Heya everyone! Here's the new chapter. ^^
Thank you for the brilliant reviews... I have an idea of Bakura's present(s) for Marik! :D Yami-The-Dark, I made Yugi say it!
So anyway, I don't own YuGiOh or the characters- It would be cool if I did...

Here's the new chapter! I hope you enjoy it!

(Marik's POV)

"Please, don't leave me..." Bakura said with fearful eyes. I gently caressed his cheek.

"I will never leave you," I replied, and I felt my heart flutter as his mouth curved into a small smile. It was an unusual smile for him. I was so used to his signature smirk. He locked eyes with me and, for once, I noticed how beautiful his eyes actually were. They were a reddish brown. It was a perfect colour. I felt myself lean in and my lips were about to reach Bakura's when he let out a groan. His eyes were wide and suddenly he was choking up blood. I was soon overly aware of our surroundings. We were in my old home. In the tomb. I looked down; Bakura's stomach was covered in blood. He had been stabbed by the millennium rod.

My heart stopped. I heard my father laugh behind him.

"You shouldn't have left, Marik. You must never leave. Stay here forever."

"No. NO! You can't be- How? When did we get here? What have you done? Bakura! My Bakura! Why? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS, FATHER? I hate you!" I screamed.

"Marik..." I heard Bakura choke out.

I stared at his face. I had never seen anyone look so scared. Is he going to die? No.

"Bakura, you'll be okay. Don't worry. I'll save you. You're fine! I'll keep you safe. I'll never leave you so you can't leave me now... Please, Bakura," I whispered horrified. I can't lose you, Bakura.

"Marik, I'm so, so sorry." His eyes closed and he fell to the ground. Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

My Bakura was dead.

I heard a disturbed laugh and then I blacked out.

(Bakura's POV)

I was awakened by a scream.

Another nightmare? Seriously, Marik needs to see someone about that. I slowly wandered into his room.

"I'll never leave you so you can't leave me now... Please, Bakura," Marik whispered. His tone was frightened. Why would I leave him? I walked over to his bed.

"Marik? Marik?" I said nudging him, "Marik, I won't leave you. Wake up now, Marik. Marik?"

His eyes fluttered open and he noticed me standing over him. His face scrunched up in anger and lunged at me.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU KILLED HIM, FATHE-... Bakura? Sorry... I was half asleep... Nightmare. Heh..."

"Why would I leave you?" I said, prying him off of me. His eyes went wide. Does he even know that he sleep talks?

"Oh... No reason... Why are you in here?" He asked.

"Okay, fine. Is your father the cause of your nightmares?"

"What? No," he obviously lied, "what would make you think that?"

"Oh, nothing. Thanks for answering," I said with a smirk. He frowned.

"Bakura," he whispered, gripping my hands, "I will never ever leave you."

"Back at you," I said but I pulled back my hands. We've been to close recently. When I realise how much I need him, I feel bad for leading him on. I'm sorry, Marik.

Am I even leading him on? Does he feel like that about me? Why does it matter...? It's not like I want him to like me. Do I? Maybe... Do I have feelings for Marik? All I know is that he's my closest friend. I don't want to lose him. He makes me happy. He makes life better... Does he like me? He gets jealous... He flirts with me... He blushes a lot... I suppose I do the same. Does that mean we like each other? I suppose I've never really liked anyone that much before. I just go on dates sometimes because it's fun to toy with girls.

I've been toying with Marik, haven't I? Have I hurt him?

I don't want to hurt you, Marik.

"Marik, do you like me?" I asked, curiously.

"Of course I do!" I felt my cheeks go slightly red. It made me... happy? "Why would you be my best friend if I didn't like you? Heh, Bakura, that's such a dumb question." Oh, he didn't know what I meant... I suppose that's good, I think I know how he feels anyway; he'd just be awkward if he knew what I was asking. It made me realise how I feel. Thank you, Marik.

"Yeah, you're right! That was a stupid question. We need to get ready for your party."

"Oh yeah! That's today! I'm so excited!" Marik grinned. I couldn't help but smile back.

I walked out of his room and went to get ready.

(Marik's POV)

When we were both ready, Bakura and I headed out of the door. Bakura was wearing his normal striped top and jeans. He did look pretty hot in it. I kept remembering my dream. It would be horrible to lose Bakura. I don't know what I'd do without him. I wish he liked me back... I think we'd make a good couple... Especially since he's nicer to me now than he used to be. He rarely even calls me 'gay' now.

"Marik, I'll give you your presents when everyone else gives you theirs," he said simply as I climbed onto my motorbike. I threw him the helmet. 'Presents'? He got me more than one? Why wait? I wish he would just give them to me before we go! I really want to know what they are... The only present father got me was that poisonous snake. I wonder what Bakura got me! Whatever the presents are, they have to be better than that friggin' snake... Heh, I bet he stole them. He steals loads of stuff. I know that most of his clothes are either shoplifted or gifts from Ryou. I'm pretty sure he steals my socks as well... Speaking of which, are those socks he's wearing mine? Ra, socks aren't even expensive! Why isn't he getting on the bike? Seriously, I want to get to my party! Ah, I suppose he's waiting for me to reply.

"Okay. Thanks, 'Kura!" I replied cheerfully.

(Bakura's POV)

I caught the helmet. I just said 'presents'. I don't even know why... I only got him one thing. Well, I guess I'll work out a second one at Ryou's I guess. Why did I bloody say presents? I don't know! Ughhh! I'm so stupid. Oh well... Hmm... that slutty purple thing is actually kind of hot on Marik. Only cause he looks like a girl though. He's only attractive because he's practically a woman, Bakura. You need to stop checking him out.

"Okay. Thanks, 'Kura!" Marik said, snapping me out of my thoughts. Oh look. It's time to ride the death machine again. I stared at the motorbike, which would probably be my cause of death, and then reluctantly climbed on. I shoved the helmet on my head and wrapped my arms around Marik's waist. He's really toned... Don't think like that, Bakura! Bakura... think about... the... serious case of helmet hair you will have when you take the helmet off. This motorbike riding thing is an abomination really... It messes up my sexy hair, it could kill us and it makes me look like I'm Marik's bitch or something. Seriously, no guy should have to hug another guy round the waist like this for a whole journey... except if they're gay. Maybe I should ride the bike instead of Marik... Oh yeah, I don't know how to. Bloody hell.

The motorbike revved and we were off.

I'm going to die. This will be the death of me. This helmet won't do anything to save me. Damn you, Marik... Hurry up and get me a job at the museum so I can fix my bloody car!

"Bakura," I heard Marik shout, "you hold on ridiculously tight. Are you scared of motorbikes?"

"No," I shouted back. I heard him laugh.

"Okay, sure. Whatever."

Don't mock me, Marik. I can't help it. These things are deadly. It's much safer to drive a car.

"You know, if you don't like them, you could just walk to school," he shouted.

"No. I like motorbikes," I replied.

"We're here, by the way."

The bike came to a sudden stop.

"Now you can let go."

I let go and quickly went inside. I didn't bother knocking. I never do. I still treat it like it's my house. Everyone was already here. They were all sitting in the living room. I did a quick head count to check that I knew all of their names. Ryou, Melvin, Yami, Yugi, Anzu, Kaiba... Wait? Seto Kaiba's here? Why, in the name of buggery, is he here? I'll ask Ryou in a minute. Joey, Otogi. Greeaaaaat. Otogi's here. Marik will be thrilled. That guy whose best friends with Joey? What's his name? Tristan...? Yes, Marik's told me about him... He has a massive crush on Joey's sister, doesn't he? What was her name? Serenity... She's not here. Well, I don't think Marik really knows her. Speaking of people Marik doesn't really know... Seto Kaiba's here! I've never seen Marik speak to him! Ryou, Melvin, Yami, Yugi, Anzu, Kaiba, Joey and Tristan were all sat on the floor. Otogi, for some reason, was the only person sat on the sofa. Marik had followed me into the living room.

"Hi, guys!" He said, grinning at them. I noticed his eyes stop at Kaiba too. He raised an eyebrow but like me, he didn't say anything.

"Heya, Marik! I hope you have a super special awesome day!" Yugi said smiling.

'Super special awesome'...? Really, Yugi? Really?

"Thanks, Yugi!"

"I also hope you have a... um... good day," Yami said awkwardly. Marik doesn't talk to him as much as he talks to the others. I don't mind Yami too much. Yeah, I think he's a bit of a pompous bastard but he keeps to himself a bit. He's like me. I do see him speak to Yugi a lot though. It's good to see that hasn't caused him to start saying 'super special awesome'. That means it might not catch on. I don't think I could stand Marik wandering around the house saying "WOW, 'Kura, that's super special awesome!" I would honestly have to move out.

"Thank you, Yami." I noticed how Marik spoke a bit more formally towards him.

"Happy birthday for Friday, Marik!" Anzu said with a smile. Oh, she's sitting awfully close to Yugi. Are those two dating now? Although, I always had a sneaky suspicion that Yami liked Yugi... I wonder how he's taking the closeness between those two.

"Thanks, Anzu." He said, grinning at how close she was sitting next to Yugi. She mouthed a 'thank you' at him. I suppose it's best that Marik got those two together. I don't really care that much but I was just going to go on a date with Anzu and then never call her again. That might be why some people call me a 'player'.

"Happy birthday for Friday, Marik," Otogi said. His voice was so flirtatious and I swear I just heard music as he spoke. I found myself glaring at him. He looked at me and smirked. Weird guy. I looked at Marik. His eyes were on Otogi and he was smiling.

"Thanks, Otogi-san."

'Otogi-san'? He just called him 'Otogi-san'. Marik never uses honorifics! I didn't even know the Egyptian knew what they were, let alone knew how to use them! No one else seems to notice... Does he always call him that? 'Otogi-san'! Why? My fists clenched and unclenched. Why do I even care? I calmed down. Otogi was looking at me with raised eyebrows. I ignored him.

Everyone else said 'happy birthday' to Marik. I gave him a fake sweet smile.

"Let's sit down, Marik-san," I said, putting on Marik's voice. Marik gave me a weird look.

"When did you start using honorifics?" He asked me with a confused expression.

"I could ask you the same thing," I muttered, glancing at a smug-looking Otogi. Does Otogi like Marik? He better not because... because... What am I thinking? It doesn't matter to me who likes Marik! Marik just shrugged at me and grabbed my arm and pulled me onto the sofa. He sat next to Otogi and I was stuck on the end just watching them chatter. Every now and then I noticed Otogi look at me and smirk at my expression. What is this dude's problem? Is he trying to make me jealous? Well, if he is, it won't work! I do not like Marik like that! In fact, I'm happy that this bastard is flirting with him. Marik started laughing at something Otogi said and then turned to me.

"Oh, 'Kura, you have to hear this joke!" He said. I'm glad you finally noticed me, Marik, but I'm afraid I don't want to hear stupid Otogi's stupid joke because I'm sure it's going to be stupidly stupid! Stupid...

"Mhm. Whatever. Ryou, can I talk to you in the kitchen?" I asked across the room. Ryou stood up and Melvin also stood up. Why is he so weirdly protective?

"Melvin, seriously. What do you think I'm going to do? I'm his brother."

Ryou looked at him reassuringly and Melvin sighed and sat down.

"Sorry," he muttered as I passed him. Did he just apologise? Man, Ryou's really got full control over you, Melv'. I remember the days when you didn't care what anyone said. But that was before I introduced you properly to Ryou. I can't believe that insane, obsessive guy was my partner in crime. I can't help but wish he didn't hate me. I can't help but be disgusted when he's with Ryou. Ryou's my younger twin, for God's sake!

"Don't apologise to me, Melvin, it is much too weird hearing you say that you're sorry," I said.

His lips curved into a familiar smile.

"Fair point, binky boy," he said.

For a moment, I got to see the Melvin, the partner in crime that I used to know.

(Melvin's POV)

Bakura and Ryou left the room. He's right. Bakura and I never apologised to each other before I got with Ryou... why should we apologise after? Maybe I was wrong to plan out Bakura's death so many times.

I sat still for about 10 minutes. This party isn't very fun without Ryou.

Marik laughed loudly. Is that Otogi still flirting with my brother? What's going on? Marik's enjoying it... I thought he liked Bakura! Hmph. I'll fix this.

"Otogi, what the fuck are you doing?" I shouted. Everyone looked at me, except Seto Kaiba, who didn't seem to care. Speaking of Seto Kaiba... who invited him? I'll have to ask Ryou in a minute.

"What do you mean?" Otogi asked.

Meanwhile in the kitchen...

(Bakura's POV)

"What is it, 'Kura?" Ryou asked while putting some food in a bowl. He's bought loads...

"Just wondering, does Otogi like Marik?" I asked, trying to sound casual. Ryou turned around and flashed me a smirk. Ryou and smirking doesn't mix. It's weird seeing a smirk on that innocent face. Why is he smirking anyway?

"What?" I asked.

"Bakura, are you jealous?" He asked, his smirk transformed into a genuine grin. I blinked. Jealous? Ryou thinks I'm jealous? Really? Do I seem jealous? Wait... What if I am jealous? Am I jealous?

"No," I said uncertainly.

"You are," he replied. He laughed. "Don't worry, Bakura, it's a good thing. You've finally realised you have feelings for Marik!"

"But I don't! I only like girls!"

"If you only like girls, why does it matter if Otogi likes Marik?"

"I don't know! It's just... He's... my best friend... and... I don't... Otogi's fucking stealing him... Why, Ryou? Answer me. Please. Does Otogi like him?"

"Yes... and he and Marik seem to be getting along, don't they?" Ryou said sullenly. "I really wanted you and Marik to get together."

I didn't know how to respond so I changed the subject.

"Why is Seto Kaiba here?" I asked. I actually don't mind Kaiba being here... I prefer him to Otogi.

"Joey asked me to. Don't try to change the subject. You like Marik, don't you?"

"Why does Joey want him here?"

"He has this crush on him. Oh! Bakura! I wasn't supposed to tell anyone!"

"Don't worry, I won't say anything."

"Thank you. Oh, you didn't answer my question! Bakura, do you like Marik?"

"No."

His eyes opened wide and became teary. I froze. Ryou! Don't do that! Don't look, Bakura!

"Fine, yes," I admitted. As I said it, I realised it was true. I do like Marik. Why wouldn't I? He's hot. Ryou hugged me.

"Yay! I'm so happy for you! That's great!" He exclaimed.

"Yeah... I better rescue him from Otogi's clutches!" I mumbled with a laugh.

"Otogi, what the fuck are you doing?"

Was that-?

"Oh... Melvin seems to be rescuing him for you," Ryou whispered. His eyes were wide with worry.

We both ran into the living room. Otogi and Melvin had both stood up from sitting and were staring at each other. Melvin's face was contorted with anger. All of the guests had moved to the side of the room, eyes wide. They were all scared of Melvin.

"What do you mean?" Otogi asked.

"I mean, you're flirting with my little brother! Stop it!" Melvin shouted.

"You seem to have no issue with dating 'Kura's little brother, let alone flirting," Otogi retorted calmly. Did he just call me ''Kura'? No. Just no. Nobody calls me that except Marik and Ryou. I looked at Marik. He was sitting in the corner of the sofa looking from Melvin to Otogi apprehensively. He glanced at me. He mouthed the words 'make them stop'.

"Melvin," I muttered. He turned his stare to me. "Stop now. If Marik wants Otogi flirting with him, just leave them. It's Marik's choice, not yours." I don't want him flirting with Marik either.

Melvin sat down and started grumbling to himself. Ryou sat next to him and began comforting him. I turned to Otogi who was looking at me boredly. "Don't call me 'Kura'." He frowned at me. Was he expecting me to say something else? Does he want to start a fight with me? I quickly sat down next to Marik before he could. I smirked at him. He sighed. Marik whispered a 'thank you' to me. Otogi resignedly sat on the floor next to Kaiba. Marik and I moved off of the sofa and sat on the floor so now everyone was sitting on the floor in a circle. Me next to Marik next to Ryou next to Melvin next to a frightened looking Anzu next to Yugi next to Yami next to Tristan next to Joey next to Seto next to Otogi who was next to me. We sat in silence for a while.

"Let's give Marik our presents!" Ryou said, relieving the awkward atmosphere.

So that was part 1 of Marik's party. I hope you enjoyed it! Bakura's realised his feelings for Marik, but will he tell him? Will Bakura and Otogi fight over Marik? Will we ever find out what our protagonists' backstories are? Find out soon!
Thanks for reading!
Don't forget to review. Because if you don't believe in reviewing... the thiefshipping will die... :O /3 Only joking! But please review because I love reading them and they help me improve and write this story.
Thanks again!

-Dani.