Chapter Three- Reconsidered

"Thanks for coming," Bakura said graciously as he let Atem in.

"I admit, you wishing to make it up to me for yesterday's action intrigues me. I also have something to tell you. I did some deep thinking last night and wish to share them with you."

"Really?" Bakura led them to the living room and gestured to a chair. "Have a seat and I'll get the tea." He headed to the kitchen and poured some tea into two cups before putting some sugar in his cup and then he removed a small vial from his pocket. He poured it into Atem's cup and stirred it, smiling. He had worked hard yesterday to create a gender formula. It would take overnight to work and he was certain that Atem would be surprised and thrilled when he awoke the next morning. I think I'll ask him for his reactions as a hypothetical question if the conversation allows it.

"Here we are," he announced as he put down a tray bearing the cups, teapot, condiments, napkins, and cupcakes. "Sugar or cream for your tea?"

"None, thank you." He accepted the spiked tea. He took a sip before putting it down.

"So, you did some deep thinking. Were they about me, by any chance?"

"In a way. Kaiba and Yugi too. I am flattered that all three of you love me and I'll admit I feel attracted to all of you. My preferences for women was part of my upbringing as a royal and also because I'm male. I'm aware that while it is unusual for two guys to date each other in this ear, it is not unheard of. I'm comfortable with the idea of dating women but considering how I feel, it would be unreasonable for me to deny it or the feelings of you, Kaiba, and Yugi." He took another sip.

"Are you saying you would be willing to love me?"

"I'm willing to accept my attraction to you and the others and to date each of you in turn. I also would like to date girls. This would seem to make me bi-sexual."

"That's fascinating. Would you still be bi-sexual if you were female? Would that change anything?"

Atem appeared thoughtful. "If I was a girl, I would likely date only guys as I would feel awkward in going out with girls."

"How would you feel if you became a girl?"

Atem lapsed into silence, draining his cup as he did so. "If I became a girl," he finally said. "I would be surprised, but happy?"

"Would you act like one?"

"Only when indulging in things like shopping and shaving I would imagine. I would not let a change in gender dictate my thoughts, actions, or personality. I would simply be female in body only."

"And your air or command is one of the things I love about you as well as your confidence. I wouldn't want to see you lose either one," Bakura commented, thrilled with Atem's reply. And he drank the entire cup as well. He'll be female in the morning. He picked up the teapot. "More tea?"

Atem accepted another cup. "What kind of tea is this? It's very good."

"Chamomile with a hint of rosemary. I find it more pleasant than the traditional green tea."

"Green tea is good for one's health. Grandpa told me that."

"I'm not disputing that. I have nothing against green tea, I just prefer this." He held up his cup.

"I can see your point." The two continued to chat about a range of topics and, at the end, Atem felt a friendship was being formed and certainly a romance could come from it. One thing at a time, he told himself as he left and headed for Kaiba Corp. Friendship first, then a possible romance. So…I've told Yugi and Bakura my findings. Now, it's Kaiba's turn.

Kaiba leaned back in his chair and interlaced his fingers. "So, you've had a change of heart?" he asked, reading the gentler look in Atem's eyes. He then smirked. "I had hoped you would reconsider my confession."

"Actually, after talking a little with Yugi, I gave the matter a good deal of thought. You see, Yugi and Bakura also love me. Bakura also kissed me after you did and I made it clear to him and Yugi that I feel attraction but not love. However, I began to re-think my position. I would still prefer to date girls, but I can't deny my feelings for you and the others. I would be willing to date all three of you to see if there's any chemistry."

Kaiba raised an eyebrow. "So, you're bi-sexual then? Is that what you're saying?"

"It is. Is that a turn-off for you?"

"Not at all, but tell me. Would you still be bi-sexual if you were female?"

"I don't think so," he answered after some more thought than he gave the reply at Bakura's. "I believe I would feel uncomfortable dating a girl while being a girl."

"Two girls dating each other is more unusual than two guys dating."

"Yes and one guy dating three guys at once is highly unusual as there's the risk of them fighting each other over their boyfriend."

"Not with me. As long as we were dating, it doesn't matter to me if you're dating others. I may be the possessive type but I can be reasonable."

"I think Bakura would be the one to worry about. I get the feeling that he's possessive but not willing to share."

"He better or he'll lose you."

"He did seem willing to share while we had tea earlier today."

"Tea? Bakura?"

Atem shrugged. "It was his way of apologizing for the kiss yesterday. We did talk for a time and I feel a friendship is being formed which could bring about romance."

Kaiba nodded. "It's usually best to know someone as a friend first before even thinking of a possible romance. I wouldn't say we're friends but we have known each other for years. I consider that a basis for love."

Atem nodded. "That would apply to Bakura as well. He's a rival like you but loves me as much. Indeed, both of you are a lot alike in this matter."

Yes, they certainly are, even though Kaiba denies it, Atem thought as he walked home. Both are very confident in their decisions and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. I can understand the confidence and determination but there are things I wouldn't do to achieve my goals. I wouldn't steal, lie, cheat, or treat others as inferior. That is not who I am or how I was raised and my family and other friends are the same way.

"I'm glad it worked out with them," Yugi said that night when Atem recounted the events.

"So am I. I was concerned that both would fight each other and you over me. I dislike the ideas of others fighting over me as opposed to fighting for me."

"I can appreciate people fighting for me as long as it is something where I can use that help. I can stand up for myself at times."

"Of course you can. I don't have to worry about you fighting Bakura or Kaiba over me, right?"

"I won't physically fight but I will fight for my right to date you. So…tomorrow's Saturday. Perhaps we could go out and get your school bag and uniforms?"

Atem smiled at the suggestion in Yugi's voice. "It's a date, Yugi," he said before leaving the room. He missed the air punch Yugi gave. I did it! I asked him out and he said it's a date!