(Characters owned by Kazuki Takahashi.)

Chapter One

"So, when do you think you'll be back?"

Bakura scowls, snatching his keys off the dining table.

From his comfortable spot leaning against the wall, Marik watches the white-haired thief disappear into the bedroom, then re-emerge with his black leather coat draped over an arm.

"I said, when do you—" the Egyptian begins again.

"I don't. Know, Marik," Bakura snaps, patting his pockets to check for his wallet. "I already told you I'd be back as soon as I could."

"Hmph. 'Cause you promised we'd watch a scary movie tonight," Marik pouts, crossing his arms.

"Marik, we will watch that movie," the white-haired man growls, spotting his phone on the coffee table and snatching it up. "And we'll have plenty of time to point out all the ways that they're just too stupid to live. But I haven't heard from my host in a while, and I need to make sure that he and the Ring are both safe."

Marik groans, throwing his hands into the air.

"Just take the friggin' Ring and leave it here, jeez-us!"

"If I want to keep my own body, I still need a host, Marik. Believe me, I wouldn't leave the Ring with him if I didn't have to."

When he doesn't get a response, Bakura heads towards the front door, pulling his jacket on in the process.

"I'll call when I'm on my way back," the white-haired thief says before leaving, slamming the door behind him.

After lingering against the wall for a while longer, Marik finally peels himself away, sauntering over to the couch before collapsing onto it.

This isn't the first time Bakura's dashed off unexpectedly, but Marik never felt like he'd been blown off before. He feels a knot settling in his chest, but tries to ignore the feeling.

After all, it's not that he doesn't understand Bakura's concern. He doesn't want the thief to disappear either.

With a sigh, Marik reaches for the remote and turns the television on to a talk show. He needs something to do to pass the time.