A/N: Random angst. It's too long to be a drabble, but too short to be considered a good oneshot. I don't know where it came from. Anyway, thiefshipping! Er, sort of. More like post-thiefshipping, because Malik doesn't seem too happy with Bakura right now. Either way... uh... review?

Love hurts.

That's probably the worst excuse I've ever heard in my life, you know. And here I thought you were better than that. You of all people should know that it doesn't change anything. So what if it hurts? I'll take a fucking aspirin.

Either way, it doesn't change the fact that you lied. You can't deny it, can't pretend otherwise. You mocked the truth, twisted the words, shoved them down my throat and laughed as I choked. And me? I ate it up, a dish served cold. I pretended I believed you, because I didn't like the alternative. It didn't appeal to me, that other little option, that option of being alone.

What is love? What does it mean? I know that it comes in many different forms: unrequited, unconditional. Unreturned.

You told me you loved me. But that was a lie, too, wasn't it? Come on. Look me in the eye and tell me- you set out to hurt me, didn't you? No? Allow me to refresh your memory. You see this thing here? It's called a knife. Oh, you know what that is? Good. Now maybe you'll talk.

They called me crazy, you know. (Oh, God, how many people have used that line, I wonder?) Yes, they called me crazy for loving you, for sticking by your side, even when it was clear you didn't give a fuck about me. "Poor Malik," they said, "caught in the web of his own stupidity." Turns out they were right. Funny how these things work out, isn't it?

I wonder how much longer this could go on. Me with my ravings and you sitting there with that oh-so-becoming look of fear in your eyes. I like the way that sounds- Theif King Bakura, snared by his own trap. Because you really should have known that I wouldn't give up that easily. I'm not like that, you know. I never was one to turn down a challenge.

This is getting old. Let's cut to the chase. You hurt me, so I'll hurt you. Simple enough? Good. That's your life lesson for the day. Maybe you'll remember that for next time.

You look scared. That's good, too. You should be scared. I'm not one to be trifled with. And now I'm going to do just what you did to me. You tore out my heart... and I'm going to return the favor.

(Love hurts, doesn't it, Bakura?)