I'm glad you guys liked it so much. ^_^
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst.
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter One
"Oh great and holy Ra, why in the world am I here?" A muffled complaint came from behind two scarves.
Duke Devlin, who on the outside seemed cold and obsessed with his hair but on the inside was loyal to his friends and obsessed with his hair, laughed heartily as he looked at his friend. "Because Malik, we have this thing called school." He shook his head as he and the boy he walked beside neared the school ground. Well, Duke at least thought his friend was in there. Beyond all the heavy clothes, mitts, scarves, toques and other warm attire, he wasn't absolutely sure.
"But it's so cold! May Ammit eat the eyes of those who invented snow!" A growled complaint issued forth from the scarves. Yep, his best friend was definitely in there.
"Come on Ishtar, it snows every year." Duke promised as he flipped some of his long black hair over his shoulder. The dark silk twinkled with snowflakes like stars on a dark night, but Malik couldn't see this for he could barely see passed the scarves covering his face.
Duke thought he heard a snort. "How in the underworld would I know that? I always go to Egypt for the winter! In Egypt, we never get this accursed substance that falls from the sky!" The boy huffed; of course, Duke only knew he'd 'huffed' because he knew his friend. "How close are we to the door?" Malik demanded, much as he always did in his 'I'm the Pharaoh' voice.
"Not much further, almost to the door your majesty." Duke promised as they walked along the schoolyard toward the large double doors. "You know, I'm surprised you made it this far without falling, it's a wonder you can see with everything you're wearing!" He laughed, "Oh, and watch out for the-"
THUNK!
"Bike racks." Duke finished as he continued walking, a smirk curving his lips.
"Devlin!" Malik cursed, stuck on the ground like an up turned turtle.
Once inside the school, Duke ignored the shedding of his best friend. Other students stared, mostly the girls, but some of the guys. And Duke was sure he could see drool dripping from Joey Wheeler's mouth. But that was Malik - he was so exotic that you just had to look at him. What with being from Egypt, the boy was nicely tanned, and even rarer than his light lavender eyes that always seemed to dance with mischief, was his naturally light blonde hair.
By the time they had reached their lockers, Malik had shed all the extra clothes he'd bundled himself in that morning and was wearing tight black jeans and his infamous purple chained hoodie with no sleeves. Of course, if Duke had called it 'purple' to his face, he'd probably have gotten a black eye.
"It's lavender." Malik would always defend.
Duke rolled his eyes as Malik tried to shove all of his winter clothes into his locker with little success. "It's no wonder you were so cold! You're hardly wearing clothes as it is!"
Malik finally got his locker shut and the combination lock seemed to be straining to keep it closed. The Egyptian smirked as he flicked some of his long hair over his shoulder. "Do you mind the view?"
Duke eyed Malik, mostly focusing on the slightly low - okay, almost illegally low - black pants, "Not particularly - but that's beside the point!" He argued as they moved on toward his own locker. "Did you get that art project finished yet?" He wondered as he stuffed his own heavy coat into his locker and pulled out the books he'd need for that mornings' classes.
"You mean the collage of what Christmas means to me?" Malik's grin turned into a smirk again, "Oh yeah. I finished it on Friday and left it in the art room. Finish yours?" He questioned as they made their way down the hall, used to the longing stares from other students.
"Yeah." Duke nodded, holding a rolled up poster board.
Malik raised an eyebrow curiously, "So what does this wretched season mean to you?" He quarried as they reached the large library where they always spent their time before classes began.
Duke shrugged, "I found some pictures of things I wanted, things my parents and my little sister would want. Some Christmas pictures - like a tree and Santa Claus - and of course what Mai wants." Duke grinned, "I even found some pictures of when Amane and I were little and building snowmen. What did you put on yours?" He wondered as he flopped down in a plastic chair at one of the tables in the room.
Malik shrugged as he sat across from him. "Just a few things I'd like to have this Christmas." He waved his hand to dismiss the subject.
Duke wasn't about to drop it so easily. "That's it?"
"Affirmative." Malik nodded nonchalantly.
"How many pictures did you use?" Duke narrowed his eyes.
"Nine hundred and thirteen."
"No family?"
"Nada."
"No friends?"
"Not a one."
"No Christmas spirit?"
"Just call me Scrooge."
Duke snorted and rolled his eyes, "You selfish, arrogant, insane, self absorbed little bastard!" He shook his head. Malik Ishtar was known to everyone as the most selfish person in the school. Only Duke understood the Egyptian and why he acted the way he did.
Malik yawned in a bored fashion, then checked his nails, "You forgot pompous, egotistical, self-worshipping and highly beautiful." The Egyptian titled his head as he smiled at his friend. This was an act; the dark haired teen knew it quite well. He also knew that among the hundreds of things his friend wanted, the one thing he truly wanted most would not be on his poster.
A family.
Duke sat back and sighed, knowing and understanding how lonely the Egyptian God truly was. It wasn't that Malik didn't have a family, his family was just never around, and for reasons the two had never spoken about, Malik refused to show anyone but Duke the other side of his personality. "Mak, you should get out. . .start seeing someone." He suggested quietly, not wanting anyone else present in the almost silent room to hear their private discussion.
Malik only laughed, "Me? See someone? You mean actually date a mortal?" He gently slapped his forehead, causing his gold dangling earrings to jingle like sleigh bells. "Ah, my dear High Priest, you forget once again that I am a pharaoh. A God-"
"Demigod."
"Stop ruining my moment. Fine, fine, you forget that I am a demigod and rule all of Egypt. I am simply too good for the likes of a mere mortal." Malik continued his acting scene, even as Mai Valentine and Joey Wheeler sat down. Mai took her spot next to Duke and Joey took the seat next to the ranting pharaoh. "When I enter the godly realm, could you imagine how all the deities would laugh at and ridicule me?" Malik shook his head, "And all for dating a mortal."
Mai raised an eyebrow, used to Malik's 'royalty'. "I see he's already ranting about his godliness." She rolled her pretty violet eyes and flipped her long blonde hair.
Malik smirked, "But Priestess, if only you'd give in and accept my offer at marriage! Then you would practically be a god - well, goddess as well." He reasoned. Malik had moved to the country at the beginning of ninth grade. He'd actually been shy at first, but that hadn't lasted long. Duke had befriended him and it had taken him a long time to actually gain Malik's trust. As it was, Duke was the only one who understood why the Egyptian was the way he was and the black-haired boy played along with his friend in all his games.
"Sorry sweetie, but I'm in love with your High Priest." Mai gently kissed Duke's cheek to get her point across though she knew Malik was only teasing. "Besides, it's just as well since our great and powerful pharaoh is more inclined to look at all the lovely *princes* around here." She smiled.
Malik pouted in his royal fashion. "But can't I have both?" He whined, "I am the pharaoh after all!"
Duke shook his head as he chuckled, "Malik, you are the most selfish person on the face of this entire planet! I wonder why we even keep you around." He kidded.
Malik's pout turned into a well-known smirk. "Because I'm a prince, I'm rich, beautiful and can make you scream in pleasure in ways Mai can't." He stated causing Duke to blush and glare at him. Malik just held his smirk.
Joey's amber eyes widened in surprise; "You've slept with Malik?" He looked at Duke, then at Mai, "While the two of you were together?" He seemed confused, jealous and. . .well, more confused.
Mai shrugged, "Duke's bi, Malik needed to get laid. As long as they only sleep with each other I don't care what they do." She suddenly attained Malik's evil smirk. "I do get to watch a lot though, which makes up for it."
Joey whimpered, "How come I've never been invited?" He stuck out his lip and gave Malik big puppy eyes.
Malik blinked, suddenly stuck on what to do. "Um. . .didn't know you wanted to join Joey. . ." It was his way of apologizing.
Joey just began to laugh, "To tell you the truth Mak, I like looking at you cause a guy would gotta be blind not to see how beautiful you are - but sleeping wit' you is an entirely different thing. No offense."
"None taken. At least you know I'm beautiful." Malik shrugged with fake coldness, but was relieved to know Joey wasn't upset. It was true; Malik and Duke were together often. Mai had even gotten to watch for her birthday one year and she had the pictures to prove it (as long as she kept them to herself.) Sex was hardly the main factor though, since Malik could have had anyone he wanted. It was the comfort Duke gave to him.
"I trust you above anyone else." Malik had once stated, making Duke realize how important he really was to the Egyptian.
"Wait a minute. . ." Joey tilted his head in confusion. "Your majesty, if you don't sleep with mere mortals, then why Duke?" He asked.
Malik shrugged, "Duke's my High Priest. He's not a normal mortal."
Joey thought that statement over. "Makes sense to me." He finally nodded as the bell rang. He sighed, "I hate English. Ms. Mitsu always gives us freaky ass assignments." He scrunched his nose.
"Know what you mean." Mai nodded as she sighed. "I'm pretty sure that the woman isn't entirely there." She tapped her head.
Duke grinned, "Which makes it all the more fun! So let's just get to class already!" He pulled Mai by her hand, leaving Malik and Joey to shake their heads at his insane enthusiasm. Duke had always loved English and it's 'freaky assed' assignments.
"Sigh." Malik shook his head as he grabbed his binder.
Joey only chuckled and held out his arm, "Shall I lead the way your majesty?" Bowing with deep respect to his 'pharaoh'.
Malik only grinned and grabbed Joey's hooked arm with his, "Well Joseph, you are my personal guard, right? Lead the way." With that, the two of them followed Mai and Duke down the hall to their English class - the only class the four of them had together.
Malik flopped down in his desk. It happened to be in the exact center of the room and he was lucky enough to have Joey behind him, Duke in front of him and Mai to his left. There was a girl to his right, but Malik had never been inclined to know her name. She was annoying nonetheless and seemed to really want to become Malik's 'friend'. Then again, despite his severe selfish personality flaw; everyone wanted to get to know him. He had his own fan clubs with monthly newsletters and everything! Duke had more than once found a left behind copy of 'The Egyptian Star' in the gym or the library. And everyone knew who the 'star' was.
"I'm bored." Malik muttered, resting his head on his desk, his long earrings making a 'chunk' sound on the wooden desk.
"You just sat down." Joey raised an eyebrow as he sat on the surface of Mai's desk as she sat in the chair.
Malik shrugged, "Still bored. Entertain me." He sat up.
Joey tried to think, "And what shall I entertain you with this wondrous morn' my esteemed and most beautiful king?" The blonde made a sweeping bow before Malik.
Malik leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs, "A poem my dear Joseph, entertain me with a poem." He grinned.
Joey echoed the grin. He licked his lips and opened his mouth. "Eyes of lavender, Skin of gold," The blonde gently caressed Malik's cheek, "A lovely sight to behold. Hair of silk, Voice of fire, A beautiful body to desire." Joey fell to his knees and took a hold of Malik's hand as if pleading.
Mai giggled as Duke snorted, trying to keep his laughter from ruining Joey's poem. The class had been filled and all the students were watching the almost daily display of antics.
"King of my land, King of my heart, May we never be torn apart!" With that, Joey kissed Malik's hand.
"Very good Mr. Wheeler," A voice caused all the students to look at the door. "If you are finished wooing Malik, may we begin the class?" Ms. Mitsu smiled in amusement. The glass giggled as Joey flopped down in his desk.
"I'm not sure yet Ms. Mitsu." Joey explained, "How'd I do Mak?" Joey raised an eyebrow.
Malik turned to his friend and smirked, "My house, after school?" He winked, "Door will be unlocked." He promised and turned back to the front, grinning at the whistles and catcalls from the other students.
"Joey's gettin' some!" Tristan Taylor called out from the back of the room, causing the students to laugh some more.
Ms. Mitsu chuckled at her two favourite students as she plunked a bunch of folders on her desk. "Thank you for that entertainment. Now, I have a new assignment for you today." She said, ignoring the groans from the class, "It's a Christmas assignment." She said, picking up the top folder, "These folders contain the profile of a family or children from our local orphanages, homeless shelters and such. The family's all contain a child or two and I want all of you to actually get into this assignment, because it doesn't actually have a grade." She explained.
"Why should we do it if we don't get a grade?" Joey wondered out loud and other students agreed.
Ms. Mitsu smiled as she hugged the folder to her chest, "Well, this year a lot of families have fallen on hard times and they can't afford to have a Christmas. But if other people, like us were to just spend a little time with them, imagine how better this time of year will be for them? The assignment is called 'Adopt A Family' and the point of the assignment is to learn about the true gift of giving. Not material things, but more important things." She beamed at the idea, "Now, besides the profile, letters from each of the family members have been placed with the profile and you're to read the letter."
"Do we have to buy them gifts?" A girl from the front row asked.
Ms. Mitsu smiled, "No, you don't have to, but if you want to, then go ahead. Once I hand you a folder, you can do what you please with it - but you have to meet the family at least once." She said, gathering a few of the folders, "I have gone through all of these and have chosen a family for each of you, I've made sure that personalities match and there are common interests." She said as she handed Duke a folder.
"How are you going to find a personality to match Malik's?" Tristan questioned, "I mean, nobody else in the world is that selfish!"
Malik only studied his nails for any imperfections, "I'm sure whoever they are can try." He shrugged simply, causing a few of the kids to laugh.
Ms. Mitsu only shook her head as she handed Malik a folder; "You read this carefully, understood?" She said, raising an eyebrow.
Malik only sighed, "But this is a stupid assignment! I mean, I hate Christmas to begin with, why do I have to spread my misery to other people?" He demanded with a pout, taking the dark blue folder and letting it fall on his desk.
Duke shrugged, "You do that everyday and you don't seem to mind." He teased.
Malik only glared, "Yes, but I'm just so gracious as to give everyone Christmas off."
"Boys." Ms. Mitsu said, handing Joey a folder, "Get reading while I hand the rest of these out." She ordered and Malik reluctantly opened the folder.
Name: Ryou
Age: 5
Status: Orphan
Interests: Being read to, painting, dogs
Please see letter attached.
Name: Bakura
Age: 16
Status: Orphan
Interests: Little brother
Please see letter attached.
Malik sighed and raised an eyebrow at the short bios. He wondered if all of them were so vague on details such as his, but he shrugged and continued onto the letters. A young child had obviously written the first letter, which had been written with a purple crayon, and Malik sighed at the thought of having to put up with a bratty kid. Then again, Ms. Mitsu said they only had to meet the family once - and she never mentioned about how long that visit had to be.
'My name is Ryou and I am five years old. My big brother and I live at The Maxwell Orphanage and have for a really long time. Bakura always takes care of me and I love playing with him! He reads me stories and helps me build Lego castles and we always have a war! I always win, but I think he let's me. I like drawing and painting, but I am not allowed to use the paints for a week because I accidentally spilled some all over the floor in my room! That's okay, I can wait a week. I love Christmas time and I can't wait to meet our 'Adopt A Family' person. We were adopted last year, but the person never showed up. That's okay though.'
/ Oh good, the kid will be used to being ditched./ Malik thought as he looked at the other letter. Very neat handwriting stared back at him.
'I don't care much for this stupid season. It's just a reminder that Ry and I are alone and I'm only doing this stupid 'Adopt A Family' thing for him anyway. It's pointless because nobody ever comes, but he gets excited about it so I do it. He's all that matters to me.'
Malik sighed, bored and fidgety. Couldn't this class and assignment be over already?
- - -
Ammit - the mixed beast that would eat your heart if you failed the Feather of Truth test.
About Amane as Duke's sister: weirder things have happened.
- - -
. . .
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst.
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter One
"Oh great and holy Ra, why in the world am I here?" A muffled complaint came from behind two scarves.
Duke Devlin, who on the outside seemed cold and obsessed with his hair but on the inside was loyal to his friends and obsessed with his hair, laughed heartily as he looked at his friend. "Because Malik, we have this thing called school." He shook his head as he and the boy he walked beside neared the school ground. Well, Duke at least thought his friend was in there. Beyond all the heavy clothes, mitts, scarves, toques and other warm attire, he wasn't absolutely sure.
"But it's so cold! May Ammit eat the eyes of those who invented snow!" A growled complaint issued forth from the scarves. Yep, his best friend was definitely in there.
"Come on Ishtar, it snows every year." Duke promised as he flipped some of his long black hair over his shoulder. The dark silk twinkled with snowflakes like stars on a dark night, but Malik couldn't see this for he could barely see passed the scarves covering his face.
Duke thought he heard a snort. "How in the underworld would I know that? I always go to Egypt for the winter! In Egypt, we never get this accursed substance that falls from the sky!" The boy huffed; of course, Duke only knew he'd 'huffed' because he knew his friend. "How close are we to the door?" Malik demanded, much as he always did in his 'I'm the Pharaoh' voice.
"Not much further, almost to the door your majesty." Duke promised as they walked along the schoolyard toward the large double doors. "You know, I'm surprised you made it this far without falling, it's a wonder you can see with everything you're wearing!" He laughed, "Oh, and watch out for the-"
THUNK!
"Bike racks." Duke finished as he continued walking, a smirk curving his lips.
"Devlin!" Malik cursed, stuck on the ground like an up turned turtle.
Once inside the school, Duke ignored the shedding of his best friend. Other students stared, mostly the girls, but some of the guys. And Duke was sure he could see drool dripping from Joey Wheeler's mouth. But that was Malik - he was so exotic that you just had to look at him. What with being from Egypt, the boy was nicely tanned, and even rarer than his light lavender eyes that always seemed to dance with mischief, was his naturally light blonde hair.
By the time they had reached their lockers, Malik had shed all the extra clothes he'd bundled himself in that morning and was wearing tight black jeans and his infamous purple chained hoodie with no sleeves. Of course, if Duke had called it 'purple' to his face, he'd probably have gotten a black eye.
"It's lavender." Malik would always defend.
Duke rolled his eyes as Malik tried to shove all of his winter clothes into his locker with little success. "It's no wonder you were so cold! You're hardly wearing clothes as it is!"
Malik finally got his locker shut and the combination lock seemed to be straining to keep it closed. The Egyptian smirked as he flicked some of his long hair over his shoulder. "Do you mind the view?"
Duke eyed Malik, mostly focusing on the slightly low - okay, almost illegally low - black pants, "Not particularly - but that's beside the point!" He argued as they moved on toward his own locker. "Did you get that art project finished yet?" He wondered as he stuffed his own heavy coat into his locker and pulled out the books he'd need for that mornings' classes.
"You mean the collage of what Christmas means to me?" Malik's grin turned into a smirk again, "Oh yeah. I finished it on Friday and left it in the art room. Finish yours?" He questioned as they made their way down the hall, used to the longing stares from other students.
"Yeah." Duke nodded, holding a rolled up poster board.
Malik raised an eyebrow curiously, "So what does this wretched season mean to you?" He quarried as they reached the large library where they always spent their time before classes began.
Duke shrugged, "I found some pictures of things I wanted, things my parents and my little sister would want. Some Christmas pictures - like a tree and Santa Claus - and of course what Mai wants." Duke grinned, "I even found some pictures of when Amane and I were little and building snowmen. What did you put on yours?" He wondered as he flopped down in a plastic chair at one of the tables in the room.
Malik shrugged as he sat across from him. "Just a few things I'd like to have this Christmas." He waved his hand to dismiss the subject.
Duke wasn't about to drop it so easily. "That's it?"
"Affirmative." Malik nodded nonchalantly.
"How many pictures did you use?" Duke narrowed his eyes.
"Nine hundred and thirteen."
"No family?"
"Nada."
"No friends?"
"Not a one."
"No Christmas spirit?"
"Just call me Scrooge."
Duke snorted and rolled his eyes, "You selfish, arrogant, insane, self absorbed little bastard!" He shook his head. Malik Ishtar was known to everyone as the most selfish person in the school. Only Duke understood the Egyptian and why he acted the way he did.
Malik yawned in a bored fashion, then checked his nails, "You forgot pompous, egotistical, self-worshipping and highly beautiful." The Egyptian titled his head as he smiled at his friend. This was an act; the dark haired teen knew it quite well. He also knew that among the hundreds of things his friend wanted, the one thing he truly wanted most would not be on his poster.
A family.
Duke sat back and sighed, knowing and understanding how lonely the Egyptian God truly was. It wasn't that Malik didn't have a family, his family was just never around, and for reasons the two had never spoken about, Malik refused to show anyone but Duke the other side of his personality. "Mak, you should get out. . .start seeing someone." He suggested quietly, not wanting anyone else present in the almost silent room to hear their private discussion.
Malik only laughed, "Me? See someone? You mean actually date a mortal?" He gently slapped his forehead, causing his gold dangling earrings to jingle like sleigh bells. "Ah, my dear High Priest, you forget once again that I am a pharaoh. A God-"
"Demigod."
"Stop ruining my moment. Fine, fine, you forget that I am a demigod and rule all of Egypt. I am simply too good for the likes of a mere mortal." Malik continued his acting scene, even as Mai Valentine and Joey Wheeler sat down. Mai took her spot next to Duke and Joey took the seat next to the ranting pharaoh. "When I enter the godly realm, could you imagine how all the deities would laugh at and ridicule me?" Malik shook his head, "And all for dating a mortal."
Mai raised an eyebrow, used to Malik's 'royalty'. "I see he's already ranting about his godliness." She rolled her pretty violet eyes and flipped her long blonde hair.
Malik smirked, "But Priestess, if only you'd give in and accept my offer at marriage! Then you would practically be a god - well, goddess as well." He reasoned. Malik had moved to the country at the beginning of ninth grade. He'd actually been shy at first, but that hadn't lasted long. Duke had befriended him and it had taken him a long time to actually gain Malik's trust. As it was, Duke was the only one who understood why the Egyptian was the way he was and the black-haired boy played along with his friend in all his games.
"Sorry sweetie, but I'm in love with your High Priest." Mai gently kissed Duke's cheek to get her point across though she knew Malik was only teasing. "Besides, it's just as well since our great and powerful pharaoh is more inclined to look at all the lovely *princes* around here." She smiled.
Malik pouted in his royal fashion. "But can't I have both?" He whined, "I am the pharaoh after all!"
Duke shook his head as he chuckled, "Malik, you are the most selfish person on the face of this entire planet! I wonder why we even keep you around." He kidded.
Malik's pout turned into a well-known smirk. "Because I'm a prince, I'm rich, beautiful and can make you scream in pleasure in ways Mai can't." He stated causing Duke to blush and glare at him. Malik just held his smirk.
Joey's amber eyes widened in surprise; "You've slept with Malik?" He looked at Duke, then at Mai, "While the two of you were together?" He seemed confused, jealous and. . .well, more confused.
Mai shrugged, "Duke's bi, Malik needed to get laid. As long as they only sleep with each other I don't care what they do." She suddenly attained Malik's evil smirk. "I do get to watch a lot though, which makes up for it."
Joey whimpered, "How come I've never been invited?" He stuck out his lip and gave Malik big puppy eyes.
Malik blinked, suddenly stuck on what to do. "Um. . .didn't know you wanted to join Joey. . ." It was his way of apologizing.
Joey just began to laugh, "To tell you the truth Mak, I like looking at you cause a guy would gotta be blind not to see how beautiful you are - but sleeping wit' you is an entirely different thing. No offense."
"None taken. At least you know I'm beautiful." Malik shrugged with fake coldness, but was relieved to know Joey wasn't upset. It was true; Malik and Duke were together often. Mai had even gotten to watch for her birthday one year and she had the pictures to prove it (as long as she kept them to herself.) Sex was hardly the main factor though, since Malik could have had anyone he wanted. It was the comfort Duke gave to him.
"I trust you above anyone else." Malik had once stated, making Duke realize how important he really was to the Egyptian.
"Wait a minute. . ." Joey tilted his head in confusion. "Your majesty, if you don't sleep with mere mortals, then why Duke?" He asked.
Malik shrugged, "Duke's my High Priest. He's not a normal mortal."
Joey thought that statement over. "Makes sense to me." He finally nodded as the bell rang. He sighed, "I hate English. Ms. Mitsu always gives us freaky ass assignments." He scrunched his nose.
"Know what you mean." Mai nodded as she sighed. "I'm pretty sure that the woman isn't entirely there." She tapped her head.
Duke grinned, "Which makes it all the more fun! So let's just get to class already!" He pulled Mai by her hand, leaving Malik and Joey to shake their heads at his insane enthusiasm. Duke had always loved English and it's 'freaky assed' assignments.
"Sigh." Malik shook his head as he grabbed his binder.
Joey only chuckled and held out his arm, "Shall I lead the way your majesty?" Bowing with deep respect to his 'pharaoh'.
Malik only grinned and grabbed Joey's hooked arm with his, "Well Joseph, you are my personal guard, right? Lead the way." With that, the two of them followed Mai and Duke down the hall to their English class - the only class the four of them had together.
Malik flopped down in his desk. It happened to be in the exact center of the room and he was lucky enough to have Joey behind him, Duke in front of him and Mai to his left. There was a girl to his right, but Malik had never been inclined to know her name. She was annoying nonetheless and seemed to really want to become Malik's 'friend'. Then again, despite his severe selfish personality flaw; everyone wanted to get to know him. He had his own fan clubs with monthly newsletters and everything! Duke had more than once found a left behind copy of 'The Egyptian Star' in the gym or the library. And everyone knew who the 'star' was.
"I'm bored." Malik muttered, resting his head on his desk, his long earrings making a 'chunk' sound on the wooden desk.
"You just sat down." Joey raised an eyebrow as he sat on the surface of Mai's desk as she sat in the chair.
Malik shrugged, "Still bored. Entertain me." He sat up.
Joey tried to think, "And what shall I entertain you with this wondrous morn' my esteemed and most beautiful king?" The blonde made a sweeping bow before Malik.
Malik leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs, "A poem my dear Joseph, entertain me with a poem." He grinned.
Joey echoed the grin. He licked his lips and opened his mouth. "Eyes of lavender, Skin of gold," The blonde gently caressed Malik's cheek, "A lovely sight to behold. Hair of silk, Voice of fire, A beautiful body to desire." Joey fell to his knees and took a hold of Malik's hand as if pleading.
Mai giggled as Duke snorted, trying to keep his laughter from ruining Joey's poem. The class had been filled and all the students were watching the almost daily display of antics.
"King of my land, King of my heart, May we never be torn apart!" With that, Joey kissed Malik's hand.
"Very good Mr. Wheeler," A voice caused all the students to look at the door. "If you are finished wooing Malik, may we begin the class?" Ms. Mitsu smiled in amusement. The glass giggled as Joey flopped down in his desk.
"I'm not sure yet Ms. Mitsu." Joey explained, "How'd I do Mak?" Joey raised an eyebrow.
Malik turned to his friend and smirked, "My house, after school?" He winked, "Door will be unlocked." He promised and turned back to the front, grinning at the whistles and catcalls from the other students.
"Joey's gettin' some!" Tristan Taylor called out from the back of the room, causing the students to laugh some more.
Ms. Mitsu chuckled at her two favourite students as she plunked a bunch of folders on her desk. "Thank you for that entertainment. Now, I have a new assignment for you today." She said, ignoring the groans from the class, "It's a Christmas assignment." She said, picking up the top folder, "These folders contain the profile of a family or children from our local orphanages, homeless shelters and such. The family's all contain a child or two and I want all of you to actually get into this assignment, because it doesn't actually have a grade." She explained.
"Why should we do it if we don't get a grade?" Joey wondered out loud and other students agreed.
Ms. Mitsu smiled as she hugged the folder to her chest, "Well, this year a lot of families have fallen on hard times and they can't afford to have a Christmas. But if other people, like us were to just spend a little time with them, imagine how better this time of year will be for them? The assignment is called 'Adopt A Family' and the point of the assignment is to learn about the true gift of giving. Not material things, but more important things." She beamed at the idea, "Now, besides the profile, letters from each of the family members have been placed with the profile and you're to read the letter."
"Do we have to buy them gifts?" A girl from the front row asked.
Ms. Mitsu smiled, "No, you don't have to, but if you want to, then go ahead. Once I hand you a folder, you can do what you please with it - but you have to meet the family at least once." She said, gathering a few of the folders, "I have gone through all of these and have chosen a family for each of you, I've made sure that personalities match and there are common interests." She said as she handed Duke a folder.
"How are you going to find a personality to match Malik's?" Tristan questioned, "I mean, nobody else in the world is that selfish!"
Malik only studied his nails for any imperfections, "I'm sure whoever they are can try." He shrugged simply, causing a few of the kids to laugh.
Ms. Mitsu only shook her head as she handed Malik a folder; "You read this carefully, understood?" She said, raising an eyebrow.
Malik only sighed, "But this is a stupid assignment! I mean, I hate Christmas to begin with, why do I have to spread my misery to other people?" He demanded with a pout, taking the dark blue folder and letting it fall on his desk.
Duke shrugged, "You do that everyday and you don't seem to mind." He teased.
Malik only glared, "Yes, but I'm just so gracious as to give everyone Christmas off."
"Boys." Ms. Mitsu said, handing Joey a folder, "Get reading while I hand the rest of these out." She ordered and Malik reluctantly opened the folder.
Name: Ryou
Age: 5
Status: Orphan
Interests: Being read to, painting, dogs
Please see letter attached.
Name: Bakura
Age: 16
Status: Orphan
Interests: Little brother
Please see letter attached.
Malik sighed and raised an eyebrow at the short bios. He wondered if all of them were so vague on details such as his, but he shrugged and continued onto the letters. A young child had obviously written the first letter, which had been written with a purple crayon, and Malik sighed at the thought of having to put up with a bratty kid. Then again, Ms. Mitsu said they only had to meet the family once - and she never mentioned about how long that visit had to be.
'My name is Ryou and I am five years old. My big brother and I live at The Maxwell Orphanage and have for a really long time. Bakura always takes care of me and I love playing with him! He reads me stories and helps me build Lego castles and we always have a war! I always win, but I think he let's me. I like drawing and painting, but I am not allowed to use the paints for a week because I accidentally spilled some all over the floor in my room! That's okay, I can wait a week. I love Christmas time and I can't wait to meet our 'Adopt A Family' person. We were adopted last year, but the person never showed up. That's okay though.'
/ Oh good, the kid will be used to being ditched./ Malik thought as he looked at the other letter. Very neat handwriting stared back at him.
'I don't care much for this stupid season. It's just a reminder that Ry and I are alone and I'm only doing this stupid 'Adopt A Family' thing for him anyway. It's pointless because nobody ever comes, but he gets excited about it so I do it. He's all that matters to me.'
Malik sighed, bored and fidgety. Couldn't this class and assignment be over already?
- - -
Ammit - the mixed beast that would eat your heart if you failed the Feather of Truth test.
About Amane as Duke's sister: weirder things have happened.
- - -
. . .