A/N: Welcome to my first Yugioh fic! I'm currently rewatching the series and was reminded of just how much I love the show, especially the dynamic between the pharaoh and Kaiba. So, I decided to write about them!

Anyhow, hope you enjoy!

This was the eighth morning in a row that Atem woke up from a...realistic...dream, and the eighth time he blasted himself in sub-zero temperatures in the shower to bring his friend down to normal.

His dreams were becoming increasingly plagued with thoughts of his own rival, Seto Kaiba. Feelings that he consistently quashed, remaining the stoic and poised man that all of his friends knew him as. He didn't have time to consider his little crush on the billionaire.

At least, that's what he consistently told himself.

Six months had passed since he and Yugi's ceremonial duel, where he had lost. The Egyptian gods deemed that his life had more value there in the present rather in the afterlife, and thus he was granted his own body and was allowed to stay.

For the first time since his memory came back to him, since he was a pharaoh in his past life, he was his own person. He didn't have to rule anyone, he was only in charge of himself, and it was the biggest breath of fresh air he took since waking up as a soul sealed inside the puzzle.

Atem stayed with Yugi and Grandpa in the game shop, eternally grateful for the pair. "Of course I would let you stay with us," the older man had said to him. "You've become a second grandson to me, and for all that you've done for us I would be a foolish man to give you something as insignificant as this."

And so, Solomon Muto gave Atem his own bedroom, after about four days realized just how stupid it was seeing how Atem and Yugi would just share a bed, and then promptly moved the spare into Yugi's room. Neither boy minded at all.

It took Atem quite some time to adjust to his own body; not only did his mind link with Yugi sever, he also kept his physical appearance from his time as an Egyptian-his dark, tanned skin, slightly messier spiky hair, and his various scars from his battles. The puzzle was long gone, both a physical and mental weight lifted from his shoulders. No longer was he the former pharaoh, King Atem, now he was just another one of the gang.

With that being said, all of his friends still called him pharaoh from time to time, and it was a pleasant reminder that while that wasn't him anymore, it still was his past and he needn't let go of that. With that being said, he was getting exhausted of the "Big Yugi" nickname and wished it was immediately retired.

And then there was him, who essentially treated him like he and Yugi still shared a body, and with each passing day it annoyed him to no end.

At first, Kaiba refused to acknowledge that Yugi and Atem were two separate people, calling it a "trick" of the light when the two were in the same room and would even outright ignore Atem. Only recently did he finally accept the latter as his own person, and even then it was begrudgingly.

Their relationship seemed to be so rocky, yet his feelings for the asshole that was named Kaiba were so strong, he was taking a freezing shower because of his fucking dream.

For the past week, he was dreaming of the taller man in bed with him, engaging in such activities until he woke up with a start, and a throbbing erection. With each passing night the dream progressed further and further, and this past night was no exception. Kaiba was this close to placing his own lips against the former pharaoh's, and Atem jolted awake.

He stayed in the shower as long as humanly possible, only exiting once his body felt like a prune and he was trembling so hard that he could barely withstand the cold any longer. He went into the bedroom, noticing that Yugi's bed was already empty and the sun was a lot higher than he remembered.

He quietly dressed himself and went downstairs, the smell of bacon and pancakes wafting in his face. He followed the smell to the kitchen, where Yugi and Solomon were, the latter was at the stovetop cooking. "Good morning," he greeted the pair.

"Mornin'!" they both said back, flashing him bright smiles. Atem grinned as well, instantly at ease. No matter what he felt like, his trust in both men was so strong that he quickly felt more relaxed around them.

Yugi sat at the table, sketching something on a piece of paper. "What are you working on?" Atem asked.

"It's just a game idea that I've been pondering," the smaller man answered. "It's something that's come to mind every once in a while, and I'm finally putting it to good use. Not like it'll make the shelves or anything, but it's fun to create!"

"Careful, you'll uproot Kaiba from his billionaire position with that one," Atem chuckled. "I'd love to look over the details once you've completed them."

Yugi smiled again, going back to his sketch. One thing that Atem was grateful for with the younger boy was how they constantly didn't need to speak for their time to be necessary; after years of sharing a body, they could both comfortably sit in silence and simply enjoy each other's presence.

Atem took a seat opposite of Yugi, pulling out his phone. He checked for any messages (it took him weeks to adjust to the concept of instant-anything-and-everything, but he finally grasped it enough to understand its usage) and saw one that he wasn't expecting.

Kaiba: Pharaoh, I would like your opinion on my new state-of-the-art dueling system again. Bring your deck, and do NOT bring Yugi.

Huh? Atem had several questions-Why does he need his opinion? Kaiba was a fan of flaunting his superiority over anyone, especially Atem and his friends. Why would he need his deck, and why the hell did he make it clear that Yugi wasn't allowed to tag along?

This would be the third time this month where he'd drop by Kaiba's place, judging his new and improved duel disk. The concept was interesting, but it was beyond his realm of comprehension. Both times, Yugi was forced to stay home, and half the time Atem and Kaiba would spend half of the afternoon on the task at hand, and the other half was anything but. None of it made sense, and he was half tempted to not respond.

But of course, he did. Atem: Highly uncharacteristic of you to demand my presence, Kaiba. And is there a reason for Yugi to stay away?

The response was almost instantaneous: You're my rival. I was made to acknowledge you, as well as your opinions. If you say that this device is foolish, then it is. If someone like Joey insulted it, then I know that he's just an idiot.

Of course he had to take every single opportunity to insult the blonde teen. Of all things that had changed, Kaiba's dislike of Joey hadn't changed at all.

Atem: When would you like me to arrive? Just so I can prepare myself.

Kaiba: I already have Roland outside of your house waiting to bring you over. Reminder, do not bring Yugi. I want you, and you alone.

The last sentence rang like a bell in Atem's brain. Reading the conversation over again, he frowned at Kaiba's calling him by his old title. Come to think of it, he'd never call him by his actual name, and at this rate he was convinced he never would. Hell, for the longest time he called him Yugi and refused to differentiate the two.

But wanting him alone? Why was he so adamant about that? For a fleeting, brief moment somewhere in the back of his mind, a sliver of hope made itself known. But like everything else, he denied it the chance to grow. Kaiba made it known that it was strictly business, there was no time for his feelings towards the older man to flourish.

"Atem, are you doing okay? You've been staring at your phone for ten minutes," Yugi said, cutting into his thought process.

Atem jerked his head up, quickly putting his phone away. "Of course I am Aibou. Kaiba has asked me to visit him, and apparently he already has transportation set up for me outside."

"Of course he does," Yugi laughed. "Let me guess, he wants you to come alone?"

How in Ra's name did he guess that? "It seems so. He made it clear that you couldn't tag along."

"Like the last two times," Yugi smirked. "I'm sure whatever Kaiba's plan is, it'll be put to good use."

Atem definitely didn't like Yugi's tone there, and didn't attempt to ask for an explanation. He was about to stand, and Solomon wouldn't let him up until he ate something, so he settled for the pancakes, bacon and eggs he had cooked. To his ancient tastes, something as simple as this tasted like fine dining, and there were times he couldn't pass up anything that Grandpa made.

When he shared a body with Yugi, he never actually ate anything, save the time Yugi's soul was gone because of his stupid mistake (he still apologized for it to this day). Even then, it was the bare minimum because he was aware that at the end of the day, Yugi's body still needed nourishment. All of his stress barely let him eat more than a bowl of stew or a few bites of bread, and Yugi had even commented how hungry he felt once he got his body back.

"So what are you doing with Kaiba today?" Solomon asked as they ate.

Atem swallowed a bite of egg. "He wants me to overlook one of his dueling systems again. He's been working on an updated duel disk, and he thinks he's close to perfecting it."

"And he needs your input?" The older man rolled his eyes. "This is the same person that stole my Blue Eyes and had several tournaments just for a justified attempt to defeat you, yes?"

At least someone else shared Atem's confusion. "I'm not so sure either, but it does hold my attention. The least I can do is entertain his ideas."

"As long as it isn't causing you harm," Solomon said.

"Don't worry Mr. Muto, I can assure you that Kaiba won't bring any harm to my being."

The older man's eyes softened, and his scowl turned into a look of comfort. "How many times do I have to tell you that you don't need to keep up the title? It's Grandpa, my boy. You're my grandson, past be damned. Even if you are millenia older than me."

A small smile tugged at Atem's lips. "Thank you, Mr-I mean, Grandpa. Forgive me, I'm still growing used to it. My own grandfather had long passed by the time I was born, and my father…"

"I know of your history, and how professional your childhood and reign were. Just keep in mind that no such thing happens here in this house, as your friends know."

Atem once again felt at ease. The amount of love he had for Yugi and Solomon was astounding, and he was forever thankful.

After an uneventful car ride, Atem arrived at KaibaCorp, getting inside the building with ease. Many times he had gone there with the gang, they were damn near stripped searched until given the clearance by one of the Kaiba brothers. After the first time when he was alone, he was given almost enough permission as the CEO himself, as all it took was one glimpse in his direction and the doors opened for him.

He knew Kaiba was in the research lab, most likely observing one of his recent experiments. Sure enough, the taller man was in his chair, facing him immediately. "About time you showed up," he sneered. "I expected you an hour ago."

"Excuse me for wanting food in my system before spending the rest of my day with you," Atem snapped back. "Besides, Grandpa wouldn't allow me to leave before I had breakfast."

"Grandpa? What, you think you're a part of the family now?" the taller man laughed. "Cute. The pharaoh is playing house."

Atem gritted his teeth at the name, yet made no comment on it. "What is it that you wanted to show me this time? During our last meeting, you made it clear that it was almost complete."

"Exactly, almost. I was figuring out the last bit, and over the past week I've perfected what I see as the greatest invention KaibaCorp has created," he gloated. "No longer will you need to tote your deck around, every great duelist knows exactly what his cards are. All you have to do is utilize the neural link, and your deck, as well as any card ever produced, is within your capacity. It can also simulate any setting you'd like,any rival your mind can produce, and so much more."

"Kaiba, do me a favor and dumb it down to my standards," Atem sighed. His brain hurt at even attempting to comprehend.

Kaiba rolled his eyes. "You and Yugi shared a body for years and this still boggles your mind? I swear, you've spent way too much time around those friends of yours. You use this here," he revealed the complete duel disk he had, slipping it over his forearm, "and it connects with your memories and mind. This has been in the works for months now, the first time I've tested it out was six months ago."

Six months ago? That was roughly around the time he had separated from Yugi. "Is that why I didn't see you at the ceremonial duel? I expected you there, and you were nowhere to be seen."

Kaiba frowned. "Me? You had those friends of yours, I had more important things to tend to."

"What was more important than seeing your friends, Kaiba?" Atem growled. As similar as the two were, this was their biggest difference: Atem had grown to cherish those he cared about, while Kaiba fully ignored the concept of any healthy relationships, prioritizing dueling even his own brother sometimes. "You really expect me to accept that you had 'better things to do'?"

"To be fair, you and Yugi were the same person to me," Kaiba stated. "Dueling against yourself just looked...stupid. Childish, even. Taking a trip from Japan to Egypt just to watch all of this hocus pocus magic happen was not something I was interested in, I'm sure you understand."

Atem sighed, silently resolving to just get over Kaiba's stubborn mindset. But he needed to know. "What was your duel, then? Since it was so much more important."

"None of your business." A cold shoulder, of course. But it was different. It felt more like Kaiba had slammed a door in Atem's face. It was absolutely rare for Kaiba to not tell information, as he would usually be very blunt-and rude-about whatever it was that he was up to.

Atem pursed his lips, not prying. "Sure, Kaiba. Now let's get on with whatever you needed me for. I would like to get home as soon as possible."

The next hour was spent showcasing the new duel disk, Kaiba explaining all of its quirks. He had to repeat himself several times, which Atem attributed to not quite grasping modern technology. In reality, he was so enamored with watching the taller man talk that his mind kept wandering elsewhere.

In the span of five minutes, Atem went from complete denial, to muted understanding, to begrudgingly accepting, back to complete denial, and finally just coming to terms with the swirling storm brewing within his mind and emotions: he absolutely was in love with Seto Kaiba.

Looking back on it, it started from the moment Kaiba silently became a part of his friend group, and all the times he had helped Atem and his friends, and his overall tolerance of them. Even his insults towards Joey had lessened, and he even had a "friendly" duel with the boy shortly after the ceremonial duel.

Kaiba sat across from Atem at a round table, still discussing the item in front of him. Atem drank in his appearance: the taller man was dressed in a crisp white suit, talking without skipping a single beat for minutes on end. He answered Atem's questions without issue, save a groan here and there. Finally, he activated the duel disk, and the Egyptian watched in awe as a blue light crawled up his arm, syncing with the headset he was sliding over his ear.

As much as it pained him, he had to admit it: Kaiba was attractive.

"Are you gonna sit there and drool over me, or are you gonna try it on for yourself?" Kaiba hissed, interrupting Atem's thoughts.

Not showing his embarrassment, Atem's face stayed straight as a slot opened in the table, revealing yet another duel disk. "I think I'll stick to my old one," he said. "Maybe in the future I'll give it a try, but for now the original works just as well."

"Not until I render it obsolete. But if you're so inclined to using the old methods, I've considered that factor. All you need then is your physical deck, and it'll activate into a sleeker version of the old one."

Wow, he was brilliant. Atem wouldn't even know where to start in brainstorming this, yet Kaiba had it all figured out. He was staring again, and Kaiba made a face. "What, are you falling in love or something?" he cracked. "If you love the look so much, just snap a picture. It'll last a lot longer than whatever your brain can come up with."

Of course he assumed it was over the duel disk. To Kaiba, dueling was everything, and the only thing that mattered. "That's not what I was looking at," Atem snapped. "I was looking at you." Quickly, he realized what he said, and promptly closed his mouth.

"Right, funny." Kaiba brushed it off. "God, time in your own body has made you soft, Pharaoh. Are you gonna tell me that you've fallen in love with me and want to get married?"

Holy fuck, it felt like he was staring right into his soul. Atem felt exposed, vulnerable even, but he refused to acknowledge those emotions. Keeping his composure, he glared back at the CEO. "Funny, like you've mentioned. Let's move on, shall we?"

"That's the best thing you've said since you've gotten here. Grab your duel disk and your deck, Pharaoh. I challenge you to a duel!"

Oh for the love of-Atem was not in the mood for that, not in the slightest. In fact, he hadn't had a competitive duel since getting his own body, using his time with other means. His deck wasn't even prepared for a proper battle. "Kaiba, I'm in no shape to duel you," he admitted. "I'll take a rain check."

Kaiba smirked. "Of course you'd back down. We both know I deserve that crown, Pharaoh. Next time you're in front of me, you better be prepared to hand it over."

"Atem."

The taller man seemed startled. "What?"

"My name is Atem," the smaller man said boldly. "My name is important to me, as it was lost to me for thousands of years. I know that you think in the name of science that it isn't true, but if you truly respect me as your rival and equal, can you at least call me by my name, and not by my former title?"

For what seemed like hours, the two men stared each other down, neither wanting to give in. Just when Atem thought of just getting up and leaving, Kaiba sighed. "Very well, Atem. I'll give you what you've wanted."

Huh? "Just like that?"

"Just like that."

He was expecting one of Kaiba's speeches about how he was worthy of the title of king, and therefore that was the only thing he'd ever call him, but hearing just how easy he gave in...it seemed suspicious. "Well, thank you, Kaiba."

"Seto."

Now it was Atem's turn to give the CEO a look. "If we're to go by a first name basis, you, as my equal, should give me the same respect. It's only fair, and I'm nothing if not that."

"Right." Atem had to quell his heartbeat almost doubling in speed, as it felt like they just unlocked another level of their...friendship? Rivalship? Pride...ship? Whatever it was, Kaiba was right, the Egyptian man did respect him as his rival and equal. "Well, Seto. What happens now?"

Before the taller man could respond, the door opened, revealing Mokuba, his younger brother. Of everyone, he was the one that changed the most: his hair was considerably shorter, barely passing his shoulders versus the unkempt mane he had all his life. And instead of his vest and long sleeved shirt, he traded it in for a neat suit not unlike Kaiba. "Hey, Seto! Oh, hey Yu-I mean, Atem," he greeted.

Atem chuckled. Every now and then, everyone would still call him Yugi, and it was always expected. "Good afternoon, Mokuba."

"Is there a reason for you coming in here and interrupting my meeting with Atem? Or are you just bored and need a few minutes to kill?" Kaiba said.

"I was just analyzing one of your previous duels with the Duel Links system like you asked me to and came to you with a report," Mokuba answered. "Actually, with Atem here, it looks just like it."

Atem raised an eyebrow at Kaiba. "Duel Links? Isn't that the system you've spent the better part of this hour discussing with me?"

"Yeah it is!" Mokuba chimed in. "He first tested it out when you were still sharing Yugi's body, just in case you had to go to the afterlife."

"Oh, is that so?" It was Atem's turn to smirk at the CEO, who remained stoic as ever. "Is that what you were hiding earlier, Seto?"

"It wasn't necessary to bring it up," Kaiba said sternly. "It still isn't, Mokuba. I suggest that you shut up about it. It's about time you've learned to not butt into adult conversations, and to not stick your nose where it doesn't belong, little brother. So run along, I've got business to handle."

Mokuba frowned, quickly growing angry at Kaiba's words. Clearly, a nerve was touched. "S'not my fault you can't put your feelings aside for him! You're the one that said you'd get your way no matter what, not me!"

Kaiba's eyes widened, and it was the first sign of emotion Atem had seen in him all month. The first crack, if you will. "Mokuba-"

His little brother failed to hear his plea, continuing with his rant. "Go on, tell him how the entire reason this duel disk was so you'd duel him again in the afterlife! Tell him how you've spent the past year crafting a time machine just to send yourself to ancient Egypt if he had won! You even admitted to me that it might've grown past your burning desire for a perfect duel, and that it might've become more-"

"Mokuba!" Kaiba shouted, jerking his younger brother back to his attention. If looks could kill, his glare would've burned a hole through the smaller boy. Kaiba cleared his throat, somewhat regaining his normal tone. "That's enough out of you. Drop the report off at my desk and go back to whatever it was you were doing. Please see yourself out."

Mokuba's gaze shifted between Atem's bewildered expression and Kaiba's icy one, and something clicked in his eyes. "You...you haven't told him, have you?"

"Told me what?" Atem was so confused. A headache was forming, and he wanted nothing more than to rewind the past five minutes. "Kaiba, what are you hiding?"

"Don't you dare say it," Kaiba growled, waving his brother away. "Mokuba, I'll handle it. Leave us."

"You said you'd tell him!" Mokuba cried. "I'm so sick of you sulking around like a puppy, just tell him how you feel!"

Okay, Atem was positive he was being pranked. His eyes scanned the room, expecting Yugi and the others to jump out in an attempt to spook him.

Kaiba's tone grew darker yet softer. Its underside was something that Atem would've never expected in a million years: it sounded like he was pleading. "Mokuba, leave us. I will handle it, this isn't something you need to get involved in."

"Will you tell him the moment I leave?" Mokuba challenged.

"That's none of your business." Another door slammed, yet Atem could practically see Mokuba prying it open again.

The younger Kaiba sighed, turning to Atem. "Since my brother doesn't have the balls to do this himself, I'll come to his rescue. He's not the type to speak his heart anyway. He's in love with you Atem, and inviting you over to see the prototype is the closest he'd come to asking you out on a date."