(A/N: ~A huge 'thank you' again to everyone who read the original story and the second chapter- I would never have written this last bit without your suggestions! Thank you for your kind comments, and please enjoy this closing chapter!~)

'Small.'

'Too small.'

'Waaaay too small.'

Bakura Touzokou grumbled to himself as he gazed at the displays. He'd been in the store for over an hour, and so far nothing jumped out at him as the perfect choice.

The aloof salesman cleared his throat, startling the indecisive browser.

"Eh-hem. Perhaps we could find something more suited to your needs if you were to provide us more information on-"

*Brrring~brrring~brrring!*

"Hold on a sec." The frustrated customer fished out his cell and hit the 'answer' button. "Hey, Ryou."

"Hey 'Kura!" A faint smile grew on the shopper's face. If there was one voice that could always lift his spirits... "I was just checking up on you- it's almost 7 o'clock- I thought your meeting with the publisher was only supposed to last 'til 5? Is everything alright?"

'SH*T!' Bakura grimaced as he checked his wristwatch. He'd completely lost track of time. "Ah, yeah; sorry Ry- I got distracted going past the mall."

There was a light chuckle from the other end. "I should've known- I'm just glad you weren't involved in an accident. ER got a bad collision from the interstate a few hours ago- five adults, all with multiple injuries. No deaths, thank heavens; but it was still pretty bad."

"Damn... well, don't worry about me, I haven't even gotten out of the parking lot yet." His boyfriend of nearly six months was a medical professional at the local hospital. And he often worried whenever news of a particularly bad accident spread through the hallways of Domino General.

Not that Bakura had a history of reckless driving. He only had a few speeding tickets.

(...well, maybe a few dozen speeding tickets).

"Ok, well, just remember when you get home tonight, we need to talk about that thing I mentioned. It's important."

"No problem- I'll be home in about half an hour."

"Drive safe! Love you!"

"Love you, too."

Bakura hung up and sighed. There was a faint daze that gave his eyes a slightly unfocused look. But Mr. Touzokou jumped when he heard the salesclerk let out a slight chuckle.

"I know that look. Ah, yes, true love... how wonderful." The man suddenly ducked down behind the counter. "And, I just remembered something that may help you with your browsing..."

After four months of dating, Ryou had shyly asked his boyfriend to move in with him. Bakura knew the reverse wasn't possible (his studio apartment was already crammed full with digital design equipment) and readily accepted.

The situation worked perfectly- Ryou was generally gone from noon to anytime after dark, which left the house quiet during the day while Bakura worked on his commissions. The digital artist preferred working on his own (it was the main reason he'd gone into the field; he had no desire to 'team build' in some over-crowded office somewhere downtown). But their arrangement was made even better when Ryou discovered Bakura's hidden array of culinary skills. The irritable man made for a rather good chef, and he appreciated the full kitchen now available to him. Between the over-stocked spice rack and the brand-new stove/oven combo, Bakura usually had some form of dinner on the table by the time the doctor made it back. And Ryou was always grateful for his partner's cooking- although, to be fair; it was always delicious, leaving little room for insincere compliments.

The two had even managed to help each other professionally- Ryou had recently suggested a slogan for the hospital's 'Sexual Health Awareness' campaign, and Bakura was able to design it. The board of directors was impressed by the resulting product- a very realistic bullet-train silhouette made out of unopened condom wrappers with the slogan: 'No ticket? No ride!' etched above the digital art. The banner was currently hanging in the adult general ward, but there were rumors that the directors wanted a smaller version framed and permanently displayed after the campaign ended.

Needless to say, things were going wonderfully for the pale pair. Yet for some reason, Ryou Bakura still found himself pacing anxiously as he waited for his partner to come home. The doctor had tried to keep his voice level on the phone, but he could feel the restlessness that was threatening to tear him apart. He kept gripping the envelope in his right hand, struggling not to crunch the time-sensitive letter.

'Oh... if only I'd known...' The conflicted physician sighed as he kept pacing the floor. 'I'd honestly forgotten- of all the years to actually be chosen...'

There was a sound of the front door being opened. Ryou paused for a moment. "Bakura?"

'Uh-oh...' The graphic designer tried to keep his expression neutral as he stepped inside the house and made his way towards the ample living room. His partner was currently walking back and forth, something flat and white resting in his right hand.

"Ryou? Is everything ok?"

The shorter man gave a sigh as he dropped unceremoniously onto the larger couch. "Not exactly..." His clover-colored eyes fluttered for a moment as he explained. "...I got a letter in the mail... normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but seeing as things have changed over the past few months..."

Bewildered, Bakura held out his hand. Ryou slowly gave his boyfriend the already-opened envelope. Bakura eyed the crumpled ivory container with confusion. The return address was simply labeled, 'H.E.A.R.T.' with a Tokyo address. In lieu of a postage stamp, there was a printed 'Non-profit Postal Rate' declaration mark in the upper right-hand corner.

"I- I finally got a response from the 'Humanitarian Efforts and Aid Rescue Team'." The shy doctor explained, his voice an odd mix of apprehension and excitement. Bakura nodded knowingly- the international 'HEART' organization was famous for their non-profit efforts around the globe. "It often takes months just to hear from them, and the last time I applied was before we'd even met..." He blithely gestured towards the envelope, given his partner permission to read over the contents.

Bakura quietly scanned the document- it was several pages long, but it appeared to be regarding Ryou's application to work as a humanitarian aid worker somewhere abroad.

Ryou summarized the long-winded document. "I've applied several times to be a humanitarian aid worker in underdeveloped nations... but they were always looking for surgeons more than general practitioners. But I received that letter back today… and this time... I got accepted."

"Accepted?" Bakura felt his heart sink. He nearly dropped the letter and matching envelope. The HEART missions always involved very impoverished areas in foreign countries- often in dangerous and unfriendly areas. Ryou would be heading out, alone, to a very distant and remote land, possibly at great risk.

"They asked me to go to the Yekaterinburg area of Russia- it's a very poverty-stricken city along the Iset River."

"Ryou... why didn't you mention that you'd applied?"

"Like I said, it was before we even met, and I've been rejected so many times before..."

"But- isn't this your dream? To travel and help others?" Bakura carefully hid his misgivings with questions. "Did you reply yet?"

The pale doctor shook his head. "I didn't want to force you into a commitment, and I know you need to stay in Domino near your clients and publishers." His face lifted slightly as he looked upwards at his still-standing partner. "Instead, I asked if there was anywhere else I could go- and they said Henan, China. It's a little closer, and I'd only be stationed for three months, tops."

Bakura sensed a question behind those words, and waited silently.

"So..." Ryou's voice grew somewhat softer as he spoke, "what I'm asking is... if I go- on this mission- will you be waiting when I come back?" He stuttered as he tried to explain. "I-I don't want to pressure you, since we've only been dating for around six months and all, but..." he blushed in honest affection, "I would really appreciate an answer..."

The upright man nodded once. "Yes, I'll wait for you- but on one condition. When you return..." Bakura's own face was now brilliantly flushed as he took the small, grey box out of his back jean pocket. He knelt down on one knee and opened the modest container. The diamond ring inside glistened gorgeously. "...will you marry me?"

The stunned doctor clearly had no idea what was about to transpire, and he stared blankly for a moment before replying.

"Bakura- I- you- yes!" Ryou gasped and promptly knocked his boyfriend over as he eagerly embraced him.

Bakura smirked, amused by the adorableness of Ryou's enthusiasm. "Careful, I nearly dropped the ring!"

"Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean to-" Ryou's voice trailed off as he eyed the velvet-lined container and the jewelry within. "Bakura... this is really quite a ring- I hope you didn't spend too much on it."

The graphic artist snorted and waved a hand in false nonchalance. "Tch- the salesclerk took a liking to me and told me a little industry 'secret'- turns out this was a 'display' ring and it was significantly discounted for 'minor imperfections' caused by other customers constantly picking it up and whatever. I can't see anything, though- can you?"

"Hmm..." The newly-engaged doctor looked over the gemstone carefully. "No, I don't see them either- it's rather fitting, though."

"Eh? What's fitting?"

"Well..." Ryou gave a slight smirk as he wrapped his arms around his new fiance. "Everyone always tells me that you have minor imperfections- but I've never noticed those either."

"Hey!" The artist frowned in semi-serious annoyance.

"What?" Ryou blinked in faux-bewilderment before tightening his arms. "It was a compliment!"

The two shared a soft chuckle before being rapidly interrupted by a loud knocking on the front door.

"Hmm?" Ryou looked up in confusion. "It's nearly 10:00 PM on a weeknight- who would-"

"CONGRATULATIONS!" The door burst open without further preface. There was a blur of purple and blonde, and Ryou soon felt himself being smothered by two separate, bronzed bodies.

"Mal-ik? Marik?" Ryou just managed to choke out. "But- how on Earth did you know-"

Marik grinned as he finally let go of his smothered friend. "Bakura spilled the beans while he was out looking for a jewelry store- and heavens knows he needed all the help he could get!"

"Remember when I tried to explain the difference between a princess cut and a radiant cut? And he was all like, 'what the hell do carrots have to do with anything?!'" Malik snorted.

"Ha ha." Bakura replied dryly. As much as he hated to admit it, the two blondes had been of some help. Not that he would ever tell them.

"Sounds like it's time to celebrate!~" Malik loudly declared before heading towards the kitchen.

Marik nodded. "I think we could all do with something to drink!"

"Wait, where did you even get that?!" Bakura pointed in disbelief as the blonde produced, seemingly from out of nowhere, a full bottle of champagne.

Marik snorted as Malik brought out several glasses to fill. "From the store, duh!"

"Not what I meant... wait, is that chilled?! Where were you even-"

Bakura eyed the glass warily- he still wasn't sure where the blondes had been keeping it.

"Hmm? Oh, I had it in my largest pockets."

Marik's affinity for wearing cargo pants often led to him being able to store many instruments of mischief. Although Bakura hadn't realized they could carry an entire bottle of champagne, it did make some sense. He accepted a full glass from Malik and began drinking, when Marik added:

"Now the wine glasses, however..."

Bakura spat out a mouthful of Pinot and glared at the giggling blondes.

Ryou sighed before reminding his beau. "Bakura, those are our glasses, remember?"

The nettled man muttered something as he checked himself for spillage.

"Aw, you guys are gonna make the cutest married couple!" Malik playfully hugged Ryou's shoulders.

Marik grinned as he offered the irate designer a napkin. "Remember their first real date?"

Bakura felt himself begin quietly seething as he dabbed his mouth- yes, he remembered how those two numbskulls had tricked him several months ago...

October had just begun, and Bakura was struggling to plan their first 'true' date together. Before asking Ryou, though; he'd foolishly enlisted the help of the so-called 'Candy Duo.'

And Marik and Malik had generously offered their 'advice' on where to take Ryou.

The trio had sat in Marik and Malik's cozy living room, discussing what to do. "Don't worry so much, Bakura!" Malik insisted. "After all, you've already been at Bar 451 with him!"

The graphics designer frowned as he contemplated all the affordable options. "Hm... I still want to impress him- I know he likes catching new movies."

Marik casually sipped from his soda bottle before suggesting, "why not take him to a show? The Domino Cineplex is pretty nice."

Bakura silently cursed the calendar date- he'd already looked over the list of 'currently running' films. "No, there's nothing good playing right now. It's all that horror crap."

Malik managed to hide an evil smirk as he calmly added, "so, what's the problem? You're certainly not afraid of scary movies, that's for sure."

Marik quickly caught on, carefully goading their 'friend'- "Meanwhile, poor Ryou might have a heart-attack from all the jump-scares and terrors... he might even need some... tender 'comfort.'"

Bakura's expression blanched as he pictured a shy, trembling Ryou curling up into him as a scary movie scene played out...

"That's excellent." Without a word of thanks, he quickly grabbed his jacket and ran out the door to make arrangements. Meanwhile, the two blondes broke out in laughter as soon as their front door was once again closed.

Marik smirked as his boyfriend joined him on the couch. "You think he'll ever learn not to trust us?"

Malik leaned into the other's arms and laughed. "Ra, I hope not- this is hilarious!

Three days later, Bakura had his white head tilted backwards onto the theater seat. He was currently contemplating ways to torture the two blonde nitwits for suggesting this date. Instead of being terrified, the young doctor was fascinated by the film. It turns out Ryou was a huge horror fan. The movie far from scared him; in fact, he was watching the screen intently, not even flinching.

'Why the bloody hell did I think a surgeon would find this terrifying?!' Bakura nearly facepalmed as his date leaned even closer towards the screen. Everyone else in the theater was cringing and jumping (one couple even left, with the girl nearly gagging), but from start to finish, Ryou had barely even glanced at his date.

'F*** it all, f*** it all, f*** it, f*** it...' The irritated man thought to himself as the theater lights finally came back on. Almost everyone had bolted from their seats as soon as the last scream sounded. But not Ryou- nope, he actually wanted to stay and see the 'set designers' and other notable names in the end credits listings.

'F***.'

Eventually, the pair made their way out of the large room, Ryou excitedly talking about the different themes and tones used in the film. He continued expressing his opinion of the director, until they'd reached the main theater lobby.

"Um, Bakura?"

"Hmm?" The distracted man glanced slightly downwards at his date.

"That really was the most fun I've had in ages." Ryou smiled gratefully, boldly wrapping both arms around his date's left. "Thank you so much. It's not often I find someone willing to see a good horror film with me."

'What...' The sincere tone and shy smile made every negative thought vanish. Bakura felt his mind stumble slightly before he was able to return the grin. "Really? In that case; I have a rather large selection of horror films at my apartment- would you... want to have a marathon sometime?"

The charming doctor nodded, his pale face flushing with eagerness. "Oh yes, I'd love to!"

Bakura felt himself being dragged back to the present by Malik's annoying voice. 'Tch... those two fools certainly thought they could prank me, but that backfired- particularly after the second date's end...' He smirked as he remembered the 'monster marathon' they'd shared in his tiny studio... and how afterwards they'd even-

"So, when's the wedding?!" Marik loudly disrupted Bakura's internal dialogue.

"Wedding?" Bakura blinked. He'd completely forgotten that engagements were usually followed by a ceremony. "Wait, you want a wedding?"

Ryou gave a light laugh (he knew his fiance had likely not even thought of it) before slowly replying. "Wellll, nothing big or expensive... just a few friends, and maybe some family, if they agree." Ryou dropped his voice and whispered rather huskily into his lover's ear, "besides, I think you look absolutely irresistible in a tux- the only way I'm letting you out in public in a black suit is if you're about to (or already) have a ring on that finger!"

The designer gave a dark chuckle as his shoulders relaxed... he should've known that his sweet and simple partner wouldn't want some ridiculous, over-the-top affair...

"Aw, but Ryou; what about the cake? And the DJ? And the- ow!" Malik yelped as he felt something lightly-but-swiftly hit the back of his head.

Bakura was pleased that his aim was still perfect, and pointedly put down the other remaining drink coaster from the set. "Sorry, seems this cork coasters are lighter than air- must've slipped from my grasp."

Marik started snorting, but his amusement was short-lived. Ryou soon gave his fiance a short smirk before speaking. The devious doctor had picked up a few things in the half-year they'd spent together, and he casually replied, "Oh, I'm not too worried about the cake and the DJ; I can set that up later. And I'll be sure to let you and Marik know who we go with, so you two can see if you want to hire them for your wedding!"

Marik's grin instantly fell, and Bakura nearly broke a rib laughing at the look of horror that replaced it.

Half an hour later, Malik had to nearly drag his partner out the front door (Bakura only chuckled at the undertone pleas for help that Marik made) and back towards their apartment. The fashion-crazed man continued spouting all sorts of themes and choices for their 'theoretical wedding' in the 'near future.' Meanwhile, Marik had taken to an almost comatose state of fear and disbelief. He tried one more cry for help, calling out plaintively, "Ryouuuuuuu!"

But Ryou just waved them off with a wide grin, while Bakura stood next to him, trying to overcome his laughter.

"Take care!~ See you soon!~" The two dark-skinned partners eventually faded into the distance, leaving Bakura to chuckle once more.

"You're pretty twisted."

"Oh-ho?" Ryou put on a blatantly fake look of incredulity before smirking. "Well then, it looks like I've been around my sadistic fiance too long- if I'm starting to resemble him so much."

"How does that old line go again? To have and to mold?"

The white-haired doctor smiled as he faced his intended. "It's 'To have and to hold,' Bakura."

There was a gleam of amusement in the other's scarlet eyes as he suddenly grabbed Ryou by the waist and pulled him closer. "Alright, if you say so~." The darker man purred as he began necking his fiance.

"Ack! W-wait- B-Bakura!" Ryou gasped with embarrassed delight as he struggled to get the front door closed before any of the neighbors could complain (again).

*SLAM!*

~The End~