"Please do it." Ryou's cheeks flushed a little.

Bakura shot Ryou with his finger. "I think we have a cape that will work in the extra room. Got a string of pearls I can use?"

"I think I can make one with extra beads I keep for Monster World props."

"Does this make Marik Rocky?" I asked, chuckling. Bakura and Ryou both laughed with me, but Marik furrowed his brow.

"You guys need to catch me up on all these crazy American movies you're always watching."

"It's stupid, don't watch it. Finish Pokemon instead." I shook my head.

"It's a classic! You have to watch it with us one night!" Ryou insisted.

"Meh." Bakura shrugged. "It is stupid, but you should watch it at least once for the experience. Anyway, I'm going to need to get ready."

"And I have to make your necklace before frosting the cake," Ryou said.

As they dispersed, I flopped on the sofa. Sinking into the cushions, I closed my eyes. Couldn't help but think back to those first few nights alive, sleeping with Bakura on this very couch. I smiled at the memories. I felt one of the cats curl up next to my feet, probably Diabound VII. Beside me, there was a scuffle, and then a pop as one of the balloons burst, and the sound of claws digging into carpet to launch away from the noise- probably Jason or Hamyaa. The pop also startled Diabound and she ran somewhere safe.

"Want some company?" Marik slipped beside me, resting his head on my chest. I wrapped my arm around him and pulled him a little closer.

"Oh good, is it nap time again? I can always go for an extra one." Bakura plopped down in Diabound VII's spot, slinging his legs over me so he could fit with us.

Ryou joined us about five minutes later. He spread a blanket on top of us before laying half on top of Bakura, and half on top of me. I'm not sure what force of providence decided to give Ryou such a large sofa when he lived alone, but I was glad we all managed to heap together on it, even if I was buried in a pile of legs while still acting as a pillow for Marik. The cats perched on the back of the couch, except for Diabound VII who refused to give up her favorite spot and curled onto Bakura's belly.

The next hour plus was utter, perfect bliss. Cocooned in a blanket with lovers and cats, relaxing and dozing in the quiet of our apartment with flashes of colors winking at us from the windows lining the wall. I growled when someone knocked at the door, so did Diabound VII, angry that she had to get up and hide again.

"Bet that's Yugi. He's always a little early." Ryou stretched and folded up the blanket.

"I'm going to hide until my big entrance." Bakura wrapped a black cloak around his shoulders and dashed into the bedroom.

"You look sexy as hell, by the way!" I called to him as he vanished, shouting a thanks as he left.

"I need to put on my kohl." Marik yawned and walked to the bathroom.

Ryou answered the door, giving both Yugi and Atem a hug as they entered the apartment. I sat on the couch, still a little grumpy about the interrupted nap.

"Are they here yet?" Yugi asked.

"Yes! They came a little early." Ryou's blush gave away how he was remembering our reunion.

"That's great. Where's Bakura at? We should go over all the progress we've made on the game."

"Oh, we can do that later." Ryou waved off Yugi's suggestion with his hand. "Bakura's taking a nap before everyone gets here. We should let him sleep a few minutes longer before I have to drag him out of bed."

"They're probably both tired from traveling," Atem said.

"Yes." Ryou nodded.

"Thanks for the yen earlier." I waved at Yugi from my spot on the couch. "We got a banana hat afterall."

"Oh great! Is Hamyaa wearing it? I want to see."

"Ha, that asshole tore it to shreds."

"Oh no."

"Nah, that means he loves it." I stood up. I suppose I should say hi to my friends.

I grabbed Yugi and spun him around because it always made him squeal in delight. Then I did the same for Atem because he always tried so hard to act like he was too dignified for it, but I knew he loved it as much as Yugi did. Who didn't enjoy slightly flirty but friendly manhandling from time to time? Well, probably lots of people, but none of them were in this apartment, so after twirling them, I scooped Ryou into my arms and carried him to the couch, setting him down in my lap- though when I picked up Ryou it was a lot less friendly and a lot more flirty.

"Hey." Marik waved, walking into the living room.

He was playing the hot af game, and winning. His hair danced around his shoulders. Occasionally the gold he wore flashed in the light. He only wore a short sleeved, white button up shirt, bland compared to Bakura's costume, but he wore like a god in divine regalia and looked fantastic in it.

"Hello, Marik!" Yugi jumped up to give him a brief hug. "You have to tell us about the trip. Bakura didn't do anything too stupid, did he?"

"He must be sleeping pretty hard if he didn't scream at that comment." Atem smirked.

Another knock at the door, and Ryou rushed to answer it. Within the next fifteen minutes, the apartment filled up with people. I helped Ryou pass around snacks as everyone swarmed around Marik, asking him questions, and listening to his stories of Kenya. I knew Bakura was about to make his grand entrance when Ryou looked at his phone and grinned. He found a good position to record the hallway before music started pounding in the living room.

Bakura marched down in hallway in platform heels, singing the lyrics and leaning toward Yugi and Atem and speaking to them as if they were Brad and Janet. After the first verse he sashayed toward the coffee table, continuing his song.

"Don't get strung out! By the way I look! Don't judge a book by it's cover!" He climbed on top of the coffee table, demanding the attention of the entire room. "I'm not much of a man, by the light of day- but by night I'm one hell of a lover!"

With a dramatic sweep of his arm he de-cloaked himself, tossing the fabric on the floor and rolling his hips to show off the garter and corset as he sang the chorus of the song. From the looks on everyone's faces, I could tell no one in the room- except Yugi who was doubled over and laughing- had seen the movie. They were confused, but not surprised, because at this point they were used to Bakura being… well, a dramatic bitch. But he was a glorious dramatic bitch as he coiled his arms around Atem's neck like a snake and gave Atem a sinister grin.

"So why don't you stay for the night? Or maybe a bite? I could show you my favorite obsession." Bakura spun away, wrapping his arm around Marik's shoulder and twirling Marik's golden hair with his finger. "I've been making a man, with blonde hair and a tan. And he's good for relieving my-" A wink. "-tension."

Then he was dancing to the chorus again. When he paused in the middle of "anticipa-tion" Yugi fell to his knees laughing and wiped big laugh-tears out of the corner of his eyes. After the last note rang through the air, Bakura sat on the arm of the couch, crossing his legs and smirking at his audience. Ryou threw his arms around Bakura, pressing their foreheads together.

"I've missed you so much! Welcome home, asshole!"

"It's good to be back." Bakura's nose scrunched up as he grinned.

Marik leaned against my ear, whispering, "Let's tackle them."

I grinned, nodding. I made sure I reached them first, pinning them into the sofa. Marik jumped on top of me, laughing as he held on. Despite my attempts to keep us balanced, we all topped onto the floor between the couch and coffee table, gasping with laughter.

"You okay?" Ryou couldn't quit giggling but helped Marik to his side to relieve any pressure off of his back.

Marik nodded his head, laughing too hard to speak. Yugi was clapping and cheering, Jonouchi and Honda were ignoring us in lieu of the chip bowl. Atem looked at us a little concerned.

"Do you need help up?" he asked.

"No, we're fine." Bakura gave him a thumbs up.

"How are you like this when you haven't even been drinking?" Honda shook his head, shoving chips into his mouth.

"It's called having fun, you should fucking try it sometime." I snorted at him, still chuckling a bit from our tumble, although we'd mostly simmered down.

"Guess I really fell for all of you." Bakura pushed himself up to sitting.

"I think you've used that pun before, Bakura," Marik said.

"I would never repurpose material!" Bakura declared. "My wit is puntiful and never ending."

"I don't know… I think you're getting a little repundant." Marik crawled into his lap.

"That was puntastic, Marik."

"You're an idiot." Marik laughed, grabbing Bakura's face and speaking against his lips. "I love you." He eased back, making sure to catch all of our gazes before repeating it. "I love you."

The four of us wove our arms together like a wreath, whispered I love yous at each other. We knew we had to get up and join our own party, but we stalled until the last possible moment.

"Atem, did you bring your Duel Disk?" Jonouchi asked from his snack corner.

"Of course." Atem grinned. "Thinking about dueling?"

"Heck yeah!"

"Take that holographic shit outside." I pointed to the arcadia glass door. "Scare my cats, and I'll chuck you right over the edge of the apartment."

"Yeah, please use the duel disks outside," Ryou agreed with me in his more polite way.

"Wait up, I want to duel too." Bakura jumped to his feet.

"Oh, let's have a miniature tournament." Yugi grinned. "We can draw names to see how everyone pairs off in the first round."

We're not going to talk about how I may or may not have lost to Jonouchi in the first round. But at least Yugi also beat Ryou and Malik beat Bakura in the first round, so I had company while I watched the other duels. Malik joined us after facing Yugi in the second round, and soon everyone was sitting outside eating cake as we watched the completely random and not at all predictable final match between Yugi and Atem.

"I'm freezing my tits off out here." Bakura hugged himself, visibly shivering.

"Put some real clothes on." Malik snickered.

"Or, I could just take off the clothes and sit in the hot tub. Much more practical."

"Only if you want Atem to win this tournament, because if this becomes a naked hot tub party Yugi's going to be too distracted to play well."

"Yugi, you better win!" Bakura cupped his hands around his mouth as he shouted.

"What's the difference?" I snorted, getting up and slipping inside. I snatched Ryou's favorite throw off of the back of the couch and slung it around Bakura's shoulders. Then I sat down next to Ryou again and grabbed my plate before my darling true love decided to eat my cake.

"Well look at that. Chivalry isn't dead- Marik."

"Don't you Marik me in that tone. I'm not the idiot outside after dark in his underwear."

"So what's the difference?" I cut Bakura off before he could continue the budding argument.

"Difference in what?"

"Yugi and Atem. Does it really matter who wins?"

"The difference is Atem still gets riled up when I tease him, so I'm obviously going to make a big deal about how much I want him to lose."

"Shhhh, I'm watching this." Ryou pressed his finger to his lips. "It's a good game."

Finished with my cake, I lay in Ryou's lap and stretched my legs over Bakura and Malik's laps. I watched most of the duel, but dozed somewhere during the last 1000 LP. Cheers woke me. Jerking upwards, I noticed Yugi in the center of a group hug. Ryou was cheering, Bakura was laughing, but I didn't see Marik anywhere.

"Where's Marik?" I asked Bakura once the general noise died down.

"Fortune Cookie called so he's hiding in the apartment somewhere."

I chuckled at the nickname, knowing who he was talking about right away, but then I grew lost in thought. I'd grown so separate from Marik since receiving my own body, that I never thought about his siblings anymore. His siblings. I felt no connection to them as my own.

"I have to go. Glad you guys made it back safely." Honda waved as he headed back into the apartment.

"We're going too," Yugi said. "I know you guys are tired and want to rest."

"I'm already in my pajamas." Bakura smirked as he crossed his legs.

"And they look so warm and comfy." Jonouchi rolled his eyes.

"Everyone give me a hug." Ryou jumped up, making his rounds.

"No one give me a hug." Bakura waved goodbye from his spot beneath the blanket.

"Fuck it. I want hugs." I stood up, hooking my arm around Jounouchi's neck and messing up his hair.

He managed to maneuver out of my grip and pin me into a headlock, but let go a moment later. We high fived, and then I moved on to Atem and Yugi.

"Are you guys leaving?" Marik asked as he stepped back outside, pocketing his phone.

"Yeah, I'm sure you want some alone time." Yugi nudged Marik with his elbow.

"I'm a little jetlagged," Marik said.

"Well, we hope you have a good night- and welcome back, both of you!" Yugi waved.

"We'll meet Monday and talk business," Bakura called from his seat.

Atem nodded and Yugi gave a thumbs up. Ryou escorted the guests to the door and soon we were alone on our patio. Marik sighed, plopping down beside Bakura.

"What's wrong?" Bakura combed his fingers through Marik's hair.

"Nothing," Marik said.

"Going to talk about the phone call?"

"In a minute." Marik tilted his head up. "I'd rather look at the stars."

"They are beautiful." I smiled at the sky. "I'm glad I exist and can look at them."

"I'm glad as well." Marik grabbed my hand from across Bakura's lap.

I started at his touch, but my grin returned as I looked at both of them them. Ryou slipped back outside a few seconds later and curled beside me.

"All the leftovers are stored. We can clean everything else up tomorrow," Ryou said.

"Ishizu and Rishid are coming to visit next month," Marik said.

"What?" My mouth dropped.

"I offered to visit her instead, but she insisted."

"I- I suppose I'll ask Yugi if I can stay at the game shop." I frowned.

"Oh no you won't." Ryou shook his head. "You're staying right here."

"If Ishizu doesn't like it she can get a hotel," Bakura murmured.

"But does she even know? About us?"

"Yes," Marik spoke quickly before anyone could speculate. "She didn't before, not fully, but if she's going to insist on visiting...I figured it was best she knew- and you're going to stay here, Kek. I told Ishizu she had to behave herself when she visits."

"Ha! 'Bout time someone told her to chill." Bakura grinned.

"You had better also behave yourself." Marik shot Bakura a warning glance.

"Hey, I have tried twice to reach out and talk to her. She fucking hates me, and I'm not going to cry over it."

"Third time's the charm?" Ryou shrugged.

"Somehow I doubt it."

"She'll be nice," Marik said. "Maybe stiff, but she won't start anything- so don't you start anything."

"I'm going to be awfully busy programming that week. What a shame. Won't hardly have any time to chit-chat," Bakura said.

"She likes Atem," Ryou said. "I'm sure Yugi and Atem would be happy to come over for dinner as a buffer. Maybe the first night? To help with conversations," Ryou offered.

"Yeah, that might be a good idea," Marik said.

"Marik, how do you feel about this? This visit?" Bakura asked.

"I'm...scared. You know I'm close to them. I actually want to see them, but..."

Bakura nodded, squeezing Marik's hand.

"I want everyone to get along. I don't want to be like Persephone, always have to be with her lover or her family. I…" Marik shook his head. "I know it's complicated, but I just want you guys to like each other."

"Of course," Ryou said. "Don't worry, Marik. We'll make sure Ishizu and Rishid both feel welcome while they stay here. Right, Kek?"

I opened my mouth, but I couldn't speak.

"Kek?" Ryou rested a hand on my shoulder.

"Whu-what if I see Rishid and I snap? What if I grab a knife before I can even stop myself and lunge right at him? I- I don't think I would, but I don't know. How could I ever really know until I see them again? And then it might be too late."

"Well, if you grab a knife, I will jump in the way," Ryou said, his voice calm and casual. He pressed the tip of his finger to my nose. "And I will poke you like this, and I will call you a sunflora."

All of the mounting tension broke. We leaned against each other and laughed.

"Okay," I conceded after I caught my breath. "I'm pretty sure that'd be able to pull me from even the darkest of rages."

"It's going to be okay. Maybe everyone won't magically become friends during Ishizu and Rishid's first visit, but we can all be civil, right? Besides, we all have something very important in common." Ryou squeezed my hand.

"I'm pretty sure I have nothing in common with that woman." Bakura shook his head.

"Yes you do- you love Marik. We all love Marik, so there's something we can talk about right from the start," Ryou said.

"And worse case scenario we load Ishizu up with kittens. How could she stay mad at us with kittens in her lap?" I added.

"Damn, might have to go back and adopt a few more." Bakura bumped his shoulder against Marik's.

"Don't you dare. The litter boxes are already a headache." Ryou smiled.

"I still so nervous." Marik buried his face in his hands.

"Marik, it's fine." Bakura rubbed his hand up and down Marik's back.

Seeing it must have inspired Ryou to do the same for me because I felt his palm working circles into my lower back. I leaned over and kissed the crown of his head.

"Love you," I muttered.

"Love you too." He blushed.

We grew quiet again, leaning back together on the lawn furniture. I held up my hand and stared at it.

"You okay?" Marik asked.

"I'm remembering how it's mine, and so are my actions." I ran my fingers along the top of my palms. "Feel them." I passed one hand toward Ryou, and the other toward Marik and Bakura.

"Very sexy," Ryou purred. "Nice and rough, the best sort of hands for the bedroom."

"They were smooth when the gods first brought us to life," I said. "But I went out, got my own job, started training with Kyubi, and all my work has toughened them. Each time I do a deadlift or a press, it strengthens the calluses. Every time I cook oatmeal, or pick up a kid at the gym after they fall, or slip on gloves to dye my hair, or caress any of you- I'm making these hands something unique that represent me. These hands are mine; I've made them mine."

Ryou hugged me.

"I don't know why I got so sentimental." I laughed. "We didn't even drink tonight."

"You're drunk off of my glorious presence and raw sex appeal." Bakura lifted his eyebrows in a flirty gesture.

"Must be it." I winked at him.

"What time is it?" Marik asked, but answered his own question by looking at his phone. "It's already 4:30 in the morning."

"God, no wonder I feel so giddy. My brain probably went to sleep hours ago." Bakura laughed.

"I didn't realize it'd taken so long for everyone to duel. It was pretty late when everyone left," Ryou said.

"Well, since it's so close to sunrise, could we stay out here a little longer?" Marik asked.

"Watch a beautiful sunrise with even more beautiful men? Sounds perfect." Bakura rested his head on Marik's shoulder.

"I love sunrises." Ryou smiled. "The only time I ever get to see them is when I stay up all night like this."

"Yeah, we know how bad you are at waking up." I laughed.

Our conversation meandered, roaming from sunrises and sleeping schedules, to jobs and weekends, and then vacations and the fact that Marik did, in fact, own his own jet.

"We should go to Europe next year," Marik said as the gray before dawn brightened all around us. "Where would you guys want to visit if we did?"

"We could visit the bone cathedral in the Czech Republic." Ryou beamed.

"That's a real thing?" I asked.

"Yes. I'll show you pictures next time I'm on my laptop. It looks so cool."

"Damn. That does sound cool." I grinned.

"I don't know how on earth you can be excited about a place like that, but it's above ground, so sure." Marik shrugged. "But I'm not going to any catacombs. You two can go, but I'm dragging Bakura to a cafe and getting coffee instead."

"Sorry, I'm letting my love of horror get the best of me again." Ryou apologized.

"Could we visit a castle?" Bakura asked.

"Sure."

"Can we find a dungeon and then play erotic roleplay games for an entire weekend?"

"Probably not." Marik snorted. "But I'll research it for you."

"Look, there's Ra." I gestured with my chin. "Sunrises take longer than you think, don't they?"

"Eh, it's not so bad when the company is good." Bakura shrugged.

"You know…" Marik paused. "I have a ship as well as a plane."

"Yeah, I remember," I said

"And it's easier to skirt the particulars of marriage laws when your in international waters."

"Marik?" Ryou glanced around me to get a better look at Marik.

"I didn't mean right away! I- I meant- you know...If we ever decided to that's how we could bypass any laws, by going out to sea."

I couldn't tell if the color on Marik's face was a blush or the beginning of the sunrise, but either way it was beautiful.

"But… only if… if the four of us ever wanted to." He fidgeted, but a smile crept over his face.

"Yes," Bakura said without hesitation, lacing his fingers with Marik's and mine. "Ask whenever you're ready. The answer is already yes."

"Bakura, you can be so romantic." Ryou smudged a tear out of the corner of his eye.

"I'm no such thing. I just know what I want, and I'm not afraid to accept it if someone hands it to me."

"I would say yes as well." Ryou blushed. His face was gold and orange from the sunrise, but I knew he was blushing. "If you asked."

"Ask us whenever you're ready," I repeated Bakura's words, grabbing Ryou's hand so the four of us formed a completed link. "The answer will be yes."