Sequel to Day 19

Day 26 – Getting married

Once again Mariku straightened his tie and smoothed his jacket. Sighing, he looked in the mirror. He pulled at his hair and grimaced. "It won't get better no matter what you do," Bakura said in a bored voice. He also wore a suit and sat sideways in a chair. His legs dangled over the armrest.

"I've never understood why people still wear an additional vest beneath the suit," muttered Mariku without paying Bakura attention. Bakura just shrugged his shoulders.

Mariku paced up and down restlessly. He wiped his face several times and took a deep breath. "Stop being so nervous." Bakura sounded annoyed.

"Who actually invited you?"

"You."

"Was I drunk?"

"Of course."

"That explains your presence."

Ryou came in. "It's time," he said to Mariku, smiling, but his eyes darkened as he looked at Bakura. "Sit decent," he snapped. "The suit will wrinkle up!"

Mariku left the two white-haired men arguing. He swallowed as he entered the room. The registrar looked up from his papers. Mariku took a glance around the room and the few present people: Isis, Seto and Rishid. That was everyone. He was glad about that. It made him even more nervous that the three were staring at him. Bakura and Ryou came after him through the door, and while Ryou disappeared into a side room, Bakura stood next to him. How drunk must he have been to make him his best man? Mariku resisted the urge to straighten his tie again. He was sweating.

The side door opened again and Mariku had his heart in his mouth. Smiling and stroking back a strand Malik came in. He wore a white suit with a lilac shirt underneath and a purple handkerchief in a breast pocket. Mariku returned his smile nervously. "I was hoping you would wear a dress," whispered Mariku. Malik smiled and turned his gaze to the registrar.

"I'm wearing a garter," he said with a glance at Mariku. "I expect you to undress me with your teeth." Mariku suppressed the grin.

"That is more than I ever wanted to know," Bakura grumbled and Ryou shot him an angry look.

The ceremony began and the registrar made a little speech. The words washed across Mariku. He was too nervous to focus on it. The blood roared in his ears. In his whole life he had never been so excited.

"Mariku Nijad," as the registrar spoke to him, he swallowed, "do you want to take the here present Malik Ishtar to your rightful husband, love and honor him in good times and bad? Answer now: Yes, I will."

"Yes, I will." Despite his nervousness, the words came clear and without hesitation from his mouth. He had never been so sure about something in his life.

"And you Malik Ishtar, do want to take the here present Mariku Nijad for your rightful husband, love and honor him in good times and bad? Answer now: Yes, I will."

"Yes, I will," Malik said with a smile.

"Ex officio, I declare you a lawful married couple. The rings, please."

Ryou stepped forward; in his hand he held a small, purple cushion on which the rings lay. Gently, Mariku placed the ring on Malik's finger. As soon as Malik had placed the ring on Mariku's finger, they kissed. It was official: They belonged together.

The registrar read out the marriage entry and then asked for the signatures. Mariku's hand trembled as he put his name on the entry. Malik paused briefly. He made a pleased sound. "What is it?" Mariku asked quietly, but Malik just shrugged his shoulders and then signed with his new surname. An unusual gesture, but one he liked.

They stepped back, so Ryou and Bakura could sign as their witnesses. Isis gave her brother a hug. "Congratulations." She kissed him.

"Thank you."

Addressing Mariku she said, "Take good care of him."

Mariku looked at her and then to Malik. A gentle smile appeared on his lips. "That's what I was born to do."