AN: So this is the last chapter! Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers and followers and favouriters! I love you all and I hope you really enjoyed this story (: I think soon I'll be writing a Casteshipping story (Pharaoh Atem x Thief King Bakura) So if you'd like to have notice when that one comes, then don't hesitate to follow!

And now, on to the last chapter!

The little neighbourhood that was so familiar to me all of these years had been visible from down the road where I stood. I was nervous, shaking under my uniform jacket as I walked slowly to get home. Tonight was prom night and Téa was already at her appointments for hair and nails, so I walked home alone. Dangerously crossing the street without looking around first. I couldn't function during school. Marik wasn't there. Maybe he had a hair and nail appointment too? I tried to chuckle at the thought but I couldn't even smile. Everything inside was stirring and the more I thought about what time it was, the more anxious I would get.

I got home to Akefia reading a newspaper at the table, back in his robe and slippers, with a coffee in hand. The situation felt like it was only morning, which put my nerves at ease for a while until I walked into the kitchen to grab a cookie. I accidentally looked at the time and ground my teeth together. Three hours left. I bit into the stale cookie and chewed thoughtlessly, unable to taste the chocolate through the acidic bile that rose in my throat. I swallowed the cookie and then choked, coughing violently to clear my airways.

"Are you alright? You look paler than usual," Akefia chuckled from the table, flipping the page of the paper and looking up at me.

"I-I'm fine." I wrung my hands together, feeling the clamminess, "Where's my suit?"

Akefia raised his eyebrows and smiled widely, "Hanging in my closet." He folded the paper and then got out of the chair to stretch his joints, "Man, you look like you're about to be sick, do you think you should really go? I mean, is it worth it?"

I gawked at him, what a fucking stupid question. Akefia got the hint and held his hands up in surrender, laughing. I rolled my eyes but then stopped. Maybe we shouldn't go, I mean, what if everyone laughs at us? We're going to be two guys wearing matching corsages, dancing together. I mean, how gay can you get? I shook the negativity out of my head and then slumped over the counter. Akefia rose a white eyebrow.

"You seem upset." He said quietly.

"Of course I am! What if we get picked on? Laughed at? What if Marik gets bullied?" I scratched at my hair in frustration, "Fuck, why am I regretting this now? This was the dumbest idea I've ever came up with!"

"My god, why do you even care?" Akefia growled.

I looked at him, angry, my stomach burning in both rage and guilt. But then I softened. That was a good question... why do I even care?

"I mean, you're in fucking senior year, you're going to graduate a day after that dance and then you don't have to see your classmates ever again! I would've thought you were more mature than this, Katsu!" He yelled, clearly angry, "Don't you like Marik?"

"Of course I-"

"Then go to that dance with him! Take a shower, comb that rat's nest you call hair, shave, get into your suit and go! Holy fuck." He ran a hand down his face and then his fingers lingered on the edge of his scar. He closed his eyes then. I wondered what he was thinking. "Just... go have fun. It's your last year," He looked down at the table, quiet now.

I examined his expression but it was hard to read. Nonetheless I nodded slowly.

"You're right."

He looked up at me, his purple eyes deep with sorrow. He removed his hand from his face and then straightened out his back, nodding firmly, "Don't let fear hold you back."

Now I understood.

Fear. The one thing holding Akefia back from everything he's ever wanted to do in life. Fear that drove him to committing crimes of theft just to impress those who threatened him. Fear that gave him that scar, this future. I understood.

"The suit is in my closet," He repeated, "Get washed up and then go put it on. I want to see before you head out."

I nodded and did as he said.

Putting on the suit was difficult. Not physically difficult, but mentally difficult. It took longer than expected just to button up the blazer, for my hands shook so badly that I kept missing the hole. I wondered what Marik would look like. I wonder what kind of suit he was wearing. Hopefully not a crop top. I chuckled to myself and then fell silent as I got the last button did. I looked up into the mirror and pressed my lips together, straightening my back and adjusting the collar. I've never worn a suit before, only dress shirts for special occasions. This was Akefia's suit though, so it was a little worn, but it still looked excellent.

I turned around to examine the whole uniform. Classic black blazer with three buttons at the bottom. It was a more modern tailcoat that was longer at the back. Under the tailcoat I wore a surprisingly still-crisp, white dress shirt with little black buttons that ran down the front, and tight black dress pants to pull the look together. The shoes were just the normal dress shoes I wore for school. I smiled at the outcome nonetheless, fluffing out my long, white hair that was washed and combed.

It was a strange feeling. Overwhelming glee mixed with hesitation and nervousness. All anger out of my system, not a hint of frustration growing within me like it used to. I could feel I had changed, and it was obviously for the better. How could someone so small become the only thing in the world that can take the pain and agony of constantly hating the world away? Was it really that easy? I sighed and looked over the suit once more, grabbing the boutonnière that was packaged nice and neat in a plastic container, just like in the movies. Apparently it was romantic, but quite honestly it just looked like a last resort throw-together. I didn't care though, because the flower inside was the one that I had given to Marik all the while ago. I had made another one to match his, so we could go to the dance together as a...

I paused and looked away from the flower, my insides swirling about. Dammit, not my bloody nerves again. I truly did feel sick to my stomach but I let it go and walked out of Akefia's bedroom. Even before I stepped into the kitchen I knew something was up. The lights were off and a single dim, flickering light was coming from the kitchen. I turned the corner hastily and rolled my eyes as a small vanilla and strawberry cake sat on the counter, one flickering candle lit on top.

"Happy going-to-prom-as-an-openly-gay-man night! You deserve it," Akefia chuckled and gestured a hand toward the cake, "You gonna blow out the candle? I'm starving."

I sighed, but nonetheless blow the tiny flame out. The lights are flicked back on and I instantly glare at my older brother as I read what was written on the cake. In big, fat letters read the words 'GAY PROM'.

Akefia snickered before I tackled him, but he was a lot stronger than me and threw me onto the stool, all humour gone from his face. We cut the cake and ate in silence. My chest ached though. It wasn't from nervousness, but it was from thinking about tonight. The plan was Yugi's idea. We were all to go away on a four-day trip to the beaches. His grandfather had a cottage near there so it was me, Marik, Téa, and Yugi who were going to stay there as a little graduation getaway before we all went our separate ways. Akefia found the idea to be excellent and even packed everything for me, but I was doing a lot of debating and had actually decided not to go.

"What's wrong?" Akefia asked

I looked up from my cake and snickered, "You're going to think I'm stupid."

"You know I always do," He winked, I sighed, "I'm kidding. You're not stupid, don't worry. Tell me."

"Well," I cleared my throat and looked away from the table, "I decided I'm not going to the beaches with Marik and the others."

"And why the hell not?" He furrowed an eyebrow. I gnawed on my lip and he choked a laugh, "No... you're worrying about me, aren't you?"

I looked at him and saw his expression was that of rage. I knew he would react this way. I sighed, "It's just... I have never left you by yourself at night before, except when I ran away a few weeks ago, but Ryou was there to protect you! I don't want you to have nightmares! I don't want to be away when you're screaming your lungs out, fighting for your life. I just can't." My voice broke at the last word and my throat closed up on itself.

Through my blurry, teary vision, I saw Akefia slowly grin, "That's just like you, Katsu." He chuckled, "You and Ryou are growing up so fast... You both have partners, soon you'll probably get married, and eventually move out. Who am I to stop you from living your life?"

I stared at him. I was about to say something, but instantly silenced myself. That was true, though. Sooner or later I'll want to go off to college or something, so I'd have to leave Akefia all alone here. A sinking feeling was in my stomach and I put the fork down. Purple eyes glanced at me and Akefia smiled softly.

"We don't have to talk about this now," He chuckled and got out of his seat. I watched as he walked over to the living room and grabbed something off of the table, "Tonight is your night. You go have fun with Marik, have fun with your friends, go to the beaches, live your life. When it comes time for the bird to leave the nest, well..." He approached me and stopped, giving me a sad smile and slipping something around my neck, "Than you know it was about time, right?"

I looked down at the dreamcatcher necklace that hung low on my neck. My chest tightened and I couldn't look back up at my brother, in fear of crying. But his hand grabbed my chin and lifted it. I had to look at him. His face wasn't sad, but he looked almost determined as he smiled.

"I love you, Katsurou. Thank you for always being there for me. You can't be my babysitter forever though, so for once in your life just stop worrying about me and go have fun. Be with your friends. I'll be fine." He said softly.

I nodded slowly and hugged him close. I knew he would be okay.

We stayed hugging for a while until a knock on the door was sound. My heart pounded and I quickly looked at the clock in the kitchen. There was still a good hour left until prom started. I pressed my lips together and peered up at Akefia who was looking back at me suspiciously.

"He's pretty early," He mumbled.

"I... I invited him over a little earlier." I scratched the back of my neck and hopped off the stool, walking slowly toward the door.

"Why?" He asked, not once leaving the counter.

I sucked in a sharp breath and opened the door to be greeted by the blond. I took a step back and swallowed roughly. Holy shit... Marik was... gorgeous. He was wearing a cream coloured dress shirt that was tucked into slim, black pants. A deep purple vest that was encrusted with golden thread patterns lined the deep v-neck, hems on his sleeves and on all four buttons that held the fabric together in front. He wore his arm bands as well, only this time there were five on each forearm. Three golden hoops encircled his long neck and golden teardrop shaped earring dangled from his ears.

It felt like a couldn't breath... he was so... there was no word to describe it. I just kept staring and couldn't make myself stop.

"Sorry if I'm a little late," He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, then pulled back and gnawed on his bottom lip. He peered around me at Akefia, "Hi, Akefia! How are you? Oh, cake! Can I have a slice?"

He walked by me and that luscious scent filled my nose. I turned around to watch him walk away. He sat on the stool next to Akefia and I could see that even my brother couldn't help but stare in awe.

"Marik, you... I..." I tried to croak, but I just stopped myself from sounding like an idiot.

He looked over with piercing amethyst eyes and raised an eyebrow, a coy grin playing on his lips, it reminded me of the first time we met. I smiled back.

"You look amazing."

"You look quite stunning yourself," He sent a wink and dug into the cake, "Mmmm, strawberry."

Akefia kept staring until I walked over to nudge his shoulder. He looked back at me and clamped his jaw shut, probably not even realizing it was open in the first place. He cleared his throat and smiled back at Marik.

"So, Marik, why are you so early? The dance doesn't start for another hour or so." He asked, leaning his chin on his hands.

"Oh..." The blond put down his fork and looked over at me, "You didn't tell him...?"

"No, he didn't tell me anything," Deep purple eyes shot to me, "What are you hiding, Katsu?"

I looked between a curious face and a concerned face. Two shades of purple orbs piercing into my soul. I took in a deep breath and then let it out, looking down at the counter.

"I... I was going to take Marik to meet mom..." I said quietly.

There was a silence. A deep, agonizing silence that made my heart ache. I wasn't sure if it was the fact that Akefia was being quiet, or that Marik was, I couldn't tell. All I knew was that I was regretting telling my brother, and I knew his response would be-

"Okay."

Wait, what?

I snapped my eyes up to Akefia and saw his face was serious. I opened my mouth to say something, but I forgot what I was even going to say. I was stunned. He's allowing me to visit mom? I felt nervous again.

"I mean, you were going to go visit her anyway, right? Even without my consent?" Akefia chuckled, "Besides, it's been a while, and I bet she'd want to hear about what happened and everything," He winked over at Marik again and I internally wished he would stop doing that.

"Thank you," I nodded, looking over at the blond, "You ready then?"

Marik nodded, shoving the last bit of frosting into his mouth before hopping off the stool, swallowing his food, and pressed a kiss to my brother's cheek. I narrowed my eyes at Akefia when he wriggled his eyebrows at me. Disgusting.

It's been ages since I've visited my mom. I couldn't count the months right off the bat but it certainly was a sad fact when the only excuse was not having the emotional stamina to face her. She was very judgemental now, she always glared at me and Ryou and every single time we would visit, she would respond with "You should cut your hair", and nothing more. Akefia gave up visiting her and I understood why. She wouldn't even look at him.

It was no wonder my older brother felt the way he did, like it was his fault everything happened. But I knew he also still loved her.

The moment Marik and I pulled up outside of the tall, brick apartment-like building, the motorcycle engine died down and we got off. I took in a deep breath. There were quite a few people outside the building, either smoking or just talking with a couple nurses. The entrance looked welcoming for some reason, like it was calling me forth, trying to wrap it's warmth around me. I closed my eyes and pretended, for once, that everything was going to be okay.

"Bakura?" I heard Marik's voice echo through my brain, the hot feeling of his fingertips against my arm slowly lulling me to a dreamlike state.

I opened my eyes though as a breeze blew freely through my hair. I needed to get this over with. I took Marik's hand a little too aggressively in mine and pulled him through the double doors. I could hear him arguing with me, but it barely stalls my movements. In and out. That's all. Just get in, then get out.

"I'm here to see Sakura Bakura," I exclaim to the lady sitting at the front desk.

I think I startled her by the way she looked up at me, holding a hand to her chest. She glanced at me and then looked over at Marik, her expression softened and she just simply nodded. After I gave her my identification, she led me and Marik into another set of double doors.

Marik was clinging onto my arm now, finally he was getting a bit nervous, and I didn't blame him. There were a lot of loonies looking at him, staring and mumbling remarks under their breaths. They used to do that a lot with Ryou, and one of the women actually touched his arm and said he was beautiful just like her daughter. It made me want to laugh, but the hurt expression on the women's face made me think otherwise. I've learned to ignore the strange behaviour coming from the people around us and finally made it through a single door. The secretary nodded to us as she opened the door.

"It's almost time for bed, so you can have a few minutes to talk. Remember the precautions I told you last time, Katsu?" She asked, raising a razor thin, blonde eyebrow at me.

"Yes, Miss Kujaku." I bowed slightly.

"Please don't upset her," She looked at me with big, wary, magenta eyes, "She's been asking about you a lot."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. She didn't leave the room though, which I was thankful for. Mai was a regular employee, she had a few jobs beforehand, including being a nurse and a guard, but after having an injury with one of the tougher patients, she resigned for head secretary. She explained to Marik the rules before letting us any further.

I told Marik to wait a second, looking over at my mother sitting in a chair with a book in her hands. She didn't look like she was reading the book though, her eyes weren't moving across the pages like they usually did. She was always reading when I came to visit, which I always thought as strange. I didn't argue though and I slowly approached the tiny brown table that had her medication neatly arranged in her weekly pill separator. When I approached her and looked at her frozen eyes, I couldn't help but frown. She appeared almost lifeless. Her eyes were far away, a pulsating hazel colour that were glazed over and still. I swallowed the lump in my throat when I noticed her bandaged up hands. She must have tried to "break out" again. I was told she often did that.

I pulled the adjacent chair out and slowly sat down, not once looking away from her. Her white, wispy hair fell in chunks over her face, hiding. She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth before looking up at me. I relaxed a bit when I saw her expression change from nothing to sadness. Her face crumbled up and tears streamed down her cheeks, her porcelain skin becoming blotchy and red. She wrapped her arms around me, throwing her book to the floor and hugging me close. I hugged her back and let her cry, peering over at Marik who was giving a small smile.

"Hi mom." I whispered, touching her hair softly, "Tonight's my prom night."

She pulled away to look at me, smiling and touching a calloused and bandaged hand to my face. She held my face between her hands as she stared at me. I touched her hands and smiled.

"I'm happy now." I say softly, watching a smile spread across her face, "And I have someone I'd like you to meet."

I smiled at Marik who instantly pressed his lips together. I could tell he was extremely nervous by the way he stood there, balancing on one foot, hands clasped in front of him. Mai gaeve him a little nudge and he almost fell over. I laughed.

As the blond teenager moved toward us, my mother turned her head and looked at him. He didn't stop walking, but his pace surely slowed down. Mother wasn't smiling anymore.

"Mom," I said softly, letting her hands go to stand up beside the tall boy, "This is the boy who helped me, who made me happy. He is a very special person in my life right now-" Mother's expression was unreadable, but it was somewhere between concern and sadness. Nonetheless I continued, "Marik, this is my mother, Sakura Bakura. Mother, this is Marik Ishtar. My boyfriend."

Marik stuck out his hand slowly toward her with a warm but faltering smile, "Hello, it's so nice to meet you, Missus Bakura."

The silence was painful. Mother just stared at his face, and then looked down at his hand, then back up at his face again. Marik pulled his hand away and held his arm shyly, looking at me with an "I don't know what to do now" look. I watched, though, hopefully, as my mother continued to stare. And then she smiled. I physically sagged with relief and smiled at Marik, watching as he choked back tears. My mother grabbed his hand and put her forehead to it as a sign of respect, then planted a small kiss to his knuckle. Marik began crying and I could feel my own tears forming.

It was rare to have my mother accept friends of mine. It took her a while to get used to Yugi, and even longer for Téa, but when she showed her respect for Marik I instantly knew he was special. I always knew he was special though, so it was no surprise. As we entered the prom banquet hall, we were instantly greeted by Téa and Yugi, who were dressed in simple and classic black and red attire.

Marik and I didn't dance together until the very end. The stares and the negative attention were barely noticeable as I held tightly onto the Egyptian boy and danced to the soft music. Do what makes you happy, Akefia once said.

I pulled away from Marik to look up at him, amethyst eyes that never left me, never gave up on me, always gave me hope. I smiled softly at him and felt his hand pet my hair. We touched our foreheads together and stayed like that a while, our dancing dying down quickly to almost a soft sway. I felt his heartbeat, almost heard it through the loud music. I wanted to stay like this forever, but when a soft tug of my hair made me raise my head, half-lidded eyes looked back at me in the darkness. I reached up to touch the side of his face.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"For what?" He asked, his voice like honey in my ears.

"For everything," I whispered back and sealed his lips with my own.

Do what makes you happy.

That's exactly what I was planning to do.

AN: So again, I want to thank everyone for their support! I hope you enjoyed this story! I really like writing it, even though it was extremely cheesy and cliché at times. I love thiefshipping and I wanted to write something fluffy for a change :P

This chapter seemed a little rushed in my opinion, but I honestly didn't want to extend this story any further and have two extremely little chapters. I would just like to get this chapter out with the general idea, tying most of the loose ends together and leaving a warm and fuzzy feeling deep inside you all.

So Bakura's mom is not dead, she is in a mental institution if you couldn't figure it out. And she is diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, if you were curious. (: Akefia also had PTSD, but he was never diagnosed by a doctor.

In the end, Bakura's "mean guy"-"stubborn guy" characteristic is vanquished, thanks to wonderful OOC Marik Ishtar, which caused Bakura to go all OOC. (So sorry for all the OOC-ness in this story, I really did try to make their characteristics as similar as possible, but character development and fluff needed to desperately happen, lol).

I promise that my next Yu-Gi-Oh!fic will have the original characteristics as the characters in the show and will remain as plausible and close to the actual storyline as possible!

Thank you again, my wonderful, beautiful, most diabolical readers! Love you all!