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

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi was starting to get worried when she couldn't stop her boyfriend. Had something happened to him and someone used his cell to impersonate him? Or was there something going on? No, she couldn't let her mind wander down a rabbit hole. As soon as she could find Marik, then everything would be okay--!

She stiffened suddenly feeling a hand on her shoulder. Her body was in fight or flight mode, prepared to do either in a split second. It's not until she hears a familiar voice that she calms down.]

Marik-kun! [She turned around to face him, wanting to check him over and make sure he was okay. Her expressive blue eyes showed so much concern for the boy who held her heart.]

There you are! I was about ready to call you... [She slowed down towards the end, the adrenaline running through her system made it hard to talk at a normal speed.]

Are you sure you're okay?

[thetombkeeper]

[If Usagi isn't distracted by everything else that's been going on she may notice his eyes appear dull again like when they first met. A lack of light to them.

Marik gives her a soft smile, moving his hand to cup her cheek.]

Of course I'm okay. I'm more concerned about you. Are you alright? Do you need to rest...?

[moonlightshine]

[The affection was comforting. It was something Marik had done nearly dozens of times before. But in looking into his eyes...there was something wrong. The light in his eyes...where did it go?]

Are you sure? I know I left you with Yugi-kun... [Which was stressful enough as it was, and she can imagine how he was itching to leave within a few minutes.]

Mmm, I am tired. [Exhausted even, and it feels like she's feeling it even more as she's not running around.]

But you're my priority. I didn't think anything came this way. So... [Was he truly fine?

She reached up to gently touch his forehead, brushing his hair away from his eyes.]

[thetombkeeper]

Your text made a convenient excuse. I said it was a weather warning and that I was going to find you and head back to the hotel. I think... I might shoot him a text later. I have his number from Odion.

[His expression softens more as she brushes his hair out of his face, Marik in turn stroking her cheek.]

Nothing came this way. Don't worry. Why don't we head back so you can nap for a bit? Then maybe we can stop by Yugi's grandfather's game shop. Yugi said we were welcome to come by...

[moonlightshine]

[Cue blinking from the shorter blonde. He was willing to text Yugi? That....that was good. Even better was the fact that he wanted to visit his grandfather's shop?]

You feel comfortable enough to do that? You're not stressed?

[His comfort and happiness were her top priority. If he was feeling okay to text Yugi or visit him, that was an impressive improvement. It made her wonder what happened after she left.]

If you want to visit him, we could do that.. But, I am feeling tired. [Even sleepy in fact. The aftermath of that battle was hitting her harder than the other battles she's faced.]

A nap...a nap sounds so good right now. [And to think, she didn't have any of those cookies from earlier!]

[thetombkeeper]

I mean... he invited us, right? If it's just him, I think I can deal. He didn't have to do that but... he did. Besides, I've always been curious about the shop.

[He'd have to tell her in detail about what he'd done when he was the wielder of the Rod eventually. Probably sooner rather than later if they were to bump into Joey any time soon. Once Usagi had gotten to nap, maybe.

Marik lets go of her cheek to turn around and kneel down slightly.

He'd dropped the cookies in the alleyway. Hn. He could say he forgot them if it came up.]

Come on... Let's get you back to the hotel.

[moonlightshine]

He did... [Well, technically, he invited Marik, but Usagi was more than happy to go with him to make sure he was okay. It seemed harmless, and hopefully no one else would suddenly appear.[ We can figure out a time for us to go over.

[Usagi blinked, seeing the position that Marik got into and stepped to his side.]

No, it's okay! The hotel isn't far. I can make the walk over there. [She wouldn't pass out like she did that one time he was walking her home! She wasn't a little kid who needed a piggyback ride--even though she was short for her age.]

It'll be a ten minute walk at most, I can hold out for that long.

[Usagi waited for him to stand up and moved to take his hand like she normally did. Little did she know, by being in such close contact with Marik, it was going to drain her energy faster.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Eh. Although Marik doesn't know Yugi very well, he's very easy to read and he suspects part of the reason he invited him was to see what he was up to. That was a game he could easily play though.]

If you're sure... You know I don't mind carrying you.

[Marik takes a hold of Usagi's hand, completely unaware that he is the reason she's feeling so tired. He just knows that he feels... quite incredibly right now. ]

How did the battle go, by the way...? Do you think it was connected to those clouds?

[moonlightshine]

I know you don't mind, but you've done enough today.

[Coming out to Domino with her, and being her tour guide of sorts. Not to mention, he handed her exit so gracefully.

Usagi took his hand, threading their fingers together. She was finally feeling better, feeling more comfortable and at ease. Yet, her energy was starting to fall faster. Her steps started to slow down and leaning on Marik a little more.]

Rei thinks there was some connection....and the youma was stronger this time.

[She made sure to keep her voice down, not wanting others to overhear them. They were about five minutes away from the hotel. Usagi was being stubborn and would not fall asleep on her boyfriend again. She had to think of other things to talk about. Talking and walking were easy enough to do.]

We're not sure what happened, or if it was a fluke... [She wasn't sure, the regroup was necessary.

As they walked, the blonde paid attention to how close they were to the hotel. In passing by a few people, there was a taller man wearing a fancy tuxedo. He had jet black hair, but grey colored eyes. Usagi turned her head slightly, caught off guard to see someone dressed so fancy.]

Oh...how interesting. [A man in a tuxedo. It made her think of weddings...nothing else.]

[thetombkeeper]

I didn't go fight monsters, now did I?

[Which is entirely fair.

As they continue to walk, Marik can't help but notice Usagi starting to falter in her steps. He really should have carried her...]

Were they? That's concerning... Do you think it's a new enemy...?

[Although he had managed to calm down, the tomb keeper's eyes almost instantly hone in on the man in the tuxedo and it immediately riles him up as the vision the Wiseman showed him pops up in his mind. Marik actively lets out a snarl, letting go of her hand to instead grab her by the waist and pull her closer as they walk by the poor clueless stranger.]

[moonlightshine]

No... [He didn't fight monsters, but he did other things! Things that were hard to think of at the moment, but he did plenty for them.

She wasn't sure if they should continue to talk about the youma they faced, not until they we in the hotel room. The most she could do was nod--

Until Marik was holding her and practically snarling at the poor man in a tuxedo. Usagi looked over her shoulder at her boyfriend, feeling a strange warmth rise up in her, but also shock. What was he thinking?!]

Marik-kun! [The poor stranger practically ran away at that moment from the couple.] What was that for? [Did the guy look at them in an inappropriate way? Was something said that she didn't hear?]

He was probably on his way to somewhere important.

[thetombkeeper]

[He didn't though. He was just moral support. That fact had always bothered him, that all he could do was sit by while everything happened. He couldn't even give her a strategical advantage since they could all already sense the dark energy without his needed input.

He was useless to her... Was. But not anymore.

But his little outburst had been reckless. He should have controlled his emotions better. Seeing that man in the tuxedo though just made his blood boil. Who was that man in the vision...? He would have to keep an eye out for him.

Marik looks down at Usagi then away from her like a scolded cat, pursing his lips slightly.]

Sorry. I... didn't like the look he was giving you...

[moonlightshine]

[If Marik had told Usagi of his feelings, she would've helped him. Moral support was just as important to her as everything else. She wouldn't be able to handle him being out on the battlefield with her. If something happened to him, her heart would be crushed.

Which was why she had texted him to get to a safe place, away from the danger. He had followed through with her request, but now he was snapping at strangers!

She weakly glared at him.]

He wasn't looking at me in any way. [Not from what she could see.]

He looked like he was on his way to a wedding, or an important event. There wasn't a need to get upset.

[Sigh, she was going to chalk it up to his stress levels being out of control. Her glare softened as she squeezed his hand.]

...you know there's no one else for me, right?

[thetombkeeper]

[It wouldn't have helped, not in the long run. Marik had always felt powerless most of his life. Putting together the Rare Hunters, stealing the God Cards, and going after Yugi was one of the few times he felt like things were in his control - combined with having the Rod, it truly made him feel powerful.

He clicks his tongue in annoyance at his own stupidity, his hand going back down to hold her hand once more, which she ends up giving him a reassuring squeeze.

That would certainly make for an interesting story for the groom. "A feral-looking lionish tanned teen growled at me on my way to the wedding."]

I-I know... I'm sorry. I guess I'm... jumping at shadows.

[He sighs.]

... After you get some rest, we can talk more. I owe you an in-depth explanation of what I did here... so you understand why I've been so... off.

[moonlightshine]

[At some point...all of them were going to need therapy. Marik to help him with his control issues, and Usagi....to help cope with death. The number of times she's died or nearly died would be a lot for anyone. The topic probably won't enter into either of their minds, not yet.

At Marik's sigh, she reached up with her free hand to gently run her fingers through his hair. It was something she always found comforting as a child, and even well into her teenage years.]

Tell me as much as you feel comfortable with. [Usagi murmured, finding her eyelids were growing heavy. No! She had to stay awake! She wasn't going to fall asleep in his arms when the hotel was so close!]

Mmm, we should keep going. I haven't felt this tired in....in a long time.

[thetombkeeper]

[If he'd ever be open to him. In his mind, he figured he could just work through his issues himself.

Or just shove them into the back of his mind.

Usagi playing with his hair has the wanted effect, calming Marik further. He couldn't relax too much though... he needed to get her back to the hotel.]

I will.

[A thought occurs to him. What if... he's the reason she's feeling so weak? If the clouds were caused by the power of Nemesis then it's safe to say the darkness exuding off of him would be affecting her as well. Shoot. He'll need to learn to suppress it as to not distract or drain her any further...]

I wonder if you're feeling the Millennium Items as well... They're at least 4 located here right in Domino City. I believe little Yugi is in possession of all of them. That's a lot of concentrated dark magic in one spot, particularly from the Rod and the Ring.

[He manages to get her back to the hotel though, getting her comfortable and tucked into bed. Thy tomb keeper places a kiss to her forehead.]

You get some rest, okay? I'll be here by your side the entire time...

[moonlightshine]

Maybe?

[That sounded feasible, but at the same time, she wasn't exactly sure. More things to discuss with Luna and the girls. Perhaps coming to Domino City was a bad idea--but at least they didn't damage any of the KaibaCorp buildings! Small victories there.

They manage to get back to the hotel, with Usagi getting herself comfortable and tucked back into bed by Marik.]

O-okay.. [The word is drawn out with a yawn. Her blue eyes fluttering shut the moment her head hits the pillow. Normally, she would be out for one to two hours, but she was extremely tired. Her body needed to rest after fighting that stronger youma and from the potential dark energy that Items were exuding.

There was concern by the girls with wanting to check up on Usagi. At least they didn't knock on the hotel door. Rather, Ami ended up texting Marik to ask if they were okay...

And of course, if Luna could come in to check on her charge.]