."

Yugi's eyes lit up with interest, and he neared the couch. "what do you remember?"

Bakura turned to look at Yugi, disinterest crossing all his features, before he saw the Puzzle again. "Why don't you ask your Pharaoh friend? I'm sure the two of you have a lot of catching up to do."

Yugi frowned; "whatever the Pharaoh knows I know."

"Is that so?" Bakura turned away, and looked tired as he lay back onto the couch, shutting his eyes.

"You're all crazy," Kaiba decided. He turned back to Yugi. "When do you need my Jet?"

"As soon as possible really. We're kinda against time." he looked around and offered Marik a kind smile, who looked unsure and apprehensive next to Ryou.

"I can have it ready within a couple of days. I've got some business to attend to before then."

"Like babysitting little Mokuba?"

"Shut up, Wheeler."

Kaiba left the apartment in a swoop of his long coat, and Ryou felt Marik clutch his arm tightly.

"Two days…that's too long. With everything that's happening…"

Ryou placed a hand on his shoulder; "we can hold out."

Yugi was pacing the kitchen, seeming to share Marik's concern. He held the Puzzle up in his hands.

"Is everything alright, Yugi?" Tea ventured. "Maybe you should sit down-"

"I'm fine, Tea!"

It was strange to most everyone to see Yugi get irritable, especially at Tea. Yugi seemed shocked himself.

"I'm sorry," He said at once. "I didn't mean to shout."

Tea nodded; "it's okay. We're all feeling a bit on edge."

Tristan perked up from his hunt for food at the bottom of a cereal box. "I think we've all got cabin fever. Or more crappy apartment fever."

"Yeah," Joey agreed. "And when someone like Kaiba's been round it's enough to kill anyone's good mood."

"Why don't you just marry him," Serenity smirked, as her brother turned furious red. She tapped on the bedroom door. "C'mon Duke, have you finished applying all your guyliner, yet?"

Duke sauntered out of the bedroom and gave a longing look at the tv; "Tell me what happens in the next episode, my favourite demon guy," he smirked at Serenity; "and this face hardly needs makeup."

Serenity rolled her eyes, before hooking an arm around his. "C'mon, stupid. See you later, you guys."

As the young couple left everyone murmured vague goodbyes. Ryou thought Serenity and Duke had the right sort of idea. Perhaps acting so scared was some kind of advantage to Dark Marik? Ryou barely knew how mind links worked, or how to even prevent them, but he supposed positive thoughts must have a better effect than the negative...

He looked sideways at Marik, who was staring at the table, like he was concentrating on something extremely hard. He seemed to sense Ryou watching him, and the ongoing silence all about the room.

Yugi was sitting on the edge of the couch, still holding his Puzzle in that harsh way.

"It's too long," Marik said into the silence. "Two days is too long," his mouth moved into a snarl and he stared straight at the couch. "You know it's too long! Both of you know!"

"Marik..." Ryou started, trying to calm him.

"You know we can't wait! He'll come before then. He'll kill you..." his eyes lit on Bakura; "He'll kill us all, won't he!"

Bakura looked listless, bored even. "Don't worry yourself Marik-"

"-What were you doing before?" Marik demanded. "I saw it...this morning...tell me what you both know!"

Yugi gave him a confused look; "Marik, you don't understand-"

"That's why I'm asking!" the tomb keeper stood up, and Ryou was too slow to try and pull him back from his lunge toward the others. Luckily Tea wasn't, and she grabbed him round the wrists quite firmly.

"Don't hurt Yugi," She scolded. "He's been through enough!"

Marik seemed to come to his senses, with Tea's voice so close by. She let him go with some reluctance.

"It won't be fine," Marik said in an oddly calm voice. "How can you know we'll survive another two days of this? How can you...how could you even think that things'll be okay…after everything that's happened?" his eyes locked on the Puzzle, and Ryou had a feeling this wasn't just about a belated trip to Egypt anymore.

There was a touch of understanding in Yugi's eyes, and he started to protest, before Marik turned away and headed into the bedroom.

An uncomfortable silence hung all about the room, and nobody moved. Ryou teetered on his feet, and felt the faint tug of another link which still remained in him. He looked at the couch where Bakura was, the Spirit's expression was taut and directed at him.

"I'll go-" said Yugi.

"No, it's okay, I'll see him," Ryou interrupted, as Bakura's link fell away again.

888

Marik was kneeling on the floor, sniffing into his arms. He snapped his head up at Ryou, then his lip curled as he grabbed and pillow and flung it with force. Ryou ducked, but was caught on the arm.

"That was a bit uncalled for."

Marik squinted through the sunlight reflecting off Ryou. "Oh…sorry, I thought you were Bakura."

Ryou rubbed his arm. "oh, well. That explains everything," he said cheerfully. He knelt down next to Marik. "I'm afraid I'd never get my hair that spiky, though."

Marik sighed unevenly, he was still sobbing a bit, but managed to smile at Ryou then. "You do look like him."

"Except for the whole not being a demon of darkness thing," Ryou said.

"That too," Marik said like a laugh. "You're not demonic at all, Ryou."

"Glad to hear it." Ryou smiled.

Marik hugged his knees up to his chest, staring at the carpet.

"Sometimes I think it'd be easier if he was like you."

"Bakura?"

"Who else."

Ryou cleared his throat, hesitating before rubbing a hand soothingly on Marik's back. "I know it must be hard. But you have to remember, whatever happened…Bakura isn't..."

"I know he's not human," Marik finished starkly. "Don't think I'm so deluded."

"I know you're not," Ryou assured. He could see different emotion clouding Marik's wet eyes, something that was blocking reason. It was a look Ryou didn't have too much experience with.

He swallowed hard when Marik's hand rested light on his chest, and he stared at it, not sure where else to look.

"Erm, Marik…"

"You're not cold. You're like it's supposed to be," Marik murmured. "isn't that what it's supposed to be like?"

"It?" for some reason Ryou could see the flecks of violet shades in Marik's eyes. He couldn't imagine how they'd gotten this close... "what is it…exactly?" he wanted to back away, but was frozen in his inexperience and shock.

Marik tilted his head, and then Ryou saw a blur of skin before lips met his own. They pressed into him hard and urgent, like they were searching for something deeper. Ryou's head spun, his mouth felt stuck and unable to function.

As he fell back, he placed his hands on Marik's shoulders, pushing him away.

At the same moment the door opened, and Bakura stood there, his face paler than usual. Ryou looked up at him, licking sore lips. Marik made no move to get away from his compromising spot over Ryou, and a twitch of a sneer ghosted his features when he looked up at Bakura.

Bakura stared between them, then his gaze rested on Marik. "I thought you were in danger. I felt something through your link."

Marik's face fell, and he quickly hauled himself off Ryou. "There's no danger." he muttered as he stood up. He walked right up to Bakura, giving him a concentrated stare. "What did you feel?"

Bakura took a moment to respond, his face flashing uncertainty, and Ryou could feel it through their old link too.

"It felt like upset," the Spirit said. "You were upset."

Marik looked down at the Ring, hanging on Bakura's chest. "Must be broken, then. I'm fine."

He walked out the room, and Bakura watched him stiffly, before turning back round to Ryou.

Ryou scrambled upright, flustered and quite terrified. He started for the door and was horrified when the Spirit's hand caught his shoulder, halting him there.

"I need to talk to you," Bakura said.

"No, you really don't," Ryou laughed nervously. "I don't know anything very useful."

"Not yet, you don't," Bakura smiled.

"But I'm-"

"I tried to tell you before, through our link," Bakura carried on, like Ryou's voice was on mute or something. "It's important you listen closely."

Ryou considered the tail end of his argument, then just nodded. He was never going to hold his own against Bakura.

"Alright," he said, feeling nervous.

Bakura smiled a bit as he sat on the floor, level with Ryou but still somehow more superior, and just as threatening. Ryou thought he may as well have been all demon, for how nervous the creature made him.

"You're still scared?" Bakura sounded almost disappointed.

"Not half so much as I used to be," Ryou defended. "But you know, I'm not exactly used to the company of demons."

"You should be. I lived within you a fair while."

"Fair point," Ryou shifted a little. "What do you need to tell me, Bakura?"

"The top drawer of your desk contains something very important," Bakura explained.

Ryou looked automatically at the small drawers within the bedroom.

"No, I mean in your own house. You'll need to go back there before we leave for Egypt."

"What's in there?" Ryou said slowly. He felt cold with the idea that Bakura knew his own house, his own bedroom for that matter. It made sense though, of course Bakura would learn about his host's home, but Ryou didn't have to like it.

Bakura knew what he was thinking, it was obvious by the way his eyes narrowed and glinted in a sadistically amused sort of way.

"Your drawer contains the Millennium Eye. One of the items we, I mean the Pharaoh, needs for his silly expedition."

Ryou couldn't help gaping; "an item? Have you told anyone else?"

Bakura shook his head.

"Why?"

"Nobody asked," Bakura shrugged.

"Well...didn't it occur to you that it might be of some help to tell us? And why tell me? Why not tell Marik, or Yugi?"

"You think I would volunteer such information to the Pharaoh so gladly?"

Ryou sighed; "Well, if not for the Pharaoh then what about Marik?"

Bakura blinked and turned his gaze to the side. "I would certainly tell Marik. But it appears he wants little to do with me at the moment," he sounded regretful, and Ryou quickly remembered what had occurred only minutes before. He felt himself blushing.

"Bakura, I didn't-"

"Humans like to do that, don't they?" Bakura interrupted.

"Do what?" Ryou asked cautiously.

"To kiss," Bakura said the word in an awed way, like he was still trying to get to grips with it.

Ryou nodded; "Yes, but this isn't-"

"It makes them happy, doesn't it?"

"Yes, sometimes, but-"

Bakura turned round, his face neutral on Ryou's. "I'm glad Marik's happy then."

Ryou blinked at him. "No, you've got the wrong idea, Bakura..."

"Host, you should hurry to your house if you expect to make it back in time for Egypt."

"Don't call me that," Ryou was insulted, despite himself. It wasn't like he should go expecting friendly terms with a demon. "I'm not your host anymore. I'm nothing to do with you."

Bakura nodded, and looked amused. "Very well."

"Okay," Ryou felt his annoyance fizzle out. He sighed, pulling a hand through his hair. "I guess it makes sense you'd tell me," he was more resigned than exasperated. "Should I tell the others?"

Bakura looked uncertain. "Perhaps not. Better to just give me the item and pretend I had it all along."

"Well you kind of did," Ryou said. Then he realised something; "how...I mean...did you kill Pegasus?"

Bakura's expression did not change. "I needed the item."

Ryou felt cold with the words, and how easily Bakura could say them. He stood up and moved to the door, only looking back at Bakura for a second.

"You know, I don't envy when you have to tell Yami about all of this. You'll be right on his bad side."

"I was on his good side?" Bakura sneered. "Come back soon, Ryou."

8

In the kitchen Yugi was talking with Tea, whilst Joey and Tristan were arguing about something on the tv.

"Where's Marik?" Ryou asked.

"Gone to see his brother, I think." Tea said. "He was in a hurry."

Ryou felt himself blushing all over again. That was hardly a surprise. "Erm, I need to go after him...also I need to go home too."

"What? You don't want to come with us on this potentially life threatening adventure to Egypt?" Joey looked disappointed.

"Oh, yes of course I'm coming. But you know, I need to go pack the essentials first. Skin care, bath stuff...that kind of...stuff." Ryou realised he was a terrible liar.

"I thought that was more of a Duke thing to do," Tristan commented.

"Erm well. Make sure you're back before we leave. We can't wait," Yugi said. He looked at the bedroom door. "Is everything alright with Bakura? I think he sensed something through the Ring."

"Oh it's fine," Ryou was already heading out the door. "False evil alarm!"

Outside the apartment Ryou saw the speck of Marik in the distance. He thought about running after him, but then he thought about what he'd begin to say, and all the awkward embarrassment that would ensue.

Ryou liked Marik alright. Just not like that.

Tugging vaguely at his hair, Ryou doubted Marik really liked him that way either.

888

"You know I didn't mean it, don't you?"

"Yugi you've apologised a million times already. I know, I know," Tea smiled as she held his hand a few short seconds. "So stop worrying about it."

"I just got stressed out, with everything that's happening."

"Yes, I know," Tea laughed. She stood in the doorway, halfway out, and a bit coy. "Yugi?"

"Yeah?"

"Do me a favour and get some sleep. You worried me the other day."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that too."

Tea rolled her eyes. "Good night, silly."

Yugi shut his eyes but couldn't sleep. He just wasn't tired, as much as his body might protest he should be. Yami had done a great job of shattering it the other night, but all it had done was place more frantic questions in Yugi's mind.

He didn't know exactly what had happened between the Pharaoh and Bakura, but Yami had spared him enough of the details to know things were getting more serious. As if they weren't already.

Yugi tossed onto his side, feeling the heat of the Puzzle against his chest. The link was dormant but open incase Yugi needed to talk to the Pharaoh. So many times that day Yugi had thought about it; entering his Soul Room and talking properly to his other self...but he'd stopped himself at the last minute.

Whatever had happened the other night had drained Yami too, and Yugi knew he should be the strong one, or at least prove he could be.

Not very close to sleep, a scratching sound alerted him even more. Rubbing his eyes, Yugi sat up in bed and looked at the door, where the noise had sounded from. Somewhere in the kitchen.

Yugi imagined it likely that Joey had come out for a late night snack, as he tended to do. Or perhaps someone was just making a random trip to the bathroom.

Well, there was no harm in checking that it was one of those things. Yugi tiptoed across the bedroom and out into the open-plan kitchen. It was very dark and nobody was there. Yugi was almost disappointed.

Then the scratching sound again; but this time it was like wood on the ground, and Yugi looked immediately at the tiled kitchen floor. It was easy to see the head of white hair, stark against the darkness.

"Bakura?"

Yugi barely caught the shadow that flashed toward him, before feeling cold weight hard against his chest, and his back pressing up against the wall.

"Pharaoh," it was Bakura's voice, uneven and almost afraid in the dark.

A line of something cool swept onto Yugi's throat; "I'm not the Pharaoh," he said, realising he might be in real danger. "It's me, Yugi.."

"You?" as realisation dawned on his face, Bakura dropped back, the kitchen knife he'd been holding so vehemently slipping from his hand onto the floor.

His expression wasn't apologetic, but it was alarmed enough for Yugi to take it that way. His dark eyes wider than usual, and a forced, trembling leer crossed his mouth. The Spirit backed up a few steps then dropped back to the floor, bowing his head and resuming the same position Yugi had found him in.

Yugi rubbed his neck, where the Spirit's grip had been tight but thankfully brief. He felt the familiar pull of the Pharaoh, trying the request control of his body. But that was all it was; a request. Yugi ignored it and took a step toward Bakura. It wasn't that Yugi was angry with the Pharaoh, but he did want him to know he was capable when he wanted to be.

"Bakura, what's wrong?" he ventured, getting a little closer. "What're you doing up?"

"It's alright," Bakura muttered, not bothering to raise his head. "It's nearly gone now."

"What?" Yugi crouched down. As his eyes adjusted to the dark he could see Bakura's hands; clutching table legs. His fingers appeared shadowed, till Yugi realised it was something else. "You're bleeding."

Bakura tipped his head up, his eyes scornful. "It would go away much quicker if you tried not to speak to me, little Yugi."

He was patronising in a way which always prickled Yugi. He knew that the Spirit didn't think much of him; so far as he was concerned Yugi was just a vessel to carry a greater being, that of course being the Pharaoh.

Usually Yugi would pay the idea no heed. He knew he was as good as the Pharaoh; he had friends to tell him that, and the Pharaoh himself. And Bakura was manipulative and wanted Yugi to feel useless just because...well, because he was an evil Spirit.

Still sometimes it hurt. "I know more than you think," Yugi said with some defiance. "Dark Marik is trying to attack again, isn't he?"

Bakura shook his head, like he was irritated with Yugi; "It's under control." his voice was faint, breathless even, and Yugi noticed his marked hands curling and uncurling round the table legs again.

"If he gets through-"

"He won't," Bakura cut in, and then started to stand up. Halfway he grimaced and held his head, before sinking back onto the ground again. He looked exhausted and Yugi thought he might collapse. He edged forwards a little more, touched with how pitiful the Spirit appeared.

"Marik's right, we can't last two days...we'll see Kaiba tomorrow, tell him we have to go then..."

"No," Bakura growled, "We can't go then. My host...he has to join us."

"You mean...Ryou?" Yugi was confused.

"Yes,"

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind missing the trip. I don't think he's entirely keen on going, to be honest..."

"That hardly matters," Bakura glared properly at Yugi, "we must wait for him...it is important..." as his voice started to fade out, Bakura rested his head against the table leg, closing his eyes and sighing in an uneven way.

Yugi was close enough that he could see how awful the Spirit looked. It was pitiful, and Yugi's arm quivered, wanting to reach out and make sure he was alright, like he'd do with anyone else.

Better judgment made him hold back though, along with the protective pull of the Pharaoh's link inside of him, wanting to take over.

It's okay. Yugi told him. Just let me handle it.

He didn't wait for the Pharaoh's response; he worried that Bakura could perhaps sense the Pharaoh's want to get out, and confront him himself. That couldn't happen; neither of them were in any state of mind for confrontations.

Slowly Yugi stood up, and shuffled back toward the kitchen sink. He kept his eyes on Bakura, as though he might be a wild animal that might bolt or attack at any moment.

Bakura stayed still, and Yugi poured water into a bowl before crouching cautiously back beside him.

"Here," Yugi held out a cloth, wet with the water. "For your hands."

Bakura looked at the item warily, not moving.

"C'mon. They look a bit sore to me."

Bakura made a derisive noise, but still didn't move. Yugi frowned, then reached out, ignoring the surge of alarm within the Puzzle, Yami's silent declaration that Yugi was mad and shouldn't be doing this at all. Perhaps he was mad, but Yugi was always game to try, if it was for the good.

He held Bakura's wrist and pulled it, away from the table leg. It was cold and pulsed with something strange, but Yugi wasn't too concerned with that. He watched Bakura's face, which turned toward him, shocked and indignant all at once.

"Yugi..." he warned.

Yugi placed the hand quickly in the water, wrapping the cloth around it.

"Just keep it in there," he ordered, watching the blood pool out, colouring the water.

Bakura watched it too, something akin to fascination on his face.

"Does it hurt much?" Yugi asked.

Bakura pulled his gaze away from the water, and looked at Yugi with searching, confused eyes. Almost like he was annoyed by a simple puzzle which was taking too long to figure out.

"Why would you do this?" he asked.

"This?" Yugi gestured to the bowl. "You're hurt."

Bakura blinked, his eyes focussing on the Puzzle round Yugi's neck. It shone dimly in the dark, but there was an energy about it that told Yugi the Pharaoh was on edge, and he was sure Bakura felt it too.

"You helped us," Yugi explained slowly. "I mean, you helped save me, from Dark Marik. I'm grateful for that..I want to help as well."

"You are a burden, not a help," Bakura said. "Another way the darkness can get out."

Yugi was insulted; "You think I wanted that?"

Bakura looked back at the pool of bloody water. He took his hand out slowly, veins of red water trickled over his wrist and down his arm. "You would...do most anything for the Pharaoh, wouldn't you, Yugi?"

The question was so unrelated that Yugi stumbled over his words, defensive when he needn't be. "What...?"

"You would even give up your God Cards to help him," Bakura carried on, eyes still intent on his bloodied hand.

"That isn't anything," Yugi said, "compared to my friends."

Bakura glanced at him then, his eyes full of fascination. "I think...when I look at the Pharaoh's face, that he might die for you, Yugi."

Yugi swallowed hard, a pang hitting his stomach and making him hot. "Why would you say that?" he asked quietly.

Bakura took a moment to respond, his face thoughtful; "it is interesting, how he cares about you," he wiped the cloth over his hand, "though I am finding it quite difficult to understand."

"Well, he is my friend," Yugi told him. "One of my best friends, I mean."

"Is that what it is, Yugi? Is that a friend's purpose?"

"To die?" Yugi was a bit horrified. "I'd hope not. But you can care very much about someone..." he noticed the wistful look in Bakura's eyes, like he was thinking about something else. Yugi caught Bakura's other hand, which was still covered in blood, before putting it in the bowl.

Bakura barely batted an eyelid. "The Pharaoh and I are alike," he said. "I believe we both hate such comparisons between us, though."

Yugi glanced down at the Puzzle. The presence of Yami was still strong, he'd have been happier in control, to be sure. But he had calmed down a great deal now, as though he was content just listening to Bakura too.

Yugi smiled cautiously at Bakura. "I think maybe you should take the comparison as a compliment. Both of you."

Bakura gave Yugi a vaguely surprised look. He leaned back against the table, taking his hand out of the water. Yugi offered him the cloth again, and Bakura wrapped it about his hand slowly, his face betraying that it might not hurt.

"You should go lie down," Yugi suggested.

"No," Bakura said simply.

"Well," Yugi settled onto the floor a bit more comfortably. "I'll stay here, for a little while then."

Bakura shook his head; "it won't do any good."

"It'll make me feel better."

The cold chill of the small kitchen was little deterrent. For some reason Yugi felt as accomplished as he'd felt in any victorious duel. Just knowing that the Pharaoh could see this, that he could handle himself just fine, with Bakura no less, was satisfaction enough. He leaned back against a cupboard and watched the Spirit.

"I think," Bakura sighed, and rested his head against the table leg, closing his eyes. His mouth curved a smile; "...I think I'm understanding a little better."

888

A new chapter? Well if anyone is still reading (!) I am working on the next chapter right now, so think of this as Chapter 13 Part 1...or something. And the next chapter is the pay-off. I was just going to bunch them both together but it felt a bit long winded even for me! also I'm so sorry there has been a lack of updates on this story...i'm going to work at finishing this now though, promise! and believe it or not, there are not too many chapters to go... action happens soon.

Please do review!

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