This chapter is dedicated to Kaira-chan. She was the only one who remember
Yami Bakura's nightmare at McDonald's in Chibi For A Day.
Also, I added something to the last chapter just after Ryou and Malik take a bath. Yami Yami Yugi made a suggestion and I liked it.
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Can't I even make a character sick without everyone thinking I'm gonna off him in the next chapter? Then again, Baku's still sick. Maybe I will off him just to please so many of you. ^_^
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Eight
He was trying - really he was, but no matter how hard Duke Devlin tried to concentrate, he just couldn't. He, Mai and Joey had gotten together with their adopted families and had decided that going to the park would be fun. It had warmed up a little - surprising since there were only two more days until Christmas - and the snow was at the right slushiness to stick together.
No matter what he tried, Duke could not get his mind to stay in the snowball fight Joey's team was currently winning.
"Why don't you just call him again?" Yami suggested as he ducked one of Mai's snowballs.
Duke sighed and shook his head, "Because I shouldn't even be thinking of him at all. I'm supposed to be spending time with you and Yugi." He muttered.
Yami only smiled, "Duke, you've done more with us than I had ever imagined. You've made this Christmas happy again and besides, just because you adopted us for Christmas, doesn't mean you should forget about everyone else."
Duke whined, "You're right." He stuck out his tongue, "Besides, there'll be plenty of time after Christmas to spend with you guys." He grinned as Yami looked at him in confusion. "You and Yugi live in the city, with your grandfather right?"
"Yeah," Yami nodded, "He owns the Turtle Game Shop on the corner of 1st and Main."
Duke smiled, "I had hoped this friendship wasn't just a Christmas thing."
Yami seemed to be confused for a moment, before a smile of his own crossed his face. "That would be great. . .and Yugi wanted to ask you something, but he was scared you'd say no." He shrugged sheepishly. "Our grandfather will be coming home the day before New Years and he wants to meet you." He explained, "Would. . .you like to celebrate Christmas with us when he's stronger?"
Duke laughed, "Yugi was worried I'd say no?"
The younger teen blushed lightly, "He wasn't really the only one."
The black-haired teen's laughter almost turned into giggles. "Of course I'll come! But only on one condition." He smirked.
Yami was slightly afraid to ask. "What's that?" He wondered hesitantly.
"I'll celebrate Christmas with your family, if you and Yugi celebrate Christmas with mine." Duke announced, "Amane says she's getting sick of hearing about you guys and she wants to meet you. Same with my parents." He shrugged, "But if you have other plans I'll understand."
Yami seemed to be glowing, "That sounds great Duke, we didn't have any plans at all. You know, when we first signed up for the 'Adopt A Family' thing, everyone told us all the horror stories about what had happened to them or others." The boy smiled, "I'm glad Yugi and I were adopted by you."
"That truly touches me, Yami." Duke said sincerely and he was about to say something else equally emotional and heartfelt, but he was clobbered in the face with a cold wet snowball. Before another thought could process, both he and Yami were tacked to the ground, which was just as cold and wet as the snowball.
Yugi giggled from his position on Duke's back, pinning the teen in the snow, "Too mushy!" He announced, having heard most of the conversation while sneaking up on his prey.
"Unfair fight!" Duke groaned but he couldn't stop laughing, and a part of him suddenly thought, /Malik would never open himself up enough to have fun./
"Totally unfair!" Yami muttered from beneath Noah. The small boy giggled madly as Yami stood up, careful of the little body on his back.
Yugi jumped off of Duke so the teen could get up and when he was standing, Duke scooped Yugi into his arms. "That okay with you Squirt? Spending Christmas with my family?"
Yugi grinned as he nodded eagerly, "I get to meet Amane?" His eyes shining with excitement.
Duke laughed, "She wouldn't have it any other way."
"Yeah!" Yugi cheered, doing a dance even as he was held off the ground.
"Say," Mai spoke up, "Why don't we all go get some hot chocolate. My toes are going to fall off if I have to stand out in the snow for much longer." She shivered for emphases. It may have warmed up, but the air was cool on wet clothes.
"Yay!" Mokuba and Noah cheered as Seto and Yugi giggled at them.
"I like that idea." Duke shivered slightly as he hugged Yugi to his chest for warmth. "Let's go!"
"Your car got enough room?" Joey wondered as he lifted Mokuba onto his back and took Seto's hand. The group started to head toward where Duke had parked his beloved car.
"Seto, Mokuba, Yugi and Noah will have to sit on someone's lap, but there should be enough room." Duke nodded as the group headed toward his black mustang.
"I like your car." Seto said as Duke unlocked the doors from his key chain, "I want one when I grow up too!"
Duke laughed as he helped Mai into the backseat. "I bet you'll have one even better. This thing eats gas faster than Joey can finish an extra large pizza." He winked at the ten-year old.
"And that's saying a lot." Mai muttered as Serenity jumped in beside her.
"Yeah." Joey nodded, then paused, "Wait a minute. . ."
Mokuba rolled his eyes as everyone else laughed at the blonde. "I wanna sit in Mai's lap!" He grinned sheepishly as he jumped into the backseat and crawled over to Mai.
Laughing to herself, Mai helped him up and got him settled. She'd grown quite attached to their new friends and Mokuba was a sweetheart.
Noah climbed in next and sat down on Serenity's lap. Joey scrambled in and Duke helped Seto in. With almost everyone in, Yugi and Yami climbed into the front seat and Duke got in the driver's side. "So where are we gonna go?" He wondered as he started the car. "There's an A&W a few blocks from here, they've got some good tasting hot chocolate."
After the mention of 'chocolate' again, the four younger kids started to chant, "Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!" They all ended up giggling so much that it became impossible to understand them.
"A&W it is." Duke smiled as he pulled away from the curb he'd parked beside.
The fast food restaurant was empty and while Duke and Mai bought the hot chocolate and a few boxes of fries the four younger kids decided to take advantage of the empty building. Playing a tag version of hide and go seek they ran around the lobby area entertaining not only themselves but the staff as well.
Once everyone was seated and enjoying the little snack, Duke asked, "So what are everyone's plans for the holidays?" Mentally he reminded himself to invite Malik for Christmas dinner. If the stupid teen ever showed up again that is. /Damn it Malik! I don't like worrying about you! My mind always gives me these horrible ideas about what might have happened to you!/
Mai smiled, "Serenity and her mother are going to spend Christmas and New Years with us. I think it's going to be fun!" She said, looking at Serenity. The two had grown close and it was like they'd each gained a sister.
"This Christmas has been wonderful Mai." Serenity agreed, "I haven't seen Mom so happy in years."
"Glad to have done something good this year." Mai giggled, "Maybe Santa won't be so mean."
Joey suddenly snickered, "I broke my bat on Johnny's head, somebody snitched on me. I hid a frog in sister's bed, somebody snitched on me. I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug, I made Tommy eat a bug, bought some gum with a penny slug, somebody snitched on me." The younger kids giggled happily at this.
Duke laughed, "Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas, Mommy and Daddy are mad, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas, 'cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad."
"Oh you guys are horrible." Mai rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile in fun.
Yami joined in, having always liked the song. "I won't be seeing Santa Claus, somebody snitched on me. He won't come visit me because, somebody snitched on me. Next year I'll be going straight, Next year I'll be good, just wait, I'd start now, but it's too late, somebody snitched on me."
There was a long pause, then everyone who knew the words began to sing between giggles, "I'm getting nothing for Christmas. Mommy and Daddy are mad. I'm getting nothing for Christmas, 'cause I ain't been nothing but bad."
Mai rolled her eyes, "Stop picking on me!" She laughed.
The three boys grinned sheepishly. "That was fun!" Joey declared, then cleared his throat; "Anyway, Seto, Mokuba and Noah are stayin' at my place for the holidays." He rubbed his hands together, "My grandparents are coming down from BC and they always bring goodies! I've planned how we can raid their stash!" He giggled like the small boys around him.
Duke snickered, "I seem to recall last year Joey. Didn't your grandmother hit you over the head because you got into her goodies?" He wondered.
Joey pouted at the memory, "No, she clubbed me over the head with her cane because I was singin' 'Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer' while I was raiding her goodies."
Noah fell off of his chair laughing, but Joey quickly picked him up again. "Grandpa thought it was funny." He mumbled as he held the boy on his lap.
Duke turned to Yugi and Yami, "I was hoping you guys would stay with my family from Christmas Eve until whenever your grandfather got out, that way you won't be alone for Christmas at all. I was planning to invite Malik, but if the moron ever decides to show up, I'll have to beat him up then invite him." He sighed.
Yami smiled sympathetically, he'd learned how close Duke and Malik were and Yami didn't like it when Duke was upset. "You should try calling him again."
Duke snorted, but dug into his pocket for his phone anyway. He stared at it then sighed, giving in and dialing the number to Malik's place. "Hello? May I speak to Rishid please? Thanks." He waited for a few moments. "Rishid! Me again." He announced.
"You just missed him." Rishid mumbled, tired of Duke's phone calls. He was overjoyed that someone cared for Malik so much, the Egyptian teen needed that. But damn it! Ten phone calls in the span of an hour was frustrating!
Duke blinked, then, "What? You mean he was home and he didn't bother calling me?" He growled in annoyance. "Did he take his cell phone with him this time?" He wondered.
"Yes, but-"
"Sorry Rishid, I've gotta yell at him as soon as possible." Duke hung up and hastily looked through his memory for Malik's cell. It rang once, twice and in the middle of the third ring, someone picked up.
"I was wondering when you'd call." The tired voice was soft, but it was definitely Malik.
Duke couldn't explain all the emotions that coursed through him at hearing that quiet voice. Malik was alive. It was the first thought to cross Duke's mind and relief washed over him - soon followed by anger. "Ishtar, where on Earth have you been? You couldn't call or something to let us know you were still alive? I thought something had happened to you and you *know* how overactive my imagination can be!"
There was silence, then Malik sighed, his breath entering the phone. "Listen Duke, I've been too preoccupied, I'm sorry I didn't ca-"
"Sorry doesn't cut it!" Duke growled fiercely. "Where are you?" He had the sudden urge to see his friend, to really make sure he was okay.
There was another pause; "I'm at Domino General Hospital." He muttered. "Room fifteen on the third floor."
/Hospital? Shit. . ./ "You'd better be sick and dying by the time I get there Ishtar!" And with that, Duke hung up. He fumed for a few minutes, but tried to calm himself down. Malik was alive! He was okay - well, hopefully - and Duke had nothing to worry about anymore. But why would Malik be at a hospital? /Remember Duke, he said *at* the hospital, not *in*!/
"Well?" Mai asked after a long period of silence, "You obviously got a hold of him."
"He's at the hospital." Duke muttered, and spoke before Joey could, "And I don't know why. I don't know why I'm so mad at him either."
Mai smiled, "I do." She said, causing everyone to look at her. "Science class, remember?"
Duke snorted, but deep down he was beginning to wonder.
Joey was slightly confused but figured it had been a private conversation. Nonetheless the blonde didn't want to be left out of much more. "Well? Are we goin' or what?"
- - -
NOTES:
I swear I had a note or two. . .Marik Muse probably got hungry again.
COMMENTS:
Kaira-chan - My hair kinda turned brown/green. I'm not sure what colour it is now, it definitely didn't last long as blue though, which is sad.
Yokomon52 - Is your natural hair colour red? Mine kinda turned green too, but I think it's passed that stage now. We're inventing new colours here.
Kyrene (once Blood Roses - I don't think I could make Duke leave Mai, I actually like this pairing even though I don't give them much attention. But I could see Mai sharing Duke, maybe thinking that that would be all that Malik needed, but we all know Makky needs more than just half of somebody ^_^
Kami Beverly - Clowns scare me. Really. Have you ever watched 'It' by Steven King?
Kira-Kura - Yeah, I've been neglecting that story. The chapters are really long and I want to finish chapter two before I post chapter one. Too many other ideas though.
person6 - By your uploading keeps getting cut off, do you mean that when you 'update' your chapters, the screen comes up blank and it says that it's done loading? That happens to me all the time, but it still loads. I used to get another message about modifying too but it still worked.
Elle-FaTe2x1 - I wanted their winter to be cold ('cause well Kura needed to get sick, even though it's actually not the weather that makes you sick. Apparently.) and I know how cold Canada can get. I want to move to New Zealand damn it!
Shanii - I don't really find many Malik-torture fics. He's usually the torturer. And if anybody's Yami was going to be destroyed and have the story be angsty, it would be Yugi's. I'm getting so sick of seeing that pairing. It's almost disgusting. With Ryou, if Bakura's being destroyed/has been destroyed, it was a Bakura-Beats-Ryou fic and wasn't written that well in the first place (that or Ryou's happy to have his yami gone.) Bad Ryou.
Monkey Muffin - Well, the characters are still developing and Duke having appendicitis goes in with another fic I'm planning to go along with this one. Hope I didn't throw you off at all.
Note to anybody who cares:
I'm suddenly craving McDonald's. . .
Also, I added something to the last chapter just after Ryou and Malik take a bath. Yami Yami Yugi made a suggestion and I liked it.
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Can't I even make a character sick without everyone thinking I'm gonna off him in the next chapter? Then again, Baku's still sick. Maybe I will off him just to please so many of you. ^_^
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Eight
He was trying - really he was, but no matter how hard Duke Devlin tried to concentrate, he just couldn't. He, Mai and Joey had gotten together with their adopted families and had decided that going to the park would be fun. It had warmed up a little - surprising since there were only two more days until Christmas - and the snow was at the right slushiness to stick together.
No matter what he tried, Duke could not get his mind to stay in the snowball fight Joey's team was currently winning.
"Why don't you just call him again?" Yami suggested as he ducked one of Mai's snowballs.
Duke sighed and shook his head, "Because I shouldn't even be thinking of him at all. I'm supposed to be spending time with you and Yugi." He muttered.
Yami only smiled, "Duke, you've done more with us than I had ever imagined. You've made this Christmas happy again and besides, just because you adopted us for Christmas, doesn't mean you should forget about everyone else."
Duke whined, "You're right." He stuck out his tongue, "Besides, there'll be plenty of time after Christmas to spend with you guys." He grinned as Yami looked at him in confusion. "You and Yugi live in the city, with your grandfather right?"
"Yeah," Yami nodded, "He owns the Turtle Game Shop on the corner of 1st and Main."
Duke smiled, "I had hoped this friendship wasn't just a Christmas thing."
Yami seemed to be confused for a moment, before a smile of his own crossed his face. "That would be great. . .and Yugi wanted to ask you something, but he was scared you'd say no." He shrugged sheepishly. "Our grandfather will be coming home the day before New Years and he wants to meet you." He explained, "Would. . .you like to celebrate Christmas with us when he's stronger?"
Duke laughed, "Yugi was worried I'd say no?"
The younger teen blushed lightly, "He wasn't really the only one."
The black-haired teen's laughter almost turned into giggles. "Of course I'll come! But only on one condition." He smirked.
Yami was slightly afraid to ask. "What's that?" He wondered hesitantly.
"I'll celebrate Christmas with your family, if you and Yugi celebrate Christmas with mine." Duke announced, "Amane says she's getting sick of hearing about you guys and she wants to meet you. Same with my parents." He shrugged, "But if you have other plans I'll understand."
Yami seemed to be glowing, "That sounds great Duke, we didn't have any plans at all. You know, when we first signed up for the 'Adopt A Family' thing, everyone told us all the horror stories about what had happened to them or others." The boy smiled, "I'm glad Yugi and I were adopted by you."
"That truly touches me, Yami." Duke said sincerely and he was about to say something else equally emotional and heartfelt, but he was clobbered in the face with a cold wet snowball. Before another thought could process, both he and Yami were tacked to the ground, which was just as cold and wet as the snowball.
Yugi giggled from his position on Duke's back, pinning the teen in the snow, "Too mushy!" He announced, having heard most of the conversation while sneaking up on his prey.
"Unfair fight!" Duke groaned but he couldn't stop laughing, and a part of him suddenly thought, /Malik would never open himself up enough to have fun./
"Totally unfair!" Yami muttered from beneath Noah. The small boy giggled madly as Yami stood up, careful of the little body on his back.
Yugi jumped off of Duke so the teen could get up and when he was standing, Duke scooped Yugi into his arms. "That okay with you Squirt? Spending Christmas with my family?"
Yugi grinned as he nodded eagerly, "I get to meet Amane?" His eyes shining with excitement.
Duke laughed, "She wouldn't have it any other way."
"Yeah!" Yugi cheered, doing a dance even as he was held off the ground.
"Say," Mai spoke up, "Why don't we all go get some hot chocolate. My toes are going to fall off if I have to stand out in the snow for much longer." She shivered for emphases. It may have warmed up, but the air was cool on wet clothes.
"Yay!" Mokuba and Noah cheered as Seto and Yugi giggled at them.
"I like that idea." Duke shivered slightly as he hugged Yugi to his chest for warmth. "Let's go!"
"Your car got enough room?" Joey wondered as he lifted Mokuba onto his back and took Seto's hand. The group started to head toward where Duke had parked his beloved car.
"Seto, Mokuba, Yugi and Noah will have to sit on someone's lap, but there should be enough room." Duke nodded as the group headed toward his black mustang.
"I like your car." Seto said as Duke unlocked the doors from his key chain, "I want one when I grow up too!"
Duke laughed as he helped Mai into the backseat. "I bet you'll have one even better. This thing eats gas faster than Joey can finish an extra large pizza." He winked at the ten-year old.
"And that's saying a lot." Mai muttered as Serenity jumped in beside her.
"Yeah." Joey nodded, then paused, "Wait a minute. . ."
Mokuba rolled his eyes as everyone else laughed at the blonde. "I wanna sit in Mai's lap!" He grinned sheepishly as he jumped into the backseat and crawled over to Mai.
Laughing to herself, Mai helped him up and got him settled. She'd grown quite attached to their new friends and Mokuba was a sweetheart.
Noah climbed in next and sat down on Serenity's lap. Joey scrambled in and Duke helped Seto in. With almost everyone in, Yugi and Yami climbed into the front seat and Duke got in the driver's side. "So where are we gonna go?" He wondered as he started the car. "There's an A&W a few blocks from here, they've got some good tasting hot chocolate."
After the mention of 'chocolate' again, the four younger kids started to chant, "Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!" They all ended up giggling so much that it became impossible to understand them.
"A&W it is." Duke smiled as he pulled away from the curb he'd parked beside.
The fast food restaurant was empty and while Duke and Mai bought the hot chocolate and a few boxes of fries the four younger kids decided to take advantage of the empty building. Playing a tag version of hide and go seek they ran around the lobby area entertaining not only themselves but the staff as well.
Once everyone was seated and enjoying the little snack, Duke asked, "So what are everyone's plans for the holidays?" Mentally he reminded himself to invite Malik for Christmas dinner. If the stupid teen ever showed up again that is. /Damn it Malik! I don't like worrying about you! My mind always gives me these horrible ideas about what might have happened to you!/
Mai smiled, "Serenity and her mother are going to spend Christmas and New Years with us. I think it's going to be fun!" She said, looking at Serenity. The two had grown close and it was like they'd each gained a sister.
"This Christmas has been wonderful Mai." Serenity agreed, "I haven't seen Mom so happy in years."
"Glad to have done something good this year." Mai giggled, "Maybe Santa won't be so mean."
Joey suddenly snickered, "I broke my bat on Johnny's head, somebody snitched on me. I hid a frog in sister's bed, somebody snitched on me. I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug, I made Tommy eat a bug, bought some gum with a penny slug, somebody snitched on me." The younger kids giggled happily at this.
Duke laughed, "Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas, Mommy and Daddy are mad, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas, 'cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad."
"Oh you guys are horrible." Mai rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile in fun.
Yami joined in, having always liked the song. "I won't be seeing Santa Claus, somebody snitched on me. He won't come visit me because, somebody snitched on me. Next year I'll be going straight, Next year I'll be good, just wait, I'd start now, but it's too late, somebody snitched on me."
There was a long pause, then everyone who knew the words began to sing between giggles, "I'm getting nothing for Christmas. Mommy and Daddy are mad. I'm getting nothing for Christmas, 'cause I ain't been nothing but bad."
Mai rolled her eyes, "Stop picking on me!" She laughed.
The three boys grinned sheepishly. "That was fun!" Joey declared, then cleared his throat; "Anyway, Seto, Mokuba and Noah are stayin' at my place for the holidays." He rubbed his hands together, "My grandparents are coming down from BC and they always bring goodies! I've planned how we can raid their stash!" He giggled like the small boys around him.
Duke snickered, "I seem to recall last year Joey. Didn't your grandmother hit you over the head because you got into her goodies?" He wondered.
Joey pouted at the memory, "No, she clubbed me over the head with her cane because I was singin' 'Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer' while I was raiding her goodies."
Noah fell off of his chair laughing, but Joey quickly picked him up again. "Grandpa thought it was funny." He mumbled as he held the boy on his lap.
Duke turned to Yugi and Yami, "I was hoping you guys would stay with my family from Christmas Eve until whenever your grandfather got out, that way you won't be alone for Christmas at all. I was planning to invite Malik, but if the moron ever decides to show up, I'll have to beat him up then invite him." He sighed.
Yami smiled sympathetically, he'd learned how close Duke and Malik were and Yami didn't like it when Duke was upset. "You should try calling him again."
Duke snorted, but dug into his pocket for his phone anyway. He stared at it then sighed, giving in and dialing the number to Malik's place. "Hello? May I speak to Rishid please? Thanks." He waited for a few moments. "Rishid! Me again." He announced.
"You just missed him." Rishid mumbled, tired of Duke's phone calls. He was overjoyed that someone cared for Malik so much, the Egyptian teen needed that. But damn it! Ten phone calls in the span of an hour was frustrating!
Duke blinked, then, "What? You mean he was home and he didn't bother calling me?" He growled in annoyance. "Did he take his cell phone with him this time?" He wondered.
"Yes, but-"
"Sorry Rishid, I've gotta yell at him as soon as possible." Duke hung up and hastily looked through his memory for Malik's cell. It rang once, twice and in the middle of the third ring, someone picked up.
"I was wondering when you'd call." The tired voice was soft, but it was definitely Malik.
Duke couldn't explain all the emotions that coursed through him at hearing that quiet voice. Malik was alive. It was the first thought to cross Duke's mind and relief washed over him - soon followed by anger. "Ishtar, where on Earth have you been? You couldn't call or something to let us know you were still alive? I thought something had happened to you and you *know* how overactive my imagination can be!"
There was silence, then Malik sighed, his breath entering the phone. "Listen Duke, I've been too preoccupied, I'm sorry I didn't ca-"
"Sorry doesn't cut it!" Duke growled fiercely. "Where are you?" He had the sudden urge to see his friend, to really make sure he was okay.
There was another pause; "I'm at Domino General Hospital." He muttered. "Room fifteen on the third floor."
/Hospital? Shit. . ./ "You'd better be sick and dying by the time I get there Ishtar!" And with that, Duke hung up. He fumed for a few minutes, but tried to calm himself down. Malik was alive! He was okay - well, hopefully - and Duke had nothing to worry about anymore. But why would Malik be at a hospital? /Remember Duke, he said *at* the hospital, not *in*!/
"Well?" Mai asked after a long period of silence, "You obviously got a hold of him."
"He's at the hospital." Duke muttered, and spoke before Joey could, "And I don't know why. I don't know why I'm so mad at him either."
Mai smiled, "I do." She said, causing everyone to look at her. "Science class, remember?"
Duke snorted, but deep down he was beginning to wonder.
Joey was slightly confused but figured it had been a private conversation. Nonetheless the blonde didn't want to be left out of much more. "Well? Are we goin' or what?"
- - -
NOTES:
I swear I had a note or two. . .Marik Muse probably got hungry again.
COMMENTS:
Kaira-chan - My hair kinda turned brown/green. I'm not sure what colour it is now, it definitely didn't last long as blue though, which is sad.
Yokomon52 - Is your natural hair colour red? Mine kinda turned green too, but I think it's passed that stage now. We're inventing new colours here.
Kyrene (once Blood Roses - I don't think I could make Duke leave Mai, I actually like this pairing even though I don't give them much attention. But I could see Mai sharing Duke, maybe thinking that that would be all that Malik needed, but we all know Makky needs more than just half of somebody ^_^
Kami Beverly - Clowns scare me. Really. Have you ever watched 'It' by Steven King?
Kira-Kura - Yeah, I've been neglecting that story. The chapters are really long and I want to finish chapter two before I post chapter one. Too many other ideas though.
person6 - By your uploading keeps getting cut off, do you mean that when you 'update' your chapters, the screen comes up blank and it says that it's done loading? That happens to me all the time, but it still loads. I used to get another message about modifying too but it still worked.
Elle-FaTe2x1 - I wanted their winter to be cold ('cause well Kura needed to get sick, even though it's actually not the weather that makes you sick. Apparently.) and I know how cold Canada can get. I want to move to New Zealand damn it!
Shanii - I don't really find many Malik-torture fics. He's usually the torturer. And if anybody's Yami was going to be destroyed and have the story be angsty, it would be Yugi's. I'm getting so sick of seeing that pairing. It's almost disgusting. With Ryou, if Bakura's being destroyed/has been destroyed, it was a Bakura-Beats-Ryou fic and wasn't written that well in the first place (that or Ryou's happy to have his yami gone.) Bad Ryou.
Monkey Muffin - Well, the characters are still developing and Duke having appendicitis goes in with another fic I'm planning to go along with this one. Hope I didn't throw you off at all.
Note to anybody who cares:
I'm suddenly craving McDonald's. . .