Closed to thetombkeeper

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi wasn't sure how they all decided to take a quick trip to Domino, but she was happy for it. She would get to see the place where Marik made a name for himself. Be able to explore a new city, and over all make more memories with her friends. The girls decided to go with them as well, which made it easier when it came to getting transportation and hotel rooms. Plus, going as a group and not on a date made it easier to convince her parents.

Leaving their hotel room, she turned to Marik, gauging his expression. She had a feeling he might be nervous being back in a place that was both good and bad. They could take things at his pace. If he wanted to show her around, or if they wanted to explore, that was fine. Either way, she would be happy as long as they got to spend time together.]

The girls said we could meet up with them later in the day. I know Ami-chan wanted to visit a museum or two, and Mina-chan wanted to do shopping...

[Usagi told her boyfriend, her hand easily slipping into his, hoping it would help calm any nerves.]

I'm curious to what you'd like to do. We could wander the city, or stay at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing day.

[Heck, they could make a game of pointing out how many 'KaibaCorp' symbols or buildings were around if he wanted.]

We can do whatever you'd like, Marik-kun.

Comments

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik was hesitant at first. To go back to the place where he endangered so many, where he tried to kill Yugi and his friends, where he almost took the Pharaoh's powers. It was... nerve-wracking to say the least but... if he could build new memories here, that might help him feel more at ease in his old stomping ground.

Yugi and the crew had some down time since Battle City, allowing them to feel like normal teens again, not that Marik was actively keeping tabs. Not fully, at least.

He grunts in response to her telling him what the girls would be up to. The museum could be fun, as could shopping. He never did have much time to explore the city while he was acting out his schemes.

Marik returns the squeeze to Usagi's hand, his expression apprehensive as they head out of the hotel room. It's been long enough that hopefully people have gotten about him...]

We could... walk around. I guess I could... show you where the Battle City tournament took place?

[moonlightshine]

That's an idea...[Usagi told him, giving Marik another gentle squeeze of his hand. He really was in his head, and she didn't want to push him beyond what he was comfortable with. Maybe, they could delay visiting sites related to the tournament? Just until he was certain that he was okay with visiting those places.]

We could do that later, if you want? [It was up to Marik if he wanted to go down that path, or if he wanted to stay at the hotel. So far, no one was giving him any weird looks. But, they were in a more tourist part of Domino.]

I don't want to push yourself, Marik-kun. We can just walk around and go to a café? We could get tea and share something sweet.

[Something familiar that could help ground him and keep him calm.]

[thetombkeeper]

[There was a sense of relief at her suggesting they do that later. Usagi can see him actively relax. That would be much preferred, yes. He nods his head.]

I'd... yes. I'd like that instead... I'm sorry I'm so... nervous. I don't want to ruin our time here... Domino's a nice city and there's so much to do...

[moonlightshine]

[There was a soft sigh of relief seeing Marik relax at the suggestion. After he nodded his head, she leaned in to kiss his cheek. Her hand slipped from his as she gave him a reassuring hug.]

You have nothing to apologize for, Marik-kun. Being with you is what matters to me. Doesn't matter what we do or where we go, you-- [She nuzzled his cheek.] are amazing, and I love you.

[She hoped her words and her hug would give Marik the strength he needed. They could easily go to a café and then head back to the hotel, it wasn't an issue for her.

Slowly, she pulled away from him, only to hold his hand soon after. It was such an unconscious thing. Her hand seeking his to hold. A way for him to stay connected and show a minor form of affection.]

Remember, we can always come back. [So there wasn't a need or a rush to do everything that the city had to offer.]

I think I saw a café two or three blocks away? [That sounded right to her, but she had to take out her phone to double check. Confirming their destination, she started to walk with him.]

[thetombkeeper]

[He practically melts into the hug and wraps his arms around Usagi in return, her words and affection successful in helping him feel a bit better. Marik sighs, closing his eyes for a moment when she nuzzles his cheek.]

I love you too... You're the best thing to have ever happened to me...

[He reopens his eyes and smiles down at her.]

Thank you. We should be good at the café... It'll be nice to get a drink and snack...

[The tomb keeper holds on to Usagi's hand, not too tightly, but still secure enough that he feels a sense of comfort from her. As they head to the café, Marik mostly remains silent, trying to be as low profile as possible. When they arrive, he looks up at the menu and tries to figure out what he wants to get.]

You want to split a box of cookies or should we get manju buns?

[moonlightshine]

Mmm, cookies is always a good go-to. [And honestly, who could say no to sweets?] We could split that --I can get the cookies, my treat.

[Usagi had been saving up her allowance by not going to the arcade. A very hard thing to do for a teenager, but she managed. She wanted to make this trip as fun or comfortable as possible for Marik. So far, no one was giving them any trouble.]

There was a stationary shop on the way over here, maybe we could check that out later? [The blonde asked, squeezing Marik's hand for comfort. Maybe if they did nothing related to dueling today, that might help him.

Or, maybe she could fill the silence by talking about other things.]

Um, I don't know if I told you, but I think Umino-kun might be asking Naru-chan out soon. They would make a cute couple, don't you think so?

[thetombkeeper]

You don't need to do that.

[He can easily afford it and he doesn't mind spending money on her.]

Yeah, we can do that. I like when you send me those little notes in school on your different stationary. I've saved every one, you know.

[Marik orders his own drink and the cookies first before answering her question. That and the stationary talk seems to have taken his mind off of his previous concerns.]

Is he? I'm surprised. They would make a cute couple. You think he might want some tips from me...?

Slightly later that evening

[thetombkeeper]

[When it seemed that Usagi would probably be out the rest of the night, Marik let the girls known of her state and that it was good to send Luna over whenever. He spends much of the time remaining by his girlfriend's side until Luna arrives but there are moments where he wanders off into the next room to look out the window, read something, or work on meditating to suppress or disguise his new powers.

He's done it once before, he can do it again. It was going to take some time though and that wasn't something that was necessarily on his side. A pity. He always tried to aim for the long game. This rash decision of his was somewhat out of character for him but... he'd make it work. He just had to.

When Luna arrives, Marik lets her in, hoping he's gotten enough practice to conceal the darkness enough for her not to notice anything.

Knowing his luck with the cat, probably not. He can just say it's from being near the Items again. Maybe she'll believe that.]

... She's in the bedroom. I figured I'd just let her sleep for as long as she needed.

[moonlightshine]

[Luna was greatly concerned for Usagi's well being. At least she was able to talk to Mari and not hide behind the 'I'm just a cat' act. He opened the door and she walked right on it. There was something...different about Marik. Nothing she could pinpoint to, but something for her to keep an eye on.]

Thank you, Marik. The rest of the girls are resting up. Ami was working on getting an analysis of the youma they faced, but until we're back in Tokyo...I don't think we can solve much.

[They needed to get back to their headquarters to do more research, and look into archives to see if this enemy was from the past or something from the present.]

I can watch over her if you like. I know Usagi-chan mentioned you lived here once, if you want to visit old places or check up on old friends.

[Usagi didn't really give Luna a lot of insight to Marik's past, otherwise she wouldn't have suggested Marik go off on his own.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik frowns upon hearing that they haven't been able to find much out just yet. It's to be expected but still. He shuts the door behind them and walks over to the window, looking down at the cityscape with a hint of sadness in his eyes.]

I don't have any friends. Not here, at least. No one actively wants to seek out my company except to check on if I'm behaving myself.

[He grits his teeth. That's exactly why Yugi wanted to meet up later. He'd be a fool not to see that.]

... I'd rather stay by Usagi's side, if you're alright with that.

[A pause. It has been a few hours since he last ate... His expression softens a bit as he looks back at Luna.]

Although I suppose I could do a food run... Are you hungry?

[moonlightshine]

[Luna's ears twitch from Marik's tone as he stresses specific words. It almost sounds like he's upset--not angry but...lost perhaps? She carefully moved away from Usagi to look over at Marik, still feeling something different about him, but again unsure of what or why.]

You can stay by her side, I know she would be happy to see you when she wakes up.

[And if he got tired, one of the girls could stay with Usagi. She was more than just their princess, but a treasured friend.

The mention of food makes Luna chuckle sheepishly.]

I'm fine, thank you. It's a kind offer, but I shouldn't... [Artemis made a comment about 'extra fluff' and she nearly clawed him for it.]

If you want to get food, by all means. I can work Usagi-chan's cellphone. If she wakes up before you're back, I can text you.

[But, what were the chances of that happening?]

[thetombkeeper]

[That particular speech pattern of his was far more prevalent when he first arrived in Juban but it faded as time went on, his mannerisms becoming more relaxed and natural feeling.

But now he was back to emphasizing certain words, as if to prove a point.

He manages a small smile at Luna acting sheepish.]

I'll grab something really quick, just in case she's hungry when she wakes up... Like from one of the restaurants nearby. I shouldn't be more than 15 minutes.

[Even though she refused, Marik would still grab her a treat.

Before he leaves he ties back his hair and removes his makeup. Best to make himself less noticeable, right? The trip is thankfully uneventful. People leave him alone, he gets their food, and returns to hotel room within his guessed time. His mind is still preoccupied with the days events, of course, but he's calmed down a considerable amount.

The hotel door opens and Marik enters, carrying a couple of bags, careful to be quiet as to not disturb Usagi. Luna can likely hear him shuffling about though. Once he's set up things in the kitchen he peeps his head into the bedroom to check on them.]

How's she doing?

[moonlightshine]

Be safe! [Luna called out, watching the taller teenager leave the room. She moved back over to Usagi's sleeping form, opting to lay down next to her and watch for any signs that she might wake up. Luna faintly heard the door open and close, signaling Marik's departure. The minutes passed so quickly, she was surprised hear the door open again.

In that time, Usagi continued to stay asleep, only moving once to roll over into a more comfortable position. It's not until she heard Marik's voice that she starts to stir. A yawn followed by a tired sigh is enough to make Luna move closer to nuzzle the blonde's face.]

Finally waking up...[Luna said softly, continuing to nuzzle her charge's cheek. Usagi weakly chuckled, carefully moving to sit up.]

I feel...better? I think... [Usagi's voice was raspy, a sign she had been sleeping for a while. She carefully positioned Luna to be on her lap, allowing her to look at Marik with his hair tied back and no makeup on his face.]

Sorry for making you two worry. I guess this is what I get for skipping lunch? [A weak joke by her, but she didn't want to think too much about a potential enemy she had little to no info on.]

Shortly after the Bakura encounter

[thetombkeeper]

[Completely unaware of the events that had taken place, Usagi gets a text shortly after she calms down a bit.]

Hey, sorry that took so long. Have you and the girls headed out for dinner yet?

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi doesn't text Marik back right away. Not too unusual for her since she was out with her friends, but it's not until close to twenty minutes later that she sends a text message back.]

No, we haven't. We're heading back to the hotel.

Something came up, and we might head back to Tokyo sooner than expected.

[thetombkeeper]

[It's a bit unusual for her to take so long. Marik has already made his way back to the hotel after purchasing a couple of decks from Solomon's shop before he left. He practically jumps to reply when he receives her text.]

Is everything alright?

[moonlightshine]

[They aren't that far from the hotel, another five minutes and they would be at the lobby. Usagi was debating if she should reply to Marik's message now or when she went to their room. His question...it's what any good boyfriend would ask. This Bakura character could be messing with her. For all she knew, he might've been the one who sent her the Battle City footage months ago when they first started dating.

Was this a test to see if Marik truly was a different person now? Or, was there something else going on? They had to get to the bottom of it, but Usagi still clung to the belief that Marik hadn't changed. That he was still the boy she fell in love with--the one who wanted to turn his life around.

Lost in her own thoughts, she doesn't realize they've made it to the hotel lobby until she was in the elevator heading up. Marik could probably hear her footsteps right up until she's at the door. Taking a deep breath, she entered their room with her head bowed. She held two small bags in one hand, evidence of her shopping trip.

Hopefully he wouldn't notice the slight puffiness to her eyes or redness.]

I'm back... [She called out, unsure if he was in the room or not.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik waits anxiously, pacing around the room. He could text the other girls to get an answer from them but Usagi might take that as an insult. When he hears the door open, the blonde boy rushes forward and pulls her into a tight hug, one hand wrapped around her waist, the other clutching the back of her head.

He doesn't notice that she's been crying. Not yet anyways. Not with her face buried in his shoulder as he holds her.]

Gods, I'm so glad you're safe...

[He wants to know what happened but... no. It's best to wait. Give her time to talk when she's ready to.]

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi stiffened in Marik's hold, unsure of what was going on. She had come through the hotel door and then she was suddenly pulled into an embrace. The scent of Marik's perfume calmed her, reminded her of what was going on. Then she heard his voice, saying he was glad she was okay. Those words caused her lower lip to tremble and a lump started to form in her throat.

He had been worried about her. He wanted to make sure she was okay. If he was evil, if he was still the same person as before, he wouldn't bother with her, right?

No, Usagi believed he had changed. This was still the boy she fell in love with and Bakura had to be wrong. Her friends were on the fence. They were starting to suggest they all keep their distance until they figure out more information about their new enemy. If they were connected to the Millennium Items or not. It was hard to say how forthcoming Marik would be with information regarding the Items, since...he wasn't forthcoming about Battle City.

The blonde still hadn't told her friends anything about the videos she found, or the conversation she had with Marik on the school rooftop.

Maybe...maybe this was all some sort of scheme by Bakura? Revenge for what happened in Battle City? He might have been the one who sent Usagi those videos in the first place, she didn't know. But, what she did know was that Marik had changed. He was different, and she believed that in her heart of hearts. Her arms came around his waist to return the embrace.

She took a deep breath, doing her best to keep herself from crying. If she started to cry, then she would sob and she wouldn't be able to speak coherently. ]

I-I'm okay. N-no one was hurt. [Another deep breath, another moment to gather her thoughts. If she wanted to know the truth...now might be the right time.]

Marik...[She tightened her hold of him then, bracing herself for his reaction.] Who is Bakura?

Back in Tokyo

[thetombkeeper]

[Things had mostly gone back to normal. Marik seemed more himself, the dark energy hadn't made a reappearance, and there hadn't been any further youma attacks. He'd even maintained contact with Yugi and his grandfather since the trip. There were plans for Yugi to come visit sometime in the next few weeks.

There was one thing that needed to be covered though... and that was what had happened in Battle City.

After a day at school at the end of the week, Marik pulls Usagi to the side before they were about to leave the classroom.]

Hey... Do you have anything going on tonight or tomorrow morning?

[moonlightshine]

[Things appeared to be calm in Tokyo. The dark energy hasn’t resurfaced and there weren’t any youma attacks, but there was still a lot of discussion around what happened in Domino. Was there a new enemy on the horizon? Or was it something else?

There were a few nights where Usagi couldn’t spend time with Marik as she had to have meetings with the girls and talk things over…but since things had been peaceful, surely, it would stay that way? At least that was the hope. Though there was still that Bakura character to contend with as he easily stole her locket…

No, she wouldn’t dwell on that. Not right now.

Being pulled to the side by Marik wasn’t uncommon, but his question made her blink once then twice. ]

Mmmm, I don’t think so. [There was a slight tilt of her head as she looked him over. Was something wrong?]

I don’t think the girls and I getting together tonight. Did you want to…study or…?

[Was he trying to get her to go out on a date? Ina very round about fashion?]

[thetombkeeper]

[Bakura was somewhat of a concern of his. That would be something he'd have to take care of himself without getting Usagi involved - later though. There were more important matters to deal with, such as finally being open with his girlfriend.

If only it were a date. He seems a bit uncomfortable but doesn't want to give Usagi the impression that any of this is her fault. Having someone say "hey, we need to talk" and leaving it at that is never a good move to pull.]

I was hoping to... talk to you. About Battle City. I need to tell you everything that happened.

[He pauses. Usagi may note his use of "need" rather than "want."]

If you'd rather not discuss something so... dark, I understand.

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi was able to note of the difference. He needed to talk to her about Battle City. It brought her back to the hotel room in Domino, where he held her and told her they would talk about it soon. That day had some.

She reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. ]

No, no. We can talk about it. After school today, we can talk at your place?

[Since it would be more private than talking about it on school grounds or at the arcade. ]

I want to know what happened.

[thetombkeeper]

[He's thankful for the gesture, returning the squeeze and relaxing a bit.]

Yeah. I was thinking later tonight. You could stay at my place if it gets too late. That's... if you're comfortable doing so after... hearing everything.

[Marik frowns. He'd understand if she didn't want to stay after what he'd be telling her.]

[moonlightshine]

Marik-kun…

[Usagi took his hand and brought it to the side of her face. She pressed a kiss into his palm, hoping it would soothe both of them. The topic would be a heavy one for the night. ]

I can stay the night—just, take things slowly. And we don’t need to go through everything tonight.

I know…it’s a difficult topic, but I know you’re not the same person as you were before. It’ll be okay.