I'm not sure where this fic is going anymore! It was supposed to be a
Malik/Bakura fic, but it's turning more in the direction of Duke/Malik.
*pouts* I don't want THIS one to be the Duke/Malik damn it! Grr. . .
I'm asking what you guys want. Just because I'm curious mind you. I'm still going to try my hardest to turn this into a Malik/Bakura fic, but if all else fails I can always fall to the back up.
I mean, I want to keep it as believable as I can (not including some things about Malik that you readers don't know about yet, but that's beside the point.). And really, if I pair Malik with Duke, what would have been the point to even bring Bakura and Ryou into the story? (Well, besides the cute bath scene and the Joey making an ass out of himself scene.)
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 Nine
Upon entering Domino General Hospital, Serenity and Yami suggested that they watch the younger kids while Joey, Mai and Duke went to find their friend. It seemed like a good idea, so together the three took the elevator to the third floor. The floor set-up was confusing at first, but they found Room 15 easily enough, and sitting outside the door on a hospital couch was Malik Ishtar.
Relief filled every cell in Duke's body as his green eyes rested upon the figure. With a need to hear Malik's voice, Duke began to walk toward his friend, expecting Mai and Joey to follow him. However, they didn't and Duke looked back at them in question.
"Look at him." Mai shook her head as she stared at the platinum blonde. Malik's shoulders were slumped and his head was in his hands. Her mighty and proud pharaoh looked defeated. "I don't want to see him like this Duke." She said softly, not wanting to get Malik's attention. "And he probably doesn't want us to see him."
Joey agreed, "Yeah. We've always seen Mak in a certain way - as you say he puts up a front around us. This just isn't our Mak." He looked at Duke and away from Malik. "He allows you to see all the sides he's got though, so maybe you should go alone." He didn't want Malik to hide to protect himself when he was around his friends and somehow Joey knew that as soon as those lavender eyes were to see them, Malik's defensive nature would automatically be activated - it wasn't exactly something that could just be turned off after all. "That and I'm procrastinating." Joey blushed, "I don't want to know if he's mad at me yet."
Duke understood that they wanted to give Malik his privacy, and he was glad that he'd be able to speak with Malik alone. It was always easier that way. "Thanks guys. Where should I meet you?" He wondered.
"Cafeteria." Joey shrugged and Mai agreed.
"If we aren't there, just ask where there's another place with food." Mai rolled her eyes as she gently kissed Duke's cheek. "Don't be too rough on him, he looks like he's already been beaten up and forgotten. It's a good thing we're already at a hospital." She winked, then took Joey's arm and together the two disappeared back into the elevator.
Duke took a breath to ready himself, not knowing what he'd do once Malik knew he was there. When he figured he was okay, he made his way over to Malik. Standing right in front of him, Duke wondered if he'd fallen asleep when the Egyptian didn't move. Then hesitantly, Malik moved, raising his head so he could look up at whomever was in front of him. Dull lavender eyes widened slightly, but that seemed to be the only reaction.
Unable to force a single word passed his lips; Duke did the first thing that came to his mind. Leaning down he crushed his lips upon Malik's, holding the tense Egyptian's face with his hands, gently caressing Malik's cheeks with his thumbs. Slowly, Malik relaxed and melted into the kiss. He opened his mouth, not sure what kind of kiss this was, but Duke took the invitation - not about to pass it up - and slid his tongue into the familiar warmth that tasted of pure Malik with a hint of minty Crest toothpaste. After exploring every last crevice that he'd explored hundreds of times before, Duke broke the kiss, placing a chaste peck on Malik's bruised lips before sitting down beside his friend.
Malik was silent as he tried to remember how to think again. With that kiss he knew how much Duke had worried about him and how much the other boy was relieved. After a few moments, he sighed, moving so he could lay across the couch and use Duke's thigh as a pillow. "That wasn't what I had expected." He murmured quietly as Duke automatically began to run his fingers through Malik's hair.
Duke shrugged absentmindedly, "Wasn't what I had planned." They were silent for a few moments, comforted by the other's presence. They had grown to the point in their 'friendship' that sound was not needed and they could understand each other better when nothing was being said.
Finally, Duke got bored of watching the lone nurse manning the nurse's station and looked down at his friend. "So why are you here?" He wondered, "I don't see you hooked up to an IV, so I know you're not here for you." He pointed out, his index finger lightly tracing the shell of Malik's exposed ear. Duke took notice that Malik wasn't wearing his usual earrings, or any of his jewelry for that matter. He wasn't dressed right either. Instead of his usually revealing (and purple) clothes, he'd pulled on sweat pants and a matching gray bunny hug. Duke hadn't even known Malik *owned* a pair of sweats.
Knowing he'd have to explain this story to a few more people, Malik began his tale. He told Duke everything that had happened, starting from when he'd left the restaurant to that very moment.
"Yami told me that Bakura and Ryou had disappeared." The black-haired teen revealed, not about to tell Malik that he'd thought the Egyptian had had something to do with it. He felt guilty for that stupid thought. "Guess that answers the question on where they went."
Malik, who'd been staring across the hall the entire time, closed his eyes. "Ryou was worried, but Bakura woke up sometime during the night. The doctor said that with a lot of rest he'll be fine. He's supposed to stay here for a while more so they can give him the antibiotics he needs. Ryou can stay until Christmas, because Bakura's his only family. After, he can't stay here twenty four hours a day though because Bakura's not critical, so he'll be going back to the orphanage to sleep." The Egyptian's voice was soft.
"They are very close." Duke noted.
Malik nodded as he curled his legs up so his body was in a ball. "I envy that. Marik and I used to be that close." He whispered.
Duke was silent, then, "You've never told me why you came to live here. Or why the relationship between you and your brother is nonexistent when it used to practically be all that you had." Malik had let slip some things, but other things - Duke felt that the important things - were left unsaid.
Malik knew that Duke wanted to know, but he couldn't make himself tell. He'd been keeping those shameful secrets for so long that he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to tell someone. "Maybe one day I'll tell you." Malik mumbled, not wanting to hurt Duke's feelings, but sensing the other would understand.
Luckily, Duke did understand and he leaned forward carefully and kissed the Egyptian's temple. "Whenever you're ready to talk, you know I'm ready to listen." He promised softly, saying the words Malik so desperately needed to hear.
"Thanks." Malik smiled weakly, still tired from the stress of the last few days, not that he'd change the time he spent with Ryou. He would have liked to see the child happier though, and perhaps spent a little time with a conscious Bakura at the same time.
"Mawik?" A soft voice caused the two teens to look up. Standing before them was Ryou. The shy child seemed to realize that he'd interrupted them and he blushed slightly, "Sowwy, I'ww go." He murmured and began to move away.
Malik reached out and gently took a hold of Ryou's arm. Stopping, the boy looked uncertain as he stared at the tanned man. Malik smiled softly, "It's okay. Did you need something?" He wondered.
Ryou looked at the floor, still mad at himself for interrupting. "Kuwa wanted to see you befo' the piwws the docta' gived him made him sweep."
Malik blinked, wondering why Bakura would want to see him. He looked up at Duke uncertain about leaving him. Duke only grinned, "Go, before those pills put him to sleep. The others and I can wait in the cafeteria if you want. . .I mean, unless you're planning to stay here for a while longer."
Malik forced himself into a sitting position, "I think I'll stay here with Ryou. He'll be bored if Bakura's asleep, and I have my car here. Thanks though."
Duke squeezed Malik's shoulder, "That's what friends are for." He promised, then stood up, "I'll see you later then. I'll call you sometime tonight." /I have a feeling you won't want to be alone./ The dark-haired teen kissed the top of Malik's head, "Now go!" He shooed Malik to his feet.
Grinning, Ryou took Malik's hand and pulled him into the room the couch had been placed beside. Duke leaned against the doorframe and looked inside. There were a lot of machines shoved into the tiny room and the bed made Bakura look small and fragile. Very different from what Duke had seen from the spitfire teen only three days ago.
Inside the room, Ryou led Malik to a chair that Linda had been sitting in a little while ago. Malik sat down, slightly surprised when Ryou opted to sit in his lap instead of cuddling in the bed with his brother. As Malik looked at the patient, lying motionlessly in the bed, it looked as if the sleeping pills had already taken their effect. He was proven wrong, when hazy brown eyes fluttered open and tried to focus. Unsteadily Bakura moved his hand so he could touch Ryou, gently cupping the little boy's cheek with his hand, then moving his clumsy fingers through Ryou's hair.
Malik realized that Bakura was saying 'hello' to Ryou since the long tube from the respirator was restricting the pale boy's speech. After their greeting had ended, those same eyes turned to Malik and the hand was lifted slightly higher. Getting the idea, Malik hesitantly slid his own hand within that of the bedridden boy's - both were surprised by the warmth of the other's skin. Upon glancing at Ryou, then back to the Egyptian, Malik knew what Bakura was trying to say.
"You're welcome." The seven-teen year old whispered as he gently squeezed Bakura's fingers.
Green eyes watched as the sick teen finally let himself fall asleep, knowing his baby brother was safe and would be looked after. Turning away from the private scene, and knowing he'd witnessed more than he should have, Duke made his way down the hall and to the elevator. His chest seemed full, and it was overwhelming, but it was a good feeling. He was proud of Malik. It had taken a lot for Malik to let down his shields and be himself, and yet he had - to a perfect stranger.
Duke grinned as he stepped off of the elevator, even as a tear of sadness and slight regret rolled down his cheek.
- - -
NOTES:
I tried to convey Duke's feelings here, but it didn't work. I'm no good at writing emotions. Blah.
And I'm totally stuck on the next chapter. There may be some lime, okay? I haven't even started it yet. (Or planned it for matter, I just let things come to me.)
Just to make things clear: Malik borrowed the sweats and bunny hug from Rishid. ^_^ Hence why they aren't purple - ahem - lavender.
COMMENTS:
Shanii Lei - No, Bakura didn't die. He's got a bit of pneumonia. And I'm not quite done with torturing my Chibi Ryou-chan either. I can definitely write a Malik-tortured fic for ya and I'm even working on a Marik (Yami Malik, whatever.) fic too. And about Ryou beating Bakura, I'm still trying to figure out 'Darkness Corrupts the Innocent', sequel to 'Nobody Expects the Innocent' and it's planned to be graphic. Now if only my Marik Muse would stop making out with my Malik Muse so he can help me with it. (Malik torture fic: by Kaira-chan, Seven Simple Words on FF.net)
Yami Yami Yugi - I'm not sure what you wanted when you said "At least I know I'm going to FINALLY get to see the part I've been waiting for next chapter", but I hope this at least comes close. Or did you want Malik to get slapped? And thank you for that little information Yami Yami Yugi! Now I have to go out and buy and damned Big Mac. Mmm, fries. *sighs*
Elle-FaTe2x1 - Okay then, I'll go to New Zealand during our winter, but live here when it's their winter. That way I'll never see that evil white fluff again.
Kaira-chan - They WHAT?!?! They got rid of their Happy Meal toys? (True I usually go to Burger King for their toys, but still).
I'm asking what you guys want. Just because I'm curious mind you. I'm still going to try my hardest to turn this into a Malik/Bakura fic, but if all else fails I can always fall to the back up.
I mean, I want to keep it as believable as I can (not including some things about Malik that you readers don't know about yet, but that's beside the point.). And really, if I pair Malik with Duke, what would have been the point to even bring Bakura and Ryou into the story? (Well, besides the cute bath scene and the Joey making an ass out of himself scene.)
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 Nine
Upon entering Domino General Hospital, Serenity and Yami suggested that they watch the younger kids while Joey, Mai and Duke went to find their friend. It seemed like a good idea, so together the three took the elevator to the third floor. The floor set-up was confusing at first, but they found Room 15 easily enough, and sitting outside the door on a hospital couch was Malik Ishtar.
Relief filled every cell in Duke's body as his green eyes rested upon the figure. With a need to hear Malik's voice, Duke began to walk toward his friend, expecting Mai and Joey to follow him. However, they didn't and Duke looked back at them in question.
"Look at him." Mai shook her head as she stared at the platinum blonde. Malik's shoulders were slumped and his head was in his hands. Her mighty and proud pharaoh looked defeated. "I don't want to see him like this Duke." She said softly, not wanting to get Malik's attention. "And he probably doesn't want us to see him."
Joey agreed, "Yeah. We've always seen Mak in a certain way - as you say he puts up a front around us. This just isn't our Mak." He looked at Duke and away from Malik. "He allows you to see all the sides he's got though, so maybe you should go alone." He didn't want Malik to hide to protect himself when he was around his friends and somehow Joey knew that as soon as those lavender eyes were to see them, Malik's defensive nature would automatically be activated - it wasn't exactly something that could just be turned off after all. "That and I'm procrastinating." Joey blushed, "I don't want to know if he's mad at me yet."
Duke understood that they wanted to give Malik his privacy, and he was glad that he'd be able to speak with Malik alone. It was always easier that way. "Thanks guys. Where should I meet you?" He wondered.
"Cafeteria." Joey shrugged and Mai agreed.
"If we aren't there, just ask where there's another place with food." Mai rolled her eyes as she gently kissed Duke's cheek. "Don't be too rough on him, he looks like he's already been beaten up and forgotten. It's a good thing we're already at a hospital." She winked, then took Joey's arm and together the two disappeared back into the elevator.
Duke took a breath to ready himself, not knowing what he'd do once Malik knew he was there. When he figured he was okay, he made his way over to Malik. Standing right in front of him, Duke wondered if he'd fallen asleep when the Egyptian didn't move. Then hesitantly, Malik moved, raising his head so he could look up at whomever was in front of him. Dull lavender eyes widened slightly, but that seemed to be the only reaction.
Unable to force a single word passed his lips; Duke did the first thing that came to his mind. Leaning down he crushed his lips upon Malik's, holding the tense Egyptian's face with his hands, gently caressing Malik's cheeks with his thumbs. Slowly, Malik relaxed and melted into the kiss. He opened his mouth, not sure what kind of kiss this was, but Duke took the invitation - not about to pass it up - and slid his tongue into the familiar warmth that tasted of pure Malik with a hint of minty Crest toothpaste. After exploring every last crevice that he'd explored hundreds of times before, Duke broke the kiss, placing a chaste peck on Malik's bruised lips before sitting down beside his friend.
Malik was silent as he tried to remember how to think again. With that kiss he knew how much Duke had worried about him and how much the other boy was relieved. After a few moments, he sighed, moving so he could lay across the couch and use Duke's thigh as a pillow. "That wasn't what I had expected." He murmured quietly as Duke automatically began to run his fingers through Malik's hair.
Duke shrugged absentmindedly, "Wasn't what I had planned." They were silent for a few moments, comforted by the other's presence. They had grown to the point in their 'friendship' that sound was not needed and they could understand each other better when nothing was being said.
Finally, Duke got bored of watching the lone nurse manning the nurse's station and looked down at his friend. "So why are you here?" He wondered, "I don't see you hooked up to an IV, so I know you're not here for you." He pointed out, his index finger lightly tracing the shell of Malik's exposed ear. Duke took notice that Malik wasn't wearing his usual earrings, or any of his jewelry for that matter. He wasn't dressed right either. Instead of his usually revealing (and purple) clothes, he'd pulled on sweat pants and a matching gray bunny hug. Duke hadn't even known Malik *owned* a pair of sweats.
Knowing he'd have to explain this story to a few more people, Malik began his tale. He told Duke everything that had happened, starting from when he'd left the restaurant to that very moment.
"Yami told me that Bakura and Ryou had disappeared." The black-haired teen revealed, not about to tell Malik that he'd thought the Egyptian had had something to do with it. He felt guilty for that stupid thought. "Guess that answers the question on where they went."
Malik, who'd been staring across the hall the entire time, closed his eyes. "Ryou was worried, but Bakura woke up sometime during the night. The doctor said that with a lot of rest he'll be fine. He's supposed to stay here for a while more so they can give him the antibiotics he needs. Ryou can stay until Christmas, because Bakura's his only family. After, he can't stay here twenty four hours a day though because Bakura's not critical, so he'll be going back to the orphanage to sleep." The Egyptian's voice was soft.
"They are very close." Duke noted.
Malik nodded as he curled his legs up so his body was in a ball. "I envy that. Marik and I used to be that close." He whispered.
Duke was silent, then, "You've never told me why you came to live here. Or why the relationship between you and your brother is nonexistent when it used to practically be all that you had." Malik had let slip some things, but other things - Duke felt that the important things - were left unsaid.
Malik knew that Duke wanted to know, but he couldn't make himself tell. He'd been keeping those shameful secrets for so long that he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to tell someone. "Maybe one day I'll tell you." Malik mumbled, not wanting to hurt Duke's feelings, but sensing the other would understand.
Luckily, Duke did understand and he leaned forward carefully and kissed the Egyptian's temple. "Whenever you're ready to talk, you know I'm ready to listen." He promised softly, saying the words Malik so desperately needed to hear.
"Thanks." Malik smiled weakly, still tired from the stress of the last few days, not that he'd change the time he spent with Ryou. He would have liked to see the child happier though, and perhaps spent a little time with a conscious Bakura at the same time.
"Mawik?" A soft voice caused the two teens to look up. Standing before them was Ryou. The shy child seemed to realize that he'd interrupted them and he blushed slightly, "Sowwy, I'ww go." He murmured and began to move away.
Malik reached out and gently took a hold of Ryou's arm. Stopping, the boy looked uncertain as he stared at the tanned man. Malik smiled softly, "It's okay. Did you need something?" He wondered.
Ryou looked at the floor, still mad at himself for interrupting. "Kuwa wanted to see you befo' the piwws the docta' gived him made him sweep."
Malik blinked, wondering why Bakura would want to see him. He looked up at Duke uncertain about leaving him. Duke only grinned, "Go, before those pills put him to sleep. The others and I can wait in the cafeteria if you want. . .I mean, unless you're planning to stay here for a while longer."
Malik forced himself into a sitting position, "I think I'll stay here with Ryou. He'll be bored if Bakura's asleep, and I have my car here. Thanks though."
Duke squeezed Malik's shoulder, "That's what friends are for." He promised, then stood up, "I'll see you later then. I'll call you sometime tonight." /I have a feeling you won't want to be alone./ The dark-haired teen kissed the top of Malik's head, "Now go!" He shooed Malik to his feet.
Grinning, Ryou took Malik's hand and pulled him into the room the couch had been placed beside. Duke leaned against the doorframe and looked inside. There were a lot of machines shoved into the tiny room and the bed made Bakura look small and fragile. Very different from what Duke had seen from the spitfire teen only three days ago.
Inside the room, Ryou led Malik to a chair that Linda had been sitting in a little while ago. Malik sat down, slightly surprised when Ryou opted to sit in his lap instead of cuddling in the bed with his brother. As Malik looked at the patient, lying motionlessly in the bed, it looked as if the sleeping pills had already taken their effect. He was proven wrong, when hazy brown eyes fluttered open and tried to focus. Unsteadily Bakura moved his hand so he could touch Ryou, gently cupping the little boy's cheek with his hand, then moving his clumsy fingers through Ryou's hair.
Malik realized that Bakura was saying 'hello' to Ryou since the long tube from the respirator was restricting the pale boy's speech. After their greeting had ended, those same eyes turned to Malik and the hand was lifted slightly higher. Getting the idea, Malik hesitantly slid his own hand within that of the bedridden boy's - both were surprised by the warmth of the other's skin. Upon glancing at Ryou, then back to the Egyptian, Malik knew what Bakura was trying to say.
"You're welcome." The seven-teen year old whispered as he gently squeezed Bakura's fingers.
Green eyes watched as the sick teen finally let himself fall asleep, knowing his baby brother was safe and would be looked after. Turning away from the private scene, and knowing he'd witnessed more than he should have, Duke made his way down the hall and to the elevator. His chest seemed full, and it was overwhelming, but it was a good feeling. He was proud of Malik. It had taken a lot for Malik to let down his shields and be himself, and yet he had - to a perfect stranger.
Duke grinned as he stepped off of the elevator, even as a tear of sadness and slight regret rolled down his cheek.
- - -
NOTES:
I tried to convey Duke's feelings here, but it didn't work. I'm no good at writing emotions. Blah.
And I'm totally stuck on the next chapter. There may be some lime, okay? I haven't even started it yet. (Or planned it for matter, I just let things come to me.)
Just to make things clear: Malik borrowed the sweats and bunny hug from Rishid. ^_^ Hence why they aren't purple - ahem - lavender.
COMMENTS:
Shanii Lei - No, Bakura didn't die. He's got a bit of pneumonia. And I'm not quite done with torturing my Chibi Ryou-chan either. I can definitely write a Malik-tortured fic for ya and I'm even working on a Marik (Yami Malik, whatever.) fic too. And about Ryou beating Bakura, I'm still trying to figure out 'Darkness Corrupts the Innocent', sequel to 'Nobody Expects the Innocent' and it's planned to be graphic. Now if only my Marik Muse would stop making out with my Malik Muse so he can help me with it. (Malik torture fic: by Kaira-chan, Seven Simple Words on FF.net)
Yami Yami Yugi - I'm not sure what you wanted when you said "At least I know I'm going to FINALLY get to see the part I've been waiting for next chapter", but I hope this at least comes close. Or did you want Malik to get slapped? And thank you for that little information Yami Yami Yugi! Now I have to go out and buy and damned Big Mac. Mmm, fries. *sighs*
Elle-FaTe2x1 - Okay then, I'll go to New Zealand during our winter, but live here when it's their winter. That way I'll never see that evil white fluff again.
Kaira-chan - They WHAT?!?! They got rid of their Happy Meal toys? (True I usually go to Burger King for their toys, but still).