Chapter 5
A/N: Hellooooo, it's been a minute hasn't it haha, I think 2020 was the last time I updated. Oops! Anyways I wanted to post for the new year and the next chapter originally was going to be the update but I didn't want the story to be linear just yet so I made this chapter as a little blocker. I wrote this under 24 hours so forgive some mistakes. I will/have edited the story a bit as when I first started writing We Don't Need You I was 15 turning 16 the following month, so not only has my writing style changed, but I have changed a lot from about eight years ago. The previous chapters didn't change dramatically, mostly grammar, spell checks, and a few changes here and there like the gender of our main characters are back to male. Not that I don't mind genderbend, I do like it but for my own personal taste and reasons I changed them back. Actually the original idea was to have them be male but for reasons I changed them to female. So if you want to have a re-read go for it, but at least for future updates you'll notice some differences in the writing. Thank you for reading my story and I hope to continue this more often. Sorry if I go a while without updating. I am trying to remember to write!
1989 - New Year's Eve
It was New Year's Eve in Domino and Ryou was home getting baby Bakura ready to head over to the Ishtar's house for the museum's New Year's Eve party. Or at least that was Ryou's plan but he just stood in Bakura's nursery room watching Bakura sleep soundly in the table changer. Ryou's heart melted as he didn't wipe away the silent tears but he did try to hold back his sobbing. It's been about four months since Bakura was born and he couldn't stop crying anytime he saw his baby do something super cute. 'The gods have blessed me by allowing me to see my baby look so cute. How can I possibly change his clothes now? He's so tired he had such a big day.' Ryou thought before he felt his phone vibrate. He quickly reached in his pocket and answered the phone without looking who it was as he didn't want the vibrating sounds to wake up Bakura. "Hello?" He whispered.
"Hello Ryou, are you and baby Bakura ready?" Zigfried asked happily.
"Ah hello, Zigfried. Umm, I haven't gotten Kura ready yet. He was up a little while ago but when I put him on the changing table he decided to nap. I don't have the heart to wake him." Ryou whispered as he moved away from the table to not wake Bakura but close enough to be right as his side if he woke up.
Zigfried laughed as he shook his head, "Of course, can't wake up your little angel. I'll let myself in then."
"Oh you're here already. I'm so sorry, I'll get changed quickly." Ryou apologized quickly.
Zigfried laughed as he got the keys to the house and opened the door. "Take your time, Ryou. Let me head to the nursery and we'll decide from there." He said before he hung up and headed to the nursery. He walked in and smiled as he saw Ryou still in some pj's, a messy ponytail, and holding Bakura's outfit for the night.
"Hello Zigfried." Ryou smiled shyly.
"Hello Ryou, here why don't I carefully change Bakura while you get ready. And do not rush, I'm here for whatever you and Bakura need." Zigfried smiled as he walked over to Ryou and took Bakura's clothes.
"Thank you Zigfried. You're an amazing friend." Ryou smiled as he hugged him quickly before going over to Ryou and giving him a gentle kiss on the head. He smiled as he headed over to his room to get ready.
Zigfried smiled a bit sadly once Ryou was out of the room. "If only you could see me more than a friend." He sighed before going to Bakura smiling. "You really look like your mother. I'm sure you'll just be as sweet as him." He chuckled to himself. "Now let's get you all nice and cute so your mommy can cry about how cute you are." He said as he gently started to dress Bakura.
Once he was done Bakura was in a baby blue dress with some leggings underneath and some white fluffy booties as well as matching baby gloves. While changing baby Bakura, he didn't fuss in his sleep. Though did almost wake up when he felt a bit cold, but Zigfried had quickly changed him into his warm clothes as he fell right back asleep. "There, such a good baby."
Ryou soon came in with a red long sleeve dress shirt and black plants. His hair was nice and fluffy after he dried it. He smiled at Zigfried and went to him and Bakura. "How was he?"
"Good, didn't wake up. Like I said, your angel." Zigfried chuckled. "Now why don't we start heading out. Grab your coat and Bakura's and I'll get the car seat ready."
"Thank you Zigfried. For everything." Ryou smiled. "You didn't have to come pick me up or help me watch Bakura while I got ready."
"It's my pleasure Ryou. I'd do anything for you and Bakura." Zigfried smiled as he went to fix the car seat, leaving a blushing Ryou in the nursery.
Marik's place
Marik was grumbling in his room as Ishizu made him change into some warmer clothes. Something about wearing a crop top during the museum's New Year's party was 'unacceptable'. "She knows this is my best outfit. I don't know why she complains." Marik grumbled as he put on a purple knitted sweater and huffed. "This will have to do." He said as he opened the door only to see Shadi about to knock on the door.
"Ah Shadi, hello." Marik smiled at him.
"Hello Marik. Ishizu asked me to check up on you." Shadi chuckled, "Something about you better be wearing something appropriate."
"Ugh of course she would." Marik rolled his eyes. "She's mad because I was wearing my crop top." He huffed, "she doesn't get that it's my best outfit. How else will I look good?"
"I think you look good already." Shadi chuckled as Marik gave a slight blush. "Well if you're ready, we should go to the party. Our co-workers have started to arrive."
"Right." Marik nodded as he and Shadi started to head back to the party. Ishizu and Rashid pulled some strings at the museum so Marik could start working with them as a consultant. Though Marik has been doing night classes in order to get his GED and go to university for the following year. Shadi is also a consultant at the museum and a friend of Rashid's. He had relocated to Domino when the museum started making plans for a new exhibit about a mysterious Ancient mystery.
They walked to the living room where Rashid was cooing baby Malik who was laughing, whether it was because of his uncle or not they wouldn't know.
"Such a giggly baby. Already bringing so much joy in our home." Rashid chuckled.
"A bundle of joy truly. Was Marik also a giggly baby?" Shadi asked as they walked up to Rashid and Malik.
"Oh yes, maybe not as giggly as our little Malik here but a very happy baby." Rashid chuckled. "I remember when Marik was born. The loudest baby you ever heard."
"Hey!" Marik pouted with a blush. "I was not a loud baby."
"You weren't a loud baby, you are a loud baby. Marik your voice." Ishizu came in with a tray of snacks. "And Rashid is right. While I may vaguely remember when you were born, you were a very loud baby."
Rashid chuckled, "You were about four when he was born so of course you wouldn't remember much. Though I do remember a bit when you were born."
"About five years after mother found you, right?" Ishizu sat next to him and gently took Malik in her arms.
"That's right. Then four years later mother had our little Marik." Rashid smiled as he looked at Marik. "Our little trouble maker."
"I didn't know you were adopted, Rashid." Shadi stated. "I would have sworn you were blood related. Though that just proves how strong your family bond is."
"Ah yes, Ishizu and Marik don't like it when I say I'm the adopted child." Rashid chuckled. "Our mother found me in the desert back in Egypt. She took me in when it was confirmed I was abandoned. I have never known who my birth givers were and I never want to know. This is my family and I'm very grateful mother found me. Though you have a similar story don't you Shadi."
"You were adopted too?" Marik asked as he looked at Shadi.
"Well not me per say. But my younger siblings. I love them dearly. Even when my oldest gives me grief about traveling so often." Shadi chuckled. "Even if I say we don't look alike, many people say we do.
"Are they back in Egypt?" Marik asked curiously.
"Yes, my younger two siblings are in middle school and my oldest is a year older than you. So he's already in university." Shadi explained.
"You must be very proud of him." Marik chuckled.
"I am. They're my world after all." Shadi smiled before they heard someone knock on the door.
"Ah, guests are starting to arrive. Rashid, are you sure you want to take care of Malik here?" Ishizu asked as she handed baby Malik back to Rashid.
"Yes. I'll be fine. I am after all the most experienced when it comes to babies." Rashid chuckled as he went back to cooing Malik who started laughing again.
Marik chuckled, "My giggly baby." He said as he went to help Ishizu let guests in.
Later in the party Jonouchi held Seto as he sat on the couch. He wasn't used to being around so many important people but he had to be on his best behavior. He owed a lot to Ishizu and Rashid for helping him out so much. The least he could do is behave his best while at the party. He looked down at Seto who was looking up at him.
"Having fun my little kicker." Jonouchi smiled as he cooed his baby. He heard the door open and saw two men walking in. He was going to brush it off as them working at the mueseum as well but he noticed one of them was wearing a motorcycle jacket and not dressed as nicely as the other guest. 'I wonder who that is?' He asked himself as he saw him and his friend walk over to Ishizu and Marik and then chatting for a bit. He didn't notice that Yugi sat next to him.
"Jonouchi." Yugi said before he poked his cheek. "Jonouchi."
Jonouchi looked over at him, "Hm? Sorry Yug did you say something?"
"Well more like wondering what's gotten you distracted." Yugi smiled. "Checking out Valon?"
"Valon?" Jonouchi raised an eyebrow.
"Ah so you weren't looking at the guy with the motorcycle jacket?" Yugi giggled as he saw Jonoichi blush.
"I don't know what you're talking about Yug." Jonouchi huffed a bit.
"Well he loves motorcycles and even has his own shop. He gets along with Marik well." Yugi said with a giggle. "I also heard from Dartz that he's single."
"Dartz? Wait, how do you know so much?" Jonouchi asked with curiosity.
"The tall guy he came in with. That's Dartz. He helped find Atlantis and actually has family history with it. He's talked to me and grandpa a few times about his excavation. Either way Valon is a childhood friend of his which is why he's here." Yugi explained.
"I see." Jonouchi said as he looked down at Seto and shook his head. "I only need one man in my life and he's right here." He kissed Seto's head as Seto smiled at him. "My dragon."
"Of course, but know that no one will judge you if you start dating at some point." Yugi smiled as he gently took Seto in his arms. "After all that means Seto can spend some time with his cousin when I babysit. Actually, why don't we see your cousin? You want to see your cousin, right Seto?" Yugi smiled as Seto laughed a bit.
"Yugi-" Jonouchi was about to argue with him when Yugi got up and walked away. Jonouchi rolled his eyes but laughed a bit. "Sure Yug. Sure." He got up and went over to the snack table as he looked to see what seemed good to munch on. "Too many options."
"I know right, but Marik's sister does make good food." Valon said as he was suddenly next to Jonouchi.
Jonouchi glanced at him but laughed a bit. "Yeah Ishizu makes good food. Her cooking is the best."
"How do you know her? Oh wait, do you work at the museum?" Valon asked as he put some fruit on his plate.
"Ah no, I'm friends with Marik." Jonouchi said as he grabbed some cheese. "I'm assuming by that question though that you also don't work at the museum?" He glanced at him.
"Yeah, my friend does though. So he drags me to the work parties sometimes. Though I'm glad I came to this one." Valon smiled at him.
Jonouchi chuckled and shook his head. "Like this amazing food."
"Right, the food." Valon laughed. "What do you work in?"
"I'm doing odd jobs right now. Haven't found anything I want to do." Jonouchi said. 'At least not until Seto starts preschool.' "What about you?"
"I remember that feeling. Just doing whatever you can until you find something. That's how I started my own motorcycle shop. I didn't really like any of my jobs until I had to fix my motorcycle and it just clicked." Valon explained. "You'll find something you like soon. You got a spot open at my shop if you ever wanna try!"
Jonouchi looked at him before he laugh, "You just offer random people jobs?"
"Hmm not random, but cool looking ones sure why not?" Valon shrugged as they ended up talking about their job experiences and little adventures.
Yugi would glance over toward Jonouchi every once in a while and smiled softly, "I'm glad my plan worked."
Seto started to fuss in Yugi's arms as he started to get pouty.
"Aww Seto it's okay. Come on, I'll go put you down with Yami." Yugi said as he looked around for Solomon only to see Dartz holding Yami. Confused, he walked over and smiled. "Hello Dartz."
Dartz looked at him and chuckled, "Hello Yugi, I ran into your grandfather earlier then someone called him over and well I'm here with your baby."
"I'm sorry. Grandpa should have called me over. I'll take Yami-" Yugi started to put Seto in one arm but Dartz stopped him.
"Ah it's alright Yugi. I'm fine holding him if you're okay with it. Two babies this small might be a lot while standing." Dartz smiled gently.
"Thank you. Ah, this is Jonouchi's son, Seto." Yugi said as he lifted Seto a bit to show Dartz. Seto spotted Yami and tried to reach him.
"Ah he's attached to him already." Dartz chuckled as he moved Yami close to Seto.
"He really is. When Yami was born Seto was already trying to reach for him." Yugi smiled. "I hope they share a bond like me and Jonouchi."
"I'm sure they will. Bonds are for a lifetime after all." Dartz chuckled. "Here why don't we sit so these two can nap closely." He said as he hand noticed Yami yawning.
"Yes, let's sit down." Yugi smiled as they went to the living room to see Ryou coming in with Bakura and Zigfried.
"Ah Ryou! You're finally here." Yugi smiled as they walked over to them.
"Yeah, sorry. Kura took a nap and I struggled changing him because I didn't want to wake him up. Then I hadn't gotten ready yet, thankfully Zigfried helped me." Ryou smiled as he held the sleeping Bakura.
"Of course I helped. We had to get you two to the party after all." Zigfried smile.
"Is everyone here already?" Ryou asked as he looked around.
"Yeah, we were about to sit so the boys can nap. Why don't you leave Bakura to us so you guys can eat." Yugi suggested.
"Oh I couldn't. I'll just join you guys while they sleep." Ryou smiled.
"Now Ryou, you need a break too. Why don't we have a few bites to eat then we come and hold Bakura." Zigfried suggested gently. "Just a few moments we won't be long."
"Well…" Ryou looked at Yugi who nodded with a smile as he had his other arm ready for Bakura. "Alright. Just for a moment." He said as he gently placed Bakura in Yugi's arm. Bakura snuggled close to Yugi as he stayed asleep.
"We'll go sit down. Go on and eat." Yugi smiled as he and Dartz went to sit on the sofa with Rashid who was holding semi-sleepy Malik.
"Maybe I should join them." Ryou said with worry.
"Now now, you trust Yugi. Besides, Bakura is sleeping so it's the perfect time to eat something before he wants to eat." Zigfried chuckled. "We're just an earshot away."
"You're right. I'm just so nervous." Ryou said as Zigfried led him to the food table. "He's just…he's so small. The doctors said his lungs are like mine. They didn't develop properly so he might have a weak immune system like me."
"That may be so but you've overcome it. And while yes you still use an inhaler, you have the experience to teach Bakura the same. Besides, with your guidance and everyone else's watch, maybe he won't even notice it." Zigfried smiled, "Trust that we will help him in any way we can."
Ryou nodded and smiled, "thank you for being there for us Zigfried."
"Of course Ryou. Now let's feed you so we can return to Bakura." Zigfried said as they started to eat some food and socialize a bit before returning to the babies.
11:50 pm
Everyone gathered into the living room as they talked and discussed with each other while waiting for the clock to strike midnight. The mothers were currently sitting with each other and holding their now awake babies. Malik was laughing and moving around in Marik's arm, Yami was looking around the room seeing the many people there, Seto mostly looked at Jonouchi but occasionally looked for Yami then settled down once he found him, and Bakura was mostly snuggling close to Ryou.
"Such a long night for them." Yugi smiled as he rubbed Yami's hair.
"And this one mostly laughs all day. He's such a giggly baby." Marik smiled as he kissed Malik, making him smile.
"At least he isn't kicking everything." Jonouchi chuckled as he held Seto close.
"But this is nice. Their first New Year's Eve is all together." Ryou smiled. "I hope they won't get scared with everyone doing the countdown."
"They'll be fine. But if you're worried we can always go into the nursery and wait for a bit." Marik suggested.
Ryou shook his head, "let's be with everyone."
"Ryou here is some water." Zigfried said as he came back with some water and he was holding two glasses of champagne.
"Ah thank you Zigfried." Ryou smiled as he took the water.
"Marik, your sister is getting everyone ready for the countdown. So here is your drink." Shadi said as he handed Marik a glass as well.
"Thank you Shadi." Marik took the glass which made Malik stop laughing and try to reach for the glass. "Ah ah ah this is mommy drink."
Jonouchi laughed, "Oh he's gonna be a troublemaker when he's older." He said as Valon walked up to him and handed him a glass.
"To celebrate the new year." Valon smiled as Jonouchi nodded and took the glass.
"To celebrate the new year." Jonouchi smiled.
Dartz walked up to Yugi and handed him his glass. "Ready?"
"Ready." Yugi smiled as he positioned Yami so he could see better. Yami smiled as he was able to see more people.
"60 seconds everyone!" Solomon called out as everyone looked over at the clock.
Rashid, Ishizu, and Solomon walked over to their family with a glass in their hands as well as they all started to do the count down.
3!
2!
1!
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"