Diabound had spent the past week a wreck since his and Malik's fight. Whenever he went into his room, his thoughts went to Malik; the shower, Malik; hell, even when he saw his cat (who had finally come home), it was Malik. Thoroughly exasperated with how weak he was acting, Diabound had finally decided to take a walk. He knew he probably looked as bad as he felt, but that was the least of his worries - maybe a little museum exploration would take his minds off of things. Indeed, when Diabound wasn't thinking of Malik, he'd been thinking of the museum, wondering if it was worth a try to slip back into his thieving habits once more. Thus, heading in that direction, Diabound grumbled to himself about anything from the sun beating on him to the fact that he had no ride.

Malik Ishtar, as stubborn and capricious as he was, hadn’t expected to become so damn besotted with someone he’d had at his fingertips a mere week ago. He was beginning to believe everything between them was screwed – he’d done nothing but brood over their argument; as a way to relieve his tension, he’d (yet again) gone to his other self for some form of solace. Hell, even his darker half’s return hadn’t seemed as colossal as their break-up had, and that was saying something – Malik’s yami had offered to ‘take care’ of Diabound, but it made Malik nauseous to think of such a thing even happening.

On top of all this, Malik’s thoughts were somewhat preoccupied with the man stalking his sister; he’d decided to see if he could meet up with his sister at the museum, seeing as she’d practically dropped off the face of the planet since he’d moved away, and now, she only seemed to care about his other self. Malik didn’t care; family was insignificant. Yep.

So, on his now-fixed motorbike, Malik was racing at a high speed toward the Domino City Museum, his hair tied back in a loose ponytail; his helmet didn’t seem relevant at a time in his life like this, so he didn’t bother with it. The motorbike slunk along every curve in the road, Malik moving with it, in a rhythm that seemed so familiar. It reminded him of Diabound.

Sighing as he shifted up the steps to the museum, Diabound ran a hand through his hair. He suddenly had a very bad feeling about all of this, though he kept walking anyway. "Stupid...fucking...stairs..."

By now, Malik had arrived at the museum and was inside the building, straightening himself out. He'd find the idiot who dared harass his sister, all right. "Fucker."

Diabound was only grumbling louder as he finished going up the stairs, the day's heat and his own sheer exhaustion getting to him. Walking inside the building, he went straight for the elevator, suddenly feeling like he wanted to go home.

Malik pressed the button to the elevator, folding his arms across his chest loosely and waiting impatiently. The sweltering heat, even inside the museum, wasn't helping Malik's mood at all - he wanted to get this done and over with so he could stop worrying.

Diabound, ironically, didn't even see Malik. All he saw was an opening elevator and two words sprung to mind - air conditioning. Swiftly making his way into the elevator without caring who he passed, Diabound punched the first button that appealed to him and wiped off his forehead.

Malik blinked, and then narrowed his eyes as someone walked right past him into the elevator. "Who--" He paused, eyes narrowing further when he saw just who it was inside.

Diabound, still as oblivious as ever, was waiting impatiently for the elevator to close, sweat sliding down his temple. It was way too hot for comfort, even for an Egyptian. "Stupid fucking..."

Malik stepped into the elevator, scowling as he slammed down on a button, to the floor he wanted. "Diabound."

Diabound's eyes widened, and he silently cursed his luck to every god he knew as he said flatly, "Malik." Looking away from the other who had been haunting his mind for days, he tried not to let his discomfort show.

Malik looked indifferent to the situation, simply crossing his arms again and asking rigidly, "What floor?" He pushed away every thought, memory, feeling - he pushed it from his mind in order to forget.

"Third," Diabound muttered, folding his arms as he leaned against the wall furthest away from Malik. This was great, just great. Fantastic. Yet another reason never to leave the house again.

Malik pushed aforementioned button silently, brooding amongst his own thoughts. This would be awkward, to say the least. He watched the doors slide shut, standing stiffly.

Diabound stood in awkward silence, waiting impatiently as the elevator crawled its way up. What were the odds that Malik would be here, and in the same elevator as him? The only way this situation could possibly get any worse was - just then, as if right on cue, the entire elevator went completely dead, lights blacking out as it stopped in its tracks. "...damnit!"

Malik blinked as the lights disappeared; making way for the darkness to consume the entire expanse of space he was standing in. "The hell?" He scowled to himself, unable to see a thing; he stayed where he was, just in case he accidentally bumped into... him.

That was it. Diabound was sick and tired of penting up his emotions, and thus decided to vent them completely on utterly on the innocent elevator door. Slamming his fists into it, loudly, he shouted for help in between curses and shouts of sheer frustration.

Malik quickly became aware of what Diabound was doing; he didn't approve of it whatsoever, and the noise was irritating. "Cut it out, will you?" he hissed, speaking purely on what he was hearing, not seeing.

Feeling this means successful in draining his energy rapidly, Diabound slowed and finally stopped, falling to his knees with ragged breaths. "Gods..." He could feel himself shaking with emotions he'd been holding down for weeks, and he was glad it was pitch black, so Malik couldn't see him like this.

Malik was growing perplexed at what he was hearing, unsure of whether or not he should intrude to find out what it was. Feeling blind physically, as well as emotionally, he scowled a little. "What's the matter with you?"

"Nothing," Diabound snapped, though he was surprised to find his voice was actually shaking a little. He inhaled heavily to try and steady himself once more, getting to his feet. "We have to get out of here."

"Thanks for stating the obvious." Malik glanced up, noting with dismay that there wasn't a sparse trace of light in the place - did that mean he was stuck with Diabound until someone actually found them?

Diabound growled softly but tried to keep his anger in check. "Look, Malik, we're stuck in a dark elevator with nowhere to go and no company but each other, so would it kill you to show a bit of civility?"

"It probably would," Malik snapped edgily, knowing exactly where this was going: another argument. "Just be quiet and we'll both be fine."

Diabound scoffed, feeling around blindly for a place to sit. "Whatever. Don't tell me what to do."

"Don't tell me what to do," Malik shot back icily, leaning against the wall he knew was behind him. This just couldn't get any worse, could it? Though, unbeknownst to Malik, he'd pressed against the 'fire emergency' button - the lights flicked back on, crackling was heard, and then the sprinklers inside the elevator turned on.

"...I am going to kill you," said a suddenly soggy Diabound, hair sliding over his eyes.

Malik was now soaked, blonde tendrils hanging over his eyes as he stared back at Diabound. "Could you not? I kind of have things to do," he countered wryly.

"What? Running off to fuck your other self again?" Diabound snapped, voice rising above the noise of the sprinklers.

"I haven't seen him for a week," Malik snarled, refraining from moving whatsoever - he'd probably slip up if he did.

"Ooh, that must be a record for you," Diabound drawled, wrapping his arms around his knees and glaring at nothing from behind his hair.

Malik was growing angry, lilac eyes flashing with deep contempt. "Shut up, Diabound. I don't want to hear it," he growled through gritted teeth, folding his arms. At least now it wasn't so hot.

"What, the truth? Pity." Diabound pushed the hair from his eyes, drawing more into himself.

"It's not true," was Malik's simple answer.

"What's not true?" Diabound snapped, only half-listening.

Malik didn't respond, his expression impassive as he ran a hand through his drenched blonde locks. Nothing he said or did would alter Diabound's opinion, obviously.

Diabound finally turned his eyes to Malik, sighing. "What's not true, Malik?"

"I'm not discussing it." Malik gazed back at Diabound evenly, water trickling down his cheek; the sprinklers were still going.

"If you're trying to deny sleeping with your other self," Diabound said after a moment, watching him warily.

Malik sighed loudly, finally allowing his facade to fall away. "It never meant anything, you know. He's infatuated with the thief's omote, and I just had tension.”

Diabound gazed at Malik for a moment before he sighed, his eyes falling away again. "I know," he said quietly.

"Then why this?"

"Why what?"

"Hostility, threats of death, indifference."

Diabound pressed a hand to his forehead, closing his eyes. "I told you. I was jealous. I am jealous."

Malik raised an eyebrow, watching Diabound closely. "Of something that meant nothing? Seems a tad useless, if you ask me."

Diabound turned his eyes to Malik. "Did our sleeping together mean anything more than what you had with your other self? As it was, I..." He hesitated, eyes falling down again. "I thought you'd...think he was a better lay than me, or grow attached to him, and I wasn't even there, and..."

"He's my other self, and the only way I care about him is the same way I care for myself - I couldn't grow attached like that." Malik buried his face in his hands, sighing. "I wish you'd understand," he muttered, voice muffled.

"You won't let me," Diabound said quietly, watching Malik with a more gentle, yet desperate expression than he could ever remember showing before.

"I don't think you could." Malik didn't look up, his eyes on the floor, hair soaked and dripping, along with his clothes. In short, he was the perfect picture of misery right then.

Diabound gazed at Malik for a moment before he gave a weak smile, holding out his hand to Malik. "Come here, beautiful," he murmured. "Help me understand..."

Malik looked up, surprised; his eyes showed this quite clearly. "What...?" Nonetheless, he slowly moved forward and accepted the hand, fingers curling around Diabound's, followed by an expression of confusion.

Diabound gently guided Malik to sit beside him, pulling him close. "I'm sorry," he breathed at last.

Malik looked at Diabound in surprise once more, pressed close against him. "Diabound, I really don't think..." he trailed off, sighing.

Draping his arms around Malik's shoulders, Diabound sighed softly. "I really was just being a stubborn ass this whole time, wasn't I?"

"No," Malik murmured, before pausing and sighing heavily again. This was getting him nowhere. "We didn't work out; a lot of people don't."

Diabound held Malik a bit tighter, closing his eyes. "...I don't want to give up just yet..."

"But we fought, and that... hurt." Malik wanted to kill his conscience for making him say it, but it was the truth all the same.

"I know," Diabound whispered. "It hurt...but...it hurt more being apart from you..."

Malik was taken aback momentarily, the other's words sinking in. He gently stroked the other's cheek, unusually so, before he whispered back, "Tell me you mean that."

Diabound met Malik's eyes; gently moving to push the damp bangs from the other's eyes. "I mean that, Malik," he said, eyes as open as his voice. He tried to smirk, but it came off as more of a shaky smile as he said, "I guess I'm falling for you, beautiful."

Right at that moment, Malik couldn't have cared if the rest of the world had fallen away right beneath their feet - that was what it felt like. "Be with me," he breathed, at last voicing what he'd wanted to say for so long.

Diabound felt everything inside him warm up, despite the cold water still falling on them, and he stroked Malik's cheek, unable to find words for a moment or two. "Always, beautiful," he whispered, gazing into Malik's eyes. Everything suddenly felt right back in place, and an almost foreign happiness was rising in his chest.

Malik smirked faintly for the first time in weeks; his bangs dripped water into his eyes, droplets were still trickling down his skin, and his clothes were saturated - but none of it mattered. "Don't leave me again," he murmured.

"Same to you," Diabound breathed, tilting his head in order to brush their lips together gently. "I want you...just you...no one else..."

Malik smirked faintly, pressing his mouth against Diabound's lightly. "I belong to you," he promised, sealing it with another warm kiss. "Only you."

Diabound smiled, his first real smile in...in the longest time. "Promise?"

Malik, heart warming at the sight, gave a small smile of his own, the look strangely fitting on his features. "I promise."

Diabound's smile broke into a grin, and he pulled Malik into a quick kiss, unsure as to whether this happy feeling in his chest was going anywhere anytime soon. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Always welcome." Malik managed a half-smirk, before his eyes flitted upward. "It's still 'raining' in here," he commented.

"Mmhmm." Diabound held Malik close, using his body to help shield him from the water.

Malik shivered, realizing they might be stuck there for quite a while. "This is insane."

"No kidding." Diabound chuckled softly, resting his head against Malik's. At that moment ever conveniently, there was a loud rumbling noise, and the elevator started up once more, the sprinklers turning off.

Malik blinked, clutching to Diabound's shirt as the elevator began to move. "... Well, that was creepy," he remarked, glad to be not rained down upon anymore.

"Maybe someone's setting us up," Diabound teased, holding Malik close. "At least now we can go home and dry off."

Malik snorted, squeezing his hair out some as he noticed the elevator came to a halt. "You can carry me, peasant."

Diabound laughed. "The brave soldier rescuing his frightened partner from the scary elevator?" he teased, scooping Malik up into his arms as he rose.

Malik stretched out in Diabound’s arms, setting a wrist to his forehead dramatically. "I don't think I'm going to make it," he teased, faking a 'dying' voice.

Diabound laughed again as he carried Malik from the elevator, opting to take the stairs, this time. "You have to hold on!" he declared in his own dramatic voice, smirking.

"I have a ruptured spleen," Malik mock-gasped, clutching at Diabound's shirt again, though he winked. "Don't strain your back."

Diabound chuckled. "Hey, I'm not an old man, you know. My rippling muscles are more than enough for your lanky self."

Malik pouted, before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the keys to his motorbike with a wicked grin. "I can only think of one thing that would hold your weight," he teased.

Diabound grinned wickedly, nabbing up the keys and setting Malik down outside the museum. "I'm driving."

"Don't you always?" Malik snickered, grinning as he moved over to his good-as-new motorbike.

"Of course." Diabound followed him, moving to press a kiss to Malik's cheek. "Missed you, beautiful," he whispered.

"You won't have to miss me again," Malik murmured, before another grin tugged at his lips. "Maybe the wind will dry us off on the way home."

"And, if it doesn't, I guess we'll just have to get out of these clothes..." Diabound grinned wickedly as he moved to straddle Malik's bike.

"Now that would be a shame." Malik smirked, getting on behind Diabound and snaking his arms around the other's waist. "Let's get out of here."

"Hear hear." Starting up the bike, Diabound yanked on a helmet, grinning back at Malik. "Ready?"

"Always am." Malik returned the grin playfully, arms tightening. "Be careful."

"What? Can't heaaaar you!" Diabound called, teasingly, as he revved up the engine. Kicking off, he was out on the streets in a second, shivering as his wet clothes whipped around in the wind.

"Diaaaa--" Malik held on for dear life, unusually wary of Diabound's driving. He buried his face in the other's back, his own drenched clothes unpleasantly cold against his skin.

With his rapid pace, it only took a few minutes for them to reach Diabound's apartment, and Diabound gave a breath of relief as he shook his hair free of the helmet. "Now it's even colder," he complained, getting off the bike.

Malik was shivering, finding no warmth near Diabound, either. "You're telling me," he said flatly. He pulled his midriff off his skin, noting his bangs were still dripping wet.

Diabound eyed him with a smirk, peeling off his own shirt as well, which was clinging to his torso. "Guess it's time for a hot shower and dry clothes, then."

Malik felt his cheeks heating up, so he began making his way up the stairs, opting to keep his clothes ON until they were in private. "Sounds like a fair deal to me."

Diabound followed him, reaching out to take his hand in a simple gesture of affection. He felt more light-hearted than he could ever remember feeling, and it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Malik blinked, before smiling at Diabound warmly, giving his hand a light squeeze as they reached the top flight of stairs. Home, Malik thought to himself absently.

Diabound fished his keys out of his pockets and moved to unlock the door, still holding Malik's hand. "S'kinda a mess right now. I'll clean it later."

Malik blinked again, wondering what Diabound's definition of 'mess' was. "'Kay. I'll end up cleaning it, anyway."

Diabound chuckled. "You don't have to." Leading Malik towards his bedroom, he tossed his damp shirt aside and shook out his hair. "Shower first, or...?"

"Or?" Malik arched an eyebrow, eyes following the discarded shirt for a moment, before flitting back to Diabound.

Diabound shrugged and let the comment hang, smirking. "I just think we need to get out of these clothes," he said, a bit slower than necessary, as he fiddled with his pants a bit.

Malik blinked, touching his own midriff and realizing it was still damp. "Good idea." He tugged it over his head, and then the soaked lavender shirt was tossed aside.

Diabound grinned, moving a bit closer and draping his arms around Malik's waist. "Guess we have to get you dry..."

Damp skin pressed against damp skin, and Malik shivered noticeably. "I'd appreciate it," he breathed.

Diabound grinned, leaning in to lick at Malik's ear lightly. "So would I," he purred.

Malik purred softly, fighting down a flush. "You still owe me one, remember?" he grinned faintly.

"Do I?" Diabound licked at Malik's ear once more, hands starting to creep lower.

"Mmhmm..." Malik closed his eyes with a sigh, tilting his head. "I missed you so much."

Diabound smiled faintly, nuzzling Malik's neck lightly. "As I missed you."

Malik smirked lightly, his hands trailing downwards. "I wonder how much..."

"Guess I'll just have to show you," Diabound breathed, shivering slightly under Malik's touch.

Malik's hands rested on Diabound's hips, pulling them against his own. "That would definitely be appreciated."

Diabound gave a soft chuckle as he pressed his hips eagerly into Malik's, fingers pressing into Malik's backside in return. "You're telling me."

Malik smirked faintly, instead reaching up to snake his arms around Diabound's neck. "I want you, you big jackass," he said playfully, grinning.

"And I want you, you stubborn ass," Diabound teased in return, grinning back. Leaning in, he kissed Malik lightly for a moment, guiding him back towards the bed.

Malik moved back willingly, slowly dropping down onto the bed as he returned the light pressure, restraining his hunger.

Diabound moved over Malik, gazing at him a moment before kissing his temple lightly. "I missed this, too," he whispered.

"Missed what?" Malik murmured, brushing Diabound's damp hair aside with a small smirk.

"This. Being with you. Not fighting." Stroking Malik's cheek with the back of his hand for a moment, smirking lightly.

"We have our good and bad times," Malik responded thoughtfully, leaning into the touch subconsciously.

"I want to make the good times outweigh the bad times."

"This can count as one of the good ones?"

Diabound smiled faintly. "I'd say so."

"I'll make it memorable." Malik leaned up to kiss Diabound heatedly, unable to control himself any longer.

Diabound moaned softly into the kiss, hands tangling in Malik's hair as he returned the kiss with a fervor, his own bottled need springing free.

Malik gasped sharply, not realizing how much he'd needed to taste Diabound again, feel him again. Hands running down the other's sides, he ventured inside Diabound's mouth hungrily.

Diabound's tongue tangled and slid against Malik's, every motion fast and needful as he barely contained himself from tearing Malik's clothes off and taking him right then and there. Gone was the slow, mournful sex prior to his leaving - this was heated, animalistic need, and it wasn't going to be subdued.

Malik's carnal hunger for a certain Thief King wasn't going to be easily sated; it'd been weeks on end since they'd last been as intimate as this, he vaguely thought, his hands tugging at the other's pants.

Hands fumbling to help Malik with the clothing that was getting between them, Diabound broke the kiss in order to go after Malik's skin instead, nipping and licking with all the vigor of a starving man eating a meal.

Malik arched up, ragged, drawn-out gasps escaping him; he needed this and was desperate for completion once again. Somehow, he managed to toss the other's clothes aside, feeling only warm skin against his own.

When they were, at last, both naked and pressed together, it took all of Diabound's willpower not to just cut right to the chase then and there. Fumbling about for the lube, Diabound's lips found Malik's once more, and he could hardly hold back as his tongue pried into Malik's mouth hungrily.

Malik's hands were gripping Diabound's broad shoulders tightly, his nails digging in to create crescent shapes in the other's skin. A flame within him was ignited; burning solely for Diabound and the feelings only Diabound could give him. His tongue battled fiercely against the other's, back arching into an almost-perfect curve.

Diabound moaned as their chests pressed and slid against each other, the earlier chill replaced by an excess of heat. As his tongue tangled and tasted Malik fully, intoxicating him, he messily slicked his fingers and eased Malik's legs apart and up.

Malik broke away from the kiss in order to breathe, though disappointed at the loss as he tilted his head back with a groan. His lilac eyes glazed over, he gazed at Diabound, affection buried somewhere within; only Diabound was ever going to see this from him.

Diabound smiled at what he saw in Malik's eyes, licking his lips quickly for the remaining taste of Malik as he slowly started to prepare the other, trying to be gentle but quick.

Malik arched up with a barely audible moan, a ragged name escaping his lips to break the silence. He certainly felt ready enough, but couldn't bring himself to say otherwise - he'd missed it too damned much.

Kissing Malik's jaw lightly, Diabound continued to prepare him, seeking out a certain spot within him. He wanted Malik to feel the full pleasure of this experience, and didn't want to rush it because of his own need.

Malik bit back a cry, angling his head so he could capture Diabound's lips in an almost futile attempt to silence himself. His fingers were pressing into Diabound's shoulders insistently, needfully; he drew the other closer.

Diabound moaned softly into Malik's mouth, kissing him eagerly as he finally withdrew his fingers and slicked himself. "Malik," he breathed against the other's lips, gazing at him hazily.

"Mm?" Malik's half-lidded gaze was focused on Diabound, vision bleary as he slowly recovered from the intensity of the kiss, fingers pressing against skin once more.

Diabound smirked lightly, gently shifting and easing into Malik. "Nothing," he murmured, shivering and losing the ability to speak anymore as he was engulfed by the other.

Malik made a quiet noise in the back of his throat, noticing with relief that everything was back how it belonged. His nails dug in once again and his head fell back against the pillow, breathing laboured.

Diabound kissed Malik's neck softly as he pushed deeper into Malik, shaking and moaning his name breathily. Everything was all right now, utterly back to normal...This thought made Diabound smile.

Malik was fairly shaking in anticipation, feeling it had been so long since they'd been together like this... He closed his eyes with a sigh, repressing a shiver. This was how it was meant to be.

Fully seated within the other, Diabound gazed at Malik with a half-smile, brushing the hair from the other's face. "Missed you."

Malik managed a faint smirk in return, something in his chest warming briefly. "You said you'd show me," he said teasingly.

"As you wish," Diabound breathed, smirk returning as he shifted back and started to move within Malik, moaning and shivering with the sensation.

Malik arched up against Diabound, a sharp gasp emitted at the sudden pressure as he breathed the other's name on scarcely a breath.

Diabound hissed, need igniting in him again as he moved harder and faster with each thrust, hands fisting the sheets and Malik's name on his lips.

So much time had passed since they'd done this that Malik felt himself reaching the edge rapidly, his cries and ragged moans enough to affirm that. Warmth pooled in his stomach, there was a heated cry of a name, fingers clawing at Diabound's back.

Diabound groaned, movements growing more erratic as he, too, reached his peak quickly. It didn't take long for him to cry out sharply, tensing and stilling as he releasing hard.

Malik fairly collapsed in the aftermath, breathing irregularly as he pressed a hand to his forehead, noting he was damp with sweat. "Ano..."

Diabound was barely holding himself up atop Malik, panting heavily. "Nn?"

Malik swallowed, reaching up to stroke Diabound's cheek shakily, smirking faintly. "I feel better."

Diabound grinned slightly, leaning into the touch. "Me, too." Easing free of Malik, he fell back beside him. "Mm..."

Malik sighed contently, immediately moving to rest his head against Diabound's chest, one arm draped over the other's waist.

Diabound held Malik close, the happy feeling fluttering in his chest again. Stroking Malik's hair, he paused for a moment before murmuring, "Malik?"

Malik blinked, reaching down to pull the blanket up and over them as he glanced up. "Yeah?"

"If we're...together now," Diabound hesitated a moment, tucking Malik's hair behind his ear. "...you won't sleep with your other self anymore, will you?"

Malik blinked again, fingers stroking Diabound's chest absently as he thought silently for a moment. "... Well, I guess we're going to have to talk this out," he muttered.

"We?" Diabound frowned slightly, unsure of what Malik meant by that.

"Me and you?" Malik looked confused.

Diabound sighed slightly, gazing at Malik. "I don't want you to sleep with him anymore, Malik..."

Malik couldn't hold Diabound's gaze with his own, so he buried his face in the other's chest. "I think it's a lot more complicated than you realize," he murmured, voice muffled.

Diabound threaded his fingers through Malik's hair slowly. "Explain it to me...?"

"I don't want to," came the childish, stubborn response.

Diabound closed his eyes, arms around Malik tightening. "Malik..."

"Mmf." Malik kept his face buried, hesitant to even look at Diabound after what he'd put the other through.

"If I don't understand, I'm going to end up angry every time it happens..." Diabound said at last. "I want you, Malik, but I'm not the type of person who likes to share..."

Malik was silent for a few moments, his mind flitting back and forth between two people he'd grown to care about - since when had this become so difficult? Sighing, he drew back so he could reluctantly gaze at Diabound. "Can we just leave it be, for now?"

Diabound's eyes betrayed a small amount of hurt before he locked it back down again. "...if that's what you want..."

"Diabound..." Malik's eyes softened, his lips pressing against Diabound's briefly. "You're the only one I want."

Diabound returned the pressure gently, gazing at Malik. "But you can't end it with him...?"

"He's always going to be a part of me, whether I like it or not," Malik sighed heavily, fisting a hand in Diabound's hair.

"But does that mean you have to sleep with him?" Diabound asked, eyes refusing to hold up any sort of walls and block off his emotions.

"Sometimes it's the only way I know how to communicate with him." Malik looked away, sighing again. Suddenly, he was wishing he'd never gotten himself into this mess - if only he'd had more self-control...

Diabound sighed softly, brushing the bangs from Malik's face and kissing his forehead. "I know the feeling," he murmured, closing his eyes. "I just...the idea of you and him..."

"I still won't forgive the pharaoh." Malik's voice held scorn and bitterness as he said, "It's the same situation."

Diabound sighed, holding Malik tighter. "Not quite," he said quietly.

"He took everything from me - possibly even you," Malik sneered, fighting to keep a rein on his anger.

"You really believe that? After everything I told you about myself...you really think he could take me from you?"

"You slept with your own worst enemy, Diabound. I wouldn't put anything past him - or you - at this stage."

Diabound breathed sharply for a moment, before pushing Malik down onto the bed, gazing at him with heated eyes. "Listen to me, Malik. I slept with the Pharaoh - no, he isn't even the Pharaoh I knew - because I needed the fastest and easiest way to make you as jealous as I was..." Diabound sighed, shaking his head slightly. "The whole time I was with him, I kept picturing you, and..." He trailed off, eyes slipping away.

Malik, pinned down abruptly, took all this information in, looking quite stunned. When he, at last, found his voice, it wasn't quite steady. "Any version of the pharaoh is the same to me. Though, I don't understand why you would have been picturing me," he muttered, his own eyes drifting away.

"Because it was you I wanted to be with," Diabound said, eyes turning to Malik's face again. "But, whenever I tried to fix things with you...I just fucked it up again."

Malik met Diabound's eyes after a moment, wondering whether or not to believe him. "I couldn't have helped much. I kept throwing it right back in your face, didn't I?"

"And I kept throwing it in the first place." Diabound touched Malik's cheek lightly with his fingertips. "The point is, the thing with Yami was a mistake, and I know it..."

Malik growled softly at the mentioned of the pharaoh's name, though he forced himself to be quiet about it. "Then..." He paused, sighing. "... Then let's just be together for the time being, all right?"

Diabound wanted to question further whether Malik intended to sleep with the other Malik again, but he decided not to push it. "All right," he said softly, kissing Malik's temple. "That's all I want."

Malik was glad the subject at hand had been forgotten; it was too early to be deciding things right now, wasn't it? He sighed again, edging closer to Diabound's warmth. "I won't sleep with him.”

Diabound couldn't resist a small smile into Malik's hair as he pulled the other closer. "Thank you..."

Malik smirked faintly, nuzzling against Diabound's neck affectionately. "Much as I enjoy getting all snuggly, you do smell sort of funky," he remarked.

Diabound chuckled. "To the shower?"

"Sounds like a plan." Malik inhaled Diabound's musky scent, regardless of anything else that he could... smell.

Diabound remained there for a moment, content to be close to him, before he finally shifted back and sat up. "Coming?" he said with a smirk.

Malik nodded, brushing sweat-stiffened bangs from his eyes. "After you," he teased, grinning faintly.

Diabound licked his lips quickly as he got to his feet, deciding clothes would be pointless as he sauntered out of the room.

Malik followed quickly after Diabound, though a little slower so he could indulge in the view. In the back of his mind, he wondered where the kitten had gotten to.

As if on cue, a large black fluffball flew out of nowhere and latched itself to Diabound's head. "...you know," Diabound grumbled, "I'm starting to think this guy isn't an outdoor cat."

Malik blinked, and then broke into a fit of snickers at the sight, unable to say or do anything more than point and laugh at the other's expense.

Diabound shot Malik a look as he pried his cat off his head and held him in his arms. "Yeah, yeah, really funny." He gazed down at his cat warily. "See what you did?"

"Aw, he's so cute, Bunny." Malik moved over, petting the kitten's head affectionately. "You can't stay mad at him."

Diabound eyed Malik warily. "I thought you were saying something about killing him, at some point." He stroked his kitten's fur gently.

"Now now." Malik pouted, tickling the kitten beneath his chin. "Socute."

Diabound chuckled softly as the kitten purred in his arms, nuzzling into Malik's hand. "You know, the whole time we were fighting, this guy would always be out...now that you're back, he's here. I think he likes you."

Malik blinked, grinning at the kitten as he kissed its head lightly. "Aw, someone actually likes me, for once."

"Hey, I like you," Diabound protested, a bit jealous that the kitten was getting so much attention. The kitten just kept purring, rubbing its head against Malik's chin.

"Aw." Malik grinned at Diabound playfully, stroking the kitten's back lightly. "I feel really loved, now."

Diabound made a face, hoisting the kitten up in his arms a bit. "We're like...a messed up family. You, me, and a cat." He grinned teasingly.

"A very messed up family, indeed." Malik raised an eyebrow, sneakily reaching around to squeeze Diabound's backside, before he blinked innocently. "We have a lovechild."

Diabound made a small noise of surprise at the squeeze, shooting Malik a look. "From the amount of sex we have, that doesn't surprise me. Speaking of which..." he grinned, moving over to lick at Malik's ear, "I think we had a date in the shower..."

Malik smirked lightly, poking Diabound's nose. "Mm, so put the innocent kitten down, if you want him to stay that way," he teased.

Diabound chuckled, leaning over ever-so-seductively in order to set the kitten down, watching as he scampered off. "Shall we?" he said with a smirk, straightening.

Malik, whose eyes had been focused intently on something close to the floor, blinked and looked up again. "Hells, yes."

Diabound chuckled, slipping an arm around Malik's waist and squeezing his backside as he went. "Let's go, beautiful." He led the other to the bathroom, grinning.

Malik 'eep'ed, shooting Diabound a wary glance as he was led toward the bathroom. "Watch where you put your hands," he warned, opening the bathroom door.

"Aw, that takes the fun out of it." Diabound grinned.

"And keeps my ass intact." Malik smirked, slipping into the bathroom and surveying his face in the mirror.

Diabound rolled his eyes, following after. "Whatever you say, beautiful." He stood behind Malik, watching him. "What are you doing?"

Malik tugged at a strand of his flaxen-blonde hair idly, simply gazing at his reflection. "Looking," he said off-handedly.

Diabound moved closer, such that his reflection showed over Malik's shoulder. "You're beautiful," he breathed into the other's ear, smirking lightly.

The hand that had been toying with his own bangs slipped into Diabound's hair, a sly smirk flitting across his features. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," he breathed in return.

Diabound grinned, hands slipping around Malik's waist. "And my eyes like what they behold..."

"This beauty isn't going anywhere, so you'll behold it for a while," Malik murmured, grinning teasingly at their reflections.

Diabound gently stroked Malik's stomach with his fingers. "I'm glad," he breathed, tongue darting out to tease Malik's ear lightly.

"Diabound..." Malik's eyes slipped shut, head tilting back against the other's shoulder as the hand threaded through silvery locks tightened.

Diabound purred gently, lips gliding down to suck and kiss at Malik's neck slowly.

Malik purred softly, leaning back into the touches as he arched his neck, allowing Diabound any access he desired. "Mm..."

Diabound trailed his tongue across Malik's skin, his hand dipping lower down almost teasingly. "Mm, beautiful," he whispered.

"You're... teasing me," Malik accused breathlessly, fingers entangling in Diabound's silver hair once more. He vaguely wondered where that hand was going, though his attention was more focused on the other's tantalizing lips.

Diabound chuckled softly, nipping at his skin lightly. "Me?" His hand dipped lower still, stroking Malik's hip lightly.

Malik pressed into that touch, his eyes growing hazy and darker at the torturous pleasure. "You're the only one who can get me to react like this..."

Diabound smirked a bit more gently, nuzzling at Malik's skin. "Wouldn't want it any other way," he breathed, hand finally dipping down to wrap around Malik's growing arousal. "My beautiful..."

"Oh..." Malik couldn't hold back a moan at the needed touch, fingers pressing into Diabound's neck insistently. "Yours," he agreed breathlessly.

Diabound smirked, stroking Malik slowly, teasingly. "So beautiful..."

"Tease..." Malik groaned, hips arching into the touch almost desperately. In retaliation, he pressed back against Diabound quite firmly, discovering if he was aroused or not.

Diabound shuddered as Malik pressed back against his own arousal which was growing just at the sight of Malik in pleasure. "Ah, Malik," he breathed, stroking more firmly in return.

Malik smirked faintly, although a sharp moan broke through his brief moment of triumph. Finally, when he could speak again, he breathed, "We didn't even make it into the shower."

Diabound chuckled softly, stroking harder. "I think we're going to need one after this..."

Malik, using all his willpower, managed to turn around a little in Diabound's hold, snaking his arms about the other's neck. He kissed him hard for a moment, before whispering, "I can't take anymore of your teasing."

Diabound shivered in the kiss, smirking lightly. "So, what are you going to do about it?" he whispered back against Malik's lips.

Malik took a few steps back, toward the wall, wearing a coy smirk, eyes still hazed over. "Do you really want to know?" he questioned.

Diabound grinned, following after him. "Of course."

Malik, now backed up and pressed against the bathroom wall, smirked playfully. "I'm going to seduce you."

Diabound arched an eyebrow at that, smirking and resting his hand on his hip. "Oh?"

"Yep." Malik slid a hand down Diabound's chest, eyes drifting downwards - he was beginning to hope this wouldn't have an adverse affect.

Diabound shivered under the touch, watching Malik carefully.

Malik smirked at Diabound, gripping the other's hips and quickly reversing their positions, so Diabound was against the wall. Malik slowly sank down to his knees, his hands trailing down Diabound's sides.

Diabound's eyes widened slightly as he watched Malik go down, fairly quivering in anticipation. His fingernails scraped against the wall, breath quickening as he thought of what Malik might resort to.

Malik, himself, couldn't quite believe the minx he'd been turned into. Nevertheless, he was eager to prove to Diabound what the other had proven to him. Finally down, he let his breath fall on Diabound's arousal, his own heart quickening.

Diabound shuddered, arching slightly with a moan.

Malik snuck a quick look up at Diabound's face, before moving forward and starting to take the other's arousal into his mouth carefully.

Diabound made a slightly strangled noise as a sudden warmth engulfed his length. He felt arousal spike within him, heat sinking lower down his body. "F-fuck, Malik...!"

Malik purred around Diabound, sending vibrations along sensitive skin as his nails dug into the other's hips, lips taking more of him in.

Keening deep in his throat, Diabound had to resist the urge to thrust into Malik's mouth, nails leaving marks in the wall. His breathing was ragged, and he was sure he wouldn't last long if Malik continued like this.

Malik shivered, pleased with the noises he was evoking from Diabound as he abruptly began to suck hard. He felt his own arousal growing at the noises, feelings; he'd come to one conclusion, so far: teasing Diabound was fun.

Diabound gasped, arching off the wall as his release became all-too imminent. "G-going to...!"

Malik smirked faintly, continuing as he readied himself, sucking and swallowing hard. Mine, he decided mentally.

Diabound utterly lost it at that, arching and bucking into Malik's mouth as he came with a cry. "Malik...!"

Malik drew back, licking his lips and grinning up at Diabound as he rested his hands on his legs. "Have fun?" he teased.

Diabound breathed raggedly as he gazed down at Malik with a weary grin. "Quite. You're too damn good at that."

Malik smirked, getting to his feet once again and resting a hand on a canted hip. "I was returning that favor I owned you, remember?" He winked teasingly, smirking still.

Diabound chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "You're really something, beautiful." He leaned in to kiss the other lightly, hand sliding down his chest. "But it seems I've left you neglected..."

"Being neglected by you isn't such a bad thing..." Malik smirked faintly, nipping at Diabound's lip lightly. He wound an arm around the other's neck, drawing him down and closer.

Diabound chuckled. "But I can't leave my Malik hanging," he purred softly, kissing Malik lightly. He slipped a hand around Malik's arousal, grinning.

"A-ah," Malik gasped, eyes widening as he refrained from arching into the touch. He felt his knees weaken, tightening his grip on Diabound's neck.

Diabound smirked, moving to pin Malik against the wall, stroking him hard. "My beautiful..."

Malik felt his knees continue to weaken, watching Diabound hazily through thick lashes as he moaned and whimpered for more.

Diabound leaned in, kissing Malik heatedly as he continued to stroke and tease Malik, trying to draw him to completion.

Malik wasn’t going to get anywhere at this rate; his release felt far too off for his liking. Nevertheless, he responded to the kiss eagerly, parting his lips and pushing into Diabound’s hand once more.

Diabound kissed Malik hotly for a moment before he pulled back again, smirking. "Maybe I ought to return your returned favour," he whispered.

"Or you could just fuck me until I scream," Malik smirked faintly, breathless. "Your pick."

Diabound shuddered, licking his lips. "You're asking a bit much from someone you just sucked off, you know," he whispered, grinning slightly.

Malik arched an eyebrow as best he could in his state, grinning. "How so?" he whispered back, kissing Diabound hard for a moment, unable to resist.

Diabound kissed back eagerly before he pulled back again. "I mean, normal people need to at least take a breather, beautiful," he said, snickering softly.

"Didn't know we were normal people," Malik countered, smirking as he licked his lips. "You are, after all, three thousand years old. I'm surprised your libido isn't dead."

"More like overly active. Three thousand years of celibacy." Diabound grinned wickedly, kissing Malik hard once more.

Malik made a noise of mild surprise, before smirking and kissing back hungrily, pressing back against the wall again.

Diabound kissed him hotly, tongue working its way into his mouth for a moment or two, before he abruptly pulled back again. In one motion, he turned Malik around and pinned him against the wall such that his back was to him. "What were you saying about fucking until you scream?" he whispered into the other's ear.

Malik shivered, looking over his shoulder with a faint smirk. "I won't scream for you if I can't see you," he teased, flashing his teeth in a grin.

"Aw, you're no fun," Diabound teased, licking at Malik's ear. "Where do you want me to fuck you senseless, then?"

"Here." Malik smirked lazily, purring.

Diabound chuckled, pulling Malik down to the ground.

"I don't want a cold ass!" Malik protested, struggling back up his feet with a pout. Picky.

Diabound sighed heavily, folding his arms. "So, you don't want it on the wall, or the ground. Does the ceiling suit his majesty?" Grin.

Malik snorted lightly, grinning. "Got any support beams? That might work."

Diabound laughed. "Ooh, kinky." In one movement, he had Malik in his arms, heading for the door. "Come on, you. It's back to the bedroom."

Malik blinked, smirking lazily as he decided he could get used to being carried. "Sorry if I'm being fussy," he pouted.

"No you're not," Diabound teased, grinning at him as he tossed him on the bed gracefully.

Malik grinned back, scooting back against the headboard as he did so. "Point," he admitted. "Don't think I've ever really been sincerely sorry."

"What, not even when you left me hanging for over a week?" Diabound pouted a bit, moving onto the bed.

"That was a different situation. It didn't involve getting laid," Malik teased.

"..." Diabound shook his head and decided not to comment, leaning over to kiss him gently again. "Mm, back here again..."

"Back here?" Malik arched an eyebrow, pushing Diabound down onto his back.

"In the bedroom," he said with a smirk, watching Malik.

"We spend half our lives in here, when we're not arguing on livejournal," Malik pointed out, draping himself over Diabound's chest.

Diabound chuckled at that, stroking Malik's hair. "Well, here, the bathroom...everywhere else..."

"Kitchen, living room, my place." Malik counted them off on his fingers, grinning. "Impressive."

Diabound smirked, licking his lips. "We need some new haunts."

"Any places coming to mind? We should leave our mark everywhere."

"...oh, yeah..." Diabound grinned, a wicked glint coming to his eyes. "I've got some good ideas."

Malik blinked down at Diabound, cocking his head. "Do share."

Diabound licked his lips. "You'll just have to wait and see...."

Malik pouted, his bottom lip jutting out childishly. "Please?" he asked, giving 'the look' as best he could.

Diabound eyed him. "...something wrong with your mouth?"

Malik blinked, before rubbing his jaw with a sly smirk. "You were a bit big to fit in there, I think."

Diabound laughed. "Just as well that isn't true with your ass."

Malik flashed Diabound a wide grin. "I do tend to pull quite a bit out of my ass," he remarked.

"Don't I know it." Diabound licked his lips. "You know, you might be the only one who can actually take me."

"Take you where, exactly?" Cue teasing smirk.

"...you know what I mean, Malik." Diabound grinned, wickedly. "I'm too...well-endowed for most people."

Malik glanced beneath himself for a moment, smirking lazily. "I concur. Though, my darker half might be able to," he considered.

"...might be able to what?" Diabound arched an eyebrow, eyeing Malik.

"Fit." Malik blinked, toying with a blonde strand of his hair. "He's bigger than me."

"..." Diabound thought this over for a moment before he shook his head. "I don't think I want to understand what you're talking about."

"He's me, but he just has longer, spikier hair, a tendency to bluff, and tighter pants," was Malik's long-story-cut-short version.

"Uh huh." Diabound paused a moment before he eyed Malik. "...you didn't...with him...did you?"

Malik stared at Diabound in disbelief. "Are you insane? Him and the pharaoh are what ruined my life!"

"Well, you were talking about his penis," Diabound said, running a hand through his hair.

Malik turned a light pink, a hand covering his mouth. "I was saying he would fit yours," he protested.

"...yeah, you're talking about his ass." Diabound eyed Malik.

"..." Malik facepalmed. "His ass is MY ass."

"...that's a scary thought."

"..." Malik glared. "Thanks."

"What, it IS! I mean, if you really thought about it...his ass is your ass and your ass is your other self's ass and I'm sure he has a darker half with the same ass...well, there goes my brain."

"Yes, well, we're just one big happy!bastard family tree, aren't we?"

"...I would've said ass!tree, but yes."

"... My ass hanging off a tree. Now, that is a scary thought."

"...mmhmm. What were you saying earlier about support beams?" Diabound grinned.

"That I was in need of one. ... Why?"

"Nothing. Just interesting mental images."

Malik blinked at Diabound. "Right. That's kind of creepy."

"Hey, what can I say? I'm horny." Diabound grinned, moving up to kiss Malik.

"With me sitting on you, I'm not surprised." Malik purred, nipping at Diabound's lower lip playfully.

Diabound chuckled. "I'd say you're pretty frisky yourself, mister. I think we should take care of that."

"If I entrust you with my friskiness, you'd better be careful with it." Malik grinned teasingly.

"Oh? Or else what?"

"Then you might not be getting any for a loooong time, Bunny."

Diabound laughed, pulling Malik down onto the bed. "Like you could last that long with this around the house." He nodded to himself, smirking.

Malik lay on his side, head propped on a hand as he smirked lightly. "You still think too highly of yourself. Modesty is a virtue," he teased.

"Well, it's already a sin to be this sexy, so I'll take my chances," Diabound teased in return, leaning in to kiss Malik slowly.

"Mm..." Malik deepened the kiss just as slowly, warmth filling him as he draped a leg over Diabound's hip.

Diabound slowly shifted until he was on his back, Malik atop him. Tongue sliding against Malik's, Diabound slipped a hand into his hair, moaning softly.

Malik purred softly, the kiss intoxicating him and drawing him in deeper all at once. He straddled Diabound, using a small amount of pressure downwards, just to tease.

Diabound made a noise against Malik's lips at the pressure, his own hips rising to the occasion as he fisted Malik's hair, intensifying the kiss.

Malik shivered at the contact, breaking away from the kiss and burying his head on Diabound's shoulder. His hips continued pressing down, lightly, just barely enough to excite either him or both of them.

Diabound groaned, getting tired of the light touches. Slipping a hand down, he pressed forcefully against Malik's backside as he thrust his hips upwards impatiently.

Malik gasped sharply against Diabound's shoulder, startled by the sudden flash of pleasure. "You can't... keep it in your pants, can you?" he all but panted, swallowing.

"I'm not wearing pants," pointed out Diabound between groans, his hips bucking raggedly against Malik's. "Besides, you were the one...who wanted me to fuck you...nn, 'til you screamed."

"Do I sound like I'm screaming?" Malik questioned breathlessly, voice raspy as he bit down abruptly to muffle a cry.

"Almost," Diabound teased, hissing at the bite. Abruptly, he flipped them over, pinning Malik to the bed as his hips continued to grind into Malik's mercilessly. "Besides, I haven't gotten to the fucking, yet," he whispered.

Malik, unable to bite back a noise, groaned, arching up in a fruitless attempt to escape the sharp pleasure. "You... might want to hurry," he hissed.

"You think?" Diabound breathed out sharply, moving down and pushing Malik's legs apart. "You need preparation, after earlier?"

Malik moaned, shaking his head, sweat-soaked blonde tendrils flying about. "No. Just make me..." He stopped as need took him over once more.

"Make me...?" Diabound breathed, watching his face as he shifted forward and began to ease into Malik, exhaling in relief and pleasure.

"You know what I mean..." Malik moaned desperately again, wrapping a leg around Diabound's waist to draw him closer and hurry him up a bit.

Diabound shuddered, complying with Malik's silent request as he pushed faster into the other, once more feeling the total completion they shared between them. "Gods, Malik..."

Malik shivered, tilting his head back in restrained pleasure as he took in a ragged breath, arching a little under the pressure. "Ah..."

Diabound licked at Malik's exposed neck as he started to move within Malik, moaning. "You feel so good..."

"Diabound, oh..." Malik moaned wantonly, both legs now around the other Egyptian's waist in an attempt to gain deeper penetration. To Malik, it was torturous, but beautiful pleasure.

Diabound gripped the sheets as he thrust even deeper and harder than before, panting and moaning. "M-Malik..." Swallowing hard, he pushed deeper than he could remember doing before, groaning sharply.

Malik, as vocal as ever, broke through his moans with a cry as something was sparked within him, causing him to arch up against the warm chest above his own. "Diabound...!"

Diabound moaned, needing more of the sensation of being so deep and so close within the other. "Fuck...Malik..." His thrusts were ragged as he moved harder and harder, eyes wild with need.

Malik's nails dragged across Diabound's back sharply, his skin gleaming with perspiration as he purposely tightened a bit around Diabound. "Aaahh..." At another abrupt spark of pleasure, his nails dug in hard enough to draw blood.

Shuddering in sheer pleasure, Diabound cried out as he thrust even harder than before, until the bed was rocking beneath them. He gripped the nearest thing to him -sheets and some of Malik's hair -hard as white sparks flashed through his vision, heat running down his spine as he released hard.

Malik simultaneously felt the heat within him collapse, the world seemingly to tilt and sway in his vision as he fairly screamed Diabound's name in pleasure. When the world came back into focus, Malik's breathing was laboured as he slowly came down off the high.

Diabound was collapsed, half atop Malik, half on the bed, breath heavy and eyes closed. Fortunately, he'd slipped out of Malik, so he wasn't doing any permanent damage. "Mmn..."

Malik purred softly, nuzzling into Diabound's silvery hair as he draped an arm over the other loosely. "Mrr," was the only noise he could make, too starved of breath for anything else.

Diabound slowly, almost groggily, moved closer to Malik, arms flopping around him and holding him close. "Mmrph..."

Malik curled up against Diabound's side, head resting just beneath the other's chin as he allowed his eyes to slip shut. In the back of his mind, he wanted to do what he always saw those idiots on television do - tell the person they were in bed with that they cared.

Diabound absently stroked Malik's hair, eyes barely open as he felt weariness settle into his body. "Mm, Malik..."

"Hm?" Malik didn't open his eyes, drowsily staying on the verge of consciousness only for Diabound's voice.

Diabound pressed a soft kiss to Malik's forehead, breathing the same words he'd silently mouthed before his departure. The words, "I love you," made no audible noise as he said them, merely escaping as a breath as he closed his eyes.

"Mm." Malik, though unaware of anything having been said in his more-asleep-than-awake state, vaguely felt a faint smile tugging at his lips. Theft of heart.

Diabound felt himself rapidly drifting off, and he reached to pull a blanket over them, holding Malik a bit closer.