First off I'd like to start with a thank you thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou –and a million more thankyous :PP- to all of those who reviewed and alerted and even read this story.
It means the world to me knowing that you enjoy this.
Secondly, I'm so sorry for this but unfortunately i could only finish half of this chapter, so this is only Bronzeshipping :(( I'm sooo sorry. But I wasn't able to finish the Tendershipping because of my trip to Florida, But I wanted to give you guys an update, so hopefully this will suffice. Luckily i am almost done the Tendershipping so it should be up as soon as I can.
Disclaimer-I don't own Yu Gi Oh. (I don't get why we need to do this :P
And I'm really sorry :S But here is my first attempt at Bronzeshipping, so hope you like it :)
Just beware of any spelling mistakes etc, I didn't have much time to edit it.
On with the chapter !
"MARIKU! YOU LITTLE DEVIL, GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!"
The scream erupted from the classroom, as a blur, that could be identified as one Mariku Nakamura dashed through the halls, followed by the unbearable stench of rotten eggs and old sweaty socks that flooded the air.
However that only added to Mariku's speed as he quickly turned a corner and slumped down on the rows on the rows of lockers, panting and wheezing out air as a huge grin splitting his face, shoulders shaking in a slightly breathless laughter.
At least now he could cross stink bomb off his list mile long list of pranks, after all no prankster list was ever complete without a stink bomb written somewhere just waiting to be set off.
However before he could get into celebrating his latest success he could hear people talking and it defiantly wasn't a happy conversation either. He heard the words stink bomb, Mariku and major punishment and he knew he had to get out ASAP.
His eyes widened as he heard footsteps headed his way; he scanned his surroundings and quickly fled into the first pair of doors he could find.
The library, he silently mused it himself and he burst through the door.
He was greeted by the sight of tall, wooded mahogany shelves, holding vast amount of books all standing on the main floor of the library. He said main floor because in the very middle of the room, there was a small pit, where the tables, where many people chose to do their projects, were put. And computers were all lined up against the walls, monitors blinking.
It didn't really surprise him that it seemed rather empty. Only a few people had spares this period. And he immediately turned to walk through the shelves, thinking they would be a good cover for him to hide in.
This was quite a turn of events. He mused as he walked in between two shelves of books, finger lazily trailing the spines of the books. He'd always thought that he would never be caught dead in the library, reading was never his thing. Of course this was a life or death situation, he wordlessly screamed to himself, body tensing as he hear the doors open and quiet murmurs of the teacher looking for him.
"He's got to be in hear somewhere", one of them whispered.
"He could be hiding between the shelves" another suggested. And because his hiding spot would soon be compromised, Mariku bolted.
Mariku ran through the maze of shelves, his instincts screaming for him to find a place to hide or possible face the wrath of a yearlong detention.
Damn it, damn it, damn it he was cursing to himself, weaving his way through the shelves. The voices were getting closer and he knew that he couldn't keep running around in circles would be pointless.
Time to change tactic, he thought, changing direction and instead running into the pit,
So his first instinct he ran into the maze of shelves and into the study section of the library. It was probably the most risky thing to do, he knew, but it was worth a shot.
He looked down at where the tables were placed and surprisingly spotted a boy no older than him sitting in what he thought was an abandoned library. The boy was sitting at one of the tables, nose buried into whatever book he was reading but the thing that really drew Mariku in was the huge book cart that was right beside the boy, holding a bunch of books and that would be enough to obscure him from the view of the teachers.
Jackpot he cheered in his head and he carefully made sure that all the teachers were still seeking between the shelves, and when he knew the coast was clear, he sneakily made his way over to the boy.
He wavered slightly, pondering how to exactly get under the table without making it seem awkward, but after he heard that the teachers had decided to check at the tables, he realized that this was not the time to be shy or hesitant, and instead he under the table and wound his arms around his saviour's leg.
He felt the person tense, in surprise and pull out his chair slightly but that only caused Mariku to tighten his hold on the leg and faintly whisper a plea for the boy to keep him hidden from the seeking teachers.
"Malik, have you seen Nakamura in the library", he heard the teachers ask.
It was now or never, Mariku thought desperately, arms tightening around 'Malik's' legs, pleading to every god imaginable to be merciful on him and mutely begging for Malik to play along.
He heard someone clear their throat, he guessed it was the teenage boy whose leg he was latched onto and a quiet, light voice respond with a hesitant "ummm no I haven't seen him at all, he must of left through the back doors".
Mariku let out a sigh of relief but really wanted to slap himself, the back doors, he brooded to himself, and he could have effortlessly taken those and avoided all of this. Of course thinking cautiously and ingeniously on his feet was never his forte. His style was more impulsive and sneaky.
Though he really should start assessing the situation he thought as he face palmed at his own stupidity but instantly regretted it when he heard the teachers footsteps halt and he felt Malik tense once again.
"Did you say something dear?" he heard the teacher sweetly address Malik.
He held his breath and didn't dare make another sound.
"Ummm no not at all, I just, ummm dropped my book."
He could hear quiet murmurs of discussion between the teachers but they seemed to buy the teen's story sound he thought in relief as he heard the door close with a quiet click.
Once he knew for sure that it was safe he disentangled his arms from the unsuspecting boy's leg and crawled out from under the table to see the face of his saviour.
His eyes widened slightly as he recognized the familiar bronze skin, soft locks of blonde hair falling down to graze the boy's shoulders, and familiar lavender eyes looking up at him.
He was just about to ask if he was the same person at lunch, but was soon stopped in his tracks when Malik beat him to it.
"You were one of the people at lunch weren't you? Tell me are you always this stupid", he said his previously light voice was now unemotional.
He's very forward, was Mariku's first thought as he took in the teens proper posture, serious and questioning expression, and various papers littered over the dark wooden table with many little jot notes and diagrams.
A lopsided smile crept its way onto his face. This could be fun.
He really hadn't meant to ask that question. It just sort of slipped out. Of course he couldn't really be put to blame, Malik reasoned with himself as he went over what had just happened in those few minutes.
He had earlier decided to use his spare period to work on his science project since it was his weakest subject. He hated it with a burning passion. He would never understand what the point of making students constantly write an essay on the subject of 'renewable energy sources', when they had done it every year prior. It was something that was truly pointless and boring and very much overdone but he had to do it in order to get a good grade.
So like the good obedient student he was, he had been reading a book on the subject, soaking up all the information when out of nowhere he felt something or more like someone wrap their arms around his leg and heard them beg to keep them hidden.
But the pure desperation in the voice was enough to make Malik play along when the teachers came and questioned him. He was shocked when he learned that they were looking for one Mariku Nakamura, but he played his cool and lied smoothly, and the teachers bought it hook line and sinker.
That was until the idiot made a slapping noise from underneath him and Malik almost cursed out loud at his stupidity.
He had been forced to lie a second time not as smoothly but nevertheless the teachers still believed him. Of course he had never given them a reason to question him before. They always described him as a bright, trustworthy individual, so it was obvious that they would believe him but still.
What kind of idiot would have put himself at that kind of risk?
Ok so maybe he did mean to ask that question after all, he concluded as he watched the Prankster Prince's lips curl into a grin, eyes lighting up with a spark of...interest?
Malik raised an elegant eyebrow in confusion, the feeling only deepening as he watched one of the most loved and wanted, by both teacher and student alike (just in different ways),walked to stand across from him at the table and pull out the chair.
With one flick of his wrist he effortlessly twirled the chair around so that the seat back was now parallel to the table and plopped himself down, elbows piled atop of one another atop of the back rest, chin resting comfortably on top of them.
His grin never seeming to leave his lips and the curious light in his eyes never diming down as he playfully seemed to be thinking over the question, tapping his index finger on his temple.
"You know I never had that one before. I usually get WHY are you this stupid or HOW could you be this stupid but never are you always this stupid, so I guess the only answer to that question is yes I am."
Malik could only gape at that response. Not only had the boy not been offended by his rude remark, but he also agreed wholeheartedly. The guy had just technically called himself an idiot, and he actually did it in a proud fashion and not at all hesitant to do so.
Mariku, visibly pleased at Malik's speechlessness, decided to continue.
"But hey what would life be like without some risks and stupidity to match? Seriously dull and boring, wouldn't you say?"
Malik stayed quiet for three seconds actually contemplating what Mariku had just said. Yes he was actually thinking about a response. He could admit that life would be dull and boring without taking some risks, but...
"But I don't think you would know anything about that kind of stuff huh, like adventure and fun in general", Mariku shrugged.
That statement stopped Malik's thoughts in a blink of an eye. In shock he brought his eyes up and saw Mariku that Mariku had changed his position.
Now his right elbow on the table, and his check leaning comfortably on the palm of his hand as e watched Malik with the same grin, but now instead, Malik noticed, his dark violet eyes held a sort of challenging and smug glint in them, almost as if he were testing Malik.
"Excuse me", he growled out, angry and offended by what was just implied. He knew how to have fun.
His anger grew as he saw Mariku's broad shoulders move up and down slightly in a sort of mute amused chuckle.
"Well no offense but you totally scream out goody two shoes book worm to me."
"What does that have to do with anything", he hissed out.
Mariku was looking like he was having the time of his life, which was royally pissing Malik off.
Grin as wide as it could go, instead of answering right away he took his time lazily scanning the entire library. Taking in the white ceiling, the creamy white walls, light grey carpet, scanning every nook and cranny, or just basically looking at anything that wasn't Malik, teasing Malik to no end, making his anger skyrocket.
Finally, glee filled dark violet eyes landed back on Malik and.
"Ohh now don't take this personally but your type isn't exactly known for having fun", Mariku finally answered, a teasing tone underlining in his voice.
"Ohh and what would be 'having fun' mean to you", Malik questioned.
"Ohh you know", Mariku started with a wave of his left hand "Being spontaneous and crazy and wild. Just basically letting yourself go and never having a dull moment. It's what us teens do best after all. Blowing stuff up, getting wild at parties, getting it on with the ladies, drinking some, risky business."
Malik felt his eye twitch at that definition.
"You do realize that that definition of teenage fun, has got to be one of the most moronic and irresponsible and stupid things I have ever heard in my life. It's really no wonder that adults already find most teenagers crazy and untrustworthy psychopaths, with people like you running around. If that's how we all behaved they'd probably keep us under lock and key, which would be a good thing. I'd much rather jump of a bridge than trying you so called version of fun".
Another chuckle erupted from Mariku's chest.
"Don't assume something if you've never tired it" Mariku replied. "After all you know what they say about assuming. Assume and..."
"Assume and you make an ass of u and me, ya I heard that one", Malik hastily interrupted, he heard that one a million times before.
Mariku's grin widened significantly.
"Well I'm just saying. Try taking a walk on the wild side. You never know...", Mariku slowly raised himself from his chair, body bending forwards across the hardwood table using his arms to brace himself on either side of Malik, as he leaned down and put his mouth right next to Malik's ear, quietly and tauntingly whispering, "you might like it."
Malik was infuriated to feel a blush rise up on his cheeks at Mariku's closeness and he was never more thankful than he was now for his dark tanned skin. And the hot breath on his ear wasn't helping much either, as it sent shivers down his spine, feeling the hot breath warm up his appendage.
He could smell Mariku's cologne, something strong and spicy, much like cinnamon and was appalled when it tingled his senses pleasantly.
But before he could comment Mariku quickly leaned back in his chair, looking at Malik's slightly flushed face with a look of smugness and self-satisfaction.
He decided that it would be best to end their meaningless squabble. It was pointless and a waste of his free period. He was supposed to be studying, not arguing about the true meaning of 'fun' with some crazy, and clearly dim-witted teenager who seemed to have a strange affect on him. So he finally settled on saying.
"You're not just stupid; you're a full blown idiot".
That one seemed to take him by surprise Malik noticed with a triumphant grin as Mariku's eyes widened in surprise. However it wasn't long until Malik was mirroring his expression as Mariku opened his mouth and started laughing hysterically. Malik could see tears in forming in the corner of his eyes and that he was desperately clutching his stomach, and Malik couldn't fathom in the slightest how what he said could have induced such a reaction.
He watched with wide eyes as Mariku slowly started to calm down, laughing slowly turning into chuckles as they dissipated, wiping his eyes with smiling eyes focused on Malik.
"You know I've gotten that from plenty of teachers, but never from a student", he spoke in absolute fascination.
But soon he stoned his features, and slowly rose up from his seat, not breaking eye contact once as he walked and made his way around the table till he was right in front of Malik.
"No one would have the guts to actually call me an idiot to my face with such seriousness, and not be afraid of the consequences", that last part was said in such sombreness that Malik almost lost his composure.
He had heard a few rumours of what happened when one messed with one from the popular crowd, but instead, he kept his face as stoic as possible, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Ya? Well I'm not just anyone", he stated looking Mariku straight in the eye, with a look of determination, indifference. Then he also stood up, in attempt to look as intimidating as Mariku was to him.
Mariku didn't seem the least bit intimidated, instead, he met Malik's look head on, leaning in closer to Malik's face until there was only millimetres between their noses. But Malik was determined to stand his ground, although he had to admit, that hard and serious look in Mariku's eyes had his confidence waver just slightly.
"Really then", Mariku said, his breath landing on Malik's face, and Malik once again feel his face heat up in a blush, but his pride and determination kept him from backing down, so he sucked it up and instead defiantly raised his chin, which resulted in their tanned noses colliding together but that didn't seem to shake Mariku who only continued.
"So who are you exactly?" as deep violet eyes were burring into light lavender ones, almost as if looking into the soul.
Malik took time to actually consider how to answer that one. He could have gone with the whole, mysterious persona, or the I'm better than you one, but he decided that in a time like this it would have been better to go with the honest straightforward answer, it would have been the least cowardly option.
"Malik Ishtar", he spoke calmly, still staring into Mariku's eyes wondering how he was going to respond to that one.
And once again, Mariku's actions never ceased to keep him on his toes.
"Well Malik Ishtar, ", the way that Mariku practically purred out his name had his blood run cold.
And Malik watched with in alarm as Mariku gentle grasped his right hand and raised it to his gently meet his lips. Malik could only manage to let a little squeak escape his lips in protest since he couldn't even utter a single word. Thoughts were running rampant around in his head, stomach twisting in knots.
Malik had no idea what to make of this situation.
"I really like you", Mariku continued, and Malik could feel Mariku's lips brush against his knuckles with every word he spoke, and he could only stare, completely dumfounded, "your interesting, I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other."
Before Malik could respond they heard the teachers. "See you around, Malik Ishtar" and with a quick wink, he ran out of the back doors.
Malik was frozen like a statue, his arm was still outstretched, as if Mariku was still holding it, lavender eyes wide and jaw dropped open all the way to the floor. That DID NOT just happen, he exclaimed inwardly. He was in a mix of embarrassment and disbelief. Suddenly a flush of anger soon snapped him out of his trance like state. He wouldn't just let Mariku off the hook for pulling a stunt like that!
"Hey wait...!" he called out, but was soon interrupted by a loud "SHHHHHH" coming from his left and a slight dampness on his cheek.
Wiping the spit off his face he turned to face the small, short elderly lady standing there. Her furrowed eyebrows and deep scowl only added to the wrinkles already on her ancient and wrinkled face. Ms. Galena, the school librarian. A very angry school librarian.
And Malik, not one to be slow on anything, perfectly understood what it meant when her bony finger was pointed in the direction of the exit doors.
"Wait but..." he tried to explain.
"Shhh!"
"But..."
"Shhhhh!"
"If you just let me explain..."
"Shhhhhhhhhhh!"
And since it looked like she wasn't going to budge no matter what explanation was on the tip of his, Malik crossly snatched up his books from the table he was previously occupying, bitterly making his way towards the exit.
He couldn't believe that he was just kicked out of the library. And it was all that nimrod's fault.
If he hadn't done... well what he had done, then he wouldn't have been in this mess.
Recalling all the things that had just transpired earlier, to his absolute horror, Malik felt his cheeks heat up slightly as he remembered all the things Mariku had done. It was weird, the way he was affected by the Prankster's closeness, the way his heart sped up ever so slightly when he felt those words whispered in his ear, the way Mariku's scent tingled his senses, the shudders he felt when Mariku came that close to him and the way...
However Malik was soon jerked out of his thoughts by the loud shriek of the bell, and not a moment too soon he thought, cheeks a flame, absolutely horrified at what his thoughts were slowly manifesting into, as he slowly made his way to class.
He was cursing Mariku's existence the entire way there.
Once he was out of the confidence of Domino high's walls, Mariku took in a deep breath of the fresh air outside. It was nice to feel the warmth of the sunshine rays warming him up as he ran a hand through his wild untamed spikes resting on his head. He walked right through the front gates, into the streets without a care in the world.
He walked down the streets, but he abruptly came to a stop. He couldn't hold it in any longer.
He burst into laughter, he knew that many people must have been looking at him with strange crept out faces, but he couldn't bring himself to care in the slightest as he was once again reduced to desperate gasps of air and a pain in his sides. He had never laughed so many times in one day. It was actually refreshing, as he straightened up.
He had never had such an argument with someone who wasn't Bakura, Yami or even on rare occasion Seto. No one had ever confronted him head on, no one had ever responded to him with such sass before.
It was... just plain invigorating to know that not everyone would bend to his will or just agree with him strictly for the reason of his high position in the social ladder.
Malik's words rang through his head.
"Ya well I'm not just anyone."
That had been a major understatement, he decided as he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his navy blue pockets, and made his way down the side walk with a little hop in his step.
Malik Ishtar.
He couldn't wait to tell Bakura about his new latest conquest.
Well not my best work ever, probably my worst chapter so far, :( but I hope you still enjoyed it!
Awwww Mariku, the shameless flirt, I've got to admit, the Bronzeshipping will probably my favourite shipping to write XD I've got big plans for this paring, but of course I have plans for all of them so don't worry.
I'll try to get the Tendershipping up as soon as I can.
-for all those who want Puppyshipping, don't worry it'll be coming up soon XD. It's just that these two chapters were about the Yami's and Hikari's meeting and since Seto and Joey already know each other so it wouldn't flow right if I added them in (you will learn how in the next couple of chapters)
Make a girl happy and please leave a review! Much appreciated ! :D
See ya~!