IC CONTACT | POKÉGEAR

[thetombkeeper]

"Hello, this is Marik Ishtar. I'm unable to answer your call right now. Please leave a message and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. If you have questions pertaining to my business, please direct your messages to [at]THECYCLITZAR. Thanks!"

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[thetombkeeper]

[Kaiba is either incredibly stealthy (he is) or Marik was dead to the world (he was) because he didn't wake up at all to his roommate slipping into his room to place the gift basket in it. The thing that wakes him up is the smell of the spices. It reminds him of the when his siblings occasionally cooked for him back in the tomb.

He shifts and rolls over, eyes fluttering open to find that... he's in his room at the apartment. That was a weird feeling... His gaze falls on to the basket. What is...

Marik climbs out of bed, stretches, then heads over to the basket to inspect it more closely before opening it.

... Kaiba. He smiles and grabs the blanket to wrap around his shoulders. A quick peep out from his bedroom before he walks out and heads into the living room. Of course, as soon as he's in sight he's tackled by the majority of his pokémon. Happy Birthday!

Kaiba can probably hear the very Marik sounding yelp followed by a loud THUD.]

[blue_ice]

[ Oh...oh, there he is. Kaiba turns when he hears the sound, and smiles. He walks over and crouches next to him. ]

Let him up. We agreed to be good to him today, remember?

[ A stern look around at the exuberant Pokémon, and then he offers help up. ]

Morning. Looks like everyone's happy to see you.

[thetombkeeper]

[It was mostly Usi who planned that one and of course Oba wanted to join in. How could he not? Bahiti and Anippe joined after the tackle with Bahiti giving him a cowlick by trying to groom him. Chen floats in after Kaiba, having been his kitchen assistant.

When commanded to Usi and Anipe move off of Marik. Oba and Bahiti remain because clearly her trainer needs a bath. And Oba is Oba. Marik doesn't seem to mind though.]

I-I guess.

[He ruffles his Persian's head.]

Thanks for the presents... You...

[Marik pouts. He's a hypocrite to say it but...]

You know you didn't need to get me anything.

[blue_ice]

It's what friends do, isn't it.

[ He's using the word now. Progress. He smiles at Chen before turning back to Marik, making sure the group on the floor is okay before he starts setting out breakfast. ]

And I know it's not your team's birthdays, but I thought you'd enjoy helping them get stronger. The TM I picked can be used by either Chen or Usi, and it's an incredible asset at the start of a battle.

[thetombkeeper]

Yeah... It is.

[With his hair now messed up even more than it already was (perhaps a bit too much like his darker self, not that Bahiti knew that) Marik shuffles over to their kotatsu and curls himself up in both the Gengar blanket and the one under the table.]

I appreciate it. It'll definitely come in handy. And I love this blanket.

[It's purple. Of course he loves it.]

What are you cooking, by the way? It smells amazing.

[blue_ice]

Spiced potato and egg. Nothing fancy, I'm not exactly a chef, but Chen here kept me on track.

[ Kaiba really should've gotten him a little hat. Next time. ]

No pressure today. We just wanted to thank you for what you've done for us.

[thetombkeeper]

[He's going to get a captain's cap for Marik's boat so a chef hat is perfect.]

It doesn't need to be fancy. I appreciate you cooking for me.

[The blonde shifts a bit and pouts sheepishly.]

... You don't need to thank me for that. You've already done way more for me.

[blue_ice]

[ Kaiba just smiles as he serves breakfast. ]

I...wanted your birthday to be a nicer day this year. To remind you that you're with people who like you and want you to be happy.

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik manages a small smile himself as he happily eats his breakfast. Chen joins him at the kotatsu.]

Thank you, Kaiba. This has honestly been the... best birthday I've ever had.

[Little does he know that Min's sent something to the apartment as well.

Chen beams and claps his hands. Bahiti's curled up behind him, acting as a cushion for him to lean against and Oba has disappeared underneath the kotatsu to warm up.]

I think... I could get used to actually celebrating my birthday if this is how it's going to be from now on.