I own almost every comparision ending in "as Neptune is close to the Earth!". Because I love saying that. I think I've used it as a disclaimer in a previous chapter...Oh, I don't own Yugioh, which should be no surprise by now.

Malik stood at Ryou's apartment's front door, Marik at his side. Marik knocked on the door and, moments later, Bakura came racing out, smiling. He then shoved Malik into the living room, telling him Ryou wasn't feeling too well-- he meant emotionally, Ryou wasn't sick-- and that he needed to get in there and comfort him.

Which left Malik standing in front of the now-closed door, just inside the apartment, seeing Ryou on the couch with holding a piece of paper. When he got closer, he found that Ryou was crying. "Ryou? What's wrong?"

Ryou rubbed his eyes, wiping away the tears, and looked up at Malik. "Nothing much. It's just..." Malik sat down next to Ryou, who gave him the paper. "Well, read it and see." Malik nodded and began to read:

Dear Ryou,

I'm so sorry, but I can't come for Christmas this year. We're having a breakthrough with the (here tearstains blurred the words to a point where Malik couldn't read what was written.)

I hope to join you next year.

Love,
Dad

"He says that every year." Malik looked up, having just finished. "He always says "I hope to join you next year" or "I plan to be there next time" but he never does. He never comes home anymore!"

Malik awkwardly wrapped an arm around Ryou's shoulders. "Well, he's trying..."

"He's not. He probably has a wife and...and a little toddler over there and just sends me money like I'm a divorced wife's kid!" Ryou started crying again.

"Ryou, he's not married," he didn't know that; he hadn't even met Ryou's parents, "What about your mom?"

Ryou ducked his head. "My mom died when I was little." Malik quickly apologized for bringing it up. "It's fine, Malik, but...I just wish I had a family, you know? One that cares."

"Hey," He said back with a small smile, "You've got me. And my family cares about you. Granted, we're about as orthodox as Neptune is close to the Earth," Ryou laughed at that, "But we care."

"Thanks, Malik, but it's not the same."

"I know. But..."

"But?"

"But I don't like seeing you sad, okay? Your dad's a total idiot if he can even bear to be away from you for so long!"

Ryou replied, "Oh, Malik!" And hugged his boyfriend tightly.

"So, you want to come over to my house and watch a movie with my sister and Odion? It'll be something between family bonding and "getting to know the boyfriend"."

Malik stood up, making Ryou, who was still hugging him, stand too. "Good idea."

They broke the hug just enough to be able to walk to Malik's. Ryou was, definitely, in a better mood about the situation with his father. And, maybe, one day, Malik's family would be his family too. You know, in an "in-laws" sort of way.

I'm not late! Take that, reviewer! And yes, note the singular form, not the plural. That's because I have one person who reviews every chapter.Why don't you join her ranks?