Day 19 – In Formal Wear

Skeptically Mariku looked in the mirror and wrinkled his nose. He played around with the tie. Malik sighed. "Stop it." He straightened his tie and buttoned up his jacket. He brushed a piece of lint from the black fabric.

"I feel totally overdressed," muttered Mariku.

Malik laughed. "We are going to a wedding. You are definitely not overdressed."

"You look much better."

"You look fantastic," Malik said, smiling. He looked at his friend: Mariku wore a black suit, a classic white shirt and a dark purple tie. Malik looked the same, except his lavender tie. Mariku took a deep breath. "Would you rather wear a bow tie?"

"No," replied Mariku quickly. "Certainly not."

"Just imagine you're James Bond."

Mariku grinned. The idea appealed to him. "Are you my Bond girl?"

"Sure." Malik pinched Mariku in the butt. His grin widened. "You look hot and come on now; I don't want to be late."

"Why couldn't we only come for dinner? I'm hungry," grumbled Mariku.

"Please, pull yourself together," Malik whispered. "You promised."

"Yeah, yeah." They waited for the bride to arrive. Malik was curious how his sister would look like.

It was a strange sight to see Seto Kaiba in a traditional kimono and Jonouchi was grinning in his direction the whole time. Kaiba gave him a "Who even invited you"-look.

The bell rang and all eyes turned to the door of the shrine. The priest came in and behind him followed Isis accompanied by Rishid who led her down the aisle. She wore a traditional wedding kimono. Her long black hair was elaborately fitted up and she wore two white flowers in her hair. Malik made a pleased sound, while Mariku rolled his eyes.

It was hard for him to keep his eyes open during the whole ceremony. Why were weddings just so boring? Malik, however, followed every word with beaming eyes. Mariku stifled a yawn. Malik suddenly grabbed his hand and squeezed it lightly. Surprised, Mariku looked at him. As he saw his smile, his heart began to race. He looked away as he felt that he was blushing. His stomach tingled. Damn, he loved this boy.

"Finally something to eat," muttered Mariku after the ceremony.

"Not yet," objected Malik and Mariku sighed. Why did he skip breakfast?

The way to the ballroom was not far, and because the weather was fine, they had placed the tables and chairs outside. "You look as if you want to get married yourself," said Mariku as Malik admired the decoration.

Malik turned around; a mischievous grin on his lips. He stroked over Mariku's jacket. "Maybe I want that." Mariku opened his mouth, but then closed it again, because he didn't know how to respond. Malik looked around quickly if someone was watching them, then he gave Mariku a quick kiss.

Suddenly, there was applause and Malik spun around. His sister had changed her clothes. She wore an elegant champagne-colored dress with fine golden embroidery. Her hands were painted with red henna color. Even her hair had changed. Wavy tresses were hanging out of her up-do. Seto had also changed into a suit, which was champagne colored as well.

Malik was the first to congratulate. He hugged his sister dearly. "You're beautiful," he said enthusiastically.

"Thank you, Malik." She kissed her brother on the cheek.

Mariku shifted from one leg to the other. "Congratulations, I think."

"Thanks Mariku." She smiled at him and hugged him; Mariku's eyes widened in surprise. Isis and he never had a particularly good relationship. Slowly, he also put his arms around her. When she kissed him on the cheek, Mariku was speechless. Amused Malik pulled him aside so that the other guests were able to congratulate.

Mariku touched his cheek. He seemed to be seriously shocked. "I'm kind of jealous that someone else has made you speechless," Malik sighed theatrically. "But at least it remains in the family."

Mariku broke away from his scared stiffness. "I would never, never ever with Isis..." But Malik laughed. He linked arms with Mariku and they watched as the other guests congratulated the newlyweds.

"Were you serious when you said you want to get married too?"

"Maybe."

"That's no answer."

"Why? Are you proposing to me?"

"Maybe."