Ok here's the next chappie. I meant it out for Christmas but I'm two days late…don't yell I work retail at sears so my hours have been hectic lately…

To all the reviewers thank you. I'm glad you liked the fic.

Dagger Maxwell- I hope you like the fluff content of this chap. It high! And yah I don't like to have "this happens for no reason". It kinda ruins the fic. Rushing things isn't fun either. Drawing out emotions takes time.

Dragon Shadows- As for the bunnies thing…its an inside joke. I had a BESM (Big Eyes Small Mouth- rpg game) Character who was a writer, evil and sadistic, she threatened to torture little white fluffy bunnies if she didn't get a good review. She's stayed as a muse and comes out from time to time….

Tiger Witch- I love Yami Marik/ Yugi stuff. Actually I tend to like the non-standard pairings (IE Yugi/Yami, Seto/Joey, Bakura/Ryou, Malik/Marik, Yami/Seto) There is so much of that out there. Not that I /don't/ like some of those fics I just like the ones that don't fit so nicely together. I'm also a big fan of Yugi/Seto fics and Bakura/Yami fics. So if anyone knows of some good ones of those let me know k?

Oh and as to who gets hurt…that will probably be revealed in 4 more chapters…if you don't figure it out before then .

Now on with the show!

It was getting cold out and Christmas was coming fast. Marik was walking down the streets cursing the weather. It never got this cold in Egypt…there should be a law against it. He had – as the television and radio and every shop and street light he'd seen let him know- that this holiday called Christmas was coming up. Something about celebrating the birth of some savior that died 2000 years ago. Something about a miracle he pulled off that saved the world or something. Oh and then there was that fat man that had those reindeer things. He brought presents to good kids or something. But all Marik understood was that he needed to go on a diet.

Well anyway whatever the reason it seemed like a good way of spending a lot of money on his Koi. He had gotten a job to past the time, and had nothing but minimal bills to take care of, thus had built himself up a good bit of extra money. He couldn't believe it had been a month. He knew he didn't deserve the angel that had landed in his lap, but by Ra he wasn't going to give him up for anything. Though right now Yugi was with his friends. At a party no less to celebrate his Yami's 2nd yr anniversary to that reincarnation of the High Priest. Like he didn't see /that/ one coming. It had been the same 5000 years ago. Even Malik was there. The good seemed easy to accept Marik. It almost gave him hope that one day, he would be accepted as well.

But no matter. Right now he was alone. And shopping, his eye twitching as he reminded himself he was doing this for Yugi. And that Yugi would not be happy if he sent that screaming spoiled brat to the shadow realm. Even if it would do her some good.

That was when he spotted it. A stuffed Dark Magician. Marik's face broke out into a smile as the shop keeper placed it on the shelf next to the plushie Celtic Guardian. See Yugi had wanted this particular plushie for a long time. But /he/ had been the one to make the dark magician so popular. And in turn cause every store to quickly sell out of the thing. Marik reasoned with Yugi that he could probably write the company and get them to send him one for free see as he was the one that made it so popular but Yugi wouldn't do it.

So with a quick grace Marik walked over and plucked up the doll. He held it in his hands. $9.99 (Sorry not good with Yen). Not bad. He took it up to the counter and paid for it giving the clerk a smile. Damn Yugi really was getting to him. He was going soft…not that he minded honestly. He clutched the sack in his hand, and left the store.

He walked down the street and noticed a shop and grinned. It was a leather store, and well stocked, atleast that's the way it looked on the outside. He stepped in to it swiftly. He might just pick up something for himself as well. And he walked down the aisles, a short girl with red hair and blue eyes asked if he needed any assistance.

He looked down at her a second then ask "Do you have any 28/26 pants?" he asked her. She gave him a confused looked "Sorry we don't carry children's clothing" she said. Marik just shook his head. "No its for a..friend of mine. For Christmas"

"Oh, well if you want you can pick out a style and we can have them special made. Its just a 5 dollar extra charge"

Marik nodded "Alright." And went about looking at the different styles.

He eventually decided on a pair that were laced up the sides, low riders. Which had studs around the ankles and belt. $75

He also picked up a leather trench coat for himself for 200 and another collar for Yugi. It had a golden phoenix on it. Marik had learned that one of Yugi's favorite creatures was the phoenix $20. Its story had captivated him even at an early age. It was in the woman's section but he had found another leather top that he knew would fit well on Yugi. $50. He felt guilty for spending more on himself then his Koi in the store.

The woman in formed him that his request would be ready in 2 weeks. A week before Christmas, plenty of time.

He left the shop. Ready to head home. As he walked though he passed a jewelry store, he gave it no mind until something caught his eye. He looked over at the window saw it. A simple gold pendant, on a simple gold chain. The pendant how ever was an Egyptian character. Love to be precise. Marik dashed into the store and asked to have the necklace. The store keeper blinked at the sudden intrusion into the store but happily nodded and retrieved the item. $250 pure 24K gold. Marik didn't care though. He quickly handed out the money and took the necklace in its black velvet case. The woman had a knowing smile on her lips. That necklace had a pair. She had sold it earlier that day. To someone just an enthusiastic to buy it.

---------Earlier that day-----------

Yugi, Joey, Tristan, and Ryou were all out together.

"I wonder Kaiba's planning for this evening" Joey said looking up.

"I don't he wont even tell Yami." Yugi said.

"Well after last year it has to be something good" said Tristan.

Ryou looked thoughtful "He's probably going to propose" the light hair teen giggled.

"You really think so Ryou?" said Yugi.

Ryou nodded "It would be really romantic. And they both love each other so much. School will be over soon. Yami has no intention of going to college and Kaiba doesn't' need too. That and he asked Duke to help him pick out something that has to do with it. He wont tell me what it is either."

Yugi just sighed getting a little lost in his thoughts. "That would make Yami really happy. And its very possible. With as much as he loves Seto. He gets insecure sometimes."

"Sorry Yugi" Ryou said with a blush.

"Huh? Why?" he said blinking.

"I know you must be lonely. Being the only one other then Malik single. We forget sometimes." He said with a blush.

It was Yugi's turn to blush a bit. He was very not single. Not that his friends had anyway of figuring out /that/ little detail. But luckily his friends took his embarrassment for another reason. "Its ok I'm really happy for you guys" he said with a smile.

Joey just threw his arm around his friend's shoulder. "Nah Yugi its not ok. We want you to be happy too!" he said throwing his hand into the air.

"Maybe we should find someone to set him up with" Tristan said with a wink.

Yugi instantly furiously shook his head 'NO' "No No guys that's ok.." he had to think up an excuse quickly of why he didn't want them to do it. It was a nice suggestion and he could trust them not to set him up with someone 'horrid' "Tea..tried that once…it didn't work out well." He said quickly. It was lie…and a rather bad one…but now he was stuck with it.

"Ah common let us try." Said Joey.

"No thank you." He said blushing.

"You already have someone in mind don't you!" Ryou said with a giggle. (a/n Sorry for making ryou so girlie Oo)

"N…o" Yugi stuttered his face now bright red.

"Yes you do!" Joey exclaimed "Who are they? Male or Female? We can help!"

"I..I've gotta use the bathroom. Be right back." He said and rushed into the nearest store.

He went into the restroom to partially keep up his story. And splashed some water on his face. He already had a love. But it seemed his friends were determined to make him "as happy as we are". He sighed and left the restroom. The others were outside talking.

"Who do you think it is?" said Joey looking to the others.

"No idea. But I have noticed he tends to zone out a bit in class. And scribbles things down on his notebook." Said Ryou.

"Yes, and then there is Malik." Said Tristan.

"Yah he's been looking at Yugi lately a lot. Especially when he thinks no one else is watching." Joey said with a sly grin.

"You think Malk might like Yugi? And Yugi might like Malik back?" said Ryou.

"Its possible. And I'm pretty sure he's gay too. Never even seen him glance at a women /that/ way before. He had a slight crush on Tea but that was just a friendship thing." Said Joey.

"So you think we should try and set them up tonight?" said Ryou looking between the two.

"I don't know what if were wrong we could really screw something up" Said Tristan

"Well, lets figure out the situation there and move from that. See how they interact together at the party tonight ne?" said Joey.

Meanwhile Yugi's attention had been caught by a necklace sitting in a glass case. /Eternity/ it said in Egyptian. It was gorgeous. But $250 pure gold. Marik would love it though. He had already picked up a pair of swords. Replicas that had been found in the pharaoh's tomb/ and had belong to him. The originals were in bad shape but these new swords were beautiful and perfectly balanced. They had cost Yugi a pretty penny but with his job he could afford it. He hadn't planned on spending anymore but he had to get the necklace. He asked and the girl behind the counter kindly sold it too him. He smiled and placed it into his inner coat pocket. Next to his heart.

He walked out the shop just to catch the tale end of the conversation.

"Sounds like a plan to me" said Ryou.

"Hey Yugi" Said Joey quickly as Ryou turned around. A guilty smile quickly graced his features.

"Promise me you guys aren't going to try and set me up with someone." Said Yugi with a sigh.

"We promise" Said Tristan quickly with a grin.

Yugi just sighed…that agreement had been to easy but he let it go for now.

They had went their separate ways a little while after that to get ready for the party. Yugi pulled out one of his favorite pairs of leather pants and put them on. Then a green dress shirt, and put it on. Combing his hair he sighed. He had a feeling this night was going to be disastrous. He had a notion to skip it and go to Marik's and snuggle up next to him on the coach watching movies all night. But as tempting as that was, it would be hard to explain why he missed his Yami's anniversary party. His biggest wish though was that Marik could go with him. And be accepted.

He slipped his shoes on and headed out the door.

The night went rather slow. Yugi knew everyone in the room. There were very people Seto Kaiba let into his private life. Most of which made it there thanks to Yami. Outside Yami though Duke was the one Kaiba had gotten along with the best. They had eaten earlier and now, Joey, Mai (who was practically sitting on Joey's lap) Mokuba and Tristan were all playing a new game Kaiba Corp was developing. Serenity sat beside Tristan watching. Seto and Yami were seated on the couch next to the fire. Ryou and Duke were playing a game of chess. Bakura was currently sitting on the love seat with Tea's head in his lap stroking her hair. Yugi was wondering if anyone would actually notice if he left and went to Marik's. And Malik? Malik was walking towards Yugi.

"Whoohoo! The Master wins again!" shouted Joey.

Tristan poked Joey in the side "Hey" he shouted as Tristan covered his mouth and pointed slightly. Joey turned to see Malik walking towards Yugi.

"Look we may not have to do anything" he said quietly with a grin.

"What are you talking about?" Mai asked a confused look on her face.

Joey leaned in to whisper to her. "We know Malik likes Yugi and we think Yugi likes Malik. So we were going to try to get them together if they don't do it themselves"

Mai just smiled and shook her head "And how were you planning on doing that"

"Uh um…." Joey said looking to Tristan. "Leave it to Ryou?"

"Men I swear you probably would have ended up locking them in a room together" Serenity snickered.

"Hey what's wrong with that?" Said Tristan

"That would end up disastrous with those two" Said Serenity.

"I've got an idea that will give them a little bit of privacy but I'll need Seto's help" stated Mai as she stood.

Malik sat down next to Yugi. "Hello" he felt kinda awkward but he'd been having these feelings and dreams lately. And it was all too obvious what they meant (at least to him).

"Hey Malik" Yugi said with a slight smile he was about ready leave before Malik had made his way over.

"I haven't seen you around much since I got back. Just mostly in passing at school" He said.

"Oh I've just been a bit busy I guess lately" he said scratching the back of his head. As he did the sleeve on his shirt slid down his arm slightly. Somewhere in his thoughts he had undone the button.

"Where did you get that?" Malik said with concern in his voice. On Yugi's arm was a large bruise. It had occurred during one of his "training" sessions with Marik. Yugi had lost his balance and wasn't able to counter the kick sent by Marik. Marik noticed and tried to stop but Yugi's downward motion was quicker then his and they made contact. Marik was horrified but Yugi brushed it off. That had been 2 days ago. It was a little tender but over all looked worse then what it felt.

"Oh nothing. I'm a bit clumsy. Tripped and fell on the stairs. Caught my self on the bar but still managed to smack it pretty hard" This was the excuse he had come up with to please Yami.

"Oh" Malik said but had moved closer to Yugi. Yugi quickly rebuttoned his shirt and relaxed a bit leaning against the chair.

Malik wanted to ask Yugi something important but couldn't bring himself to do it. In his dreams Yugi was so nice to him. They were together but never did anything but kiss. This was new to Malik because usually when he had a crush he had /those/ kind of dreams. Part of the reason why he thought that what this possibly be love. He didn't know and it was going to drive him nuts till he found out.

Yugi watched Malik as he seemed deep in thought and trouble by something. "Is there something wrong Malik?" Yugi asked with concern.

Just then, Seto stood. Mai hadn't reached him yet.

"Well I know this evening has been a little slow but I promise hopefully it will get better soon" He said with a smile. Turning to Yami.

He took Yami's hand and had him stand. Everyone watched him. Duke had a huge smile on his face. And Ryou looked between Duke and Seto with Yami. 'he is going to ask' Ryou thought with excitement.

"Yami, when I first meet you. I thought I hated you. No one ever got under my skin like you did. But soon I realized that it was my skin you had got to but my heart. I was afraid. I didn't understand so I pushed away. But you wouldn't go. You stay and took everything I threw at you and you stayed. And eventually I realized that you weren't going to leave. May it was safe to let you into my heart. Not that it mattered you'd already found the keys and taken up residence. Know I've come to know that if it ever came to a time when I didn't have you I'd die." At this point and time Kaiba kneeled to Yami. "Please do me the greatest honor ever and Marry me. I know I don't deserve you but I have to have you."

Yami had tears in his eyes. Yugi was shocked he had never seen Yami cry for anything. The others told him that he had cried after the duel with Raphael. That was something Yugi /couldn't/ of seen.

"You crazy" was all Yami could say when he threw his arms around Seto's neck. Yugi saw him whisper something to Seto and by the looks of it, it that was a yes.

Yugi got lost in though himself. Wondering what his friends would say about Marik. They had been together for a little over a month now and already Yugi was /very/ attached. Though he realized sitting there that if it came to choosing…he would choose Marik.

Malik was still sitting next to him. Seto and Yami were lost in themselves. Yugi was truly happy. The other couples were getting mushy as kind of a side effect. Yugi stood and looked to Malik "I don't think they will miss me. Or much of anything. I'm getting out of here" He really missed Marik right now.

Malik nodded "I can walk you home" as he suppressed his blush.

Yugi didn't even notice though glancing at Duke and Ryou who were making out heavily. Yugi sighed. "That's ok. You don't have to do that for me. I can take care of myself" Yugi winked.

"Ok…" Malik said. Yugi missed the hurt expression on his face as he her turned to the door. Yami probably wouldn't be home tonight. That much was certain. It would be ok if he went to Marik's. And thus his feet took him that way.

Malik just watched him go with sad eyes. He took the seat he had been sitting in and lowered his head.

The others came out of their euphoria and back down to reality. Mai was the first to notice Yugi was gone. "Hey were did he go?"

"Who Love?" Joey purred into her ear.

"Yugi he's gone." Mai looked around.

Malik looked up wiping the sad expression from his face. "Oh he went home. He didn't think anyone would miss him…."

"I think I'm going to head home too. Isis will probably be getting worried its getting late" And he stood and walked out the door.

"Damnit that didn't go well" said Joey.

"What?" Yami asked concerned.

"You've had to realize it. Yugi's getting more distant. I mean we use to see him around /some/ but lately. Well hell today is the most time we've spent with him in months. We were going to try and set him and Malik. We know Malik really likes Yugi. And we're pretty certain Yugi likes Malik too. He's been so lonely lately." Said Ryou

Yami looked up guilty. "I had kinda noticed it. I just wasn't sure what to do about it"

"This is what I think we should do…" Said Duke

Yugi walked quickly to his destination. After the rampant display of affection he needed his Koi. He took the path he knew so well and with in 15 minutes was in front of the apartment complex were Marik lived. Malik and Isis just across the street. He bound up the stairs and knocked on Marik's door.

The door crept open "Yugi?" Marik said with surprise on his face as Yugi glomped him. "I missed you" Yugi whispered.

"I thought you had Yami's party to go to" said Marik pulling the petite boy into his apartment and shut the door.

"I did but after Seto asked Yami to marry him and everyone else started making eyes at each other I couldn't take it anymore. I had to see you so I left." Then Yugi kissed Marik.

Marik grinned after they broke from the kiss. "I missed you too." He said.

Marik sat down on the couch and pulled Yugi into his lap. "Can I stay with you tonight?" Yugi said. "Yami I'm sure will be staying at Kaiba's tonight"

"Sure" Marik said snuggling with his love. This wasn't the first time Yugi had stayed over. Nights when his grandfather was go to some expo or convention and Yami would be off at Kaiba's Yugi would stay with Marik. He said the game shop was to lonely all by himself.

It was long sitting like that when Yugi drifted off to sleep. They didn't have school tomorrow so Marik gently picked Yugi up and laid him down in the bed and curled up next to him. Yugi didn't know this but the nights when he stayed were his favorite. The nightmares that normally plagued his mind vanished and he slept peacefully.

Time passed and Yugi noticed the others seem to be trying to get him involved more. And that somehow he kept ended up alone with a very quiet Malik. He would ask the boy what was wrong but never got a response. The wedding date had been set for next August. And while Yugi thought they were crazy to try and plan a wedding that quick he figured Kaiba had enough money to pay for someone to help do it. Also Ryou and Duke had gotten engaged. Though Duke opted to ask a little more privately.

This particular day though he was heading to Malik and Isis's house. He tugged at the hem of his black sweeter. It was to cold to were his trade mark leather so he opted for tight black jeans and a black sweeter. The outfit Yugi had mused made him looked rather /dark/. The ever present collar didn't help either. Nor the fact he had ditched his tennis shoes for black boots like Yami's. Yugi didn't see it himself but he was hot. He hoped the time with the Istars wouldn't take /too/ long. Yami had asked him to take the Christmas presents Seto and he had gotten for the two. When Yugi asked why he couldn't do it himself he said "wedding stuff". Yugi just shrugged and accepted this. Though soon after he was heading to Marik's to exchanged gifts this Christmas eve.

Yugi knocked on the door. Isis answered and smiled. "Hello Yugi what brings you here this day?"

"Yami asked me to bring these by for you and Malik." He said with his smile in place holding up two packages.

"Well that's very nice of them. Wont you come in?" Isis said. Yugi debated but didn't want to be rude and accepted the offer.

He walked into the apartment and sat his back down. "Who's there Isis?" Malik said as he walked through the hall door.

"Its Yugi and he has a present for you." Said Isis with a smile on her face. She turned and headed to the kitchen.

Malik's face lit up as Yugi waved to him. "There from Yami and Seto." Yugi stated as he passed Malik a box wrapped in blue snowmen paper and a silver bow.

Yugi could of swore he say Malik's face fall a little bit. "Oh.." he said in a low tone accepting the present but his voice perked back up a bit an instant. "Thank you for bring it and thank them for me." Said Malik with a smile.

Isis returned with a cup of hot chocolate for Yugi. "Will you stay for dinner?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh no I can't. I have a few more presents to deliver. Thank you for the offer" he said kindly.

Isis just nodded and stole a glance at Malik. He looked slightly depressed.

"At least have a seat and finish your Hot Chocolate?" Malik asked and Yugi nodded. Marik wasn't expecting him for another half hour.

"I need to go check on the ham." Isis stated and walked back into the kitchen. Malik looked confused…they weren't having ham tonight. Then it dawned on him. Isis was leaving him alone with Yugi…like the others had been. Had they figured out his crush? Not that it mattered much. Yugi always seemed to slip through his fingers.

They sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes while Yugi drank his cocoa. It did well to warm him up. Finally Malik seemed to move a little bit closer to Yugi. He opened his mouth to speak but the words didn't come out. Yugi looked at him with concern. But finally he swallowed hard and got the words out.

"Would you like to, you know hang out with me sometime" Malik said his cheeks tinged red.

It made sense to Yugi. Malik was probably being left out of things as much as he had been. And Malik didn't know he was dating his other half…Thank god that might get ugly quick…So naturally Malik probably assumed Yugi was just as alone. Even if it wasn't true it couldn't hurt right? Then he could help out Marik more. Keep up with Malik and fulfill his promise to watch over him. Something he had been laxing in since taking up with Yugi.

"Sure why not." Yugi said with a smile. And Malik's smile brightened. 'He is lonely' Yugi mussed.

Malik on the other hand was having a hard time thinking. His heart was racing. 'He said yes!' part of his mind jumped with joy. But a more rational part remind him 'He doesn't see it as a date. Just friends getting together.' 'But at least he considers me a friend. That's important'

"Give me a call sometime. Thank Isis for the hot chocolate please?" Expressed Yugi. "I need to be heading out" Yugi glanced as his watch he was suppose to be over at Marik's anytime.

Malik sighed but nodded. "Sure will Yugi. Thanks for stopping by" He said as he lead Yugi to the door.

Yugi grabbed his things and smiled waving as he headed out.

Isis at that time came out of the kitchen with a smile on her face. "So my baby brother has a date" she giggles.

"Its not a date!" Yelled Malik as he moved towards his sister to tackle her. Though his mind was screaming 'You wish it was'

Yugi quickly made his was across the street and down the block a little ways from the Ishtars. He ran up the stair case gifts in hand and knocked on the door. Silently praying Marik liked his gifts. The door opened and there stood Marik. He had on nice fitting blue jeans and an ashen white sweater. His hair was as beautiful as always and a smile graced his face.

"Hello Yugi." He smiled as the smaller one made his way in.

Yugi dropped his presents and moved closer to his love and wrapped his arms around his neck. "Miss me?" he asked quietly as he pulled the other in for a kiss.

When they had to 'come up for air' Marik's smile grew "Always"

Marik took him by the hand and pulled him over to the coach. Sitting down he pulled Yugi down beside him.

"I figured we could watch a movie. Then open presents, and then eat." Marik said sweetly. "If that's ok with you."

Yugi nodded and leaned into the firm body beside him. "Sounds great"

The music to "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer" flittered over them. "I like this one. Because the misfits save the day." Marik giggled. He had recently discovered 'holiday classics"

The movie played and Yugi was content in Marik's arms. He had seen the movie several times. He could quote it actually. But this was the best time because he was in the arms of someone he loved dearly. Marik also seemed to be content. And he smiled when Yugi was around. An honest non-fake smile. Knowing he was the only one to see him smile in this life time brought a bit of happiness/mixed with possessiveness. It was bad he knew to feel this was, but as long as the others didn't know about him he would be able to keep Marik to himself, and he liked that.

As it ended Yugi didn't move. Marik looked down at him. "Love you ready to open the gifts?" He placed a kissed on Yugi's forhead.

"Hmm I like it right here." He said almost purring.

"Alright I guess I can just take them back" Marik snickered. "If all you want is me."

"Having you is a great Christmas present" Yugi grinned.

"Nah I think I'm broken you should take me back." Marik said.

At this Yugi shook his head. Marik had self-esteem issues and for the first week of the relationship Marik constantly asked if Yugi was sure he wanted to be with someone like him. In which Yugi would tell him how great he was, and that he was very lucky to have someone like Marik. Then make sure that Marik did indeed want him. It went round an round until Yugi finally got it through his head that Marik made him happy. Though he still had his bouts of depression and self esteem low points.

"What did I tell you Marik. Your perfect just the way you are." And with that he kissed him.

Finally they were ready to open presents. Both boys nervous hoping the other would like the gifts they had picked out. Yugi's heart dropped when he noticed how many packages Marik had gotten him. Marik only had /two/ packages. He didn't seem disappointed though and they both started unwrapping.

First Yugi opened the leather pants and shirt. And smiled "I had been looking at these but the lady said she didn't have them in my size. And the shirt is gorgeous." Yugi said.

Marik nodded. "I had them made for you." He grinned he hadn't touched his present yet. Caught up in his loves happiness.

Yugi noticed this and prodded the him to open his gift. He started the slow process of opening the swords. It was wrapped in Christmas paper. In a cardboard box. Stuffed with foam noodles, then wrapped in brown paper and finally in a decorative case.

During this process Yugi had opened the chocker and smiled at it. He would replace it with the one he had on earlier. He told Marik he loved it running a finger over the Phoenix.

Marik gasped when he pulled out the beautiful swords. Tears brimming in his eyes. "Where did you…?" He said in a whisper.

"Get them? I had the made. I remembered how upset you were when you found out your originals had been almost completely destroyed. I found someone who could reproduce them, perfectly balanced and everything. As close to the original as possible." (A/N I know these swords would probably cost Yugi several thousand dollars…lets just say its good when your other half is engaged to a multi-millionare…)

Marik just laid the swords down in lap and hugged Yugi tightly. "Thank you Yugi they're wonderful"

Yugi had started to fiddle with Dark Magician, When Marik had opened his gift. He wanted to catch his love's reaction and now understood why Marik had been watching him that way earlier. He pulled the wrapping off and grinned a wide grin. "Where did you find it?!!" Yugi said cuddling the purple mage.

"I was lucky and caught sight of it just as the store clerk sat it down." Marik grin glad to bring joy to the boy. Though his gifts paled in comparison to what Yugi had given him…he couldn't believe it.

They were now both down to the last gift. They took slight notice that the packages were similar. But quickly the wrapping was discarded and they where looking down at identical boxes. Yugi blushed slightly as Marik smiled and they removed the lids.

"Love…" Yugi said staring at the beautiful piece of gold.

"Eternity….." Marik echoed holding up his own.

Yugi smiled and Marik's face lit up. "Together like this they mean eternal love" he said in an almost dazed state.

Yugi was home late that even. But it was ok so was Yami.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok that's the end of that chapter! Rather long…and fluff filled. Figured I should explain a few things that might be confusing.

First the whole Malik/Yugi thing- That WILL be explained in a later chapter. And no Malik and Yugi are NOT getting together. Just another little side plot I thought up between this chapter and the last one.

Second the whole phoenix thing. If you don't know the story behind the phoenix here you go. If you do and your still reading this skim down. Basically it is a mythical birth that raises from the ashes after it dies "rising from the ashes of defeat" sorta thing. Also Suzaku is a peonix (So is the winged dragon of ra in my opinion…) Suzaku is a symbol of eternal love Usually as a man and a woman(Ho-Ho)…but that's ok for this story. If you want more info there is tons of it out there on the internet. And now that I'm done insulting your intelligence….

Note 3- As for the swords/money thing. I'm going to have Yugi break down and tell Seto about his plans for college. Claiming the swords are needed for his instruction. (Doesn't' tell him what kind he's getting. Seto assumes that they are true Katana's very expensive swords.) He tells him he's found and instructor but needs the weapons. Also begs him not to tell Yami. He will tell him when he's ready. Also Yugi plans on paying Seto back…

Alright so there is the never ending fluff. I will probably do a chapter on valentines day, prom night, graduation, and then the real angst will hit. Please review!