Solomon sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose to fight off the imminent headache. It had been a long day. Summer, the weekend, and the announcing of a new tournament had meant a very busy shop. He probably should have called Yugi in to help, but when he'd heard Ryou yelling earlier, he was glad he hadn't. Well, his grandson never had called for help so he assumed, he hoped that Yugi had it under control.

He headed into the kitchen and had just grabbed a mug for tea when Yugi wandered in. He walked right past his grandfather without noticing him and Solomon noted the dazed and contented expression he wore.

"Yugi?"

Yugi jumped and whirled to face his grandfather, he froze, wide eyed.

"Grandpa!" Yugi fidgeted slightly. "Um . . . Hi!"

Solomon took a deep breath and braced himself. When Yugi fidgeted, the news was rarely to his liking.

"Yugi, I heard Ryou yelling earlier. Is everything alright?"

"Well, you see . . . I . . .um . . ."

'Crap.' Yugi though. He chastised himself for not spending some time during the last hour coming up with a way to tell his grandfather what had happened. Though he certainly didn't regretted how the hour was spent.

"Yugi . . ."

"Grandpa, a lot happened today and it's a really long story and you have to listen to the whole thing without interrupting, ok?" Solomon eyed his grandson curiously. Truth or fiction, Yugi's odd seriousness said he was in for quite a story. He nodded. Yugi screwed up his face in concentration and, with plenty of hand gestures to emphasize the important parts, launched into what he knew was going to be the most ridiculous sounding tale he'd ever told his grandfather. He only hoped it he believed it.

"Ok, so, you know how after the ceremonial duel, Atemu was supposed to go to the afterlife? Well he didn't and last night when I was asleep I found him in the shadow realm and brought him back with me. Well, Kaiba felt that cause he's got his Egyptian powers back . . . or maybe he had them already but is just now acknowledging them . . . Anyways, he felt me bring Atemu back because he's got magic now and knows when others are using it too, so he came over today to ask if I could do the same thing for Kisara, a girl he knew back in ancient Egypt who's kaa was that of the Blue Eyes White Dragon and who was also supposed to have moved on but didn't. So we went to the shadow realm and got her back too, then he made bodies for both her and Atemu and then he left, taking Ryou with him because Ryou's mad at me now for getting Atemu back and he really took to Kisara. That and Kaiba can hire doctors and has the facilities to take care of him better than we can and . . ." Yugi paused making sure there was nothing he forgot. "Mokuba was here too. . . oh, and we borrowed one of mom's dresses for Kisara." He then gave a satisfied nod, signaling the end of the narrative.

He looked at his grandfather nervously, the telling hadn't been as hard as he thought it would be, now he just had to hope his grandfather believed it. Something behind Solomon caught his eye and he grinned. Well it certainly helped that the proof was standing in the doorway looking very amused by Yugi's narration.

Solomon stared at his grandson, reminding himself that Yugi outgrew the phase of making up wild stories when he was ten. Still, he had seen the spirit depart with his own eyes.

He opened his mouth, still not quite sure what to say, when he was interrupted by a soft cough behind him. He turned to see his grandson's Egyptian twin standing behind him.

"Hello Solomon." Atemu said with a nod. His expression was serious but his eyes sparkled with amusement and Solomon mentally threw up his hands in surrender.

Three thousand year old spirit, who once saved his life, then the world, back from the afterlife and standing in his kitchen looking no older than his grandson and wearing his grandson's clothing?

Sure! Why not?

He shook his head in wonder. Perhaps if he had let Yugi keep one of those stray animals he insisted on bringing home when he was eight, he wouldn't have graduated to bringing home stray people.

Well, three thousand year old spirit or not, he looked like a teenager and would probably get into trouble like one.

He fixed Atemu with a parental glare.

"So I suppose you'll be sticking around for good then?"

Taken by surprise by the elder's tone, Atemu unconsciously straightened up, taking a more respectful posture.

"Yes sir."

"And I suppose you don't have a place to stay."

"Well, no . . ." Atemu managed to look slightly sheepish. They really hadn't made any plans at all for when he actually got here. Not that just a half a day ago he would have expected to be back in the Mutou household, and with a body of his own, no less.

"Then since the guest room is apparently free again you may stay here for as long as you need, except when my daughter visits, then you'll have to room with Yugi. Furthermore, as long as you live in this house, you're subject to the same rules that Yugi is."

"Yes sir!"

Solomon laughed. "And now that that's settled, you may go back to calling me Solomon. Or heck, even grandpa is fine, you certainly look like you could be my second grandson. Welcome to the family, my boy."

He stuck out his hand and Atemu gripped it with a lopsided grin. He was delighted at finding such acceptance though it was weird being treated as just another teenager and not catered to as a pharaoh or looked up to as a 3000 year old spirit. Since it was coming from Solomon, though, he found he didn't mind.

Yugi whooped and tackled his grandfather from behind.

"You're the best grandpa!"

"Yes, yes, I know." Solomon said, detangling himself from his exuberant grandson. Just then, both boys stomach's took the opportunity to rumble loudly. "Shall we see to dinner then? I seem to recall something about high level magics working up an appetite."

Atemu woke when the bright light of the morning sun hit the guest room.

His room, he reminded himself and smiled.

He snuggled back into the blankets, enjoying the warm sun and soft bed for a few moments longer before dragging himself up to . . . oh, he didn't really have anything to do this morning. Well that was new. No princely duties, no world to save . . . huh. It was kind of nice actually.

He checked to see if Yugi was awake yet. He wasn't. Atemu stood in the doorway for a moment, smiling softly at his little one and trying to decide whether to wake him or let him sleep. He decided that it wasn't fair to wake Yugi just because he didn't have anything else to do. Besides, his light probably needed the rest. High level magics tend to take a lot out of a person.

He fiddled with the shower fixtures until he figured them out and got cleaned up and dressed before heading downstairs. Maybe he could find an interesting book. He didn't really trust himself with anything electronic yet, it was funny what exactly he remembered from being in Yugi's head and what he just hadn't paid any attention to.

The smell of frying breakfast meats enticed him to wander toward the kitchen but he hesitated at in the doorway, just out of sight, wondering if he would be welcome.

"Come in and make yourself at home, Atemu." Solomon invited warmly though without looking up from the stove. "Breakfast is almost ready." Atemu raised an eyebrow curiously and entered the room. He was sure he hadn't made any noise.

"There's milk and juice in the fridge and I have hot water on for tea. Feel free to help yourself."

Atemu paused, suddenly at a loss and feeling slightly ridiculous at not knowing what he wanted. Oh well, what was it Yugi liked?

"Thank you, um, tea I think." Solomon pointed out where the mugs were and, in short order, Atemu was sampling the warm drink, discovering for himself why it was one of his other's favorites.

Solomon turned and appraising gaze to the boy who leaned casually against his fridge, savoring the tea and Atemu shifted, suddenly self conscious under the searching gaze. He really did like Yugi's grandfather and a part of his wanted the old man's approval.

"Yes?" He finally asked, unable to stand the scrutiny any longer.

Solomon shook his head slightly and turned back to the stove.

"Forgive an old man. I suppose I'm still marveling at you really being here." He paused to turn some bacon. "Since you are here I should start by thanking you for saving my life in your tomb, way back when I first found the puzzle."

"I did?" Atemu blinked, looking at Solomon in surprise. "I mean, you're welcome, though I really don't remember much from when I was sealed in the puzzle." He looked down and shivered. "Just how dark it was. And lonely."

"Well, makes me glad that Yugi was able to assemble it then and release you from that. I'm sure no one deserves such hardship, especially at such a young age." He patted Atemu's arm sympathetically. "Why don't you have a seat? Breakfast is almost ready."

Atemu settled himself at the table.

"So, it must be nice to have your own head space again."

"I . . . Actually, this might sound a bit odd, but I kind of miss sharing." He admitted slowly, as if only now realizing the loss. "Yugi made a good roommate." He said much quieter, almost to himself.

"I'm sorry," Solomon started, only to be interrupted.

"No, don't be. I'd much rather be here and alive again. Believe me, the closeness to another person is the only thing I miss about being a spirit."

Solomon laughed aloud this time at Atemu's adamant sincerity.

"Alright, alright, I believe you. Though I'm curious, why did you come back here, to the mortal plane? Didn't you have some kind of eternal paradise waiting for you in the afterlife?"

Atemu shrugged.

"I guess. But it wasn't . . .well, what I wanted or would have chosen for myself. I suppose I just spent so much time living for others, I wanted . . . something I chose for myself as reward."

"Huh. Rather selfish for a former pharaoh." Solomon commented dryly.

Atemu smiled into his tea and said quietly, "I thought so too but . . . Yugi said I'd earned it."

The old man peered curiously over to notice Atemu staring rather intently into his mug and wondered about the faint bit of color that lit his cheeks.

'Huh.' He thought and, when the silence threatened to drag out, changed the subject slightly.

"Do you miss Egypt?" He prodded gently.

"A little." Atemu finally looked up from his mug. "But I have more here."

"More?" Solomon questioned.

"I mean, more friends. Even more family if I can count you and Yugi.

Solomon grinned and nodded. "Of course," he said, then watches as Atemu's eyes flicked towards the hallway and the boy deliberately turned his back to the door, striking an overly casual pose and grinning mischievously into his tea.

Yugi's head popped through the doorway to briefly assess the room and, after gesturing to his grandfather to be quiet, began to sneak towards Atemu.

Atemu laughed, giving himself away just before Yugi pounced.

"No fair!" Yugi cried, laughing as well, his arms around Atemu's neck. "How did you know I was there? I didn't make any noise at all!"

"Aibou, until you dim that bright aura of yours, it's absolutely impossible for you to sneak up on me."

"It's still not fair." Yugi insisted with a pout but his eyes still danced with mirth.

Solomon watched the two laugh and banter out of the corner of his eye while he finished cooking. Yugi had moved away from his dark to take the seat beside him, but still rested a hand on Atemu's arm.

'Huh.' The elder though to himself again, resolving to keep a close eye on the boys to see if his sudden suspicions were correct.

The insistent screeching of a house phone startled a very sleepy blond out of some rather pleasant dreams. He rolled over, grabbed the receiver, and grunted into it. Though this was something his friends knew to expect if they called before noon.

The voice on the other end perked him right up, however.

"Man, Yug! Where ya been? I haven't heard from you in weeks."

Jou scrubbed at his eyes and pushed his hair out of his face.

"Wait, what? Today? Sure I can get Anzu there but Honda's away for the summer. Some kind of club event or something. But Yug, you're gonna tell me what this is about first, right? Well, yeah, but only when they're good surprises. Alright, I guess. K, see ya there."

He hung up and paused for a moment before it dawned on him why the surprise in question must be a good one. Yugi had been laughing. He hadn't heard Yugi really laugh since before Memory World. He picked the phone back up quickly and dialed with one hand while pulling on clothes with the other, suddenly impatient to learn what had so effectively cheered his best friend up. He could only think of one thing that could possibly have stopped Yugi's grief so thoroughly, but that was ridiculous.

On the other end of town, Mokuba talked quietly into his cell.

"Thanks Yugi! I'd love to! Of course I'll bring her along. Ha! Don't worry, if I bring Kisara, Seto will be following right behind. I haven't seen them more than five feet apart since we got back. Well, it's not official or anything but she might as well be his girlfriend. I don't think he's kissed her yet but they're always holding hands and touching. Oh! Oh my god, get this, she was asking about his cell phone yesterday so he showed her how to use it. Well, she caught on a lot quicker than he was expecting and, this is the best part, she said something, I'm sure to deliberately make him blush, and got a picture of it! He got even more red when she wouldn't let him delete it because she said she liked it and wanted to keep it. She was blushing too at that point and the only thing that kept me from gagging was plotting how to get a copy of that picture. Pfft, of course I got it! No, you can't have a copy. I'll show it to you but only you! If everyone's already seen it, it would be useless as blackmail, now wouldn't it? Of course I'm evil! Little brothers are supposed to be evil. K! I'll see ya there!"

Jou and Anzu lounged anxiously in a small booth at Burger World. Anzu chewed her bottom lip as they both watched the door.

"You're sure he said noon?"

"Yeah."

"And Burger World?"

"For the hundredth time, YES!" Jou playfully threw a ketchup packet at her.

"Eek!" She dodged it and pelted him with three of her own. "Ugh, I'm sorry ok? I'm just so worried about Yugi. I mean, everyone can see how depressed he's been even though he's done his best to hide it and suddenly he calls you and is laughing and joking again? It just doesn't make sense!"

"So that means it's gotta be something really good, yeah? Relax! You worry too much."

The door opened and Anzu whipped around hoping to see Yugi but looked away, disappointed, as Seto walked in with his brother and a blue haired girl she didn't recognize. Jou stared openly, however. He didn't think Seto would be caught dead in a place like this, though Mokuba could have dragged him here. He turned to the girl and looked her over appreciatively, then got a second shock when he realized that her hand was attached to Seto's and their fingers were intertwined.

He shouldn't. He KNEW he shouldn't, but once again, his mouth was operating before his brain could intervene. He gave a low whistle and called out, "Hey Kaiba! What's a hot babe like that doing with a mook like you!"

"God damn it, Jou," Anzu muttered threateningly but it was too late.

Seto dropped Kisara's hand to cross his arms over his chest and he frowned at Jou.

"Show some manners, mutt. This 'babe' could kick your ass any day."

Jou knew he should back down, if only because he would catch hell from Anzu later, but he never could stand that arrogant attitude, or resist the urge to try knocking Seto down a peg.

"So you bringin' a girl to fight your battles for you now?"

"Better than hiding behind a midget."

Jou jumped to his feet and stood nose to nose with Seto, both had their fists clenched.

"Say that again." Jou challenged. Seto opened his mouth to do just that when he was interrupted by a low dragon like growl that filled the establishment. Both boys hastily turned toward the sound and took a step back.

Even Mokuba sidestepped away from where Kisara stood, arms crossed and glaring fiercely back and forth between the two. Her eyes glowed unnaturally and sparked with power.

"Um, Kaiba?" Jou said in a low voice. "As I don't think my ass is the only one that's goin' down here, I propose a temporary truce."

"Best idea you've ever had, Mu . . . uh, Jou."

They stepped off, but not before Jou gave Seto an odd look. It was the first time his rival had used his actual name instead of something insulting or derogatory. The glow faded from Kisara's eyes and the corners of her mouth twitched upward as Anzu howled with laughter.

"Oh my god, that was awesome!" She said when she was able to speak again and got up to throw an arm around Kisara. Anyone who could break up a Jou/Seto fight was ok in her book. "You are my new best friend. I'm Anzu and the real mook over here is Jounochi. Hey," she turned to Mokuba, ignoring both Seto and Jou who looked rather sulky at having their fight broken up. "What are you guys doing here anyways? Did Yugi invite you too?"

"Uh huh." Mokuba grinned. "I think he wanted you to meet Kisara."

The girl in Anzu's grasp offered a small, shy wave.

"I'm so glad he did!" Anzu exclaimed and gave Kisara a squeeze. "But how did you get your brother join us?" She added teasingly. Seto glared at her.

"That was easy! He'll follow Kisara anywhere." Mokuba answered, grinning wickedly at his brother.

Seto shifted the glare to his brother and Kisara hid a small giggle behind her hand.

The group was saved from further glares as the door opened and Yugi walked through followed by his Egyptian twin. Kisara finally broke Anzu's grip to greet Yugi with a hug, Seto nodded warmly at the two and Mokuba waved.

Jou and Anzu stared at Atemu in shock until he gave a small, nervous wave.

"Atemu!" They both shouted and tried to tackle him at once. Anzu threw her arms around his waist, trapping him in a hug, Jou put him in an affectionate headlock and both laughed for sheer joy between yelling out greeting and questions. Kisara and Mokuba giggled, Yugi grinned, even Seto cracked a smile and the entire group was nearly thrown out of the place for excess rowdiness.

Yugi managed to calm the counter manager and ushered them all over to a table, during which time, something clicked for Jou. He looked back and forth between Seto and Mokuba. Sure enough, they didn't seem the least bit surprised to see Atemu, in fact, Seto had smiled and nodded at him. Smiled and nodded! That was a warm greeting by Seto standards. WTF man. Seriously, WTF.

He turned to Yugi as they all grabbed seats. "Ok, what gives? Obviously, the Kiaba's here aren't even a little surprised to see Atemu. They better not have been told about him being back before me. You know, me, Jou, the best friend . . ."

Yugi looked sheepish and Atemu laughed, leaning over to punch Jou in the shoulder playfully.

"It's not like that, Jou. Seto was there." He stated, ever so slightly enjoying the spreading confusion.

"Yeah, Nii-sama is responsible for them having bodies." Mokuba interjected proudly. Seto looked slightly embarrassed.

"Wait, them?" Anzu asked, immediately picking up on the plural.

"Ack! Hold up!" Yugi cried, trying to reign in the conversation before things got too far out of hand. "I wanted everyone here so I could tell the whole story once, so please let me tell it before things get any more confused!"

Yugi flustered was a rare, if adorable sight and everyone fell silent, politely handing over control of the conversation. He blushed slightly at the sudden attention but began a brief recap of the pertinent events with 'help' from Atemu and Mokuba who insisted on interjecting things they thought were important. Or just amusing. Seto spoke only once and that was to snarl something at Jou who ribbed him about using the powers and knowledge from a heritage he had so fervently denied. Jou opened his mouth to retaliate but they both remembered the unspoken warning from Kisara and dropped the matter quickly.

Kisara, however, paid them no attention as she desperately tried not to blush whenever she was mentioned and Anzu shot openly admiring looks in her direction.

"Man, Yug," Jou said as the tale wrapped up. "That's insane. If it wasn't for all the weird shit we've been through together, I wouldn't believe a word of it!"

"Even with Atemu sitting right here?" Anzu asked incredulously.

Jou nodded. "Yep, even so."

Seto laughed softly, sympathizing with the sentiment and Jou shot him another odd look. The whole 'Seto NOT being a complete ass' thing was kind of starting to freak him out. An idea hit him, however, distracting him from that line of thought.

"Hey! We gotta all go out and do something to celebrate 'Tem being back!"

"Tem?" Yugi and Anzu both asked with a slight groan. Atemu just laughed.

"What?" Jou asked innocently and grinned.

"Did you have something in mind, Jou?" Atemu asked.

"Yep! I know just the thing. . ."

A/N Once again, apologies for the chapter being SO late! This one kicked my ASS but I love the way it came out and so does my sister. XD Hehe my sister is like, the final test. If she likes it, it wins. Anyways, I loves all you guys and I'll do a more proper review response thing next chapter. And man, I really got to get moving on this story, the plot bunnies are starting to pile up.

A small red and black bunny looks up endearingly and wrinkles it's nose as Jenivi removes it from where it was nibbling on her ankle. She places it in the same cage as the small white bunny with black markings over his eyes and a small Halloween mask on the side of it's head. (Think Halloween Town Sora from Kingdom Hearts II.)

Kisara watches and pokes Jenivi. "Do you think it's wise to put them together like that? I'd hate to see them breed and bury you in baby plot bunnies."

"Hmmm, I think you're right, we'll have to get her a separate cage tomorrow."