At insisting from my friends who read this, and the guilt of the fact that I haven't written anything for this fandom in...... forever...I'm finally updating. It's a bit past Christmas, but who says it has to be the holiday to celebrate it? :) I'm forced to use WordPad because I'm on a funky computer, so I apologize now for any typos. Silly thing doesn't have spell check. Anyway, uberly sorry once again to all of you for the extra long break between chapters. But seeing as how Megan will probably continue with applying deadlines for me, I think they'll be coming a lot sooner. Will have to see how much time I have to devote to my book idea. So, on to the newness!!
Chapter 4
Sunday, December the 22nd 2:47pm
~Duke's POV~
I can't believe I still have two more days of dealing with these procrastinating parents. Do they really think that if they waited until the last minute it would make everything easier?
But then, it doesn't end there. Then I have the week after Christmas when the kid's Christmas money is burning holes in their pockets. It's amazing how it almost makes me wish I was back in school.
"Excuse me sir, do you work here?" a man of around sixty questions me as I survey the store.
Work here?! I own this shop! Holding back a sigh of frustration at the man's ignorance I answer him with a simple 'yes.'
"Well my grandson is a big fan of then Dueling Monsters game, so I was wondering if you might have anything he would like for Christmas?" he inquired with a confused, but hopeful look.
Sure. Anything in the whole store.
"There are many things we carry that he might like," I say automatically as I lead him through the isles.
"We have the latest expansion pack for Duel Monsters, as well as anything needed to start playing Dungeon Dice Monsters. It is similar to Duel Monsters so, since you already know he enjoys playing that game, I would recommend this game," I say waving my hand at the display.
"Thank you very much, young man. What is your name, by the way, so I can put in a good word to your boss?" he asks kindly.
I simply look at him blankly before replying, "I own the store," and turning to leave.
My eyes widen and I almost run into a shelf. Was that you over by the expansion packs?
Calmly I head back to my usual post by the cash register, making sure Daniel isn't getting too behind on helping the customers.
I take a deep breath and look back to the left side of the store, looking for your familiar face. But you're not there.
I must be getting really pathetic if I'm seeing you when you're not there pathetic or insane, and at this point, I don't know which would be worse.
The shop comes back into sharp focus as a hand begins to wave inches from my nose.
I jerk back in surprise and my jaw drops slightly. I'm not pathetic or insane! You really are in my store. Only now, I look like an idiot.
"Can I help you Tristan?" I ask smoothly, trying to cover up my shock.
You grin at me, and I know you're trying not to laugh. "Yug asked me to drop this by you since he has to work at the shop," you reply, thankfully not harassing me, as you hold out a small envelope with my name on it.
Flipping it open, I see it's the invitation. I sigh as I stick it in my back pocket. I still have my reservations about going, but I did give my word...
"What's wrong?" you question frowning slightly.
"Nothing," I reply shrugging. "Just tired I guess."
A silence falls and I become nervous remembering my early resolution to tell you about my crush.
"Is there anything else I can do for you?" I ask trying to break the silence. If telling you how I feel turns out to be anything like this conversation, all the luck in the world couldn't save me.
*~*~*~*
Sunday, December the 22nd 2:52pm
~Tristan's POV~
I don't think you could help me much with my shopping for Yuugi, as I spent twenty minutes wandering around the store avoiding you.
But not wanting to be rude, or stop talking to you, I answer, "Well, I am looking for a gift for Yuugi."
You grin slightly. "I don't think he has my first expansion pack of DDM. Since he works at a store focusing on Duel Monsters, I also doubt he would want one of those expansion packs."
I blink in shock. Maybe it's a good thing I did ask you. You have a point I didn't think of.
"Thanks," I reply, knowing I should go get the pack before I make a fool of myself.
"I'll see you later then," I comment as I turn to go.
"Yay," you say dryly under your breath, and I stop short.
"What?"
You realize I heard you and flush slightly.
"You weren't supposed to hear that," you complain.
"Then don't say it out loud," I shoot back. I can't help it I have ears.
"I'm just not a fan of Christmas parties, and I'm still not sure if I want to go, or not," you explain, and I start breathing again. It's not me then...
"It won't be the same if you don't show up. The whole gang'll be there."
You look at me silently before saying, "Okay, I'll be there."
Great, I'll see you then, then," and I head off to grab Yuugi's gift.
I rush through the purchase, trying not to look over at you too much. It is rude to stare after all.
With just one last quick glance I head for home, my mission accomplished. Now I just have to wait two more days 'til the party.
As I slide the bag onto one of my handlebars I remember your gift. I should probably go pick it up tomorrow. But when am I going to give it to you? Yuugi already said we weren't going to exchange gifts at Kaiba's party, so I can't give it to you then.
I could always drop by sometime after Christmas... but then it would be late. That could seem rude.
Maybe I'll actually give it to you on Christmas. That would be two days in a row that I would see you. But that would also be kind of weird.
Oh well. I guess I'll just have to think of something in three days.
Chapter 4
Sunday, December the 22nd 2:47pm
~Duke's POV~
I can't believe I still have two more days of dealing with these procrastinating parents. Do they really think that if they waited until the last minute it would make everything easier?
But then, it doesn't end there. Then I have the week after Christmas when the kid's Christmas money is burning holes in their pockets. It's amazing how it almost makes me wish I was back in school.
"Excuse me sir, do you work here?" a man of around sixty questions me as I survey the store.
Work here?! I own this shop! Holding back a sigh of frustration at the man's ignorance I answer him with a simple 'yes.'
"Well my grandson is a big fan of then Dueling Monsters game, so I was wondering if you might have anything he would like for Christmas?" he inquired with a confused, but hopeful look.
Sure. Anything in the whole store.
"There are many things we carry that he might like," I say automatically as I lead him through the isles.
"We have the latest expansion pack for Duel Monsters, as well as anything needed to start playing Dungeon Dice Monsters. It is similar to Duel Monsters so, since you already know he enjoys playing that game, I would recommend this game," I say waving my hand at the display.
"Thank you very much, young man. What is your name, by the way, so I can put in a good word to your boss?" he asks kindly.
I simply look at him blankly before replying, "I own the store," and turning to leave.
My eyes widen and I almost run into a shelf. Was that you over by the expansion packs?
Calmly I head back to my usual post by the cash register, making sure Daniel isn't getting too behind on helping the customers.
I take a deep breath and look back to the left side of the store, looking for your familiar face. But you're not there.
I must be getting really pathetic if I'm seeing you when you're not there pathetic or insane, and at this point, I don't know which would be worse.
The shop comes back into sharp focus as a hand begins to wave inches from my nose.
I jerk back in surprise and my jaw drops slightly. I'm not pathetic or insane! You really are in my store. Only now, I look like an idiot.
"Can I help you Tristan?" I ask smoothly, trying to cover up my shock.
You grin at me, and I know you're trying not to laugh. "Yug asked me to drop this by you since he has to work at the shop," you reply, thankfully not harassing me, as you hold out a small envelope with my name on it.
Flipping it open, I see it's the invitation. I sigh as I stick it in my back pocket. I still have my reservations about going, but I did give my word...
"What's wrong?" you question frowning slightly.
"Nothing," I reply shrugging. "Just tired I guess."
A silence falls and I become nervous remembering my early resolution to tell you about my crush.
"Is there anything else I can do for you?" I ask trying to break the silence. If telling you how I feel turns out to be anything like this conversation, all the luck in the world couldn't save me.
*~*~*~*
Sunday, December the 22nd 2:52pm
~Tristan's POV~
I don't think you could help me much with my shopping for Yuugi, as I spent twenty minutes wandering around the store avoiding you.
But not wanting to be rude, or stop talking to you, I answer, "Well, I am looking for a gift for Yuugi."
You grin slightly. "I don't think he has my first expansion pack of DDM. Since he works at a store focusing on Duel Monsters, I also doubt he would want one of those expansion packs."
I blink in shock. Maybe it's a good thing I did ask you. You have a point I didn't think of.
"Thanks," I reply, knowing I should go get the pack before I make a fool of myself.
"I'll see you later then," I comment as I turn to go.
"Yay," you say dryly under your breath, and I stop short.
"What?"
You realize I heard you and flush slightly.
"You weren't supposed to hear that," you complain.
"Then don't say it out loud," I shoot back. I can't help it I have ears.
"I'm just not a fan of Christmas parties, and I'm still not sure if I want to go, or not," you explain, and I start breathing again. It's not me then...
"It won't be the same if you don't show up. The whole gang'll be there."
You look at me silently before saying, "Okay, I'll be there."
Great, I'll see you then, then," and I head off to grab Yuugi's gift.
I rush through the purchase, trying not to look over at you too much. It is rude to stare after all.
With just one last quick glance I head for home, my mission accomplished. Now I just have to wait two more days 'til the party.
As I slide the bag onto one of my handlebars I remember your gift. I should probably go pick it up tomorrow. But when am I going to give it to you? Yuugi already said we weren't going to exchange gifts at Kaiba's party, so I can't give it to you then.
I could always drop by sometime after Christmas... but then it would be late. That could seem rude.
Maybe I'll actually give it to you on Christmas. That would be two days in a row that I would see you. But that would also be kind of weird.
Oh well. I guess I'll just have to think of something in three days.