Bakura's attitude didn't improve over the next week. He'd continued sleeping on the couch every night, and he frequently shot Marik icy glares at seemingly random moments. He and Marik hardly spoke anymore. At first, Marik had tried to open up conversations. Once, he'd mentioned to Bakura that the museum was calling in Pegasus to find the Eye. Bakura had only snapped, "Great, another one of my favorite people showing up here," and after that, Marik had given up. Soon, he found himself snapping back at Bakura, and then, as the week wore on, just trying to avoid him. He kept himself busy with work during the day, and in the evenings, he tried to catch up on his school work.

That, at least, was one good thing about this situation- with everything that had been going on, he'd really been neglecting his classes. Now that he was so close to his goal, and had a real chance of getting promoted, it wouldn't look good at all if he failed out of his museum studies program.

However, by the time Friday rolled around, Marik was completely caught up on his homework, so once he got off work for the day, he was totally out of things to do, and feeling very bored. He really didn't want to go home and deal with Bakura's cold looks, so instead, he decided to go visit Ishizu.

He hadn't spoken to Ishizu at all since she'd caught Bakura at his place, and he wondered how she was taking it, now that it had had a chance to sink in. She'd seemed calm enough by the end of the discussion, but still, it was obvious she didn't really approve of Bakura being around. She worried about what it could do to Marik's reputation if he was discovered, and even her last words on the subject- I truly hope this doesn't turn out badly for you- had made it seem as if she was sure it would turn out badly. Marik hoped the fact that Bakura wouldn't be around much longer assuaged some of Ishizu's worry.

So, Marik headed off to go talk to Ishizu. However, when he got there, Izhizu wasn't home from work yet; only Rishid was there, sitting at the table and calmly drinking a cup of tea.

As soon as Marik came in, Rishid offered to make a second cup of tea for Marik. Marik always felt strange about Rishid serving him- it reminded him too much of how badly he'd treated Rishid in the past- but it seemed to make Rishid happy, and besides, Marik reasoned, he was a guest in their home, so it was only proper.

So Marik sat down at the table. Soon, Rishid had served Marik his tea, and then he sat down across from him.

"So, Marik, what's on your mind?" asked Rishid. He was always perceptive where Marik was concerned.

"Well, honestly, I came to talk to Ishizu about something," Marik admitted.

"Do you mind if I ask what about?"

Marik considered for only a moment before deciding to tell Rishid. Rishid was completely trustworthy, and he always supported anything Marik did. Actually, Marik wouldn't be too surprised if Ishizu had already told him. He didn't think she'd tell anyone else, but they both knew there would be no harm in telling Rishid.

"Well," Marik started, "do you remember Bakura?"

"Of course," said Rishid. "I'm told he saved my life when I was unconscious during the Battle City tournament."

"Yes- he did," Marik said. For some reason, he felt a twinge of guilt at that, and he tried to push it aside. "Well, anyway, he came back. When they started digging up the Millennium Items- well, it doesn't really matter how. He has his own body now, and he's been staying with me, and last weekend, Ishizu caught him at my place."

"Ah," said Rishid, and the complete lack of surprise in his tone made Marik think that Ishizu had, in fact, already told him. "How long has he been with you?"

"A while," said Marik, careful to be vague. He could lie to Ishizu, but he didn't want to outright lie to Rishid.

"So, how is it, having him around again?"

Marik looked shocked at the question. "Well, he hasn't been in a great mood lately," Marik said. "But mostly...it's been...nice. He's been helping me practice for the tournament. And we talk and play games and watch movies together...all that kind of stuff." Marik paused for a moment. "But he's really terrible about helping out with any of the housework," he added with a laugh.

Rishid smiled at him, and there seemed to be something else underneath it.

"What?" asked Marik.

"Nothing," said Rishid. "You just seem happy when you talk about him. It's nice to see you happy for once."

"Well, it doesn't matter," Marik snapped. "He's leaving in about a week, and he won't be back. Ishizu's glad of it."

"And what do you think of it?"

Marik looked shocked again. "I-" he started. "Well, it's not like I'm happy about it. But since it can't be changed, I just don't think about it." He paused again. "At all," he added firmly, in a tone that made it clear he considered the topic closed.

Just then, Ishizu swept through the door.

"Oh! Marik! I didn't know you'd be visiting," Ishizu said. "It's nice to see you."

"It's nice to see you as well," Marik said.

Ishizu immediately began bustling about, getting out pots and pans, presumably to start dinner. Marik supposed now was as good a time as any to test out how Ishizu was taking the fact that Bakura was back and living in his apartment.

"I was just telling Rishid about Bakura," Marik said. "We were discussing the fact that he'll be leaving soon."

Ishizu nodded. "Honestly, Marik, I was relieved when you told me that he won't be around much longer. I don't think this...association is good for you."

"Well, it will be over soon," said Marik. Suddenly, Marik remembered his promise to Bakura, to tell Ishizu that Bakura would be leaving the day before the tournament, so that she might possibly not be so suspicious of him when the Ring went missing. "In fact, he's leaving the day before the finals start. He'll be finished helping me practice by then, and he will have had enough time to work out other arrangements."

"Well," Ishizu said briskly, "I think that's for the best. Don't you agree, Marik?"

"Yes," Marik said stiffly. "He'll be leaving the country. You don't have to worry."

But Ishizu misread his tone.

"Oh, Marik, I know it might not seem like it sometimes, but I trust you to run your own life- I really do," she said. "And it really is kind that you're trying to help someone. I just worry, that's all- I can't help worrying about my little brother. I'll just feel better when he's out of your life for good. You've accomplished so much, I just don't want to see you do anything that could ruin that."

Marik gave her a tight smile. "I won't," he said. He took a sip of his tea. It was cold now. "In fact, I don't even know where Bakura's going. We- we won't be keeping in touch."

Ishizu turned from the pans now sizzling on the stove and smiled at him. "That's good, Marik. I know you're smart enough to realize that you can't remain connected to someone like him. Your position in society- it's improved vastly, because you're doing such a good job. I'm just glad you're keeping your mind on what's most important."

Marik stood up abruptly. Suddenly, he really didn't want to be having this conversation anymore.

"Well, I really ought to be going."

"Oh, Marik, won't you stay for dinner?" asked Ishizu. "It will be finished soon."

"No, I- I'm sorry," said Marik. "The tournament is coming up soon, and as I said, Bakura has been helping me practice, and he won't be around much longer, so I should really go and- do that."

He didn't actually think that Bakura would be in any mood to help him practice dueling. He just wanted an excuse to get out of there. Even Bakura's cold stares were better than this. He winced a little when he thought of how Bakura would act toward him when he got home, but he shook it off and tried to smile.

"It was nice visiting with you both," Marik said. "I'm sorry I can't stay longer. I'll see you soon, I'm sure."

Ishizu looked disappointed, but she nodded. "Alright, Marik. It was good to see you."

"Yes, it was good to see you," said Rishid. "And remember what your sister said- keep your mind on what's really important."

At this last, Rishid gave Marik a pointed look, but Marik didn't bother to try to decipher it- he just headed out the door without another word.

After he started up his motorcycle and took off, he reflected briefly on his visit. He supposed it had technically gone well enough. He'd been right that Ishizu wasn't particularly happy about the situation with Bakura, but she would hold her peace as long as she knew he'd be gone soon. And Rishid- but he didn't want to think about that conversation. He supposed there were a lot of things lately that he didn't want to think about. Bakura had said that to him once- that he always just lived in the moment, never thinking about future consequences. But that was yet another thing that he didn't want to think about, so he just cleared his mind of all thoughts and concentrated on the exhilarating feeling of speed and the wind on his face as he rode down the streets of Luxor. In the end, he drove around for so long that it was night by the time he finally got home.

When he walked in the door, he saw that Bakura was in the living room. He heard the sound of the TV blaring, and he realized that Bakura was watching a movie- one Marik knew he'd already seen before. He supposed there wasn't really much for Bakura to do, stuck in the house all day, unable to go out often for fear of being recognized. He guessed it really was for the best that Bakura was leaving- it wasn't fair to keep him here like this.

But still. Still, he hated the way things had been lately between himself and Bakura. Bakura would only be here for about another week, and Marik didn't want to spend it like this, with them fighting and trying to ignore each other.

So, finally, he walked into the living room and placed himself directly between Bakura and the TV, his arms crossed over his chest and his feet slightly spread.

"Bakura."

"What." Bakura leaned to the side and craned his neck, trying to get a better view of the TV. "You're in my way."

"Bakura, look," Marik said, trying to control his feelings of frustration, "you've only got a week left here, and- and can we just not spend it glaring and snapping at each other and with both of us trying to pretend the other doesn't exist?"

"You're in my way," Bakura repeated calmly.

"Damn it, Bakura!" Marik yelled. "I don't know why you're so angry, but-"

Finally, Bakura raised his eyes to Marik, looking at him in wonderment. "You really don't, do you." It wasn't even a question.

"No, I don't!" Marik cried. "I know you think it's stupid that I'm trying to get respect from the people around here, and I know you have this idea in your head that I'm pretending to be someone I'm not, and I know you're upset that you had to give up the Ring, but you'll be getting the Ring back in about a week, and what I do with my life isn't going to affect you in any way after you leave, and we agreed a long time ago that this arrangement couldn't be permanent, so I really don't know why you're suddenly taking everything out on me!"

Bakura's expression suddenly changed, and he stared at Marik with a murderous glare.

"And that's another thing!" Marik said. "I could be wrong, but it seems like you get really fucking mad every time the subject of you leaving is brought up! And it doesn't make any sense, because it was your idea to leave in the first place! You said our lives weren't compatible. You said someone would catch you here eventually- and they did! Ishizu caught you, and we're just lucky she didn't make a scene about it, but if it weren't for the fact that you're leaving soon, I'm not sure that would be the case! Neither one of us can afford for you to get caught here again. And you told me that back then, you told me that we'd be a detriment to each other as long as we were on different paths! I didn't think about that before, but once you explained it to me, I understood. Isn't that why you brought it up, to make me realize that you were going to leave sooner or later?"

"That's not why I brought it up," Bakura said. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he was looking downward now, unable to meet Marik's eyes.

"Then why did you bring it up?" Marik asked. "What was your reason?"

"Nothing," said Bakura, sounding almost hopeless. "You're right. That's why I brought it up."

"Then why the hell are you acting this way?" Marik yelled. "There's nothing either of us can do about you leaving, so what's the point of being upset about it? What's the point of even thinking about it?"

"You really don't think about it at all, do you," said Bakura flatly, looking stunned for the second time. Then his expression hardened. "You're right, I'm leaving no matter what, so why the fuck do you even care how I act?"

Marik balled up his fists and closed his eyes, frustration coursing through his body. "I don't know, I just-" But he didn't know how to finish the thought. He'd just felt so far from Bakura lately, and he just wanted-

But he couldn't articulate it, couldn't explain what he wanted with words, so before he knew it, he was moving purposefully toward Bakura, climbing onto the couch, straddling him, and then, before he could even think about what he was doing, he grabbed Bakura's face in his hands and pushed their lips together, forcing his tongue into Bakura's mouth.

Bakura responded to the kiss automatically, his hands reflexively coming up to grip Marik's shoulders, and when Marik finally released him and pulled back, Bakura was staring at him with wide-eyed shock. Marik's look almost mirrored Bakura's, unable to believe what he'd just done.

But Bakura didn't yet have the presence of mind to push Marik away, so Marik quickly collected himself and took advantage of the situation, wrapping his arms around Bakura's shoulders and leaning in closer.

Marik took a deep breath, and waited a moment to make sure his voice would sound normal.

"It's late," Marik said. "You must be tired. The bed is more comfortable than the couch. Come lay down with me."

Bakura opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Marik said quietly, "I haven't- haven't been sleeping so well without you."

Then Marik moved a little closer to Bakura, and without letting himself think about what he was doing, he leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss against Bakura's lips. Bakura gasped softly, and though his eyelids slid closed, they twitched and fluttered, as if he was trying to fight against something.

"Marik-" he said. He was almost breathless.

Marik tightened his arms around him. "Sleep with me," he whispered. "Please."

"Yes," Bakura sighed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Gods, Marik...I hate you."

Marik smiled and pulled Bakura up off the couch, leading him to the bedroom.

Moments later, they were lying in bed, their arms wound around each other, faces buried in each other's hair. Marik shifted against Bakura and sighed softly, and Bakura's heart almost stopped.

On impulse, Bakura slipped his hand under the back of Marik's shirt, sliding his palm gently over Marik's scars, for some reason just wanting to know that he was still allowed to touch him there. He began rubbing slow circles into Marik's back, and he felt a shiver run through Marik's body. Bakura pulled back a little to check Marik's face, to see if it had been a shiver of pleasure or discomfort. He got his answer when Marik leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips, so soft and slow that it made Bakura's chest ache. Only moments after the kiss broke, Marik was already moving to kiss him again, and Bakura wanted it so much he couldn't breathe.

"Marik, stop," he said, his voice almost a sigh. "You have to stop, I can't-"

"Sorry," Marik said quickly, and as Bakura forced himself to pull away, he could see even in the dim light that Marik was embarrassed, maybe even afraid that he'd just broken the tentative peace between them and made things awkward again.

But Bakura couldn't feel bad for him. He knew that if he'd let Marik kiss him just one more time, he would have been completely lost to it, unable to stop himself. And he couldn't let that happen. This bodily closeness alone was probably a bad idea- kissing was definitely much too far.

Besides, Marik had no reason to worry. Bakura didn't feel angry anymore. As he thought about it, he realized that now, he just felt resigned. Marik had made his choice- had made it a long time ago, actually- and Bakura certainly wasn't going to degrade himself by begging Marik to reconsider. It had probably been stupid of him to ask Marik in the first place. All those months ago, when he'd explained to Marik why he couldn't stay indefinitely with the way things were, he'd asked Marik point blank whether he'd choose him over his reputation, and what answer had he really thought Marik would give him? He couldn't expect Marik to give up his entire life and everything he'd been working toward for the past three years just because he'd shown up and spent a few months hanging around his apartment. And if Marik truly didn't see how Bakura felt about the whole situation- well, it didn't make a difference. After all, Bakura had no desire to stick around for someone who could so easily choose something so petty over him. Marik cared more about gaining a reputation based on lies than he did about Bakura, and if that's the way it was- but thinking about that caused a spark of anger to begin to grow inside Bakura again, and he didn't want that. Marik had a right to make his own decision, and besides, Bakura realized that feeling angry was entirely useless and unproductive. He hated to admit to himself, but Marik was right- he would only be here for one more week, and there was no point in spending it ignoring each other or sniping at each other. He might as well just try to enjoy what time they had, because after this, he would never see Marik again, and none of the things he'd been so mad about would matter anymore.

So with that thought, he pulled Marik to him, intertwining their bodies as closely as possible, and just for that one moment, he allowed himself to enjoy Marik's nearness and warmth, and the feeling of falling asleep in his arms.

AN: So it turns out we lied, this fic will be a LITTLE longer than 30 chapters. Yeah, I dunno how that happened. But we do want to try to finish writing- if not posting- all the chapters by the end of December. Tae will have extra time to write since she'll be on winter break, and then I'll be gone for basically the first half of January since I'm visiting my FWB and my other friend in DC again.

Also, it occurred to me that maybe I should update you guys on something I said in a past AN, in case anyone cares. Many ANs ago, I mentioned that I had to become a stripper to keep myself from becoming homeless. But about a month ago I was able to stop being a stripper. So that's good! Also we mentioned that Tae was job hunting. She got a really well-paying job, so that's also good! Yay us!

Anyways, please review and let us know what you think of this chapter! Your reviews really make us happy! Also, if you haven't yet, please favorite this fic!