Disclaimer: Don't own Yugioh, in case anyone was confused as to why I'm on FFnet. Although, if you are, I would suggest getting a brain check or something along those lines.

Author's note: Does anyone know how so very obsessed I am with this couple? I think I mention it every time, so you should know by now. And whoa… lowest views today! Anyone wanna spread the word on this story? ^-^ You'll be my favorite… X)

Thanks/responses!

First of all, Angel's Riot, can I say that you are my favorite person right now? Is that weird? I love your review! ^D^

Next, my dear reviewer me (I promise it's not really me, me, it's a real reviewer) thank you for complimenting my writing skills! ^o^ I like to think I'm a good writer, but it's good to have it reinforced by someone else! And yes, the Return of the Pharaoh is going to be a continuation of this one, not to worry :)

Aqua girl 007, yes, the Soul Collectors are pretty creepy! Even I think so! And too bad you don't have any cookies haha—just make some with chocolate cake mix! They're delicious X)

WhamBam: It was my intention to show some Mana 'character evolving.' I mean, after five-thousand years, you'd think she'd grow up just a little—I'm glad you picked up on that!

And thanks to anyone else who has been reading this continually ^_^ or even just started!

One last thing: is there anything else you want to see happen in this story? I need some ideas, admittedly.

So… onward? I think so.

Cause for Celebration

Naturally, Aknamkanon started it off.

While Atem was making his way towards the garden to meet Mana, he suddenly heard a booming laugh and was swept into someone's arms. Looking around in alarm, he found his father throwing him over his shoulder.

Aknamkanon hauled him away cheerfully, almost whistling.

"Father, I'm supposed to go meet Mana," Atem protested.

"I know," Aknamkanon replied happily, "We made sure to round her up, too."

Atem sighed, rolling his eyes. Nothing could deter his father.

He found himself set in good sized room, furnished with elegantly curved couches and armchairs in bold colors accompanying gold and white. Two couches and armchairs were arranged in the center area around a long and square low table, where a short vase was arranged with small blooming flowers.

The rich brown walls were decorated with gold and lowly blue wall embellishments—not too much so as to over-indulge the room. There was a single long window along one wall with a view of a garden, as many windows did.

Aknamkanon plopped Atem down on the couch, where he looked up at him in disgruntlement. "You could have asked," he told him. Aknamkanon chose to ignore him, setting himself in an armchair and looking around pleasantly.

Minutes later, Mana was placed down beside him, having been put there by a dully smiling Mahad. She smiled at Atem, leaning into him as he put an arm around her. "Mahad kidnapped me," she told him cheerfully. "Who kidnapped you?"

Atem jerked a head at his father, "He did."

Aknamkanon smiled as Isis entered to sit beside Mahad. The last of the Guardians followed, along with Amisi, and finally a group of servants bearing trays clad with food and drinks.

They passed out warm spiced tea (weird maybe) and set out brownies, fruit—grapes, apples, even crackers to munch on. As they were all sipping their drinks, Atem began conversationally, "So what's the reason for this gathering?"

"To celebrate, of course," Karim answered.

"And to plan," Amisi put in seriously.

Atem was afraid to ask. "Plan?"

His mother nodded, her long black hair swaying, "Oh, yes. Do you have any idea how much planning a royal wedding is going to take?"

Isis smiled at Mana, who she knew would be doing most of the planning. "I'll help," she said generously, "After all, the wedding show is mostly for the bride."

Mana beamed gratefully, "Thanks Isis, and thank you Amisi."

"Please, dear," Amisi said dismissively. "If we're going to be family, you can call me mother if you like." Again Mana gave that infectious beaming smile that made everyone love her.

Atem gave a small, adoring smile beside her. "Yes, well, if you're going to be doing that…"

All three women gave him that 'look.' He shrugged like 'what?' and they just shook their heads in disbelief. Men.

"I was going to say," he continued, "That if you're doing that, then I can focus on the security efforts."

Shimon tsked, shaking his head. "We'll have to see about that." Atem sighed in annoyance, but didn't push the subject anymore.

While Mana spoke animatedly about the wedding to Isis and Amisi, Atem sat back and listened to the planning of his 'bachelor's party,' which he wasn't so sure he was looking forward to.

"The purpose of a bachelor's party," he interrupted, "Is to mourn the ending of being a bachelor. I'm not in mourning, so therefore there's no need for a bachelor's party."

He was surprised to see that Mahad, Seto, Karim, Shada and Aknamkanon were shaking their heads in disagreement. "You're going to have one," Seto said with a suspicious smile, "And that's final. No arguments this time, cousin."

Arguing against Seto when his mind was set never worked for Atem, so he let it drop. He could technically order them not to do it, but he knew it would disappoint them and he wasn't one to abuse power that way. Besides, even if he did order them to drop the subject, they would throw him one anyway.

Either way, he lost. It was just better this way.

Amisi and amazingly, Aknamkanon, made Atem tell them the details of how he had asked Mana to marry him—which he found uncomfortable and a bit awkward. Not only were his parents listening intently, but everyone else was too.

Mana just leaned into him, smiling smugly at his discomfort. Which she naturally found highly comical. It was always fun to make fun of her best friend, even if he was her fiancé. Nothing had changed about their relationship, except that they had acknowledged the fact that they wanted to be together in a different way.

When Atem had finally finished telling the story, he took a good long breath. "So there," he said, "Happy now?"

"Yes!" Amisi exclaimed in a very girlish fashion. "Oh, Atem, you're such a good boy."

"Thanks, mom," Atem grinned, rather embarrassed.

Mana kissed his cheek, causing his face to burn, but he smiled. That kind of embarrassment, he could endure.

They finished their drinks and got more, laughing the entire time about who-knew-what. Mostly it was Mana telling cute and potentially embarrassing stories about Atem, and Atem denying each and every embarrassing one that she told. Mahad was brought up several times and denied it too—it was his and Atem's word against Mana's.

Her stories were still taken as true, despite Mahad and Atem's denial.

The 'celebration' lasted nearly all evening, and at the end, everyone left Atem and Mana alone. Atem sat comfortably on the soft with his arms around Mana while her eyelids threatened to close. Without asking, Atem lifted her into his arms and carried her to her room.

He removed her shoes, cap and the jewelry on her ankles and wrists, tucking her carefully into bed. "Goodnight, love," he murmured, leaning down to kiss her goodnight.

Mana replied rather enthusiastically, sighing when it was over and he chuckled, pecking her forehead. "'Night, Atem," she said hazily. "See you in the morning."

"See you in the morning," Atem agreed, stretching and leaving the room. Gently, he closed the door behind him, yawning.

Despite the fact that he was a spirit, he was extremely tired. While the day had been fun, he still had a lot on his mind.

Sorry if that was a little short :O just a little fun chapter for the characters to rest, but hey, I updated and another one is coming tomorrow! Tomorrow's will be more intense, I promise. Spread the word about the story and please review ^c^

Remember, not every earring is safe for your ear.

-Anevay