Again, sorry for the wait. I've been moving and have been busy. I truly
hope that this chapter doesn't make anyone stop reading the fic, because
who knows where it's going to go from here.
WARNING: HET! Hehe
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Damn it.
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Twelve
Duke laughed as he unwrapped the gift Amane had given him this Christmas. "Cute Amane, very you." He said, eyeing the 'book' the teen had put together herself. It looked like it had taken a lot of work (she had drawn each hieroglyph by hand) and as he read the title he could only imagine what his parents would have thought had he opened it in front of them.
As it was, he had Mai and Yami all laughing as Amane smirked smugly across from him.
"How to Please Your Pharaoh in 10 Easy Steps." Duke read the title aloud, causing more chaotic giggles to erupt from the group around him.
Amane leaned back in her chair. The group had taken hostage of their basement and were currently handing out Christmas gifts. It had become a tradition (one of many with the siblings) to give each other a gag gift. "Don't go showing that around to everyone either Duke, it's got some pretty...intense things in there that shouldn't be viewed by a younger audience." Her smirk only widened and it made Duke curious.
Peeking inside Duke gasped as he spied the first image. "Amane, how on earth did you get these?" He asked, "Even Mai's never seen these!"
"Ooh! Let me see!" Mai dived for the book but Duke quickly hugged it to his chest, though he knew she wouldn't actually take it.
Duke looked at his sister. He wasn't upset, but surprised and very touched.
She smiled and it wasn't a smirk. "It took a lot of work but I managed to get at least three rolls of film. You should probably look at it later though." She shrugged.
Duke nodded, having seen the first picture. Those images weren't for anyone else's eye, though he didn't mind the photographer who'd captured them. He would definitely look at it when he was alone.
"Who are the pictures of?" Yugi asked innocently, trying to figure out how a book with funny little drawings all over it could be so secretive.
Yami chuckled as he wrapped an arm around the smaller boy, "They're of Duke and Malik." He explained, "And I don't think Grandpa would be too impressed if you were to view any of that content." He sent a teasing grin at Duke, who blushed.
Yugi blinked. "I don't get it."
Serenity giggled gently; "You will one day Yugi." She promised, then grinned, "Hey! Let's go help Mrs. Devlin with supper!" She said and held out her hand to the small boy. The little girl who had had only her mom a few weeks ago, suddenly had two extended families since Mai's parents were so close to Duke's.
Yugi cheered as he jumped from Yami's lap, but before he'd allow Serenity to pull him away, he looked at Amane, "Come too?" He wondered shyly, having instantly fallen in love with Duke's sister.
Amane, having grown quite fond of Yugi, Yami and Serenity smiled, "I wanna talk to Duke, then I'll come up and we'll see what we can do to destroy my mom's dinner." She cackled evilly, causing both Yugi and Serenity to giggle as they ran up the stairs. When they were gone, she looked at her brother. "Have you at least told him?" She wondered, crossing her arms.
Duke sighed and slouched in his chair as Mai 'hmphed' in triumph. "I don't know what you're talking about." Duke pouted.
Yami snorted, "Even I can see it!" He shook his head. It was almost heartbreaking to see the love triangle from the outside and he just wanted everyone involved to be happy.
Duke growled in annoyance as they ganged up on him. He couldn't believe the three of them were doing this! "Fine!" He muttered, "I admit it! I'm in love with Malik! That doesn't mean anything all right? I'm not going to tell him anyway, so what does it matter? Can we just forget this and move on?" His pout grew deeper. A little more than a year ago Duke would have been all for telling Malik. He truly loved his friend, and given the chance Duke would spend the rest of his life with the Egyptian, but there was a slight problem.
Mai.
Duke was in love with her too. And now it seemed as though Mai actually *wanted* him and Malik to get together. What was up with that? He looked at his girlfriend, confused, then, "How can you be so calm about this?" He demanded softly, "How can you sit there and tell me that I should tell Malik that I'm in *love* with him! I'm your boyfriend!"
Mai only smiled and shrugged innocently. "We were friends first Duke, and you and Malik were together before the two of us. I didn't think it was because you truly loved each other, but I've been thinking differently now." She explained, "And don't tell me you didn't love him then, because maybe you didn't. But I think he did."
Duke raised an eyebrow at this. "What?"
Mai sighed, wishing Duke would understand. Sure, he was cute, but he could be so dense sometimes. "Malik only talks to you. He only shows who he really is to you. He trusts only you. Doesn't that say something?" She challenged.
Duke shrugged, "I'm his best friend!"
Mai only rolled her eyes as she flopped back down in her place. "You're impossible!"
The dark-haired youth was beginning to get angry. He was confused, scared he'd lose one of the two most important people to him and he suddenly wanted to see Malik so he could touch him, taste him, just *be with* him. "Mai, is this your way of breaking up with me? You don't have to make up things just to make it easier."
Mai's eyes opened wide and she glared at him. "Don't be stupid. Look Duke, I love you. I'm *in* love with you. I'll do anything for you, you know that. All I want is for you to be happy, and if that's not with me, then so be it." She sighed, calming down as she placed a hand on Duke's shoulder, and locked her fingers with his using her other hand.
Duke was a little stunned at her confession and he remained silent for a few moments, before sighing. "I can't just give you up Mai. I may love Malik, but I love you too! Damn it. Why couldn't *I* be a pharaoh and own a harem or something?" He muttered.
"Ooh!" Amane giggled suddenly, reminding the two that they weren't alone. "Add me in!"
Duke blinked, "Wouldn't that be incest?" He raised an eyebrow.
She laughed, "But think of all the others!" She grabbed Yami's hand; "Yami'll come too!" She exclaimed, too excited to notice Yami's cheeks tinge red.
Duke, however, noticed and made a mental note to talk to his 'brother'. Instead, he rolled his eyes in jest, "Amane, you take everything way too seriously! If I were to were to be a pharaoh, king, whatever, you'd by my maid."
Amane blinked, then pouted, "Thanks. I love you too Duke." She sighed in fake exasperation. "Come on Yami! Yugi's probably wondering where I've been!" She pulled the teen from his chair and they disappeared up the stairs. It was then that Duke realized they had been holding hands all that time.
"Duke." Mai said, getting Duke's attention back. "I meant what I said. If being with Malik is what you want, then..." She sighed and Duke could tell how hard this was for her. She loved him too.
"Look." Duke took her other hand and kissed the thin knuckles. "I'll...I'll tell Malik. Then we'll see what goes on from there. I do love you Mai, don't ever think differently."
She smiled, though it wavered slightly, "I've never doubted it, but I've come to realize that you love him more, just slightly anyway. And he needs that. He needs someone who can understand him as well as you can, he needs everything that you can do so well. He just needs you I suppose." She tilted her head and shrugged, "But don't forget about your needs too, okay?"
"Promise." Duke nodded as the call for supper came from up the stairs. "We should go." He said softly, but neither of them moved. It was a moment longer before Mai got up, leaned down and kissed Duke's lips. It was a long, slow kiss, showing Duke her heart and promising that no matter what they'd remain close. They too, had an understanding that nobody else could ever begin to comprehend.
When the kiss broke off, Duke slipped his hand into Mai's and together they walked up the stairs.
Supper was filled with laughter, stories and games. Duke's family always got into it every year, and though it was only Christmas Eve, it might as well have been Christmas. While Amane played Christmas Carols on the piano, the rest of the family (and extended family) sung to the melodies. Presents were opened and more stories were told of past Christmas'.
"Back in my day..." Duke's uncle, the one who was just slightly tipsy from all the celebrating, began every time one of the 'youngsters' mentioned something that he could reply to. For the most part, everyone humoured him.
By the time Duke had found a moment to himself, it was well passed midnight and he seemed to be the only one up. He could hear the slight breathing of Yami and Yugi in the cot beside him. The dark haired youth couldn't find comfort in rest and it felt as though there was something missing. It had felt that way all night, and though Duke knew what that something was, there was really nothing he could do to obtain it.
Though he truly wished that Malik had accepted his offered, he had to let the Egyptian do his own thing. Malik had never celebrated Christmas before and Duke could only hope that his friend wasn't lonely in that mansion by himself.
Sighing to himself, knowing that sleep would evade him that night, he turned onto his side and carefully opened the drawer of his nightstand. He'd stashed Amane's gift to him there just before they'd started supper. He really didn't need to have one of the adults find it and look through it. They'd probably never understand since they had all been introduced to Mai last year.
With the book safely in hand, Duke crawled out of bed and exited the room as silently as he could. Going downstairs, he sat down in front of the lighted Christmas tree and flipped open the front cover.
It was amazing. Amane must have started the collection when he and Malik had first become friends. The very first picture was of the two boys doing homework from grade nine and Duke had to smile at Amane's observation skills. The only reason he'd even started talking to Malik was because the boy had been having problems in a lot of his subjects. Duke used to get so angry at the other kids when they'd make fun of Malik because they thought he was stupid. Duke had jumped at the offer of tutoring the new student. He'd been curious about the very exotic creature that had moved to his school since nobody had spoken to him and he had spoken to no one. While tutoring Malik, he found out that the Egyptian was just having problems adjusting to the new system, and he wasn't used to speaking English all the time. Sentence structure had given him problems and the teachers wouldn't help him.
While working on homework every night to get Malik caught up, the two grew close and just started doing homework together out of habit. At first, Malik had been shy and hadn't allowed Duke to get to know much about him, but slowly information began to leak as he began to trust the Canadian. Not much information though, Malik kept his secrets to this very day and Duke would respect that. Duke hadn't even been invited to Malik's 'home' until months after the two had met and Duke had been shocked and blown away by the fact that the boy who'd grown to be his best friend (and slightly more) was the son of the king of Egypt.
Malik had never mentioned why he'd been separated from his family, but all that Duke needed to know was that it hadn't really been a fun time for his friend.
Sighing to himself at the memories just one simple picture seemed to bring up, Duke began his journey through to the next page. He found his sister's handwriting staring up at him and he quickly read the short note.
'A picture may be worth a thousand words, but words are nice to hear. Tell the ones you love that you care because the ones most precious to you won't always be there.'
Knowing she was right, Duke vowed that he'd tell Malik as soon as he found the right time. He just hoped it was soon.
- - -
So, that was my first ever het. How was it?
I'm going to say it again: Egypt doesn't really have a king, it just goes with the story, kay?
And about Duke being Canadian: Weird to read, even stranger to write. But they're all Canadian except for the obvious.
COMMENTS:
Deniz reborn – Heh. People say I overact. (I was only kidding about the toilet of course. It was my computer chair ^_^).
Kira-Kura – So true. I hate all the crap I write. As it is I cringe every time I have to go back and read something I've already written. About Malik's past...ah...heh.
Monkey Muffin – Next chapter the respirator comes off and I didn't tell you what Malik got Bakura for a reason. You get to find that out in the next chapter too, though it's really very obvious and simple and you'll all probably groan and throw things at me when you find out what it is.
ShadowSpirits – Yeah, you always call him Mariku and now I'VE even begun to call him that. Grr. ^_^ And have you finished yet? *innocently brings out a gagged Mariku and a long feather* Or do I have to get violent?
To Everyone:
Finally! Christmas Eve is done! Oh look, it's almost Valentines Day! Gah!
WARNING: HET! Hehe
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Damn it.
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Twelve
Duke laughed as he unwrapped the gift Amane had given him this Christmas. "Cute Amane, very you." He said, eyeing the 'book' the teen had put together herself. It looked like it had taken a lot of work (she had drawn each hieroglyph by hand) and as he read the title he could only imagine what his parents would have thought had he opened it in front of them.
As it was, he had Mai and Yami all laughing as Amane smirked smugly across from him.
"How to Please Your Pharaoh in 10 Easy Steps." Duke read the title aloud, causing more chaotic giggles to erupt from the group around him.
Amane leaned back in her chair. The group had taken hostage of their basement and were currently handing out Christmas gifts. It had become a tradition (one of many with the siblings) to give each other a gag gift. "Don't go showing that around to everyone either Duke, it's got some pretty...intense things in there that shouldn't be viewed by a younger audience." Her smirk only widened and it made Duke curious.
Peeking inside Duke gasped as he spied the first image. "Amane, how on earth did you get these?" He asked, "Even Mai's never seen these!"
"Ooh! Let me see!" Mai dived for the book but Duke quickly hugged it to his chest, though he knew she wouldn't actually take it.
Duke looked at his sister. He wasn't upset, but surprised and very touched.
She smiled and it wasn't a smirk. "It took a lot of work but I managed to get at least three rolls of film. You should probably look at it later though." She shrugged.
Duke nodded, having seen the first picture. Those images weren't for anyone else's eye, though he didn't mind the photographer who'd captured them. He would definitely look at it when he was alone.
"Who are the pictures of?" Yugi asked innocently, trying to figure out how a book with funny little drawings all over it could be so secretive.
Yami chuckled as he wrapped an arm around the smaller boy, "They're of Duke and Malik." He explained, "And I don't think Grandpa would be too impressed if you were to view any of that content." He sent a teasing grin at Duke, who blushed.
Yugi blinked. "I don't get it."
Serenity giggled gently; "You will one day Yugi." She promised, then grinned, "Hey! Let's go help Mrs. Devlin with supper!" She said and held out her hand to the small boy. The little girl who had had only her mom a few weeks ago, suddenly had two extended families since Mai's parents were so close to Duke's.
Yugi cheered as he jumped from Yami's lap, but before he'd allow Serenity to pull him away, he looked at Amane, "Come too?" He wondered shyly, having instantly fallen in love with Duke's sister.
Amane, having grown quite fond of Yugi, Yami and Serenity smiled, "I wanna talk to Duke, then I'll come up and we'll see what we can do to destroy my mom's dinner." She cackled evilly, causing both Yugi and Serenity to giggle as they ran up the stairs. When they were gone, she looked at her brother. "Have you at least told him?" She wondered, crossing her arms.
Duke sighed and slouched in his chair as Mai 'hmphed' in triumph. "I don't know what you're talking about." Duke pouted.
Yami snorted, "Even I can see it!" He shook his head. It was almost heartbreaking to see the love triangle from the outside and he just wanted everyone involved to be happy.
Duke growled in annoyance as they ganged up on him. He couldn't believe the three of them were doing this! "Fine!" He muttered, "I admit it! I'm in love with Malik! That doesn't mean anything all right? I'm not going to tell him anyway, so what does it matter? Can we just forget this and move on?" His pout grew deeper. A little more than a year ago Duke would have been all for telling Malik. He truly loved his friend, and given the chance Duke would spend the rest of his life with the Egyptian, but there was a slight problem.
Mai.
Duke was in love with her too. And now it seemed as though Mai actually *wanted* him and Malik to get together. What was up with that? He looked at his girlfriend, confused, then, "How can you be so calm about this?" He demanded softly, "How can you sit there and tell me that I should tell Malik that I'm in *love* with him! I'm your boyfriend!"
Mai only smiled and shrugged innocently. "We were friends first Duke, and you and Malik were together before the two of us. I didn't think it was because you truly loved each other, but I've been thinking differently now." She explained, "And don't tell me you didn't love him then, because maybe you didn't. But I think he did."
Duke raised an eyebrow at this. "What?"
Mai sighed, wishing Duke would understand. Sure, he was cute, but he could be so dense sometimes. "Malik only talks to you. He only shows who he really is to you. He trusts only you. Doesn't that say something?" She challenged.
Duke shrugged, "I'm his best friend!"
Mai only rolled her eyes as she flopped back down in her place. "You're impossible!"
The dark-haired youth was beginning to get angry. He was confused, scared he'd lose one of the two most important people to him and he suddenly wanted to see Malik so he could touch him, taste him, just *be with* him. "Mai, is this your way of breaking up with me? You don't have to make up things just to make it easier."
Mai's eyes opened wide and she glared at him. "Don't be stupid. Look Duke, I love you. I'm *in* love with you. I'll do anything for you, you know that. All I want is for you to be happy, and if that's not with me, then so be it." She sighed, calming down as she placed a hand on Duke's shoulder, and locked her fingers with his using her other hand.
Duke was a little stunned at her confession and he remained silent for a few moments, before sighing. "I can't just give you up Mai. I may love Malik, but I love you too! Damn it. Why couldn't *I* be a pharaoh and own a harem or something?" He muttered.
"Ooh!" Amane giggled suddenly, reminding the two that they weren't alone. "Add me in!"
Duke blinked, "Wouldn't that be incest?" He raised an eyebrow.
She laughed, "But think of all the others!" She grabbed Yami's hand; "Yami'll come too!" She exclaimed, too excited to notice Yami's cheeks tinge red.
Duke, however, noticed and made a mental note to talk to his 'brother'. Instead, he rolled his eyes in jest, "Amane, you take everything way too seriously! If I were to were to be a pharaoh, king, whatever, you'd by my maid."
Amane blinked, then pouted, "Thanks. I love you too Duke." She sighed in fake exasperation. "Come on Yami! Yugi's probably wondering where I've been!" She pulled the teen from his chair and they disappeared up the stairs. It was then that Duke realized they had been holding hands all that time.
"Duke." Mai said, getting Duke's attention back. "I meant what I said. If being with Malik is what you want, then..." She sighed and Duke could tell how hard this was for her. She loved him too.
"Look." Duke took her other hand and kissed the thin knuckles. "I'll...I'll tell Malik. Then we'll see what goes on from there. I do love you Mai, don't ever think differently."
She smiled, though it wavered slightly, "I've never doubted it, but I've come to realize that you love him more, just slightly anyway. And he needs that. He needs someone who can understand him as well as you can, he needs everything that you can do so well. He just needs you I suppose." She tilted her head and shrugged, "But don't forget about your needs too, okay?"
"Promise." Duke nodded as the call for supper came from up the stairs. "We should go." He said softly, but neither of them moved. It was a moment longer before Mai got up, leaned down and kissed Duke's lips. It was a long, slow kiss, showing Duke her heart and promising that no matter what they'd remain close. They too, had an understanding that nobody else could ever begin to comprehend.
When the kiss broke off, Duke slipped his hand into Mai's and together they walked up the stairs.
Supper was filled with laughter, stories and games. Duke's family always got into it every year, and though it was only Christmas Eve, it might as well have been Christmas. While Amane played Christmas Carols on the piano, the rest of the family (and extended family) sung to the melodies. Presents were opened and more stories were told of past Christmas'.
"Back in my day..." Duke's uncle, the one who was just slightly tipsy from all the celebrating, began every time one of the 'youngsters' mentioned something that he could reply to. For the most part, everyone humoured him.
By the time Duke had found a moment to himself, it was well passed midnight and he seemed to be the only one up. He could hear the slight breathing of Yami and Yugi in the cot beside him. The dark haired youth couldn't find comfort in rest and it felt as though there was something missing. It had felt that way all night, and though Duke knew what that something was, there was really nothing he could do to obtain it.
Though he truly wished that Malik had accepted his offered, he had to let the Egyptian do his own thing. Malik had never celebrated Christmas before and Duke could only hope that his friend wasn't lonely in that mansion by himself.
Sighing to himself, knowing that sleep would evade him that night, he turned onto his side and carefully opened the drawer of his nightstand. He'd stashed Amane's gift to him there just before they'd started supper. He really didn't need to have one of the adults find it and look through it. They'd probably never understand since they had all been introduced to Mai last year.
With the book safely in hand, Duke crawled out of bed and exited the room as silently as he could. Going downstairs, he sat down in front of the lighted Christmas tree and flipped open the front cover.
It was amazing. Amane must have started the collection when he and Malik had first become friends. The very first picture was of the two boys doing homework from grade nine and Duke had to smile at Amane's observation skills. The only reason he'd even started talking to Malik was because the boy had been having problems in a lot of his subjects. Duke used to get so angry at the other kids when they'd make fun of Malik because they thought he was stupid. Duke had jumped at the offer of tutoring the new student. He'd been curious about the very exotic creature that had moved to his school since nobody had spoken to him and he had spoken to no one. While tutoring Malik, he found out that the Egyptian was just having problems adjusting to the new system, and he wasn't used to speaking English all the time. Sentence structure had given him problems and the teachers wouldn't help him.
While working on homework every night to get Malik caught up, the two grew close and just started doing homework together out of habit. At first, Malik had been shy and hadn't allowed Duke to get to know much about him, but slowly information began to leak as he began to trust the Canadian. Not much information though, Malik kept his secrets to this very day and Duke would respect that. Duke hadn't even been invited to Malik's 'home' until months after the two had met and Duke had been shocked and blown away by the fact that the boy who'd grown to be his best friend (and slightly more) was the son of the king of Egypt.
Malik had never mentioned why he'd been separated from his family, but all that Duke needed to know was that it hadn't really been a fun time for his friend.
Sighing to himself at the memories just one simple picture seemed to bring up, Duke began his journey through to the next page. He found his sister's handwriting staring up at him and he quickly read the short note.
'A picture may be worth a thousand words, but words are nice to hear. Tell the ones you love that you care because the ones most precious to you won't always be there.'
Knowing she was right, Duke vowed that he'd tell Malik as soon as he found the right time. He just hoped it was soon.
- - -
So, that was my first ever het. How was it?
I'm going to say it again: Egypt doesn't really have a king, it just goes with the story, kay?
And about Duke being Canadian: Weird to read, even stranger to write. But they're all Canadian except for the obvious.
COMMENTS:
Deniz reborn – Heh. People say I overact. (I was only kidding about the toilet of course. It was my computer chair ^_^).
Kira-Kura – So true. I hate all the crap I write. As it is I cringe every time I have to go back and read something I've already written. About Malik's past...ah...heh.
Monkey Muffin – Next chapter the respirator comes off and I didn't tell you what Malik got Bakura for a reason. You get to find that out in the next chapter too, though it's really very obvious and simple and you'll all probably groan and throw things at me when you find out what it is.
ShadowSpirits – Yeah, you always call him Mariku and now I'VE even begun to call him that. Grr. ^_^ And have you finished yet? *innocently brings out a gagged Mariku and a long feather* Or do I have to get violent?
To Everyone:
Finally! Christmas Eve is done! Oh look, it's almost Valentines Day! Gah!