Hi! *grins* I think that after this chapter, there are only two more. ^_^
...okay, so many people will want to feed me to the most evil and most vile creature dwelling in the Shadow Realm, but whatever creature it is, it can't compare to my Sex-With-Marik-Muse-Deprived Malik Muse!
WARNING: Angst. Malik dies.
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. Changed it – MALIK DIES!!! *sniffle* Sorry, it totally went with the plot.
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Fifteen
The hospital seemed cold as it loomed before him and Duke wondered how many patients had been alone this Christmas. /Two of them obviously weren't./ Duke smirked, /and that means Malik wasn't either. Good./ He pulled up to where he could see two figures running along a salted sidewalk, throwing snowballs at each other.
They stopped as Duke parked and Malik took Ryou's hand and they both hopped into the car. "Hey." Malik grinned as he helped Ryou buckle up in the back seat, "Thanks for coming, though we could have taken the bus since you were busy."
Duke could only stare as Malik helped the small boy. His Malik was always brooding and at least slightly depressed, this Malik was practically glowing with happiness. /God, he's beautiful./ Duke's heart seemed to open itself and all that he felt for this other person came rushing out and the intensity surprised him. /How long have I been holding that in?/ He wondered to himself.
"Duke?" Malik was back in the front again and he was watching Duke with an odd expression, "You okay? Did you even hear me?" He wondered, poking his friend in the arm.
Duke snapped out of it, "Of course I heard you, just had my mind on other things." He shrugged and backed away from the curb once Malik had his seatbelt on. "So, why are you guys leaving now?" He wondered when they had left the hospital parking lot.
Malik shrugged, "Ryou was only allowed to stay until Christmas." At those words, the small boy in the back sighed to himself. Malik looked back at him and smiled softly, as if to comfort the child then turned back to Duke, "But Bakura will be out tomorrow. Right Ryou?"
From the rearview mirror, Duke saw Ryou grin happily, "Wight!" He nodded.
"How'd you get here?" Duke wondered, speaking to Malik.
The blonde shrugged lazily, "Rishid and I came yesterday with my car, but he had to leave last night to take care of something back at the house so he took my car. I spent the night since the nurses didn't mind, as long as we were quiet." The Egyptian rolled his eyes as he leaned back in his seat; the sun glinted off his hair, distracting Duke slightly from the road. "How was your Christmas?" He wondered, turning to smile at his dark-haired friend.
Duke almost melted into a puddle of good when he caught sight of that smile. /Damn. Mai's never done that before...and Mak's smiled at me before now.../ "Well," Duke began after he'd solidified himself once more, trying to draw his eyes away from the spun gold; "Everyone spent it at my place. I wish you would have been there, but I see now that you were someplace better." He smiled at Malik, letting his friend know that it was cool. "It was great having Serenity's and Mai's family there. Yugi and Yami seemed to enjoy themselves too. I think my mom wanted to adopt both of them." Duke chuckled.
Malik snorted, "Your mom wanted to adopt me at one time too." He reminded, making Duke laugh.
"That hasn't changed." Duke shook his head, "My mother loves kids, though I can't understand why when she spawned Amane and myself." He said seriously.
Malik chuckled, "I haven't been able to figure that one out either." He shook his head, "Turn here." He said as Duke quickly turned onto the road heading toward the orphanage.
"I thought..." Duke began, glancing back in the mirror to see that Ryou was looking out the window and not paying attention to them at all.
Malik shrugged, "Linda called before you got to the hospital and said she needed to talk to him." He sighed, "I think I want to kidnap him and take him home and keep him all to myself, but I'm pretty sure his brother wouldn't agree to that." He wrinkled his nose – which was utterly cute in Duke's mind.
Duke smiled, "You miss having siblings, huh?" He said softly, knowing that it was a touchy subject.
Malik sighed mournfully, "Yeah." He whispered, staring at his shoes. Malik didn't own a pair of boots, though this winter had been exceptionally light.
Wanting the glowing Malik back, Duke grinned, "Want Amane?"
Malik laughed quietly, "We'd get along. I could put her in a harem." He giggled at the thought. He and Amane had always had a different relationship than most. They truly were friends, but hardly ever acted like it. They liked to challenge each other and every challenge was always accepted and every defeat was always avenged.
Duke grinned and shook his head, "Can't put her in a harem man, she's already a part of mine."
Malik snorted as he tried to stop laughing, which was almost hypnotizing for Duke to listen to, "How did you get your *sister* in your harem?" He wondered all the while shaking his head at Duke.
"Long story." Duke remembered back to the book Amane had given him. "Besides, didn't ancient Egyptians marry their siblings and stuff? I mean, aren't most of the deities brothers and sisters?" He looked over at Malik as they stopped in front of the orphanage.
"Good point." Malik nodded as he got out of the car and pushed the seat up so he could reach Ryou. "Though I wouldn't want to think of my sister that way." He helped the little boy out of his seat. "I'll be right back." He promised and closed the car door, leaving Duke alone in the car.
Duke took a breath, surprised at how it quivered. "Okay, I've finally got him alone, he seems to be in a good mood. God...can I actually go through with this?" He muttered to himself as he saw Malik returning, this time without Ryou. "You can do this Duke, come on, it's Malik!" He stopped speaking as Malik opened the car door and sat down again.
The ride started with silence. Duke didn't know how to bring up the subject and Malik seemed content to be silent. Not that they ever needed noise between them, but Duke really wanted to say what he had to say. He had just gotten up the courage when Malik broke the peace.
"I relinquish your position as my High Priest." The Egyptian spoke softly as he stared out the window at the passing scenery.
"Huh?" That was the last thing Duke had expected and he was only more than slightly confused. What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Malik smiled softly as he turned to look at his friend. "I don't want to be a pharaoh anymore, so I'm not going to be. I'm going to just...be me." He shrugged, "You told me to find one person I can be myself with and I found him, you. Then you told me to add one more and I did, and I even added a third." Malik's next breath wavered and Duke was silent, listening to him. "I may be an incompetent foreign student who couldn't even speak English, but that's me. It's not the best, but it's what I have to offer." He shrugged shyly, reliving a few events during high school.
/It's all I ever wanted./ Duke thought, but instead said, "You know I'll back you up." He promised, knowing exactly what his Malik needed to hear. "What changed your mind?" He wondered what could have done what he could never accomplish.
Malik's smile was shy too, "Bakura."
The name made Duke's heart drop. Ah, now he understood.
The Egyptian God continued, "I...I talked to him about something's last night." There was a hint of apprehension in Malik's voice. "Things I've never been able to tell anyone...not even you." He sighed. Malik didn't want to hurt him, and he knew that it would hurt Duke to know that he'd been able to confide in a complete (well, not so complete) stranger, instead of Duke, his best friend.
"Oh." Duke said sadly, though he tried to keep the hurt to himself.
Malik could easily read Duke though and he wanted to fix it. "Pull over, please? I really need to talk with you..." He requested softly, not wanting to upset Duke further. The Canadian sighed to himself, knowing now that he couldn't tell Malik what needed to be said. Instead, he found himself pulling over with a heavy heart.
He looked at Malik, leaving the car run, waiting for a response.
Malik sighed, rubbing the palms of his hands against his jeans. He was nervous and that made Duke feel a little better. At least Malik felt guilty for not telling him anything at all. "Why could you never tell me?" He wondered softly. "It took me months to actually gain your trust and then even longer to gain your friendship. It takes Bakura a few days?" There was no malice in his voice. Duke wanted Malik to be happy above all else. He wanted to act selfish, to be the one to accomplish that deed, but he was usually realistic about such things.
Malik looked sheepish. "Duke, you're my best friend...practically my only real friend." He shrugged, wishing that Duke just knew everything so he wouldn't have to speak about it again. "If you were to know something's about me...then you..." He growled in frustration, "Then you wouldn't be my friend anymore!" He declared as he turned to look out the window, so he didn't have to look at Duke.
"Shouldn't that be for me to decide?" Duke wondered softly, not wanting to upset the other. "I mean, if you did such horrible things, then maybe I have the right to know."
Oh no... Malik suddenly got a chill. /If I tell Duke, he'll abandon me...but...but if I don't tell him, he'll abandon me anyway. I...I can't win.../ He suddenly sniffled, afraid of losing what really mattered to him.
Duke stared at Malik, trying to keep his resolve as his friend tried to keep his tears at bay. The devastated look across the Egyptian's face was enough to make Duke flinch, knowing that he had something to do with it being there. Duke usually tried his best to stop Malik's tears but if he tried to comfort Malik he'd never get his answers. He steeled himself against the urge to hold the other teen tightly.
Malik seemed to accept whatever he was thinking about as he turned to Duke, tears having stopped. "I can't tell you yet. Duke, Bakura understands me in a way that you never could." He began to explain. "Bakura understands my defensive even if he doesn't know my reason why because he's the same way. I'm glad you can't understand Duke. Ever since I met you, you've always been a positive person. For you to understand, you'd have to lose that."
Duke chewed on his lip in decision...he could accept that. "At least tell me why your defense was a pharaoh." He muttered quietly, wanting to know something at least. Malik felt like a complete stranger sometimes.
The Egyptian stared at the dashboard for a moment before finally shrugging, "It...it seemed right I guess. I usually tell people who ask that it's because I'm Egyptian. I mean, you're the only one who knows who my father is, but really..." The tears began again and Malik had to compose himself. After he'd done so he turned to Duke and smiled sadly, "Really it's because, even though I'd never want to, my chance for taking over for my father was taken away from me. I just wanted to pretend that everything was the same from before I moved here. I just wanted to feel important again." He whispered, wiping his eyes.
"Why was it taken away from you?" Duke wondered softly, clearly confused about a lot.
Malik shrugged, sniffling to himself. "Marik's the oldest and he already has a son." He cleared his throat, and Duke knew he was becoming uncomfortable. "And I was basically thrown out of the family." He whispered, causing Duke to look at him in shock. Malik refused to look at him though. "I...I can't tell you why, but I'm not considered to be my father's son. I guess I've been disowned." He confessed.
Duke was silent for a long time. To say he was shocked was an understatement. He'd always believed that Malik had been sent to Canada as a learning experience...or something. "Mak...I...why didn't you tell me?"
"You'd ask questions." Malik answered easily, "When I first moved here...I wasn't ready to answer any of them. I...I'm still not." He muttered.
Duke sighed, though he did understand. "I won't ask any."
"Thanks." Malik whispered and went silent for a moment. "I promise I'll tell you one day, but...but after I tell you I need you to tell me it's over."
"What's over?" Duke raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Our friendship." Malik murmured. "Once you find out, I'm not sure if you'd even want to see me again. But please, promise to tell me it's over instead of leaving me to guess? I've had another...friend...do that, and I guessed wrong. Please?" This time he looked at Duke with that last whispered word and when green met lavender Duke couldn't take the sadness, the depression, the *pleading* within those eyes anymore.
"Damn it!" Duke suddenly growled, startling Malik into jumping slightly, "Things will never be over because I'm in love with you!" He practically shouted, surprising himself and shocking the Egyptian. Realizing what he'd said, Duke blinked at himself. /That's not the way it was supposed to go, but I suppose I can't do anything about it now. Damn./
Meanwhile Malik's mind was trying to wrap around this new information. He could hardly believe it, he almost couldn't. But this was Duke who'd just said those words, and Duke would never tease him or make fun of him, especially about something like that. Malik had always dreamed of Duke returning his feelings, but he'd just lost apart of himself, his cover, and he suddenly found himself feeling panicked and scared again. /I love him...I do, but I can't lose him/. He acknowledged and realized he had just spoken.
Duke was looking at him expectantly now. /Oh geez, what did I just say?/
"I...I'm honoured." Was what he had said. "Duke, I love you too. But...but you're my best friend. I-I want to keep your friendship." He shook his head, not wanting to hurt him, but knowing it was inevitable. "And I won't let anything ruin it...I've probably already done enough..."
Duke smiled, though Malik didn't miss the tear that escaped one of his eyes. He winced at the feeling in his chest at making Duke cry. Before he could say anything however, Duke laughed. It was a sad laugh, but it was understandable. "At least that's better than you rejecting me and not wanting to see me again."
Malik titled his head, "Why would I ever do that? I'll always love you, you know that."
A sad smile flitted across Duke's lips, "Not in the way I want you to though, right?" He sighed as Malik looked away from him in guilt. "I'm not sure why...it was just a situation I played in my head." He wiped the tears from his eyes. He looked at Malik and this time the smile was one of understanding and acceptance. "I want to be your friend as long as I can Mak. I probably shouldn't have even said anything, but I had to tell you. Mai would have probably kicked my ass." He muttered the last part.
Malik raised an eyebrow as he titled his head. "Mai put you up to this?" He wondered, curious at what Mai was thinking. She loved him...didn't she?
Duke sighed and nodded, "Mai, Amane, Yami. They...I don't know what they thought they were doing." He shrugged, "Trying to help I guess. But...I feel better for telling you."
Malik whimpered at the pain he knew Duke was feeling. It always hurt him when he'd find Mai and Duke holding hands and kissing after he'd spent the night with the Egyptian. It was rejection in a sort, he supposed, and it only hurt more and more. Undoing his seatbelt, Malik moved so he could wrap his arms around Duke's neck and buried his face within Duke's shoulder as warm arms came up and wrapped around him.
"I promise, one day soon I'll tell you why I moved here and why...I am the way I am. I promise I'll tell you everything you ever wanted and things you never wanted to know!" He vowed into the material, but Duke could understand the words and he gently rested his head against Malik's.
"I'd like that Mak." He whispered.
- - -
NOTES:
Did the 'Malik dies' warning get your attention? Ha. Knew it would.
I wanted to get Malik to basically say 'Duke's my best friend and even though I love him and he loves me, a relationship might not work and I never want to lose him so I'm not willing to take that chance.' Or something like that. But Malik just wouldn't co-operate. If anyone was confused as to why Malik didn't confess to Duke...I hope that helps.
So okay, the pairing obviously isn't Duke/Malik though it really did appeal to me and I soooooooooo actually wanted to turn this into said pairing for a little while, but then Bakura just kinda grew on me again. But hey...it still has yet to become Malik/Bakura, it may not.
I think that's it.
COMMENTS:
ShadowSpirit – was it so bad?
Kyrene (once Blood Roses – This wasn't what you were hoping for was it? Sowwy.
Yami Yami Yugi – I tried to make who Yami was talking to really subtle. Not that important, just something I was trying to do.
Kira-Kura – Sowwy...no happiness here. Sex Deprived Malik Muse to blame. *blink blink* No really it's his fault.
C.R.B.K.E. – I like Bakura, I don't want him destroyed! *sad*
To Everyone:
*blink blink*
If ANYONE has ANY information about the screencap of Malik taking his shirt off, PLEASE email me.
Okay that sounded desperate. ^_^
...okay, so many people will want to feed me to the most evil and most vile creature dwelling in the Shadow Realm, but whatever creature it is, it can't compare to my Sex-With-Marik-Muse-Deprived Malik Muse!
WARNING: Angst. Malik dies.
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. Changed it – MALIK DIES!!! *sniffle* Sorry, it totally went with the plot.
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Fifteen
The hospital seemed cold as it loomed before him and Duke wondered how many patients had been alone this Christmas. /Two of them obviously weren't./ Duke smirked, /and that means Malik wasn't either. Good./ He pulled up to where he could see two figures running along a salted sidewalk, throwing snowballs at each other.
They stopped as Duke parked and Malik took Ryou's hand and they both hopped into the car. "Hey." Malik grinned as he helped Ryou buckle up in the back seat, "Thanks for coming, though we could have taken the bus since you were busy."
Duke could only stare as Malik helped the small boy. His Malik was always brooding and at least slightly depressed, this Malik was practically glowing with happiness. /God, he's beautiful./ Duke's heart seemed to open itself and all that he felt for this other person came rushing out and the intensity surprised him. /How long have I been holding that in?/ He wondered to himself.
"Duke?" Malik was back in the front again and he was watching Duke with an odd expression, "You okay? Did you even hear me?" He wondered, poking his friend in the arm.
Duke snapped out of it, "Of course I heard you, just had my mind on other things." He shrugged and backed away from the curb once Malik had his seatbelt on. "So, why are you guys leaving now?" He wondered when they had left the hospital parking lot.
Malik shrugged, "Ryou was only allowed to stay until Christmas." At those words, the small boy in the back sighed to himself. Malik looked back at him and smiled softly, as if to comfort the child then turned back to Duke, "But Bakura will be out tomorrow. Right Ryou?"
From the rearview mirror, Duke saw Ryou grin happily, "Wight!" He nodded.
"How'd you get here?" Duke wondered, speaking to Malik.
The blonde shrugged lazily, "Rishid and I came yesterday with my car, but he had to leave last night to take care of something back at the house so he took my car. I spent the night since the nurses didn't mind, as long as we were quiet." The Egyptian rolled his eyes as he leaned back in his seat; the sun glinted off his hair, distracting Duke slightly from the road. "How was your Christmas?" He wondered, turning to smile at his dark-haired friend.
Duke almost melted into a puddle of good when he caught sight of that smile. /Damn. Mai's never done that before...and Mak's smiled at me before now.../ "Well," Duke began after he'd solidified himself once more, trying to draw his eyes away from the spun gold; "Everyone spent it at my place. I wish you would have been there, but I see now that you were someplace better." He smiled at Malik, letting his friend know that it was cool. "It was great having Serenity's and Mai's family there. Yugi and Yami seemed to enjoy themselves too. I think my mom wanted to adopt both of them." Duke chuckled.
Malik snorted, "Your mom wanted to adopt me at one time too." He reminded, making Duke laugh.
"That hasn't changed." Duke shook his head, "My mother loves kids, though I can't understand why when she spawned Amane and myself." He said seriously.
Malik chuckled, "I haven't been able to figure that one out either." He shook his head, "Turn here." He said as Duke quickly turned onto the road heading toward the orphanage.
"I thought..." Duke began, glancing back in the mirror to see that Ryou was looking out the window and not paying attention to them at all.
Malik shrugged, "Linda called before you got to the hospital and said she needed to talk to him." He sighed, "I think I want to kidnap him and take him home and keep him all to myself, but I'm pretty sure his brother wouldn't agree to that." He wrinkled his nose – which was utterly cute in Duke's mind.
Duke smiled, "You miss having siblings, huh?" He said softly, knowing that it was a touchy subject.
Malik sighed mournfully, "Yeah." He whispered, staring at his shoes. Malik didn't own a pair of boots, though this winter had been exceptionally light.
Wanting the glowing Malik back, Duke grinned, "Want Amane?"
Malik laughed quietly, "We'd get along. I could put her in a harem." He giggled at the thought. He and Amane had always had a different relationship than most. They truly were friends, but hardly ever acted like it. They liked to challenge each other and every challenge was always accepted and every defeat was always avenged.
Duke grinned and shook his head, "Can't put her in a harem man, she's already a part of mine."
Malik snorted as he tried to stop laughing, which was almost hypnotizing for Duke to listen to, "How did you get your *sister* in your harem?" He wondered all the while shaking his head at Duke.
"Long story." Duke remembered back to the book Amane had given him. "Besides, didn't ancient Egyptians marry their siblings and stuff? I mean, aren't most of the deities brothers and sisters?" He looked over at Malik as they stopped in front of the orphanage.
"Good point." Malik nodded as he got out of the car and pushed the seat up so he could reach Ryou. "Though I wouldn't want to think of my sister that way." He helped the little boy out of his seat. "I'll be right back." He promised and closed the car door, leaving Duke alone in the car.
Duke took a breath, surprised at how it quivered. "Okay, I've finally got him alone, he seems to be in a good mood. God...can I actually go through with this?" He muttered to himself as he saw Malik returning, this time without Ryou. "You can do this Duke, come on, it's Malik!" He stopped speaking as Malik opened the car door and sat down again.
The ride started with silence. Duke didn't know how to bring up the subject and Malik seemed content to be silent. Not that they ever needed noise between them, but Duke really wanted to say what he had to say. He had just gotten up the courage when Malik broke the peace.
"I relinquish your position as my High Priest." The Egyptian spoke softly as he stared out the window at the passing scenery.
"Huh?" That was the last thing Duke had expected and he was only more than slightly confused. What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Malik smiled softly as he turned to look at his friend. "I don't want to be a pharaoh anymore, so I'm not going to be. I'm going to just...be me." He shrugged, "You told me to find one person I can be myself with and I found him, you. Then you told me to add one more and I did, and I even added a third." Malik's next breath wavered and Duke was silent, listening to him. "I may be an incompetent foreign student who couldn't even speak English, but that's me. It's not the best, but it's what I have to offer." He shrugged shyly, reliving a few events during high school.
/It's all I ever wanted./ Duke thought, but instead said, "You know I'll back you up." He promised, knowing exactly what his Malik needed to hear. "What changed your mind?" He wondered what could have done what he could never accomplish.
Malik's smile was shy too, "Bakura."
The name made Duke's heart drop. Ah, now he understood.
The Egyptian God continued, "I...I talked to him about something's last night." There was a hint of apprehension in Malik's voice. "Things I've never been able to tell anyone...not even you." He sighed. Malik didn't want to hurt him, and he knew that it would hurt Duke to know that he'd been able to confide in a complete (well, not so complete) stranger, instead of Duke, his best friend.
"Oh." Duke said sadly, though he tried to keep the hurt to himself.
Malik could easily read Duke though and he wanted to fix it. "Pull over, please? I really need to talk with you..." He requested softly, not wanting to upset Duke further. The Canadian sighed to himself, knowing now that he couldn't tell Malik what needed to be said. Instead, he found himself pulling over with a heavy heart.
He looked at Malik, leaving the car run, waiting for a response.
Malik sighed, rubbing the palms of his hands against his jeans. He was nervous and that made Duke feel a little better. At least Malik felt guilty for not telling him anything at all. "Why could you never tell me?" He wondered softly. "It took me months to actually gain your trust and then even longer to gain your friendship. It takes Bakura a few days?" There was no malice in his voice. Duke wanted Malik to be happy above all else. He wanted to act selfish, to be the one to accomplish that deed, but he was usually realistic about such things.
Malik looked sheepish. "Duke, you're my best friend...practically my only real friend." He shrugged, wishing that Duke just knew everything so he wouldn't have to speak about it again. "If you were to know something's about me...then you..." He growled in frustration, "Then you wouldn't be my friend anymore!" He declared as he turned to look out the window, so he didn't have to look at Duke.
"Shouldn't that be for me to decide?" Duke wondered softly, not wanting to upset the other. "I mean, if you did such horrible things, then maybe I have the right to know."
Oh no... Malik suddenly got a chill. /If I tell Duke, he'll abandon me...but...but if I don't tell him, he'll abandon me anyway. I...I can't win.../ He suddenly sniffled, afraid of losing what really mattered to him.
Duke stared at Malik, trying to keep his resolve as his friend tried to keep his tears at bay. The devastated look across the Egyptian's face was enough to make Duke flinch, knowing that he had something to do with it being there. Duke usually tried his best to stop Malik's tears but if he tried to comfort Malik he'd never get his answers. He steeled himself against the urge to hold the other teen tightly.
Malik seemed to accept whatever he was thinking about as he turned to Duke, tears having stopped. "I can't tell you yet. Duke, Bakura understands me in a way that you never could." He began to explain. "Bakura understands my defensive even if he doesn't know my reason why because he's the same way. I'm glad you can't understand Duke. Ever since I met you, you've always been a positive person. For you to understand, you'd have to lose that."
Duke chewed on his lip in decision...he could accept that. "At least tell me why your defense was a pharaoh." He muttered quietly, wanting to know something at least. Malik felt like a complete stranger sometimes.
The Egyptian stared at the dashboard for a moment before finally shrugging, "It...it seemed right I guess. I usually tell people who ask that it's because I'm Egyptian. I mean, you're the only one who knows who my father is, but really..." The tears began again and Malik had to compose himself. After he'd done so he turned to Duke and smiled sadly, "Really it's because, even though I'd never want to, my chance for taking over for my father was taken away from me. I just wanted to pretend that everything was the same from before I moved here. I just wanted to feel important again." He whispered, wiping his eyes.
"Why was it taken away from you?" Duke wondered softly, clearly confused about a lot.
Malik shrugged, sniffling to himself. "Marik's the oldest and he already has a son." He cleared his throat, and Duke knew he was becoming uncomfortable. "And I was basically thrown out of the family." He whispered, causing Duke to look at him in shock. Malik refused to look at him though. "I...I can't tell you why, but I'm not considered to be my father's son. I guess I've been disowned." He confessed.
Duke was silent for a long time. To say he was shocked was an understatement. He'd always believed that Malik had been sent to Canada as a learning experience...or something. "Mak...I...why didn't you tell me?"
"You'd ask questions." Malik answered easily, "When I first moved here...I wasn't ready to answer any of them. I...I'm still not." He muttered.
Duke sighed, though he did understand. "I won't ask any."
"Thanks." Malik whispered and went silent for a moment. "I promise I'll tell you one day, but...but after I tell you I need you to tell me it's over."
"What's over?" Duke raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Our friendship." Malik murmured. "Once you find out, I'm not sure if you'd even want to see me again. But please, promise to tell me it's over instead of leaving me to guess? I've had another...friend...do that, and I guessed wrong. Please?" This time he looked at Duke with that last whispered word and when green met lavender Duke couldn't take the sadness, the depression, the *pleading* within those eyes anymore.
"Damn it!" Duke suddenly growled, startling Malik into jumping slightly, "Things will never be over because I'm in love with you!" He practically shouted, surprising himself and shocking the Egyptian. Realizing what he'd said, Duke blinked at himself. /That's not the way it was supposed to go, but I suppose I can't do anything about it now. Damn./
Meanwhile Malik's mind was trying to wrap around this new information. He could hardly believe it, he almost couldn't. But this was Duke who'd just said those words, and Duke would never tease him or make fun of him, especially about something like that. Malik had always dreamed of Duke returning his feelings, but he'd just lost apart of himself, his cover, and he suddenly found himself feeling panicked and scared again. /I love him...I do, but I can't lose him/. He acknowledged and realized he had just spoken.
Duke was looking at him expectantly now. /Oh geez, what did I just say?/
"I...I'm honoured." Was what he had said. "Duke, I love you too. But...but you're my best friend. I-I want to keep your friendship." He shook his head, not wanting to hurt him, but knowing it was inevitable. "And I won't let anything ruin it...I've probably already done enough..."
Duke smiled, though Malik didn't miss the tear that escaped one of his eyes. He winced at the feeling in his chest at making Duke cry. Before he could say anything however, Duke laughed. It was a sad laugh, but it was understandable. "At least that's better than you rejecting me and not wanting to see me again."
Malik titled his head, "Why would I ever do that? I'll always love you, you know that."
A sad smile flitted across Duke's lips, "Not in the way I want you to though, right?" He sighed as Malik looked away from him in guilt. "I'm not sure why...it was just a situation I played in my head." He wiped the tears from his eyes. He looked at Malik and this time the smile was one of understanding and acceptance. "I want to be your friend as long as I can Mak. I probably shouldn't have even said anything, but I had to tell you. Mai would have probably kicked my ass." He muttered the last part.
Malik raised an eyebrow as he titled his head. "Mai put you up to this?" He wondered, curious at what Mai was thinking. She loved him...didn't she?
Duke sighed and nodded, "Mai, Amane, Yami. They...I don't know what they thought they were doing." He shrugged, "Trying to help I guess. But...I feel better for telling you."
Malik whimpered at the pain he knew Duke was feeling. It always hurt him when he'd find Mai and Duke holding hands and kissing after he'd spent the night with the Egyptian. It was rejection in a sort, he supposed, and it only hurt more and more. Undoing his seatbelt, Malik moved so he could wrap his arms around Duke's neck and buried his face within Duke's shoulder as warm arms came up and wrapped around him.
"I promise, one day soon I'll tell you why I moved here and why...I am the way I am. I promise I'll tell you everything you ever wanted and things you never wanted to know!" He vowed into the material, but Duke could understand the words and he gently rested his head against Malik's.
"I'd like that Mak." He whispered.
- - -
NOTES:
Did the 'Malik dies' warning get your attention? Ha. Knew it would.
I wanted to get Malik to basically say 'Duke's my best friend and even though I love him and he loves me, a relationship might not work and I never want to lose him so I'm not willing to take that chance.' Or something like that. But Malik just wouldn't co-operate. If anyone was confused as to why Malik didn't confess to Duke...I hope that helps.
So okay, the pairing obviously isn't Duke/Malik though it really did appeal to me and I soooooooooo actually wanted to turn this into said pairing for a little while, but then Bakura just kinda grew on me again. But hey...it still has yet to become Malik/Bakura, it may not.
I think that's it.
COMMENTS:
ShadowSpirit – was it so bad?
Kyrene (once Blood Roses – This wasn't what you were hoping for was it? Sowwy.
Yami Yami Yugi – I tried to make who Yami was talking to really subtle. Not that important, just something I was trying to do.
Kira-Kura – Sowwy...no happiness here. Sex Deprived Malik Muse to blame. *blink blink* No really it's his fault.
C.R.B.K.E. – I like Bakura, I don't want him destroyed! *sad*
To Everyone:
*blink blink*
If ANYONE has ANY information about the screencap of Malik taking his shirt off, PLEASE email me.
Okay that sounded desperate. ^_^