Noticed a few views are coming from Ukraine! Thank you for taking the time during all the chaos to read my fic :)

"Which one? Ruby and onyx, or the one with lapis lazuli?" Kat questioned, holding up two different wesekhs to her neck.

Atem walked across the room, sifting through her jewelry, then pulled out a thin, solid gold wesekh and placed it around her neck. "This one. With that dress, it adds just the right touch."

He liked this. As Pharaoh and Queen, their outward appearances had been very important. They often spent their mornings asking for each other's input on outfits, jewelry, and make-up. Doing so now felt familiar and refreshing, especially considering their new separated status.

Atem returned to where he had been to place a golden accent belt with lapis lazuli around his waist. Kat had taken the courtesy of laying out a few things for him while he showered. Among them was a clean schenti that matched her dress, along with the accent belt and several other pieces of matching jewelry. As he picked up the wesekh, he noticed she had forgotten his usual tunic top.

"Only the wesekh?" he questioned, referring to the lack of chest covering.

"It's a nice day. Do you really need to cover up?"

"It just makes me feel a bit...exposed."

"Atem, I've walked around in far less. I think you'll be fine," Kat said with a light chuckle.

Atem thought back to the times she would go around in nothing more than body paint with the barest of linen to hide her lower half, and either her hair or a large wesekh to cover her breasts. He smiled at the recollection. "Yes, but you looked like a goddess while doing it," he replied.

Kat sighed. "I'm having Kura bring up some red wine from the cellar. In case you've forgotten, you tend to end up with more on you than in you after a few chalices."

He eyed her suspiciously. "Red wine? Katrina….what do you have planned?"

She folded her arms across her chest, making her irritation known. "If you don't stop fussing over your appearance you'll never find out."

Atem threw his hands up in defeat. "Fine, you win." He hurried up and finished putting on the gold she had laid out for him. It was sparse compared to what had adorned his body for the past five millennia. He looked at the Millennium Pendant and his crown, debating if he wanted to wear either. Kat noticed his hesitation. She walked over and placed the Pendant around his neck, then picked up the crown and fixed it above his brow.

"Just for tonight. After that, cast them both aside for all I care," she stated while stepping back to take in his appearance.

He sighed and nodded. "Alright...but on one condition."

"Oh? And what might that condition be?" Kat asked warily.

Atem tapped the center of the Eye of Wadjet on his crown. "You have to wear yours too," he stated with a smirk.

Kat laughed. "I am Queen. Do you honestly think I would not wear the one thing that shows my status as such?" She walked to another place in the room and pulled out a very dust-covered box from atop a shelf, placing it on the table beside her jewelry box. She carefully lifted the lid, and looked at the diadem within. Atem had it specially crafted to be similar to his, with the golden wings on the sides being replaced by what looked to be Egyptian-styled cat ears. He had claimed that as his Queen she would be like Bast, protecting over the women and children of their kingdom.

Kat carefully took the ancient crown and affixed it above her brow, then turned to face Atem. "I'll admit, it's been a very long time since I've worn this," she said quietly, smiling at the memories it invoked.

Atem walked over and lifted her chin so that he could look her in the eye. "You make it hard to move on when you still look like the Queen I remember. That being said, I will not stand in the way of your happiness. I'll try to be better. Maybe….in time…" He stared at her, his eyes full of hope that there might still be the possibility of a future where they could be together again.

Kat stared deeply into Atem's eyes for a long moment….then smacked him upside the head.

"Ow! What was that for!?" Atem questioned in irritation while rubbing the spot on his head that now stung.

"To help remove the stupidity from your brain. Should have stopped at the 'I'll try to be better' part," she replied.

"Maybe moving on won't be as difficult as I thought..." he stated bitterly, still rubbing his head.

"If you like, I can do it again if you think it will help," Kat said in a slightly elevated voice while smirking devilishly.

"Please tell me the two of you aren't fighting again...I have enough problems at the moment," Marik stated, walking into the room.

"We're not fighting, I'm just being assaulted," Atem said in an irritated but joking manner. "Besides, what problems could you be having? You've successfully stolen my wife. You should be celebrating."

"I didn't steal your wife. She came to me of her own free will. Sue me for wanting to have a relationship with someone that obviously wanted to have one with me in return," Marik replied defensibly.

"Boys...do I have to come between the two of you again?" Kat warned.

"No. That won't be necessary," Atem stated, glaring towards Marik from off to the side.

"Habibty, we have a small….problem," Marik began, ignoring the look he was receiving from Atem. "My brother and sister are here. Odion doesn't worry me, Ishizu however….is another story."

Kat eyed her boyfriend suspiciously. "Why are they here exactly? I did not invite them."

"According to Bakura, it was Yugi and Imhotep that invited them. I'm going to take a wild guess and assume you never told Imhotep about how my clan views you?"

Kat glanced off to the side irritably. "Oh he knows. I'm willing to bet he kept his mouth shut about it to Yugi though. He's probably doing this because he's just as sore as Atem about me being with you."

"I'm not-" Atem began to object to Kat's claims, but stopped as she gave him the 'don't even think about denying it' look. "Alright, I'm a bit sore emotionally….and physically," he stated, rubbing at his head again. "Can you blame me? At least I'm not threatening to toss Marik into the Shadow Realm...like a certain someone actually did to Téana."

"That was different!" Kat argued.

"How so?" Atem questioned.

"Well...that was before you died and got trapped. And I released her….eventually…."

"At my insistence."

Kat folded her arms across her chest again and pouted in irritation. "It was still different. You weren't a jerk then."

Marik's head fell into the palm of his hand. "I'm doomed...Ishizu is going to drag me back into the caves and lock me behind an impenetrable door!" he stated in a slightly sarcastic manner, shaking nervously at the very thought of his sister doing just that.

Atem looked towards the Tomb Keeper and noted his panicked behavior. "You're actually afraid to tell Ishizu that you're dating Katrina?"

Marik lifted his head and scowled towards the Pharaoh. "I don't have a problem telling her that I'm dating Kat. I have a problem telling her I'm dating your wife. Ishizu is very dedicated to the Tomb Keeper's purpose. Honestly, if she had been born a boy she would have been the perfect heir to head our clan. I'm viewed as nothing more than a disgrace. But you wouldn't understand any of that, since you're the one she practically worships."

Atem shrugged. "If that's the case, then I'll just tell your sister that Katrina and I have separated, which means the two of you are more than free to pursue a relationship together."

"Riiight….and how do you propose to explain the fact that she and I started seeing each other before you were revived?"

"Just feign ignorance. Claim you didn't know."

"You are aware that our clan has always been warned to avoid the 'Blue-eyed Fire Witch'? That Kat has been labeled as 'Usurper' by them?"

Atem shrugged again. "And how were you to know who she was? You just thought she was a pretty girl."

"But I saw her use fire magi-"

Atem cut him off, casting a hardened glare in his direction. "No you didn't. She never used it in front of you. You only learned of who Katrina was after I was revived. By then you had already fallen for her, and you decided you didn't care who she was," he stated matter-of-factly.

Kat giggled behind the two males. "For someone that doesn't like the idea of me seeing someone else, you sure are being helpful Ibib."

Atem scowled as he looked back over his shoulder. "Do you want me to move on or not? I'm doing this for my friend, not my wife. I can just as easily stand back and watch as Ishizu tears into him for disgracing their clan."

Kat flung her arms over Atem's shoulders from behind and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I appreciate what you're doing. Thank you."

Atem sighed, then smiled slightly towards her. "You owe me. It's bad enough that on my first night back I am going to bed alone. You better try finding me a date sometime in the near future."

Kat smiled devilishly. "Well….you can always try going on another date with Téa."

Atem paled. "Wait...you can't hold that against me! I had no memory of who I was at the time!"

"Relax Ibib. If I'd have had an issue with it, she wouldn't be here."

"Here? As in...she's here in the palace?"

Kat nodded.

Atem audibly gulped. "That's not quite what I had in mind...I mean...I wouldn't mind going out on a date...but...with her? I...I don't know? It was a bit awkward the last time….and she didn't seem interested…" he stammered.

Kat released Atem from her friendly embrace, laughing. "Don't worry Ibib, I won't force anything between the two of you. It was simply a suggestion."

Atem took a moment to re-compose himself. "Ah, I see…just a...uh…suggestion…ahem…so...shall we get to whatever this 'surprise' of yours is? Though seeing Marik's attire and you saying that Téa is here…I have a sneaking suspicion of what you have arranged."

Kat rushed forward, standing between both males with an excited smile on her face. "So verify your suspicion and escort me. Better yet, how about both of you escort me?"

Marik and Atem looked towards one another. Marik was the first to offer up his arm, Atem following suit. Kat took each in hand, her smile widening.

"I guess if my sister is going to kill me, I might as well try to enjoy my last few minutes alive," Marik commented with a sigh.

"Leave Ishizu to me and just follow my lead. Like I said, I'm doing this for a friend," Atem stated in return towards the Tomb Keeper.

The three arrived in the former throne room, which had been converted into a sitting room. The velvety sofas and love-seats that had been there were now gone, having been replaced by several plush cushions. The walls had been decoratively covered, making the room look almost like it had during its original iteration. Incense hung heavy in the air, and had Atem not known any better, he would have believed he was still in Ancient Kemet. He glanced around the room, noting the ancient attire everyone had been requested to attend the gathering in. He spotted Joey, Tristan, and Téa standing over by Yugi and Imhotep. It appeared that Yugi was officially introducing his twin, while dealing with Joey's sudden tantrum about how unfair life was.

"How's it fair!? Marik not only gets himself a real life cat-girl, but a MILF as well!? What I gotta do!? Grow out my hair, get a tan, and have someone give me some gnarly scars?!" Joey shouted in frustration.

Téa spotted the approaching group and waved them excitedly over. "Hi guys! Over here!"

Marik was the first to speak up once they were in close enough proximity. "You really think getting ritually carved up is going to help you get a girl? That's just sad," he commented, referring to Joey's outburst.

Joey paled and panicked, raising his hands in explanation. "I didn't mean it like dat!" He then rubbed at his neck nervously. "Guess I'm just a bit jealous is all. I mean c'mon, you're living every high-school boy's fantasy!"

"Not mine…" Yugi stated dryly.

"Eh, you don't count. You're one of those weird ones obsessed with games…" Joey replied sarcastically. The hurt look he received from his best friend made him quickly rethink his choice of words. "N-not dat there's anythin' wrong with it! If it weren't for people like you, Duel Monsters wouldn't be a thing! You, pal, are an essential part of life!"

Yugi and the others couldn't help but chuckle. "Thanks Joey." He then looked towards the Pharaoh. "So, everyone, I would like for you all to officially meet Atem."

"Is it true that you remember everything now?" Téa questioned the Pharaoh.

Kat released Atem's arm, motioning with a nod towards the group for him to approach them without her and Marik. He gave her an 'are you certain' glance, to which she replied with a simple nod.

"Yes Téa, I do remember everything. Is there something in particular that you wish to know about?" Atem questioned in return.

"Not really. I'm just glad you don't have to continue not remembering things like your family and friends from long ago. It must have been really frustrating," Téa stated with a genuine smile.

Atem wasn't certain how to respond. "Frustrating? I suppose it was a little. I couldn't miss what I didn't have any recollection of, so I guess that made it easier. The hardest part was when I actually did start to remember. That was frustrating."

"I suppose that makes sense."

"Hey, I gotta question for ya. Why do we gotta go 'round wearing these skirts? I get that ya just came back an' all, an' this is how you's used ta dress...but really? Skirts? On boys?" Joey interjected.

Atem couldn't help but laugh. "It's called a schenti, Joey. My wif-...Katrina thought it would be a nice gesture. A final day in my old life before officially beginning my new one." Getting accustomed to not referring to Kat as his wife appeared to be a new challenge he was going to have to overcome.

Téa caught on to Atem's quick rephrasing. "I take it Marik won that duel," she said quietly towards him, while looking at the pair standing off to the side.

He shook his head. "There wasn't much of a duel to begin with. At least I managed to retain an old friend," he stated with a sigh.

"That's good. Must be hard knowing everyone you cared about is gone."

Atem looked around. He saw Mkhai and Solomon talking excitedly about some old RPG game. Mkhai looked a bit out of place wearing his own Pharaonic attire while sporting tattooed arms and facial piercings. His half-brother had succeeded the throne after his passing, with Kat aiding him in place of a Vizier. Solomon was dressed as he had been during his days as Shimon. It was comforting seeing his mentor, and knowing that the old man was still able to remember him.

In another part of the room Bakura was lying in a relaxed position on a cushion, talking to Malik who was sitting rigidly on a cushion beside him. Bakura was dressed as he had been when he was notoriously known as the Thief King, though with his new pale complexion, it was like seeing the Thief King's much leaner ghost. Malik was dressed in his Ishtari attire, obviously uncomfortable with the idea of sitting in general. Atem recalled that he preferred to stand, as he was trained to do. It was strange knowing that after five millennia, Malik still hadn't broken the habits that had been ingrained into him as an Ishtari.

He spotted a final pair standing quietly off to the side. A woman with a piercing gaze and a tall man with symbols etched onto the left side of his face. Both wore attire similar to what everyone else was, but it was obvious that theirs was much more modern. These two looked similar to their ancient counterparts, but Atem knew they weren't.

Aside from the final pair, nearly everyone he had cared for in the past...was here.

"Actually, Téa...they're not gone," he stated, smiling and looking at the group in front of him. "Most of them are in this very room. There are a few faces missing, but that's okay. I know they are either in Aaru, or they have reincarnated and are elsewhere at the moment."

This appeared to take Téa and the others by surprise (minus Imhotep). "You don't miss your parents? What about your other friends?" Téa questioned.

"I never knew my mother. She passed away when I was an infant. I was still young when my father died. I recall he was wise, but strict. I didn't always agree with what he had to say, but I sometimes wondered if there was more to the situation than what I was able to comprehend at the time. I suppose I'll never know. As far as my other friends, they have reincarnated….and they stand before me now. I know the three of you are not Téana, Jono, or Husani...but it's plainly obvious they have still found a way to be here in their own way," Atem replied, smiling at the memory of some of his closest friends from ancient times.

Yugi spoke up. "You mean, my friends are the same ones you had?"

"In a way. They have always found their way to me. Every host I have had, has somehow been in the company of these three. Our first meeting...it was...memorable," Atem chuckled.

"Oh yeah? So how did 'we' meet?" Tristan questioned, putting extra emphasis on the word 'we'.

"I had made a comment to Katrina about wanting to see what it was like outside the palace. She found a way to hide all of this," Atem pointed towards his hair, "and with the help of Bakura and her twin, Set, we managed to get past the Ishtari. Well...most of the Ishtari. Malik was impossible to hide from. He wasn't a problem though. He was always loyal to Katrina and would do whatever she asked of him. Unfortunately I managed to get separated from the others...and ended up completely lost. I was in a city I ruled over, but knew nothing about, alone…and for the first time, fearing for my safety. I think it was Jono that found me first. I had hidden in an alley and...well…." Atem looked away in embarrassment at the recollection. "I was huddled against the wall...crying…"

He felt a hand on his shoulder from behind. "Atem, you were ten. Ten year-old's cry when they're scared," Kat stated.

"I was Pharaoh. I shouldn't have been crying," he pouted. "It was undignified."

"You. Were. Ten. Get over it. For fucks sake, you should have seen Mal once he realized we had lost you. He was a babbling mess! He was torn between fleeing Amarna or returning to the palace and facing whatever punishment his elders would have deemed fitting of his failure."

"Maybe if you hadn't let go of my hand, I wouldn't have gotten lost..."

"I didn't let go...someone bumped into us at the market. I tried reaching out, but you got swept up in the crowd. We spent half the day looking for you."

"You didn't look very hard...I was found by urchins...who only spotted me because of the gold on my ears...and they wanted to steal it..."

"I told you to remove ALL of your jewelry! It's not my fault you didn't listen!"

The sudden elevation in the voices between the two caught the attention of everyone else in the room, eliciting a sigh from at least half of the people listening.

"Alright you two, break it up," Bakura said, stepping between the arguing pair to separate them.

Joey looked confused. "Are you saying I...I mean myself from the past...tried ta rob ya?"

"Not just you...Tristan...I mean Husani...tried to too. You...I mean Jono...just happened to be the first to notice me," Atem replied after re-composing himself. "Téana spotted the two and scolded them for trying to steal from someone who was obviously lost and scared. She convinced them to help me find the others. None of them were aware of who I was until after Malik practically ran up and crushed me."

The large Ishtari glared down at Atem. "Forgive me for having been excited to know that I wasn't going to face possible execution for losing you."

"And breaking my bones wouldn't have earned you the same?" Atem questioned bitterly.

Bakura facepalmed. "Seriously...we're not children anymore...so come off it already! This is why I didn't return to the fucking palace with you and Kat. I was tired of the childish bickering."

Malik grinned at the pale elemental. "Oh really? I thought it was because you were pissed off that ka-ib had accepted my betrothal. I seem to recall you becoming very angry and storming off when we told you about it. Poor lost puppy 'Kura' was afraid that his beloved Kat wouldn't want him around anymore," he snickered.

"Shut up! I wasn't a 'lost puppy'! Do you think if that was the case I could have made it on my own and become the Thief King?"

"I have to agree with Malik. You were very much a 'lost puppy' when it came to Katrina," Atem interjected with a chuckle.

"Fuck off! I don't need, nor want, your opinion!" Bakura shouted.

"Kura, you were a lost puppy. It's the only reason you went to Per-Bast to begin with," Kat stated dryly.

The four began bickering back and forth. A sharp whistle from across the room brought it to a quick halt, forcing everyone to turn towards its source.

"Five-thousand years and the four of you are still arguing like small children," Solomon commented disappointingly, shaking his head. "I realize the four of you are still essentially teenagers, but I would have thought the passage of time would have caused you to mature a bit."

The four ancient bodies looked blankly towards one another. Kat cracked a small smile, followed by a failed attempt to contain her amusement of the situation. Atem did the same, followed by both Bakura and Malik, until all four were laughing.

"Oh please old man, we're a group of immortal teenagers and a revived teenage Pharaoh. Maturity is not on the top of our priority list," Bakura stated in amusement.

Solomon chuckled. "I can see that. I guess it's to be somewhat expected, I guess. All of you were forced to grow up and take on massive amounts of responsibility at such a young age."

Atem's amusement faded, as did the elemental's.

Kat was the first to speak up after a few moments of silence. "Yes...I suppose that's true," she stated dejectedly, looking towards Yugi and Imhotep. Malik cast a glance of his own towards Marik.

"Ka-ib, perhaps it would be best for the Pharaoh and the others to gather in a more comfortable setting at a later date. If I am not mistaken, it is late where they are from. And judging by their tired expressions, I think they would like the comfort of their pillows. Besides, we still have...other matters to attend to," Malik commented, casting a sideways glance towards the two figures still standing quietly on the far side of the room.

Kat didn't need to follow the Ishtari's glance to know who he was referring to. "I agree." She looked towards the group. "I thank you for coming here at such a late hour and on such short notice. Perhaps this weekend we can plan something a bit more relaxed and not quite so rushed."

Téa, Tristan, and Joey smiled and nodded. "We're glad you thought to invite us. I look forward to all of us hanging out," Téa stated pleasantly with a smile.

"Yeah, anythin' for our pals! Though next time, can us boys wear pants?" Joey questioned awkwardly.

Atem smiled in amusement. "Yes, you can wear pants, Joey. I'm making it a requirement on your behalf," he chuckled.

"Yay! Pants!" Joey and Tristan cheered together, eliciting more laughter from everyone else.

More reveals on the way! Nothing super earth shattering, but you get a small idea at how things used to be between Kat and Atem.