Hello. I think I'm almost done this fic and I have a...prequel...and a sequel
planned. They won't be worked on like this fic was (ya know, the ONLY fic
worked on.) but if anybody's interested, just giving you a heads up.
WARNING: Um...still Christmas. And if you were a part of my family, then yes, Christmas is a warning. Actually, it should be illegal, but I'm pretty sure someone would disagree.
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
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Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Damn it.
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Fourteen
Yugi was confused.
It was Christmas. Why weren't Duke and Mai happy? They'd been fine yesterday, what had happened over night to make them seem so depressed? Sighing to himself, Yugi pouted. It wasn't right! It was Christmas and everyone should have been happy, even opening presents hadn't made the two any happier.
"Why the look of concentration Yugi?" A voice startled the small boy out of his thoughts and he looked up to find Amane watching him with a slight smile.
The little boy whined, "Why are Duke and Mai sad?" He asked softly, looking over at the couple sitting on the loveseat who seemed to be sharing one of those 'moments' Yugi couldn't understand yet. "It's Christmas Amane, everyone's supposed to be happy!"
Amane sighed to herself, and a small sad smile flitted across her face. "Well..." She began as she sat down on the floor. Yugi immediately sat in her lap as he listened to her. "They just found out that they might not be together anymore." She explained the best she could.
Yugi looked absolutely horrified – and he was. "But why?" He demanded, "Don't they love each other?"
Amane chuckled lightly, "Oh, they love each other very much."
Yugi tiled his head, "But then why can't they be together?" He asked.
Amane wondered if Yugi even understood the relationship between Duke and Malik. Did the young boy even know? "Mai isn't the only person Duke loves. It's kind of hard to explain so someone can understand." She tried, hoping the boy would be happy with that answer.
No such luck though. Yugi was determined to find out why they couldn't stay together. "Who else does Duke love?" He asked, beginning to hate this mystery person for making his 'big brother' and 'big sister' sad on Christmas.
Amane gave up. Yugi had grown on Duke, he probably had a right to know. "Duke loves Malik. I think you've met Malik before." She'd heard all about the restaurant and what an ass Joey had been. "They were together before Duke was with Mai."
Yugi narrowed his eyebrows. He didn't like Malik if the Egyptian was making the other's upset. "But Malik's not even nice! Why is he making Duke and Mai sad!" He sniffled in frustration.
Amane blinked, "Oh, no Yugi. It's not like that. Malik doesn't even know Duke loves him. That's why they *might* not be together anymore. Mai is the one that convinced Duke to tell him. She loves him and only wants to see him happy. It's pretty confusing, even for me." She admitted, and though Mai was a sister to her, Amane knew that being with Malik would make Duke happier than he ever could have been with Mai.
Yugi pouted, "Duke should stay with Mai!" He exclaimed before jumping up and racing over to the couple to try and make them happier.
Amane only sighed, mentally wondering why Duke always had to make life so difficult.
"Are you okay with this?" A voice caused Amane to look up. Yami stood beside her with his hand held out.
She smiled and took the offered hand, pulling herself to her feet. "You mean my brother being with Malik?" She questioned and Yami nodded as they moved away from the couple to talk. Grinning, Amane laughed, "Actually, I love the idea. Malik makes Duke happy and Malik has already been adopted into this family. He's like another brother to me." She shrugged, "An arrogant egotistical royal pain in the ass, but what brother isn't?"
"What about Mai?" Yami pointed out.
Amane smiled faintly, "Mai will always be a part of this family. But she can't share Duke forever. She wants to get married and have kids, and I doubt she'll want her husband and father of her kids sleeping with another guy. And that's what would happen. Duke loves Malik and will always be drawn to him." She explained as they entered a room at the back of the house that was used as a computer and games room. Amane flopped down in the computer chair while Yami took one of the beanbag chairs.
Yami grunted in acknowledgement. He'd seen the worry in Duke's eyes when nobody knew where Malik was and Yami trusted Duke's judgment, seeing as how Duke was the only one to actually know Malik.
"What about you?" Amane suddenly asked, looking at Yami.
The older teen tilted his head, much the same way as Yugi always did when he was confused. Amane thought it was cute. "Why would my opinion matter?" He wondered.
Amane only smiled, "Because. Duke wants to be your friend and he likes to know that we support him." She got up and moved to the beanbag chair next to the one Yami had sat in. Both she and her brother had their own.
Yami saw the point and shrugged, "I don't care that Malik's a guy, I just like Mai better – I know Mai better. You know?" He asked, hoping he hadn't offended her.
"Yeah, I understand." Amane nodded, "Duke mentioned that Malik hadn't really made himself personable. But if you were to know about Malik, that's just him." She shrugged, unable to explain. "Though I suppose getting to know him is the problem."
"Will he truly make Duke happy?" Yami wondered, having come to think of Duke like a part of his own family.
Amane grinned, "You have no idea."
"Then whatever makes him happy, Duke should do it." Yami shrugged.
"Hey Yami." Duke's voice interrupted both younger teens and they both blushed, thinking they'd been caught talking about Duke behind his back. However, Duke had not heard a thing and was beginning to think they'd been up to something else altogether. "Can I speak with you?" He wondered.
Yami gulped and looked at Amane for help. She only shrugged, not knowing what her brother wanted. Laying his fate in Duke's hands, Yami got up and followed him out of the room. He was led to Duke's own room where the door was closed and Duke was able to relax across his bed. Yami sat down on the cot Yugi and him had slept on while staying at Duke's. It was actually quite comfortable and Yami had a feeling he'd miss it compared to his own hard and uncomfortable bed back home.
"You like my sister." Duke sat up and looked at Yami for a time. He was grinning though and that put Yami's nerves to rest.
"Kinda." He said shyly. "She's really nice. And will you beat me up if I say she's cute?" Yami had closed his eyes in fear of Duke's reaction. Now he opened one to spy Duke trying to hold his laughter in. "It's not funny!" The fifteen-year old pouted, "I've never had to deal with older brothers protecting their little sisters before." He stated, crossing his arms.
Duke's laughter subsided, though for the life of him, he couldn't wipe away the grin. He looked at Yami, seeing now that the younger boy had both eyes open. "I wouldn't beat you up Yami. Yugi and Amane would probably team up on me if I ever did that...and I can't see the fun it that situation for me. Besides," He shrugged and crossed his arms behind his head, "Amane likes you and I think you two are cute together."
Yami blushed at the compliment. "Thanks...I think." He muttered, "Was that all you wanted to talk about?" He wondered, not that he wanted to get away from his 'brother' or anything.
Duke shrugged, "Yeah, that was about it. Unless there was anything you wanted to talk about." He suggested, looking up at the ceiling.
Yami bit his lip in thought; he did want to let Duke know that he'd be supported no matter what his decision was with Mai and Malik. Was it the right time to tell him that? Would there ever be a right time? He took a breath, "About you and Mai." He began softly, causing Duke to look at him. "I just wanted to let you know that it doesn't matter what happens, as long as everyone involved is happy, I..." Yami shrugged, not really knowing why his opinion would suddenly matter. He was an outsider to all of this, which had apparently been going on for at least two years.
Duke smiled though, seeing what Yami was trying to say. "Thanks Yami." He whispered, "It's pretty confusing, huh?"
"Just a little." Yami shrugged, "I just can't see how Mai has been able to share you for so long...though, Amane told Yugi that you and Malik had been together first, so maybe it's really Malik sharing you..."
Duke blinked at that thought. He'd never looked at it like of that before, though he wasn't sure that Malik even felt that way either. "I suppose it would be...if he even cared."
Yami snorted, "Don't be silly. Malik obviously cares for you, you wouldn't be the one he confides in otherwise." He shook his head, "You really love him, huh?"
Duke slowly let a breath hiss through his teeth. "I've been trying to deny it for so long...you wouldn't believe how I feel for him. It almost hurts sometimes." He mumbled, unable to believe himself, the intensity he felt for the Egyptian.
"That's because you don't know if he feels the same – which I'm sure he does." Yami encouraged. "Once you tell him and the two of you are together, then it won't hurt anymore because he'll be there to return the feeling."
Duke raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you're only fifteen?" He wondered.
Yami chuckled, "I'm pretty sure my past life was quite interesting. That and my grandfather loves to tell stories and give advice." He revealed. "Consider yourself warned."
"I see." Duke smiled to himself. He was going to say something else when someone excitedly pounded on the door. "You may enter." Duke welcomed as he sat up on the bed. The door burst open and Yugi ran in, racing immediately to Yami and jumping into his brother's arms.
"What is it?" Yami asked, afraid something bad had happened, since he couldn't see his brother's face from where he'd planted it within Yami's shoulder.
Yugi pulled away and the smile that graced his face was bright enough for a blind man to see. "Grandpa got out early!" He beamed with happiness. "He'll be okay! We get to go home today!" He squealed excitedly.
The excitement soon rubbed off on Yami and then everyone else. Yugi quickly informed Yami that Linda had called and spoken to Duke's mother and then she had told him the good news.
"He'll be picking us up from the orphanage at lunch time!" Yugi giggled.
"That's great!" Duke grinned, truly happy for the two. "I'd like to meet him."
Yami smiled, "He wants to meet you too. Yugi was always talking about you when they were on the phone with each other. I'm pretty sure Grandpa knows all the lovely details Yugi came up with." He winked at his little brother. Yugi pouted playfully, but was too excited and happy to play for long. He was going home!
"It's almost quarter to." Amane spoke up, having entered the room behind Yugi, along with Mai and Serenity.
Mai smiled, "You should pack up your stuff and we'll drive you over."
Everyone helped pack what little needed to be packed. Yugi and Yami said goodbye to Mrs. and Mr. Devlin, promising to come back and visit. With everything packed away, it, along with all the passengers piled into Duke's car and they were off to the orphanage.
"Yami!" Yugi whined impatiently, causing his older brother to laugh.
Yami pulled Yugi into his arms and hugged him tightly, keeping his own excitement and longing to go home inside. "Don't worry Yugi. Grandpa will wait there for us if he gets there first." He promised, "And then we'll get to go home!"
Yugi suddenly became quiet as a thought came to him. He'd grown close to these people...leaning up he softly whispered something in Yami's ear, hoping his big brother would agree.
Yami smiled at him when he'd finished, then shrugged, "Why don't you ask?" The older sibling suggested.
Shyly, Yugi turned to Amane, who was sitting on the other side of Yami; he caught Mai and Serenity's attention as well. "Will you girls come with Duke and celebrate Christmas with us when my grandpa feels better?" He began, "I wanted a sister before, but now it's like I have three!" He grinned.
"I'd be honoured to Yugi." Mai smiled.
"Sounds like fun." Serenity giggled as she agreed with Mai.
"Me too kiddo." Amane nodded, sharing a secretive look with Yami. At least, they thought it had been secret. In the front, Duke smiled knowingly, but remained silent.
"Yay!" Yugi cheered as Duke's cell phone rang. The driver quietly answered it as Yugi continued, "Thank you! Thank you!" He giggled, now even more excited about going home, "Will I see you before?" He wondered, hoping to see his extended family more than once more.
"Of course!" Mai chuckled, "Us sisters will have to be there to keep our new little brother in line." She teased, but then noticed the look on Duke's face. While the other four continued laughing and teasing each other she tilted her head in curiosity.
Duke spotted her and he smiled sadly and shook his head, telling her not to worry about it.
Mai sighed to herself and nodded, then turned back to the conversation in the backseat.
The ten-minute ride to the orphanage seemed like forever and as soon as Duke had parked the car, everyone exited and ran toward the doors. Linda was talking to a short gray-haired man. Upon looking at the man, Duke knew that this was Mr. Motou. He seemed friendly and he had a lot of 'laughing wrinkles' around his eyes and mouth. Duke liked him immediately.
"Grandpa!" Yugi cried out, flinging himself at the old man.
Mr. Motou chuckled lowly as he hugged his grandson, smiling all the while and Duke was sure he could see a tear in his eye. "I've missed you Yugi. You too Yami." He declared, pulling his older grandson into the hug as well. Everyone was silent, giving them a moment alone to say hello.
Yugi was quick to pull away though and he led his grandfather over to the gang. "Grandpa, this is Duke, Mai, Serenity and Amane, Duke's sister!" He introduced excitedly.
Mr. Motou looked each youth up and down before smiling and holding out his hand. He complimented Mai and Serenity and complimented Amane on her interesting choice in hair colour. Lastly, he made to shake Duke's hand, but instead, the long-haired boy was surprised to find himself in a hug. "Thank you for giving my grandchildren a memorable Christmas when I couldn't." He whispered into Duke's ear. "You're welcome in our home anytime."
With that, he pulled away and turned to the others. "Well boys? You ready to go home?" He wondered.
"Oh yeah." Yami nodded as Yugi jumped up and down.
"You're things have been packed, but I left them in your room." Linda began, "I'll help you bring them down." She was trying not to be emotional. She'd grown attached to all the kids in the home, and it was hard whenever one would leave. It was good though and she knew it, and Yugi and Yami had only been staying there for a little while.
"It's okay Linda, we'll help them." Duke interrupted, not wanting to put any strain on the older woman. "Let's go guys!" Duke ruffled Yugi's hair as they trooped up the stairs.
"I can't wait to get home!" Yugi jumped up and down excitedly, "We get to put up the Christmas tree and all the decorations...again!" He giggled as everyone grabbed a piece of luggage. Mai, Amane and Serenity had gone back to grab the stuff from the car while the boys grabbed the things in their old room.
There was suddenly a knock on the door and it opened.
"Yugi!" Three bodies burst in and tackled Yugi to the floor. "We'll miss you!" Mokuba explained as he sniffled.
"Yeah!" Noah agreed.
"Come play with us again!" Seto even pouted, though all four boys began to giggle at his face.
"Okay!" Yugi promised, "I'll miss you guys too." He hugged each one of them.
"Here." Seto said, handing Yugi a wrapped present. "This is for you, but you have to open it when you celebrate Christmas with your grandpa." He said, "It's from all three of us."
"Thanks." Yugi said softly, wishing he didn't have to leave his new friends behind. He'd miss dueling Seto, and playing hide and seek with Mokuba and Noah. "We'll always be friends Seto and when we're older we can go to the same school and everything!"
"I like that idea." Seto nodded, grinning as the two talked of their futures.
Yami only shook his head as he watched them disappear down the hallway, Mokuba and Noah following. Duke was standing at the door waiting when Yami noticed him. "You coming?" The dark-haired youth raised an eyebrow.
Yami smiled, "Yeah, there's just...something I've gotta do first. I'll be down in a minute." He promised and Duke nodded, understanding that whatever Yami had to do, it was an 'alone' thing. He left quietly, closing the door to give Yami some privacy.
Sighing to himself, Yami sat on the bed and looked around the room. They'd only been there about a month, but most everyone had welcomed them like family. It had been a very interesting experience and Yami was almost sorry to leave. Shaking his head he stood up to leave, but accidentally opened the suitcase he'd been carrying. Groaning to himself he bent down to pick everything up. And stopped.
Carefully, he picked up the large storybook, 'The Night Before Christmas' staring back at him. He'd almost forgotten one other...it seemed as though Yugi had. Shaking his head, Yami quickly shoved everything back into the suitcase and closed it tightly this time. Hugging the book to his chest he quickly exited the room and crossed the hallway to another. Quietly, he opened the door, knowing the room was empty. Upon placing the book on the bed, Yami stared at it a moment, "Bye kiddo." And with that he left the room and never looked back.
"What took you so long Yami! Let's go home already!" Yugi ran to the car waiting for them.
Yami rolled his eyes at his brother's inpatients. Then he turned to Duke and the others. "Thanks." He said to them and they all understood.
"Your grandfather gave me your address and everything and you've already got mine. I'll be expecting a call and if I don't get one, I know where you live." Duke teased, though seeing them leaving felt kind of weird, like they were moving away or something.
Yami laughed and pulled Duke into a hug, one of which Duke fully accepted. They said nothing, but they didn't need to. "I'll see you guys later then." Yami promised and then got into the car with his family. Soon after, the older car disappeared from sight.
"You okay Duke?" Amane wondered, nudging her brother.
Duke raised an eyebrow, "Of course I'm okay! It's not like they're moving to another country! Besides," He muttered, "I'm nervous about something else now."
"That phone call." Mai brought up, "It was Malik, wasn't it?" She said softly.
Duke only nodded, "He wanted to know if I could come and pick him and Ryou up from the hospital. I told him I would. Mai..." He reached out to her.
She reached back and they squeezed each other's hands in support. "Go to him Duke, tell him and then we'll see." She smiled, "Remember we were friends first and we'll be friends again." She quickly kissed his lips then pushed him away, "We'll take a detour to my place." She said, "Talk to you later, okay?" She asked, almost afraid to let him out of her sight. He might never belong to her again.
Duke only nodded before hopping into his car.
- - -
No notes on this chapter...I don't think there were anyway.
COMMENTS:
Kyrene (once Blood Roses – All I see are Malik/Ryou fics. And while mine aren't that great, at least they mostly have a plot. Usually. Sometimes...every once in a while.
Kaira-chan – Yes, the dalmation ornament was Bakura and Ryou. ^^;;; pretty dumb, ne? And I'm fine (about the car accident thingy.) Just got the pictures back x.x
Yami Yami Yugi – Christmas is always a warning when it comes to my family 'christmas'. If you can even call it a family thing. But anyway...no the symbolism with the Millennium Ring was pure crap. I pulled it outta somewhere.
Kira-Kura – How many older writers (like Shakespeare) were considered insane for listening to the 'voices in their heads'? And my muses bit me today actually. At work. During the lunch rush. I didn't get a chance to bite them back until about three hours later. Grr. And of course, finding a good fic, even though there are a few out there, is almost impossible. *pouts* Or I could just be picky.
To Everyone:
Hi.
And does anyone know where I can get that screen cap of Malik taking his shirt off?
WARNING: Um...still Christmas. And if you were a part of my family, then yes, Christmas is a warning. Actually, it should be illegal, but I'm pretty sure someone would disagree.
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 Fourteen
Yugi was confused.
It was Christmas. Why weren't Duke and Mai happy? They'd been fine yesterday, what had happened over night to make them seem so depressed? Sighing to himself, Yugi pouted. It wasn't right! It was Christmas and everyone should have been happy, even opening presents hadn't made the two any happier.
"Why the look of concentration Yugi?" A voice startled the small boy out of his thoughts and he looked up to find Amane watching him with a slight smile.
The little boy whined, "Why are Duke and Mai sad?" He asked softly, looking over at the couple sitting on the loveseat who seemed to be sharing one of those 'moments' Yugi couldn't understand yet. "It's Christmas Amane, everyone's supposed to be happy!"
Amane sighed to herself, and a small sad smile flitted across her face. "Well..." She began as she sat down on the floor. Yugi immediately sat in her lap as he listened to her. "They just found out that they might not be together anymore." She explained the best she could.
Yugi looked absolutely horrified – and he was. "But why?" He demanded, "Don't they love each other?"
Amane chuckled lightly, "Oh, they love each other very much."
Yugi tiled his head, "But then why can't they be together?" He asked.
Amane wondered if Yugi even understood the relationship between Duke and Malik. Did the young boy even know? "Mai isn't the only person Duke loves. It's kind of hard to explain so someone can understand." She tried, hoping the boy would be happy with that answer.
No such luck though. Yugi was determined to find out why they couldn't stay together. "Who else does Duke love?" He asked, beginning to hate this mystery person for making his 'big brother' and 'big sister' sad on Christmas.
Amane gave up. Yugi had grown on Duke, he probably had a right to know. "Duke loves Malik. I think you've met Malik before." She'd heard all about the restaurant and what an ass Joey had been. "They were together before Duke was with Mai."
Yugi narrowed his eyebrows. He didn't like Malik if the Egyptian was making the other's upset. "But Malik's not even nice! Why is he making Duke and Mai sad!" He sniffled in frustration.
Amane blinked, "Oh, no Yugi. It's not like that. Malik doesn't even know Duke loves him. That's why they *might* not be together anymore. Mai is the one that convinced Duke to tell him. She loves him and only wants to see him happy. It's pretty confusing, even for me." She admitted, and though Mai was a sister to her, Amane knew that being with Malik would make Duke happier than he ever could have been with Mai.
Yugi pouted, "Duke should stay with Mai!" He exclaimed before jumping up and racing over to the couple to try and make them happier.
Amane only sighed, mentally wondering why Duke always had to make life so difficult.
"Are you okay with this?" A voice caused Amane to look up. Yami stood beside her with his hand held out.
She smiled and took the offered hand, pulling herself to her feet. "You mean my brother being with Malik?" She questioned and Yami nodded as they moved away from the couple to talk. Grinning, Amane laughed, "Actually, I love the idea. Malik makes Duke happy and Malik has already been adopted into this family. He's like another brother to me." She shrugged, "An arrogant egotistical royal pain in the ass, but what brother isn't?"
"What about Mai?" Yami pointed out.
Amane smiled faintly, "Mai will always be a part of this family. But she can't share Duke forever. She wants to get married and have kids, and I doubt she'll want her husband and father of her kids sleeping with another guy. And that's what would happen. Duke loves Malik and will always be drawn to him." She explained as they entered a room at the back of the house that was used as a computer and games room. Amane flopped down in the computer chair while Yami took one of the beanbag chairs.
Yami grunted in acknowledgement. He'd seen the worry in Duke's eyes when nobody knew where Malik was and Yami trusted Duke's judgment, seeing as how Duke was the only one to actually know Malik.
"What about you?" Amane suddenly asked, looking at Yami.
The older teen tilted his head, much the same way as Yugi always did when he was confused. Amane thought it was cute. "Why would my opinion matter?" He wondered.
Amane only smiled, "Because. Duke wants to be your friend and he likes to know that we support him." She got up and moved to the beanbag chair next to the one Yami had sat in. Both she and her brother had their own.
Yami saw the point and shrugged, "I don't care that Malik's a guy, I just like Mai better – I know Mai better. You know?" He asked, hoping he hadn't offended her.
"Yeah, I understand." Amane nodded, "Duke mentioned that Malik hadn't really made himself personable. But if you were to know about Malik, that's just him." She shrugged, unable to explain. "Though I suppose getting to know him is the problem."
"Will he truly make Duke happy?" Yami wondered, having come to think of Duke like a part of his own family.
Amane grinned, "You have no idea."
"Then whatever makes him happy, Duke should do it." Yami shrugged.
"Hey Yami." Duke's voice interrupted both younger teens and they both blushed, thinking they'd been caught talking about Duke behind his back. However, Duke had not heard a thing and was beginning to think they'd been up to something else altogether. "Can I speak with you?" He wondered.
Yami gulped and looked at Amane for help. She only shrugged, not knowing what her brother wanted. Laying his fate in Duke's hands, Yami got up and followed him out of the room. He was led to Duke's own room where the door was closed and Duke was able to relax across his bed. Yami sat down on the cot Yugi and him had slept on while staying at Duke's. It was actually quite comfortable and Yami had a feeling he'd miss it compared to his own hard and uncomfortable bed back home.
"You like my sister." Duke sat up and looked at Yami for a time. He was grinning though and that put Yami's nerves to rest.
"Kinda." He said shyly. "She's really nice. And will you beat me up if I say she's cute?" Yami had closed his eyes in fear of Duke's reaction. Now he opened one to spy Duke trying to hold his laughter in. "It's not funny!" The fifteen-year old pouted, "I've never had to deal with older brothers protecting their little sisters before." He stated, crossing his arms.
Duke's laughter subsided, though for the life of him, he couldn't wipe away the grin. He looked at Yami, seeing now that the younger boy had both eyes open. "I wouldn't beat you up Yami. Yugi and Amane would probably team up on me if I ever did that...and I can't see the fun it that situation for me. Besides," He shrugged and crossed his arms behind his head, "Amane likes you and I think you two are cute together."
Yami blushed at the compliment. "Thanks...I think." He muttered, "Was that all you wanted to talk about?" He wondered, not that he wanted to get away from his 'brother' or anything.
Duke shrugged, "Yeah, that was about it. Unless there was anything you wanted to talk about." He suggested, looking up at the ceiling.
Yami bit his lip in thought; he did want to let Duke know that he'd be supported no matter what his decision was with Mai and Malik. Was it the right time to tell him that? Would there ever be a right time? He took a breath, "About you and Mai." He began softly, causing Duke to look at him. "I just wanted to let you know that it doesn't matter what happens, as long as everyone involved is happy, I..." Yami shrugged, not really knowing why his opinion would suddenly matter. He was an outsider to all of this, which had apparently been going on for at least two years.
Duke smiled though, seeing what Yami was trying to say. "Thanks Yami." He whispered, "It's pretty confusing, huh?"
"Just a little." Yami shrugged, "I just can't see how Mai has been able to share you for so long...though, Amane told Yugi that you and Malik had been together first, so maybe it's really Malik sharing you..."
Duke blinked at that thought. He'd never looked at it like of that before, though he wasn't sure that Malik even felt that way either. "I suppose it would be...if he even cared."
Yami snorted, "Don't be silly. Malik obviously cares for you, you wouldn't be the one he confides in otherwise." He shook his head, "You really love him, huh?"
Duke slowly let a breath hiss through his teeth. "I've been trying to deny it for so long...you wouldn't believe how I feel for him. It almost hurts sometimes." He mumbled, unable to believe himself, the intensity he felt for the Egyptian.
"That's because you don't know if he feels the same – which I'm sure he does." Yami encouraged. "Once you tell him and the two of you are together, then it won't hurt anymore because he'll be there to return the feeling."
Duke raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you're only fifteen?" He wondered.
Yami chuckled, "I'm pretty sure my past life was quite interesting. That and my grandfather loves to tell stories and give advice." He revealed. "Consider yourself warned."
"I see." Duke smiled to himself. He was going to say something else when someone excitedly pounded on the door. "You may enter." Duke welcomed as he sat up on the bed. The door burst open and Yugi ran in, racing immediately to Yami and jumping into his brother's arms.
"What is it?" Yami asked, afraid something bad had happened, since he couldn't see his brother's face from where he'd planted it within Yami's shoulder.
Yugi pulled away and the smile that graced his face was bright enough for a blind man to see. "Grandpa got out early!" He beamed with happiness. "He'll be okay! We get to go home today!" He squealed excitedly.
The excitement soon rubbed off on Yami and then everyone else. Yugi quickly informed Yami that Linda had called and spoken to Duke's mother and then she had told him the good news.
"He'll be picking us up from the orphanage at lunch time!" Yugi giggled.
"That's great!" Duke grinned, truly happy for the two. "I'd like to meet him."
Yami smiled, "He wants to meet you too. Yugi was always talking about you when they were on the phone with each other. I'm pretty sure Grandpa knows all the lovely details Yugi came up with." He winked at his little brother. Yugi pouted playfully, but was too excited and happy to play for long. He was going home!
"It's almost quarter to." Amane spoke up, having entered the room behind Yugi, along with Mai and Serenity.
Mai smiled, "You should pack up your stuff and we'll drive you over."
Everyone helped pack what little needed to be packed. Yugi and Yami said goodbye to Mrs. and Mr. Devlin, promising to come back and visit. With everything packed away, it, along with all the passengers piled into Duke's car and they were off to the orphanage.
"Yami!" Yugi whined impatiently, causing his older brother to laugh.
Yami pulled Yugi into his arms and hugged him tightly, keeping his own excitement and longing to go home inside. "Don't worry Yugi. Grandpa will wait there for us if he gets there first." He promised, "And then we'll get to go home!"
Yugi suddenly became quiet as a thought came to him. He'd grown close to these people...leaning up he softly whispered something in Yami's ear, hoping his big brother would agree.
Yami smiled at him when he'd finished, then shrugged, "Why don't you ask?" The older sibling suggested.
Shyly, Yugi turned to Amane, who was sitting on the other side of Yami; he caught Mai and Serenity's attention as well. "Will you girls come with Duke and celebrate Christmas with us when my grandpa feels better?" He began, "I wanted a sister before, but now it's like I have three!" He grinned.
"I'd be honoured to Yugi." Mai smiled.
"Sounds like fun." Serenity giggled as she agreed with Mai.
"Me too kiddo." Amane nodded, sharing a secretive look with Yami. At least, they thought it had been secret. In the front, Duke smiled knowingly, but remained silent.
"Yay!" Yugi cheered as Duke's cell phone rang. The driver quietly answered it as Yugi continued, "Thank you! Thank you!" He giggled, now even more excited about going home, "Will I see you before?" He wondered, hoping to see his extended family more than once more.
"Of course!" Mai chuckled, "Us sisters will have to be there to keep our new little brother in line." She teased, but then noticed the look on Duke's face. While the other four continued laughing and teasing each other she tilted her head in curiosity.
Duke spotted her and he smiled sadly and shook his head, telling her not to worry about it.
Mai sighed to herself and nodded, then turned back to the conversation in the backseat.
The ten-minute ride to the orphanage seemed like forever and as soon as Duke had parked the car, everyone exited and ran toward the doors. Linda was talking to a short gray-haired man. Upon looking at the man, Duke knew that this was Mr. Motou. He seemed friendly and he had a lot of 'laughing wrinkles' around his eyes and mouth. Duke liked him immediately.
"Grandpa!" Yugi cried out, flinging himself at the old man.
Mr. Motou chuckled lowly as he hugged his grandson, smiling all the while and Duke was sure he could see a tear in his eye. "I've missed you Yugi. You too Yami." He declared, pulling his older grandson into the hug as well. Everyone was silent, giving them a moment alone to say hello.
Yugi was quick to pull away though and he led his grandfather over to the gang. "Grandpa, this is Duke, Mai, Serenity and Amane, Duke's sister!" He introduced excitedly.
Mr. Motou looked each youth up and down before smiling and holding out his hand. He complimented Mai and Serenity and complimented Amane on her interesting choice in hair colour. Lastly, he made to shake Duke's hand, but instead, the long-haired boy was surprised to find himself in a hug. "Thank you for giving my grandchildren a memorable Christmas when I couldn't." He whispered into Duke's ear. "You're welcome in our home anytime."
With that, he pulled away and turned to the others. "Well boys? You ready to go home?" He wondered.
"Oh yeah." Yami nodded as Yugi jumped up and down.
"You're things have been packed, but I left them in your room." Linda began, "I'll help you bring them down." She was trying not to be emotional. She'd grown attached to all the kids in the home, and it was hard whenever one would leave. It was good though and she knew it, and Yugi and Yami had only been staying there for a little while.
"It's okay Linda, we'll help them." Duke interrupted, not wanting to put any strain on the older woman. "Let's go guys!" Duke ruffled Yugi's hair as they trooped up the stairs.
"I can't wait to get home!" Yugi jumped up and down excitedly, "We get to put up the Christmas tree and all the decorations...again!" He giggled as everyone grabbed a piece of luggage. Mai, Amane and Serenity had gone back to grab the stuff from the car while the boys grabbed the things in their old room.
There was suddenly a knock on the door and it opened.
"Yugi!" Three bodies burst in and tackled Yugi to the floor. "We'll miss you!" Mokuba explained as he sniffled.
"Yeah!" Noah agreed.
"Come play with us again!" Seto even pouted, though all four boys began to giggle at his face.
"Okay!" Yugi promised, "I'll miss you guys too." He hugged each one of them.
"Here." Seto said, handing Yugi a wrapped present. "This is for you, but you have to open it when you celebrate Christmas with your grandpa." He said, "It's from all three of us."
"Thanks." Yugi said softly, wishing he didn't have to leave his new friends behind. He'd miss dueling Seto, and playing hide and seek with Mokuba and Noah. "We'll always be friends Seto and when we're older we can go to the same school and everything!"
"I like that idea." Seto nodded, grinning as the two talked of their futures.
Yami only shook his head as he watched them disappear down the hallway, Mokuba and Noah following. Duke was standing at the door waiting when Yami noticed him. "You coming?" The dark-haired youth raised an eyebrow.
Yami smiled, "Yeah, there's just...something I've gotta do first. I'll be down in a minute." He promised and Duke nodded, understanding that whatever Yami had to do, it was an 'alone' thing. He left quietly, closing the door to give Yami some privacy.
Sighing to himself, Yami sat on the bed and looked around the room. They'd only been there about a month, but most everyone had welcomed them like family. It had been a very interesting experience and Yami was almost sorry to leave. Shaking his head he stood up to leave, but accidentally opened the suitcase he'd been carrying. Groaning to himself he bent down to pick everything up. And stopped.
Carefully, he picked up the large storybook, 'The Night Before Christmas' staring back at him. He'd almost forgotten one other...it seemed as though Yugi had. Shaking his head, Yami quickly shoved everything back into the suitcase and closed it tightly this time. Hugging the book to his chest he quickly exited the room and crossed the hallway to another. Quietly, he opened the door, knowing the room was empty. Upon placing the book on the bed, Yami stared at it a moment, "Bye kiddo." And with that he left the room and never looked back.
"What took you so long Yami! Let's go home already!" Yugi ran to the car waiting for them.
Yami rolled his eyes at his brother's inpatients. Then he turned to Duke and the others. "Thanks." He said to them and they all understood.
"Your grandfather gave me your address and everything and you've already got mine. I'll be expecting a call and if I don't get one, I know where you live." Duke teased, though seeing them leaving felt kind of weird, like they were moving away or something.
Yami laughed and pulled Duke into a hug, one of which Duke fully accepted. They said nothing, but they didn't need to. "I'll see you guys later then." Yami promised and then got into the car with his family. Soon after, the older car disappeared from sight.
"You okay Duke?" Amane wondered, nudging her brother.
Duke raised an eyebrow, "Of course I'm okay! It's not like they're moving to another country! Besides," He muttered, "I'm nervous about something else now."
"That phone call." Mai brought up, "It was Malik, wasn't it?" She said softly.
Duke only nodded, "He wanted to know if I could come and pick him and Ryou up from the hospital. I told him I would. Mai..." He reached out to her.
She reached back and they squeezed each other's hands in support. "Go to him Duke, tell him and then we'll see." She smiled, "Remember we were friends first and we'll be friends again." She quickly kissed his lips then pushed him away, "We'll take a detour to my place." She said, "Talk to you later, okay?" She asked, almost afraid to let him out of her sight. He might never belong to her again.
Duke only nodded before hopping into his car.
- - -
No notes on this chapter...I don't think there were anyway.
COMMENTS:
Kyrene (once Blood Roses – All I see are Malik/Ryou fics. And while mine aren't that great, at least they mostly have a plot. Usually. Sometimes...every once in a while.
Kaira-chan – Yes, the dalmation ornament was Bakura and Ryou. ^^;;; pretty dumb, ne? And I'm fine (about the car accident thingy.) Just got the pictures back x.x
Yami Yami Yugi – Christmas is always a warning when it comes to my family 'christmas'. If you can even call it a family thing. But anyway...no the symbolism with the Millennium Ring was pure crap. I pulled it outta somewhere.
Kira-Kura – How many older writers (like Shakespeare) were considered insane for listening to the 'voices in their heads'? And my muses bit me today actually. At work. During the lunch rush. I didn't get a chance to bite them back until about three hours later. Grr. And of course, finding a good fic, even though there are a few out there, is almost impossible. *pouts* Or I could just be picky.
To Everyone:
Hi.
And does anyone know where I can get that screen cap of Malik taking his shirt off?