moonlightshine | Closed to thetombkeeper

Closed to thetombkeeper

[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.

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[Usagi continued to sit and listen with an open heart. She tried to be strong, to not let her tears stain her cheeks but as he continued to tell her more and more of what happened. The horrors he endured and the pain he inflicted upon others…

It broke her heart.

She shifted in her seat, opting to hug her knee to her chest. She could only imagine the hurt and anger he experienced as a child, wanting to rewrite his destiny. How that anger and bitterness continued to grow well into his childhood, even with Orion there. Part of her wondered why he didn’t stop—could he not? Was he blinded by his own goals so much?

He’s not the same person. she told herself. He had shown her a kinder, more gentler side. He had a second chance now…he wasn’t going to waste it.]

…do you regret what happened? [She found herself asking in a soft, almost small voice.

And damnit, where was she when all of this was happening in Domino? Did it take place while they were battling the Dark Kingdom? When it felt like the world would be swallowed up in darkness and their past would repeat itself?]

Edited 2023-02-22 15:03 (UTC)

[It kills him to see her like this and not be able to do anything to make her feel better, especially because he's the one causing it.

He's grateful she hasn't run away but when she asks him that question, he almost wishes she had. Marik stands up and takes a few steps forward, folding his arms over his chest as he faces away from her. He replays the events through his head again, assessing where things went wrong and what he would change if he could.

In the end, if those things hadn't of happened like they did, he would have never met Usagi. There was no point in lying to her. Not now, at least. She deserves the truth - even if it's something she won't likely want to hear from him.]

I regret messing up and accidentally allowing him to take control. ... But overall, no. I don't.

[Marik doesn’t regret it. He doesn’t regret anything he’s done. He regrets messing up, but that was it. Usagi felt her heart stop then and found more tears coming down her face.

Her lower lip was trembling as she held back a sob. Her heart broke for him and for what he endured—but he didn’t care about the pain he caused? The lives that were lost? Could she be with someone who cared so little.]

I…I should go.

[Before she turned into a crying mess. Before she said something she might regret.

If he didn’t care about what he did wrong, what did that say about their future together?]

[Marik tenses up, his hold on himself tightening as he hears Usagi's quiet sounds of distress. He wants nothing more than to turn around and hold her, tell her everything will be alright. That even despite what he did, he's a different person now. He swallows, ignoring the creeping darkness wanting to wash over him.

He shouldn't say it. Shouldn't use what happened to guilt her. To tell her that he's fine with how things happened because it made it so they met. That she could be a guiding light for him.

He could persuade her. It was what he was good at. Manipulating people into doing his bidding. It's why he handled the Millennium Rod so well. He was a natural at it.

He glances over his shoulder at her, his eyes somehow more dull than they were before and his tone of voice is soft.]

... I'm sorry I hurt you.

[I’m sorry I hurt you.

Usagi felt her heart break for a second time that night. Marik warned her it would be a heavy discussion, but she wasn’t prepared for it. Yes, he did horrible things. He didn’t regret them, but…he wasn’t the same person.

He wouldn’t have apologized to her if he still wanted power. If he still yearned to rule the world.

Holding back her sob, she moved off the couch to hug her boyfriend from behind. Her face pressed into his back, his blank tank top catching her tears as she held onto him. No, she couldn’t walk away. He had a dark past but he was different—

He doesn’t regret what he did.

Could she really look past that? ]

M-Marik. [Breathe. She couldn’t speak probably if she was sobbing. ] I know…I know you’re not like that anymore. But why don’t you regret it?

You could’ve died! You could’ve died and I wouldn’t have met you….[He should care about that much at least. Or so Usagi hoped. ]

[The air from his lung suddenly vanishes and he finds himself feeling lightheaded for a moment as it sinks in what's happening. Usagi's holding him. Even after she said she should leave. His eyes widen and he at a loss for words.

Why doesn't he regret it? Marik grits his teeth, trembling slightly as he tries to formulate a way to tell her honestly but also won't paint him in too bad of a light.]

I did what I thought I deserved. I-

[... He can't help but smile. So Usagi's mind went to the same place. She voiced it before him. He places a hand on top of her arm.

Yes. He can do this. Just be genuine and honest with her...]

If I hadn't of done all of that, I wouldn't have wound up where I am today. I wouldn't have you. I'd be rotting away in Egypt, having never gotten to explore the outside world. My soul would still be split in two. I don't need to fear him hurting you.

I may not regret my actions but... that doesn't mean I'm not learning from them.

[Marik was learning from his actions. He may not regret them, but he was learning from them and becoming a better person. If he was still the same person as before…she would’ve seen him as an enemy. She wouldn’t have gotten to know his sweeter side. She wouldn’t have been able to create so many wonderful memories with him.

Usagi continued to press her face into his back, letting the tears fall down her face. Unknowingly, her light reacted, reaching out to Marik to try and soothe both of them. ]

I know you’re not the same person as before… [She murmured into his back, continuing to hold onto him as though he might suddenly fade away if she let go. ]

I know you’re learning and growing—becoming the person you were meant to be. I’m….I’m sorry we didn’t meet earlier. [Ahh, there it was. The part of her that felt guilty for not doing anything.

Sailor Moon, champion of justice. Able to save the world, but unable to save someone so precious. ]

M-maybe if we had…things would’ve been different. [No one would’ve had to die or be tortured…

Finally, her crying died down just long enough for her to weakly say:] I would never want to lose you.

[The fact that she's seen the light to his eyes and was the cause for it shows that he's begun to change, no matter how much he thinks he's still mostly the same. His eyes had been dull since undergoing the Ritual. It took 6 years, everything that had happened, and meeting Usagi for him to properly begin to heal.

It's like a warm blanket wrapping around him when she bathes him in her light. Whatever darkness was pulling at his corners retreats back deep into his soul and Marik actively relaxes in her embrace.

If they had met earlier, what would things have been like? Would he have essentially just been like another youma to her? Could she have separated his darker half from his soul like the Pharaoh had? Ultimately the questions weren't important as it was impossible to know how things would have played out.]

You don't need to apologize, Usagi. It was my battle to face.

[The hand resting on her arm tightens slightly in a reassuring manner before he shifts to allow himself to turn around and face her, wrapping his arms around his girlfriend to pull her close.]

You'll never lose me. I'm here to stay. I promise.

[Usagi felt Marik shift, turning around to face her and return the embrace. Her tears had stopped for the moment. He wouldn’t need to worry about the front part of his shirt getting wet. She opted to Burt her face in his chest, holding onto him as his words washed over her.

She wouldn’t lose him. Their hearts were connected. She could feel that in her soul. They wouldn’t stray from each other…

The past could not be changed, but they could shape their future to be a happy one.

When Usagi felt she had control of her emotions, she pulled slightly away from her boyfriend to look up into his lavender eyes. No doubt hers were red from crying so much. ]

I promise, you won’t lose me either. [It was a promise she wouldn’t break. He would always have her. She brought one hand up to gently caress his cheek. ]

Thank you…for telling me, Marik-kun.

[Marik gently clutches the back of her head as he holds her, not caring if she got his shirt wet or not. She was emotional, which was very understandable in this situation, and he didn't mind that one bit.

He didn't want to lose her. He knew the scenario Nemesis had played out had been false. She would never leave him... This just proved it. The gods had forgiven him. They had to have if Usagi was his gift for reforming his soul.

Marik nuzzles her hand almost desperately, relieved things were okay between them. That she wasn't angry at all the things he had done and understood he wanted to better himself, even if the answer he gave wasn't exactly what she would have wanted to hear.]

I'm sorry it was... as dark as it was. I know that was a lot to take in...

Thank you... for giving me a chance. And for staying with me.

[He turns his head to kiss her hand.]

You're the best thing to ever happen to me. You really are... I'll do anything to make you happy...

Being with you makes me happy.

[The words came out softly, with her thumb lightly caressing his lower lip. He didn’t need to give her anything or do anything except spend time with her. Being able to create memories with him, that’s what truly mattered to Usagi. ]

I know it was hard to talk about…but there’s nothing to apologize for. It was something that had to be discussed at some point.

[And better that she heard it from him than someone else.

Usagi brought her hand down in favor of standing on her top toes and pressing her forehead to his. ]

You know I’m here for you, no matter what. As your girlfriend, friend and partner…a shoulder to lean on, or someone to talk to. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t talk to me.

[She didn’t want him to feel like he could only cling to darkness and shadows. He could bathe in her light and find peace with her, if that’s what he truly wanted. ]

…can I still stay the night?

[He shudders slightly from both her words and the brush to his lips.]

Usagi... I can't thank you enough...

[There's only two secrets he has now: Yami having killed his father and taking Nemesis's power.

When she leans upwards to press their foreheads together, he smiles warmly and gives Usagi an eskimo kiss.

He absolutely wants to bathe in her light, in her presence. Feel her against him, breathe in her scent.

To heal his soul.]

Of course... I'd really like that...

[There was a soft, but tired smile on Usagi’s face. The eskimo kiss was welcomed, but she ended up leaning in a bit more to softly place a sweet kiss to his lips. She could stay the night, that was the plan anyway. Luna already knew she was going to Marik’s place and not to worry.

As the kiss came to its natural end, she placed another one to his forehead. ]

Okay…I’ll stay. And maybe, I’ll be the big spoon this time. [Cuddle against him, holding him and protecting him from the darkness that lingered. She was more than happy to do it. ]

Should we go to your room? [It wouldn’t take her long to change, and after crying so much, she needed to cuddle with him for a long while. ]

[He's not sure why but the kiss catches him off guard, causing him to melt into it. Usagi can feel him tremble slightly. A part of him thinks he still doesn't deserve this.]

That s-sounds wonderful...

[Like, really wonderful. Marik feels like it could even be enough to cast out Nemesis's power, not that it's been an issue yet... It's a failsafe, that's all. Nothing to worry about...

He pulls back slightly, moving his hands down to take a hold of Usagi's.]

Mnn. Yeah... Want me to grab your bag?

Mmm, I can grab it. [She squeezed his hands before pulling back to quickly grab her bag, slinging one strap over her shoulder. Soon enough Usagi was back at Marik’s side, her hand in his. ]

I can spoon you and we can sleep in…maybe try to have breakfast together.

[That would be a nice way to start the day, cuddling until they fell asleep. Then in the morning, they could cuddle some more. All in all, it would just be a cuddle party. Something they both needed; physical affection, words of love and moments together. ]

Or, stay in bed all day and talk…whatever you want.

[The tomb keeper waits for her to walk back over then squeezes her hand when she takes a hold of his again.]

Sounds like the perfect start to the weekend to me.

[He leads her into his bedroom, still the same as always except for a few added things from their various dates placed throughout the room.]

Let's see how we feel in the morning. I'm open to whatever... as long as it's with you.

[Marik lets go of her hand and over to his dresser to remove the few pieces of jewelry he's still wearing. He'll wait until she's gone to the bathroom or turned around before he takes off his pants. After he's removed his jewelry, he looks over his shoulder at Usagi and smiles.]

... I consider myself very blessed to have you as my friend and partner, Usagi. You really are the best thing to ever happened to me...

Right? [Usagi let out a soft chuckle, moving with Marik into his bedroom. She placed her bag at the foot of his bed, her eyes roaming over the items he’s collected from their dates. It was cute, and very sweet. Another sign that he had changed. ]

If I could…I’d wake up next to you every morning. [ The blonde murmured as she fished out her pajamas. Turning her back to him, Usagi started to change out of her clothes, opting for a pink long sleeved shirt with white buttons down the center and matching pink pants.

If Marik glanced over his shoulder to look at her…she would be too tired to notice.

When Usagi was done, she placed her clothes back into her bag. She lifted her head just in time to see his smiling face. The young woman moved towards him, hugging him from behind again. Her hands wrapped around his waist and cheek pressed against his back. ]

The same holds true for me as well, Marik-kun.

[Her hold on him tightened for a moment. ]

When I think about the future…I can’t picture myself with anyone else. No other hand I’d want to hold. You’re…you’re the one for me, Marik-kun.

[Marik behaved himself, not looking over his shoulders until after he's undressed himself and was certain she wasn't in the middle of changing. His cheeks heat up at her words and he finds himself sheepishly looking away again.]

I'd like that too...

[He practically melts against her when she embraces him, his heart feeling like it was fluttering. Gods, she makes him so happy. Makes him feel safe, loved.

He places a hand on her arm once more, tightening his own hold on her in return.]

Neither can I. I know... I'm not the best person. I never will be... but with you, I want to become better. With you, I can feel as if my soul is beginning to heal...

I love you, Usagi. I always will, no matter what.

Mark-kun… [His words make her heart flutter, and all she wants to do is hold him for the rest of the evening. Still, he said those words to her, she had to say them back. The young woman shifted to move to his side, continuing to hold him as she did. ]

I love you too, that will never change.

[Because she meant what she said. He was it for her. While some might say that was a very foolish thing to say given how young they were, she knew it to be true. No one else would have her heart.

She leaned again to gently nuzzle his cheek. ]

I’ll always love you, Marik-kun.

[Most would say it was foolish, yes. But most also weren't raised in the capacity that Marik was. Dating wasn't a thing. It was assigned marriages. He knew from their first date that he wanted to continue being friends with her and to further their relationship as well into something that would last forever.

He had eyes only for her. Usagi was perfect for him. They would spend the rest of their lives together and that's all he wanted in life.

Marik smiles, moving to slowly pull her with him towards the bed.]

Come on. I think cuddles are in order.

[To which he pulls the blankets back and climbs into bed, lying back and patting the spot next to him for her to join him in.]

You are absolutely right. [The blonde haired girl giggled, moving behind him towards the bed.

She didn’t let her hair down, opting to keep it in its odango style. She could always fix her hair later if she had to. For now, she waited for Marik to get into bed before she climbed in after him. Regardless of who was the big spoon or not, she moved to hold him.

Unless he said otherwise, Usagi would most likely be attached to him through the night. ]

Mmm, Umino-kun did ask Naru-chan out. They have a date next week. [She murmured against his shirt, happy to breathe in his scent and tangle her limbs with his. ]

[He had absolutely no complaints about any of that. Just having her with him was more than enough but actively feeling her against him was a definite form of comfort for him.

Marik wraps one arm under and the other draped over her, allowing him to hold her close.]

Do they? Nice. I'm glad it worked out for him.

[A pause.]

Yugi was thinking of visiting next weekend. It kind of surprised me, to be honest. I didn't think we'd.. hit it off so well, you know?

[If her parents knew what she was doing, they might be worried but they trusted their daughter. Sure, she had been tempted to do more while they were in bed together, but right now they needed to spend time cuddling. Time to unwind and let their hearts and souls heal.

She craned her head up to place a soft kiss to his cheek. ]

Mhmm, he waited until lunch to do. Naru-chan was blushing. She’s excited.

[She was cheering her friends on. Hopefully it would work out for them. ]

He does? [Wow, that was quite the surprise. ] Well…you two seem to have similar interests—card games I mean. And he seems to be a very nice person.

[A pause as she moved to rest her head on his chest. ]

Do you think he’s coming with his friends? We could meet up if you like—oh! I could introduce him to Ami-chan and Mina-chan.

[Those two might be a good match for him. That was assuming Yugi didn’t have plans of his own already. ]

[Likewise, Marik really just wanted to bask in her presence. They had had an emotional evening so it was best to take things slow and let it happen naturally if it were to go further.

He hums at the kiss, resting his cheek against the upper part of Usagi's head.]

Heheh. The only advice I'd give him is to get contact lenses for the date. Then she'll really blush.

[Marik allows her to shift, raising his hand to stroke through her bangs as she lays on his chest. Usagi's able to hear his heartbeat. It's slow, relaxed, but strong.]

Yeah... He seems more mature than I initially thought. More than the Pharaoh, at least...

He said it would just be him. Wants to get out on his own for a bit. I can't say I blame him... I'd be up for introducing him to the girls though.

He shouldn’t need contact lenses. He’s fine as is. [Usagi huffed, though Marik had something of a point. His glasses were there but, it shouldn’t matter what someone looked like. What mattered was what was on the inside.

The sound of Marik’s heartbeat helps to relax her. It’s a steady rhythm that acts like a lullaby, slowly luring her to sleep. ]

If it’s just him then…maybe you could show him around? Or if you want, I could do it. I don’t mind. [ Yugi seemed like a really nice person and had a kind heart from what she saw. Though, she had to chuckle a little at her boyfriend. ]

Don’t judge a book by its cover, comes to mind. I’m not really mature but…you know. [She had a secret identity. She was a princess in her past life and still was in this one, but she was carving her own destiny. ]

Mmmm….you’re really comfy, Marik….

Closed to thetombkeeper

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