I'm finally back and updating this story again. Sorry about that wait – I've got too many projects xD but yes, another update at last. Thank you so much for your lovely reviews, and to everyone who is still reading this story. I'm really grateful, honestly. Hope you enjoy this chapter (it has deathshipping xD) – Jem

Kek was still growling when Ryou led him through to the living room again. He paced about like a caged animal, his hands bunched into tight fists by his sides, his dark eyes burning viciously with something more than anger.

Ryou watched him with a tight, worried expression. That Kek was furious was plainly evident in his every motion, but behind it was something else, something new that Ryou couldn't quite place. There was confusion behind Kek's dark expression, restlessness in his constant pacing.

Eventually, Ryou couldn't take it anymore, and he grabbed Kek's arm. "Stop."

Kek span to glare down at him. "What?"

"Stop pacing." Ryou tightened his grip on his arm, forcing him to a halt.

Kek snarled. "Why?"

"Because you're making me dizzy."

"I don't give a fuck." Kek pulled away from him again and started to pace, moving in tight circles around the tiny room. Ryou only sighed, but allowed it, his eyes following him closely. There was no chance Kek was getting out of Ryou's sight again, and especially not until they had sorted this out.

"It just isn't fucking fair?!" Kek eventually burst out.

Ryou kept watching him, his tone patient. "What isn't."

"This!" Kek tore at his hair, frustration marking his every move. "Marik. Marik. That damn weakling is still in control!"

A small crease appeared in Ryou's brow. "But you're free of him now."

"I'm not." Kek screwed his eyes shut and grabbed at his temples, gripping his head in his large hands. "I'm not. I never will be."

Ryou stared for a moment. He advanced slowly, reaching out one careful hand to hold Kek's arm, attempting to understand him. "What do you mean?"

"He won't ever let me go." Kek gave a humourless laugh. "He created me. My sole purpose is to protect him. I'm not ever going to be able to escape that."

Ryou blinked. "But … protecting him isn't a bad thing, is it?"

"Yes, it is," Kek hissed. His tone was low and dangerous, but it was filled with an undercurrent of loathing that Ryou still hadn't grown accustomed to.

"Why?" Ryou pressed.

"Because I don't like Marik!" Kek snarled. "He's the bastard who stole my life. He deserves to be punished, but the bastard still won't let me go!"

Ryou moved a little closer, feeling understanding start to grow within him. "You think protecting him traps you?"

"Of course it does," Kek snarled. He lowered his hands just enough to turn and shoot Ryou a glare, but Ryou almost drew back at the emotion burning in Kek's dark violet eyes. He looked almost … afraid.

Ryou gave a low sigh. "Protecting someone isn't a bad thing."

"How would you know?" Kek spat.

Ryou bit his lip. Much to his surprise, his thoughts drew back to a time, long ago now, when he had felt protective over someone. Someone who had brightened his world, and then left it all the darker when she left…

"Ryou?" A warm hand landed on his shoulder, giving him a shake.

Ryou returned to the present with a start. He lifted his head to see Kek still sending him a sharp stare, his dark eyes still vulnerable. Ryou swallowed. "I had someone to protect, once."

Kek stared at him.

"It wasn't a bad thing," Ryou continued in a low murmur. "In fact, it was a really good thing."

"Who are you talking about?" Kek asked after a moment. "Not that bastard Ring Spirit, surely?"

Ryou outright snorted at that. Even the thought of Bakura needing his protection was hilarious, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "Not at all. No way. If anything, it was the other way around, and then only when Bakura needed my body in a liveable state."

A deep crease appeared in Kek's brow. "Like when I was stabbing you with the Rod."

"Yes, exactly like that," Ryou murmured. That felt like a lifetime ago now – waking up to find himself suddenly in control of his body, only to face the crazed darker form of Marik that he had only heard about in fragments of Bakura's memories. It was strange to think how afraid he had been then. Now, he was more afraid when he couldn't see Kek.

"So who did you protect?" Kek questioned him, and his tone seemed to be honestly confused.

Ryou, despite himself, closed his eyes. A long, low sigh escaped his lips as he allowed himself to think back to a past he usually kept locked up inside his mind, untouched by any other than himself. Bakura, of course, knew it all, but only because he cheated by getting inside Ryou's mind. Other than him, Ryou had never shared it with anyone.

"I had a younger sister," he answered finally.

Kek stared at him.

"She was three years younger than me." Ryou allowed himself a smile, remembering her bright grin and wild white hair, even harder to control than his own. She would fight with it for hours to get it into a braid, and then try and do the same for him, much to his chagrin. He secretly didn't mind, though – at least, until she tried to get him to wear her braiding to school.

"And you protected her?" Kek's voice broke into Ryou's memories.

Ryou nodded, the soft smile still adorning his lips. "Yeah. She was little, you know? And unusual, she was an easy target at school. I kept an eye on her, though, and I made sure she wasn't alone."

"What happened to her?"

Ryou, despite himself, winced. His brown eyes clouded a little, dipping back into the past, to the memory of the worst day of his life. Pain flitted across his features.

A warm arm slipped around Ryou's shoulders, bringing him crashing forwards, and Ryou found himself suddenly pressed tight to Kek's chest. A small smile lifted his lips. He pressed himself closer, hiding his face in Kek's neck, murmuring against his skin. "She died. With my mother."

Kek blinked. "How?"

"Car accident."

"…Oh." Kek's tone was matter-of-fact, as plain as it always was. But he didn't remove his arms from around Ryou's shoulders.

Ryou stayed like that for a minute more, until he was sure his expression was under control, and then lifted his head to look Kek in the eyes. "So you see – protecting someone isn't all bad."

Kek's brow creased. He sent Ryou a confused look. "But you're hurting about her now."

Ryou winced a little. His eyes distanced again as he thought about that. "…Yes. It's true, I'm hurting over her, but if anything that's because I miss protecting her."

"Eh?" Kek now looked thoroughly confused.

Ryou gave a low, sighing chuckle, glancing up at Kek with affection in his expression. He reached out and took one of Kek's hands in his own, lifting it and gently rubbing his thumb against the back of Kek's brown palm. "Amane was important to me. Protecting her was a sign that I could do something for her, because she was a big part of my life. I wish…" he broke for a moment, concentrating on keeping his voice even. "I wish I could still have her here, to protect her. To show her how much I love her."

Kek frowned at him. "But I don't love Marik. I hate him."

"I know," Ryou sighed. "I suppose what I'm trying to say is – he is an important part of your life."

A feral growl ripped past Kek's lips, but Ryou lifted a placating hand, a small smile still at his lips. "Relax. I mean, he's been negative for the most part, but as I understand it, your relationship is supposed to be one where you protect him."

Kek rolled his jaw and jerked his head once."

"So," Ryou continued, his tone soft, "Perhaps getting back to that relationship will do you both good."

Kek continued to stare impassively at him. Over the past few days, Ryou had felt as if he was growing to know Kek fairly well – he could read his body language, and his expressions, and for the most part guess at what he was thinking. But this time, with Kek standing over him and that slightly puzzled crease in his brow the only sign of emotion currently decorating his features, Ryou was left almost clueless about what he was thinking.

Finally, after a long, stretched moment, Kek tore his gaze away. "I don't know," he muttered. "…You might be right, but … but it's such a weird thought."

"I know," Ryou murmured. He tightened his grip around Kek's hand.

Kek relaxed at the touch. A low, frustrated growl sounded through his lips and he lifted his free hand to scrub at his forehead, eyes sliding shut. "I can't think in here," he muttered. "Can we … I don't know…"

"Get out?" Ryou prompted.

Kek nodded once.

"Of course." Ryou smiled and tugged on his arm, leading him over towards the front door. "Let's go and take a walk somewhere."

"Good. It's easier to think under the stars." Kek's mutter was low enough to almost be out of earshot, but Ryou heard him. He gave his hand a squeeze as they exited the house.

…

Marik paced his room, his hands bunched tight into fists by his sides. His gaze flicked around his room, constantly moving, as if he was scared to settle on something too much. His body rippled with tension.

Bakura watched his every motion from his spot sprawled out lazily on his bed. A smirk tugged at his lips. Whilst he didn't like to see Marik hurt, or upset, watching him wound up as he was now was oddly … familiar. It was comforting. It reminded Bakura of all the times he and Marik had fought in the past, back when Bakura had been able to tease him and enjoy watching Marik fly off the handle, only for Marik to realise he was being wound up and then shut him up with either a punch or a kiss, depending on his mood.

Bakura missed that.

However, watching Marik storm around the room as he was now, with his feet slamming against the carpet and his brow creased just so, Bakura felt even more as if he had Marik back with him, in his usual form. It was easy to lie back and half-close his eyes, and imagine that Marik and he were back in Domino, in their apartment, fighting over dinner or whatever stupid thing Marik was trying to drag Bakura into next.

Marik stopped his pacing. His burning violet eyes fixated on Bakura, a question in his irritated expression. "What are you grinning about?"

"Was I grinning?" Bakura answered mildly. "My apologies. I promise to look miserable in your presence from now onward."

Marik scowled at him.

Bakura merely smirked, lazily scratching a pattern into the bedspread as he settled down comfortably. "I don't know what you're so worked up about, either."

"Oh, sure," Marik shot back, his tone annoyed. "It isn't like there's some crazy version of myself downstairs holding my memories ransom…"

"Yes, yes," Bakura answered airily, "I'm well aware."

Marik's nostrils flared. He glared at Bakura, folding his arms and digging his nails into his skin. "Well maybe you can see why I might be a bit tense."

Bakura snorted. "You're a bit tense because you're an idiot…"

"I am not!"

"…Who gets too worked up over things," Bakura continued smoothly. He sent Marik a look from under his lashes. "You should learn to relax."

"Were you always this infuriating?"

"Pretty much."

Marik flopped down onto the bed beside Bakura with a low hiss. "Then honestly, it's a wonder I ever bothered to get with you."

Bakura grinned. "I assure you, it was entirely your idea."

Marik sent him a suspicious look.

"…Well," Bakura finally relented, "I can't say I was disappointed. But it took you far too long to admit you liked me."

"No wonder, if you're such an asshole."

Bakura gave his shoulder a light shove.

Marik managed to hold a grin for a few moments before his expression wavered and fell again. He gave a low, long-suffering sigh, and gripped his hair in his hands. "But what if I never get them back?"

"Get what back?" Bakura asked carefully.

Marik spoke into his hands, his voice muffled. "My memories. What if I never remember you?"

Bakura gave a low sigh. The pain was apparent in Marik's voice, and it tugged at Bakura's heart to hear him hurting, but it also gave Bakura a strange sense of relief. At least now, Marik wasn't angry at him. In fact, he wanted to remember Bakura. He wanted to come back.

Marik curled up tighter on the bed.

Bakura glanced up at the ceiling. "You know, you will get your memories back."

"But what if I don't?" Marik's voice was still muffled. Bakura had to strain to hear him.

"Honestly?" Bakura answered after a moment. "I'm not entirely sure it would matter."

Marik stilled.

"You're still you, after all." Bakura allowed himself a wry smile. "Still the same irritating, obnoxious little shit I fell for in the first place."

Marik turned his head just enough that Bakura could see a slight hint of violet behind his blond locks.

"With or without your memories, you are who you are," Bakura continued lowly, "And I … am rather fond of you."

Marik swallowed. He turned fully to face Bakura, and the look on his face was indiscernible. He shifted a little more, the bed creaking, and then lunged.

Before Bakura knew what was happening, he found himself juggling an armful of Marik. Familiar warmth pressed to his side, making his chest ache, and Marik's head buried itself in Bakura's neck. His arms wound tight around Bakura.

Automatically, Bakura lifted his hands and lightly wrapped them around Marik. His fingers found the familiar pattern of scars on his back, feeling the ridges even through the material of Marik's black jacket. He pressed his face lightly into Marik's hair.

Then, Marik shocked him completely by turning his face up and planting a kiss straight onto Bakura's lips.

Bakura stared at him, stunned. "What was that for?"

"Well," Marik shifted a little uncomfortably, then buried his face back into Bakura's neck, speaking into his skin, "…That's the nicest thing I think anyone's ever said to me."

Bakura sent him a slightly incredulous look. He tightened his arms subconsciously around Marik's back. Of course. Marik didn't remember anything Bakura had said to him before, and Bakura knew enough of Marik's past to assume that no one would have said anything remotely kind to him before. His siblings, perhaps, but they were different – they were obligated to Marik.

But Bakura had no obligation to him at all. He was with him because … well, because he wanted to be. It had taken a long time for Bakura to admit that, even to himself, but he ruefully acknowledged that it had always been painfully evident. Right from the moment he slashed his arm, simply to help Marik.

Bakura tightened his grip and pressed a kiss to Marik's forehead.

…

Ryou and Kek walked aimlessly through the streets of the city. Ryou kept his hand always in Kek's, as if to ground him, as if to remind him that they were both real now, in their own bodies, and free of the parasites that constantly dragged at their souls. Ryou himself took delight in glancing up at the sky, though perhaps not as much as Kek. After all, at least Ryou had been able to see the sky through Bakura's eyes; when Marik was young, neither him nor Kek had been able to see past the four walls of their tomb. Ryou shuddered at the mere thought.

So, he happily led Kek through the streets of the city, glancing around with bright eyes. Ryou hadn't been to Egypt before, and it was fascinating to observe the different culture in action. The sights, smells, and sounds were all new to him.

Ryou turned back to see Kek sending him a slight grin. Ryou arched a brow. "Can I help you?"

Kek's grin stretched. "You look happy."

"Yes," Ryou allowed himself a smile, "Well, I like seeing new places."

Kek blinked. "You mean you haven't been here before?"

"No," Ryou shook his head, and then his eyes widened a little in understanding. "Wait, you grew up here too, like Marik, didn't you?"

Kek nodded. His dark violet eyes distanced a little and he cast his gaze wide, an unreadable expression flitting across his features. "Yeah. Back then, I was more like his friend. We chatted. He liked playing with me."

Ryou sent him a curious stare. "Like, games?"

"Yeah." A sudden grin lit Kek's face, and it brightened his expression and made Ryou's chest ache. "Imaginary games, mostly. I used to conjure up fantasies for him, to see how often I could make him laugh."

Ryou couldn't help but look a little shocked. "Really?"

"Yeah, he loved it. I think he preferred playing with me than playing with Odion." Kek's tone turned slightly possessive. "We'd run across the streets – like, here," he grabbed Ryou's wrist and dragged him a few streets over, barrelling through the crowds. "It was just … yes."

A soft sigh escaped Kek's lips, and he released Ryou, gesturing across the street. Ryou followed his finger to see a small children's playground set back in a little space across the street, surrounded by trees, hidden from sight. There was a set of swings, a roundabout, a sandpit (though why that would be useful in the desert, Ryou had no idea) and a few other trappings and toys good for children.

Before he could say anything, Kek had disappeared from his side and bounded across the road into the playground.

"Kek! Be careful!" Ryou called, then, with a quick glance left and right, dashed across the road after him. Muttering under his breath about stupid childish spirits needing to learn about cars and lorries and the importance of road safety, Ryou lightly vaulted over the gate into the playground, then lifted his head to find Kek.

A smile instantly graced his lips.

Kek was bounding around the playground with the brightest grin on his face that Ryou had ever seen. He tried out every single one of the attractions, his blond hair flying and his cloak flaring out behind him. His dark violet eyes were filled with warmth.

"This is where we used to play," Kek called across to Ryou. "It was Marik's favourite. I'd conjure up villains for him to vanquish, and he'd shout and yell about ruling the world. We plotted together, but then we'd just play."

"Sounds like fun," Ryou murmured gently. He leaned against the railings and watched as Kek jumped off a see-saw and onto the roundabout, scowling at it when it creaked under his weight. He placed one solid foot on the sandy ground and pushed, sending himself circling with a loud whoop, his cloak snapping back behind him.

Ryou couldn't help but grin at that.

…Until he was unceremoniously grabbed and dumped on the roundabout in front of Kek.

"Come on! You need a turn too." Kek's voice sounded breathless, but happier than Ryou had ever heard before. Before Ryou could say anything, Kek had pushed off from the ground again and then leapt up to stand behind Ryou, grabbing tight hold of him and whooping in his ear.

Ryou couldn't help but grin and whoop along with him. The air rushed past them, snapping Kek's cloak around them both, and the exhilarating of travelling so fast raced through Ryou's veins. He tipped his face back and enjoyed the moment. He hadn't been on one of these since Amane was alive, insisting that he push her, and being her with Kek felt oddly … right. After all, he had never had a chance at a normal childhood; not even Marik had had that.

As the roundabout slowed to a crawl, Kek slammed his foot back into the ground to stop it. Ryou jolted at the jarring stop, one hand grabbing onto the rail to steady himself, only for warm arms to wrap around both his shoulders and spin him around.

Ryou looked into Kek's eyes to find them burning with a new intent. He cocked a brow. "What…"

Before he could say any more, Kek leaned forward and pressed his lips to Ryou's.

Ryou, at first, went stock-still. His back pressed up against the cold railings, a stark contrast to the warmth of Kek's body as he moved closer, tightening his grip around Ryou's shoulder. His mouth was surprisingly soft, and amazingly pleasant as he teased at Ryou's lips. Ryou pressed himself closer automatically. His hands gripped onto the front of Kek's shirt, tugging him closer, and he kissed back with a cautious flick against Kek's lips.

It ended far sooner than Ryou would have liked.

Kek drew back, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He watched Ryou closely, his eyes burning, and his hands slowly started to withdraw from Ryou's shoulders.

Before he could move too far, Ryou grabbed the front of his shirt and brought him crashing back down.

They kissed for longer this time, their touches growing more urgent. Ryou wound both his arms around Kek's neck and leaned as close as he could, nestling his smaller body into Kek's chest. Kek, in turn, slid his hands down to Ryou's hips and held on tight, gripping hard enough to bruise, as if he was afraid to lose this moment if he released Ryou for even a second. Ryou didn't mind. He moved into the touch, allowing it to ground him, allowing himself to remember that this moment – like this body – was now solely his.

This time, when they drew away, it was with much more reluctance. Their eyes met, cautious, as if not quite sure exactly what they had just shared.

Then, Ryou's face broke into a wide smile, and a bright grin spread across Kek's lips to match it.

They spent the next several hours wandering around the playground, hand-in-hand, keeping as close to each other as they could. Kek told Ryou many more stories of his time here with Marik, and in return, Ryou explained a little of his time with Amane, when they would come to places like this in England, in his childhood.

"So it sounds like you and Marik did have some good times," Ryou mused aloud after a while.

Kek's face darkened a little. "Yeah, before he decided to completely deny my existence."

Ryou tightened his grip on Kek's hand wordlessly. He glanced once more around the playground, then nestled into Kek's side, pulling him over to the swings. They took up adjacent seats and swayed lightly, keeping close to each other.

"But, you and Marik can get on," Ryou continued softly after a time of silence.

Kek grunted. "We could in the past."

"You could learn to again." Ryou let go of the swing in order to reach over and lay one small, pale hand over Kek's. He sighed. "Like Marik said – you were made to protect him. If you both worked towards that … maybe you could go back to how you were before. In places like this."

Silence reigned between them until Kek gave a low sigh. He placed his other hand over Ryou's, pressing him closer. "I don't know. Maybe you're right."

"But you have to let him remember you first," Ryou added softly.

Kek twitched.

"I mean it," Ryou continued when he wasn't immediately shot down. "Marik probably doesn't' even remember childhood times like this, with you. Not since you took his memories of you away."

Kek scowled, but a flash of something close to consternation flitted across his features.

Ryou sighed, scuffing at the ground with his toes. "Maybe you would both be better if he remembered you."

Another silence weighed heavily in the air, until Ryou began to fear that he had said too much, or been too bold.

But then, Kek stood up.

"Alright, little Ryou," he stated wryly, "Let's do this your way. Come on." He held out a hand.

Ryou stared up at him. "Really? You're going to give his memories back?"

"I make no promises," Kek growled, "But … I'm willing to talk to him about it."

Ryou grinned. He jumped up and pressed his lips against Kek's once more before taking his hand and leading him away. "Ok then. Let's go and sort this out."

Ok, ending this chapter here. And yeah, I'm a sucker for fluff, and deathshipping in a playground appeals to me for some reason. I hope Kek isn't getting too out of character. I'm trying to show him developing … but I'm not sure how believable it is. I hope it's ok ^^ thanks so much for reading, and I'll try and update soon – Jem