Atem didn't sleep a wink the previous evening.
How could he with the fact that Kaiba could get inside his apartment with no issue?
He got dressed for his day. Robotically going through the motions.
He would have to find a new place to live today, no excuses.
Atem didn't want to interfere with Yugi's schedule so he just sent a simple text saying good morning.
He knew they needed to discuss what almost happened between them.
He grabbed his maroon tote off of his desk and felt his phone buzz in the pocket of his dark jeans.
He sighed and took out his phone to check the text.
It was Salem, as impatient as ever.
It was difficult to have to film months worth of content in her short visits but, it was nice to have her in front of him and not countries away.
Salem: I'm so sick of ducking waiting on you to show up so I'm out front. You're slow, mish kida?
…
Salem: *ducking
…
Salem: shot!
..
Salem: *shot
..
Salem: GOD FUCKING DAMMIT JUST COME OUTSIDE.
Atem chuckled lightly and exited the apartment, locking it behind him. Not that the locks were much use at this point.
He looked out onto the small parking lot of his building and saw Salem leaning against a very new, very clean white luxury car.
His thoughts briefly flashed back to the first time he joined Kaiba for a drive in his favorite car, also white.
Atem shuddered and walked toward Salem, clearing his throat when she didn't look up from her phone.
Salem looked up and smiled brightly as his dark purple eyes met with her light brown ones.
She wrapped her arms around him in a crushing hug and let go just as quickly.
"My place for breakfast obviously." She said as they got into her car.
Atem nodded as he buckled his seatbelt, placing his bag at his feet.
"Ah! Perfect, because your place is a shit hole." She said in Arabic.
Atem rolled his eyes and propped his head up on his knuckles, looking out of the passenger window.
Wait.
Salem's loaded. She has a ridiculous penthouse apartment in downtown Domino with multiple rooms.
He would hate to ask her for such a huge favor but he needed to move out of his place immediately, and there was no way Kaiba would be able to get in such a guarded building.
Especially at this risk of him walking in on an innocent woman.
"Are you alright, Atem? You're very quiet for someone who almost got laid last night." She said, her words laced with worry.
Atem wondered if he should tell her about Kaiba.
All he had told her about his past was that he was in a sexual relationship and left because it wasn't going anywhere.
Kaiba never saw Atem as a boyfriend so it felt weird calling him an ex.
Stalker is a more appropriate term for Kaiba.
"I'm fine. Just tired." He lied, his voice hoarse.
Salem made a "Hmm" sound and stayed silent for the rest of the ride.
About fifteen minutes later, they arrived at her apartment tower.
She smiled at the young lady working the front desk as they walked to the elevator.
Salem placed her key fob against the reader and pressed the very top button.
Atem watched her tousle her keys absentmindedly as she fiddled with a lock of her curly hair.
Was this fob system enough to keep Kaiba at bay?
As the elevator ascended, Salem sighed.
She looked at Atem and frowned.
"I don't expect you to tell me everything, but don't lie to me." She said, crossing her arms.
Atem gave Salem a confused look.
"What do you mean? I've never lied to you!"
Salem scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"Right." She said, as the elevator doors opened to her private lobby.
They were silent as they entered the beautifully furnished two level penthouse.
Salem led Atem past the living room and through the kitchen. She finally turned to look at him as they went out onto her balcony.
She shut the sliding doors, giving them privacy from her cleaning staff and personal chef.
"Is the bruise on your neck from something consensual?" She asked, sitting on one of her deck chairs.
Atem gulped and stared down at his feet.
He didn't want to tell her that Kaiba broke into his apartment.
He would have to tell her why he knows Seto Kaiba, how he got in the relationship in the first place, and that Kaiba was threatening him.
But if he kept those details out, Salem would personally walk him to the police station to file a report, and he didn't want that either.
He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Salem tapping her foot.
Atem feigned a happy smile and sat in the chair next to her.
"Please don't worry. You know I can handle myself." He said, reaching over to give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Salem sighed.
"Fine. Don't tell me." She spat, yanking her hand out of his.
Atem flinched and decided it best to not try to touch her again.
He didn't want to outright ask her if he could rent a room. He needed to make her think she thought of the idea.
He leaned back in his seat and looked out over the city. The morning air was brisk but refreshing.
"If it makes you feel better, I have decided to find a new place to live." Atem began, hoping his idea would work.
Salem's penthouse is incredibly secure, he could breathe easy knowing Kaiba can't get to this level without a special fob.
"I don't know how you do it in New York, living alone these long months has been soul crushing for me. I'm thinking of finding a roommate, maybe-"
Salem interrupted Atem with a loud scoff.
"You're too popular now to live with a total stranger. If your ex has friends, you could be baited by someone who wants to use or hurt you." Salem explained, her aura becoming less tense.
"Good. She's taking the bait."
"I didn't think of that." Atem lied.
He felt guilty manipulating his friend in this way, but he just needed to be safe while Kaiba calmed down.
He can't stay jealous of Atem's bond with Yugi forever.
"He can. He can and he will. Kaiba's self destructive personality aside, he's possessive as well. He wants to own me like a thing, not be with me romantically."
Atem felt a warm hand on his thigh and brought his attention back to Salem.
Her concerned face was so adorable, Atem couldn't help but smile and hold her hand reassuringly.
She squeezed his hand and said,
"I don't understand why you can't just move in with me? I have so much space and I'm staying in Japan for a long period of time so you won't be lonely."
Yes.
Perfect.
It was good to know that Salem was a true friend, even if he did just trick her into offering her home.
He couldn't just say yes though.
"Salem, that's very sweet but, when you get a boyfriend won't that become an issue?" He said, hoping she wasn't going to retract her offer.
She let out a melodious laugh and stood up.
"I've resigned myself to being alone romantically. Just move in Atem. And when YOU get a boyfriend we can talk about other options." She laughed, a glint of sadness in her eyes.
Atem smiled and laughed.
He loved the way she joked about being alone forever. Even though he knew Salem could have any man she wanted with her appearance and financial success.
Women like that are never alone for long.
He wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to not have to live in a box that smelled of mold.
"Then it's settled. I'll move in." Atem said with finality before standing up.
Salem cheered and clapped happily. She pulled Atem in a hug and said,
"You are safe here."
Atem felt a pang of guilt in his chest. He cared deeply for Salem and using her made him feel disgusting.
He had used her as a model to attract the followers that she had on her own channel from her hair videos.
He had used her name several times to get free product. She told him that it was okay and soon he'll be able to use his own name, but he still took advantage of her kindness.
He pulled away from her and gave a curt nod.
"Shukran, Sala." He said.
Salem huffed air through her nostrils.
"My birth name? That's a little dramatic Atem. I'm letting you move in, I'm not carrying your child. Calm down." She said, leading him back inside.
Strange woman.
—-
Yugi woke up to a text from Atem.
Pharaoh: Good Morning
A "good morning" text? Really?
Yugi sighed and stretched with a yawn. He would wait to reply,
Atem never sent him a message last night. Yugi assumed he was busy, but didn't like the fact that he didn't know if Atem made it home safe or not.
Yugi got out of bed and started his morning routine, wanting to just crawl back in bed.
"Why wouldn't he text me though? It's not like the pharaoh to not follow through…"
Yugi walked out of his bathroom moodily as he heard Joey downstairs opening the shop.
Yugi was late to help his friend but his body couldn't move any faster. He was exhausted, being the new manager, and sleeping alone in an empty game shop didn't help.
"Of course Grandpa promotes me and promptly goes on a food tour through Europe."
Yugi hired Joey for a little extra help in the beginning. But, that was a year and a half ago and Joey was now a full time employee, when he wasn't competing in Duel Monsters tournaments that is.
Yugi heard his phone buzz on his desk as he finished getting dressed.
He snatched it off the table top and became confused when he had a text from an unknown number.
Unknown: picture attached
Yugi cautiously tapped on the photo and felt his heart drop.
It was a picture of Atem hugging Salem outside of an old apartment building.
"Oh my God, I hope that's not where he lives."
Yugi's eyes were drawn to Salem, looking stunning in her blush pink leather jacket, white top, and skin tight white pants.
Her muscular legs were accentuated by her nude pumps.
Her curly hair framed her beautiful face, which was perfectly made up.
Yugi's phone buzzed again.
unknown: picture attached
The second one was of them pulling away from each other, both of their eyes full of love.
Yugi clenched his jaw so hard his teeth hurt.
He angrily tapped back to the message, ready to ask who was sending him these photos, when another message popped up.
unknown: he's lying to you.
Yugi's chest tightened with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
He quickly composed a reply.
Yugi Mutou: Who is this? How did you get these? Do you know more about that girl?
His stomach lurched with excitement as the unknown number sent a reply.
unknown: i'm a friend.
Yugi began to feel nervous. He trusted Atem more than anyone else.
He wouldn't lie would he?
"If he did, would I be any better? I threw myself at Atem yesterday. But It's not like he didn't try and stop me either."
Yugi pocketed his phone and ran downstairs, bumping into Joey in the process.
"Sorry, Yuge! I was just comin up to get ya. Thought you might still be asleep!" Joey said, giving Yugi a hard pat on the back.
Yugi apologized quietly and followed Joey into the shop and behind the front counter.
He absentmindedly counted the money in the register as Joey dusted random figurines around the shop.
Yugi hated that the game shop didn't have a way to process bank cards. He was going through the shops bills yesterday hoping there was a way to cut back to afford an iPad.
It would make the shop feel less archaic than it does now.
Yugi was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of Joey humming a tune.
That too.
The shop was so quiet and having music playing would create a little more atmosphere.
Joey made his way back to the counter and put the feather duster out of sight.
"Man, I can't believe you unpacked an entire shipment of board games last night Yuge. Now there's nothing for us to do." Joey said leaning his hip against the counter and crossing his arms.
Bored.
Working the shop was boring.
There were enough customers and sales to keep the business afloat but there was never a rush.
It was never busy.
"Sorry, Joey. I was so focused, I didn't realize how late it was when I put away the last game." Yugi lied.
The truth was he felt too angry to sleep.
Yugi has lost all of his patience when it came to dealing with the Kaiba brothers.
He was pretty sure Kaiba drove Atem away.
No.
He knew Kaiba was responsible for Atem's sudden need to provide for himself.
And then there was Mokuba.
"That fucking two faced gremlin…"
Joey gave Yugi a medium hard punch in the arm.
"What'd ya just say to me?!" Joey was half yelling.
Yugi held his arm and realized with wide eyes that he spoke aloud.
"Oh no no! Sorry Joey wasn't talking about you! I was talking about-um, about...Mokuba.."
Joey stiffened and then sighed.
"Yeah, I saw three of you talkin yesterday. You know, Yuge, I forgave Mokuba a while ago...all of us did. You're the only one still angry."
Yugi huffed and leaned his elbows on the counter.
"He used me too, Joey. It's just, I've given the Kaiba's so many chances to do the right thing. They got worse, when Atem ventured out on his own." Yugi said, feeling resentment toward Kaiba.
The burden of making sure the Kaiba's moral compass stayed pointing north shouldn't rest on Atem's shoulders alone.
Yugi hated the fact that his friends' relationship with Mokuba was now a bad one, but he wasn't ready to forgive.
Joey studied Yugi carefully. He needed to cheer him up.
"Hey, Yuge. I wanna show you something." Joey said pulling out his phone.
Yugi stood up straight and moved closer to Joey so he could see the screen.
Joey tapped the screen a couple times and pulled up a video titled, "I Let Salem Brush Out My Dreads".
"Is this what he meant by videos?"
Yugi and Joey watched the screen closely as it started with two different introductions.
Atem's low budget black and maroon intro juxtaposed to Salem's high quality slate grey and blush pink intro.
Wow.
There's a major difference.
The video started showing Atem modeling his dread natural black dreads from all angles as Salem ran her fingers through the coils with her perfectly manicured nails.
Bitch.
"That's not fair, you don't even know the poor girl."
Yugi sighed heavily has the video continued.
*Light pop music playing in background of video*
Atem: Hello, everyone! As you can see, Salem is going to help me transform myself YET AGAIN!
Salem: YES BEEECH! I'm gonna brush these dreads out and style you to perfection. Beetch.
Atem: For those who are wondering, I got locs six months ago and they've grown amazingly, and I'm ready for another change-
Salem: Atem's in for what I like to call a "FUCK ME UP FAM"
Atem: I'm over it. I need some loose, beautiful amazing hair.
Salem: This is about to take a long ass time, habibi.
Habibi?
Yugi thought back and tried to think of what that word meant.
The Ishtar's have called Joey's sister something close to that many times.
Just then, Joey spoke.
"Awww, Habibi. It's darlin' in Arabic." He said, a small blush forming across his pale skin.
Yugi rolled his eyes and kept watching the video, realizing with each passing minute, it wasn't Salem who had the crush, it was Atem.
Salem: Okay, Atem, habibi, I love you. But, these are so long and this is going to take a very long time so, to cut down on the process, I will be trimming your hair to-
Atem: Trim me up, Queen. I need a change and a lover!
*Salem squeals and then laughs, shaking Atem as she cackles."
Salem: You and me both, King!
Yugi's heart sank into the pit of his belly. He didn't like someone else calling Atem "king". He couldn't take it. The English in the video aside, he couldn't stand how close they were.
Salem: Some of your locs feel looser than others, so we'll see what happens with length and overall cuttin'.
*clips scissors near Atem's hair but doesn't cut it. Earning a gasp from the pharaoh. He rolls his eyes as Salem laughs.*
Salem: Let's fucking do this BEhbyyyyy. *She begins to move Atem's locs around and sections it, revealing the back sections first* We're obviously going to start with the back section first, mish kida?. We're going to trim each dread, and THEN START TO BRUSH.
*She cuts a chunk off of one of Atem's dread and he breathes out heavily.*
Atem: OH MY GOD. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK.
Salem: CALM DOWN, KING. I've never EVER steered you wrong.
*She pulls out a large jug of conditioner and smiles at the camera and winks*
Salem: Make sure you have a conditioner that has a lot of smoother and moisturizer in it, usually ones that are silicon based are best for detangling. Hashtag not sponsored.
Yugi gave his eyes another heavy roll, making sure Joey didn't notice. Salem was a delight on film, it made Yugi hate her more.
Atem: So, Salem is going to soak the entire loc in the conditioner-
*Salem wets one of Atem's locs, now placed on top of a towel, with water mixed with coconut oil, sprayed from a spray bottle, she then generously coats the entire loc with conditioner.
Atem: - And she's going to start, with a fine tooth comb, from the bottom, and make her way all the way up.
*The video speeds up, showing her coming through Atem's thick locs, casually wetting them more, and grabbing a trash bag for the broken ends.*
Atem: So, I've had my locs in for about six months and it was a BRAVE new venture, but it was strange keeping the same style for so long. It was definitely a COMMITMENT.
*Salem continues to brush through each individual loc of hair, smiling at Atem whenever he turns his head to help her reach certain sections..Time passes in the video and in real time.*
Salem: Okay everyone, each loc takes about twenty to forty minutes to comb out and my left thumb, I'm a leftie for those who don't know-
Atem: Ugh.
Salem: Is very tingley, from trying to brush out ATEM'S NAPPY ASS LOCS!...
Atem: If you weren't so fucking hot, I'd slap you-
Salem: (Ah lah the muppets) Mahna mahana!
Atem: You're the worst.
Yugi felt a pang of jealousy in his chest. It was obvious Atem and Salem were attracted to each other, and their rapport made the video fun to watch. He could see why they had so many subscribers.
*Salem combs through another loc, pulling on Atem's hair and earning a painful yelp from the former pharaoh*
*More time passes, Yugi realizes Atem sent that "good morning" text at like three am because too much time in the video passed for it to make sense otherwise. It looked like they were at this all day. Atem now had a bowl of food in the sped up version, and then started to comb out his own dreads as Salem did half assed sun salutations in the background. The video keeps going, now with Salem continuing to brush out Atem's hair.*
Atem: Okay, Salem's definitely gotten waaay further and may I just say, shrinkage is a bitch. *He plays with his ringlets and afro incredulously, the natural texture of his own hair feeling foreign to him.* It has been so long since we started taking my locs out, I'm starting to think their may be a part two-
Salem: NO! No part two! I'll finish this NOW!
*The video speeds up, showing Salem take apart each one of Atem's locs seamlessly. The video slows down to reveal Atem and Salem in different outfits*
Salem: "Now" may have been a VERY preemptive statement. Atem has a total of 97 locs in his hair, although I am very quick, it's been four hours, and I'm almost halfway done. I'm averaging between no time in combing out one loc versus twenty minutes per loc. Meaning, I should be done in one hour to four hours-
Atem: What kind of math is that? *He playfully raises an eyebrow at her*
Salem: Shut the fuck up, Atem.
Atem: NO really. I'm Egyptian, and I've NEVER heard of math like that.
Salem: The Indian people are the ones who invented the integer zero, so don't play high and mighty here-
Atem: Are you done? I want to pet you cat. She's just laying on your couch, blending in with the entire aesthetic.
Salem: Atem...Has an unhealthy obsession with cats…..
Atem: IMNOTOBSSESSED!
*Salem rolls her eyes and continues working. More time passes in the video, no time passes while the video is being watched*
Salem: Ah! So, we are quickly but Oh so slowly almost done combing through these dreads. If you go back to the video (I put the video in the upper right corner in case you need a refresher) where I first dreaded Atem's hair, you can see that it's a LOT longer than it was before. Its also beautifully curly. Before it was crappy relaxer/dye job that wasn't fooling anyone.
*Salem starts randomly singing "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton WAY TOO WELL, earning a laugh from Atem and the the video speeds up again*
Atem: AH! Where are on the last section! Salem, I could fuck you right now I'm so grateful!
Joey could tell Yugi was starting to get jealous but, he needed to show Yugi that Atem was in good hands.
*Salem rolls her eyes as she moisturizes Atem's exposed natural hair, and then counts the remaining loc. She looks at the clock, hoping she can finish before they have to split into another video.*
Salem: Okay, home stretch, LET'S DO THIS.
*The video speeds up one last time as Salem finishes the process. She cuts and combs through the last loc and wiggles it in front of Atem's face. The video goes back to normal speed to reveal Atem's beautifully full and curly hair, almost reaching his shoulders.*
Yugi felt his stomach dip and turn with arousal.
Whoa.
Atem looks amazing…
Atem: This looks so good, Salem, Shukran!
Salem: Afwan, habibi. So, everyone! Atem and I have great news!
Atem: Yes! Starting today, Salem and I are roommates-
Salem: As well as business partners! Our joint channel will launch end of this month where we'll do a very lucky guest's hair and make up!
Atem: We'll also have another announcement-Hopefully!
Both: Bye Beauties!
Joey pocketed his phone and looked at the clock. He looked around the store and decided to do some tidying.
Yugi was fuming.
Roommates?
Why didn't he want to move back to the game shop?
Yugi needed to see Atem tonight and ask him what the actual deal was with him and Salem.
He took out his phone and replied to Atem's message, asking if he could come see his new place after he closed the game shop.
Yugi needed to know why living with Salem was going to be so much better for Atem.
"There's no reason why he can't stay with me and still be independent."
Yugi sighed loudly feeling his phone buzz.
Pharaoh: Yes! Aibou please come over! Salem is going to a dinner meeting and leaving me alone… I was able to move all of my stuff already so now I'm bored!
Yugi privately seethed as he composed his reply.
Yugi Mutou: I think we need to talk about yesterday.
He needed to know if he should tell Te'a what happened between him and Atem. But, what did happen?
They had barely had their clothes off and Atem's phone call kept them from going any further.
Was there something there?
Yugi's relationship with Te'a has been difficult the last couple of months. Things got really bad last week when she said that she wasn't coming home for her winter break.
He had saved and planned for her arrival, hoping to buy her the best christmas gift ever, and now she wasn't even coming.
Yugi knew that she was busy but he couldn't help but feel like she was distancing herself on purpose.
Yugi was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the front door chime and Joey begin to say hello.
Joey stopped mid word and breathed out through his nostrils.
Yugi and Joey stared at Seto Kaiba's tall frame walk through the shop and gaze at all the items in disgust.
"What the hell do you want?" Joey said, running in front of Kaiba to block his path.
Kaiba scoffed and glared down at Joey.
"If that's how you speak to customers, no wonder this place is empty." Kaiba said, adjusting his dark blue blazer.
Yugi sighed and brushed his unruly bangs out of his eyes.
"Did you need something, Kaiba-kun?"Yugi said crossing his arms.
This was strange. Yugi didn't like the idea of Atem speaking to Kaiba again but was there really a way to avoid him?
He's Seto Kaiba. If he wants to find you, he will.
Kaiba smirked at Yugi and noticed the used to be vibrant teen, was now an overworked manager of failing shop.
"What a pathetic look for The King of Games." Kaiba thought.
"I came by to talk to you. In private." Kaiba said, his deep voice sending shivers down Yugi's spine.
Kaiba's empty blue eyes challenged Yugi to disobey. When Yugi's lavender gaze couldn't handle the intense stare, he looked away and led Kaiba to the back room.
"Shout if you need help!" Joey called after them, taking his spot behind the counter.
Yugi felt Kaiba's eyes on his back as he led the way to the small couch in the living room. He turned and felt his heart stop when he saw Kaiba taking off his blazer.
Yugi could see Kaiba's muscles tense and flex beneath his shirt as he set the jacket down and lowered himself onto the couch.
Kaiba leaned back against the old leather, waiting for Yugi to sit down.
He crossed one leg over the other and folded his arms against his chest.
"Do you plant on groping me with your eyes all day?" Kaiba huffed, not bothered by Yugi's wandering gaze.
Yugi walked over to the couch and sat as far away from Kaiba as possible.
He realized that this was the perfect time to set boundaries with the Kaiba brothers. He opened his mouth to speak and then closed it.
Crap.
He didn't know how to start.
Kaiba cleared his throat and gave a frustrated sigh.
"I know Mokuba was here last night, and I'd like to apologize for his behavior. If it's all the same to you, I'd like to treat to lunch as a peace offering." He said in a business like tone.
Yugi blinked at Kaiba who remained stoic.
He felt his anger rise in the pit of his stomach and tried to stay calm.
"Lunch." Yugi stated firmly.
"Yes." Kaiba said, raising an eyebrow.
Yugi let out a scoff that turned into a hearty laugh.
"Lunch? After what your brother did to Joey-"
"I've apologized for that on several occas-"
"No, Kaiba-kun! Is Mokuba sorry? No, he's not. Because if he was, he'd be standing here trying to fix what he destroyed. I don't need an apology from you, Kaiba-kun...Unless you're going to apologize about kicking Atem out.." Yugi trailed off when Kaiba stood up, and slowly and threateningly walking closer to the smaller male.
Kaiba grabbed Yugi by his lavender button down shirt and pulled him to his feet. The contact of Kaiba fingers against Yugi's chest made his skin burn and tingle with excitement.
"Jesus, what's wrong with me.." Yugi thought as Kaiba leaned in, their face now inches apart.
"I never threw him out. He left with a large sum of money I gave him, found his own place, and then never spoke to me again, well, until last night."
Kaiba's voice was so deep, Yugi felt it echo and vibrate in his chest. He shuddered and placed his hand on Kaiba's, weakly pulling Kaiba's hand off of his shirt.
Yugi's heartbeat was thundering in his ears.
Last night?
Is that why Atem never texted him, because he was with Kaiba?
"He wanted to learn to provide for himself, why would he take money from you?" Yugi asked, the entire situation getting more confusing.
Kaiba let out a low terrifying chuckle that made his muscular chest bounce sensually.
"Provide for himself? He used my money to get a shitty apartment, and now he's using that little girlfriend of his to live in a better one. I assume you watch his videos, yes?" Kaiba asked, walking toward the door and grabbing his jacket.
Yugi nodded slowly.
What was Kaiba insinuating?
"Well Yugi, when I saw him last night, not once did he mention moving or having his girlfriend as a roommate. Did he tell you anything about that?"
Yugi was starting to feel queasy. He knew the pharaoh would never lie to him but Kaiba was making too much sense.
Kaiba smirked internally and put his jacket on, feeling triumphant.
He knew in order to get Atem back in his life, he would have to make sure he's isolated.
That means no friends.
And no Yugi.
Kaiba adjusted his blazer and looked at Yugi's confused face.
"Think about it, Mutou. He moved in with me to get out of this shithole you call a home. The minute he wasn't satisfied at the Kaiba mansion, he left. There's a reason he chose that woman over you. Money. You've never had enough of it, and you never will." Kaiba said, turning on his heel and walking back into the retail side of the home.
Yugi quickly ran after Kaiba and stopped when he felt Joey grab his arm.
"You okay, Yuge?" Joey asked, not taking his eyes off Kaiba.
Yugi ignored Joey and shook the hand off of his arm.
"Do you know more about that woman, Kaiba-kun? Atem isn't really with her, he said they're just friends."
Kaiba scoffed and rolled his eyes. He knew he could tell Yugi the truth but, having the tiny King of Games frazzled like this was too much fun.
"Just friends? Yeah. In the same way you and Gardener are "just friends"."
With that, Kaiba walked out the door, letting the door slam behind him. The bell chimed loudly and echoed throughout the store as Yugi felt the world around him dip and turn violently.
"Atem...lied to me?"
Atem was in his new home, excited to show Yugi his much better life.
Salem was able to let him use the larger queen mattress that was already in the room when he moved in. It was so comfortable and he couldn't wait to use it.
He loved that he wasn't sleeping in what was basically a cot. He knew that he could have moved at any time and bought nicer things himself but, having the company and the security was an added bonus.
Salem was able to get Atem his own fob within the day and he happily added it to his keychain.
"Take that, Kaiba."
Atem was in the living room, setting out two very clean wine glasses and various finger foods. There was so much food in the fridge that he was allowed to eat at his leisure, he forgot what it was like to make real food instead of just barely surviving on top ramen.
He grabbed a bottle of white wine from a separate smaller fridge and put it on the coffee table.
Perfect.
Atem took out his phone and checked the time, anxious for Yug's arrival.
He heard Salem coming down the stairs and sighed. He remembered Yugi said that he would text him when he was on his way but Atem was growing impatient.
"What's wrong, habibi?" Salem said, sitting on the white leather chair perpendicular to the white leather loveseat Atem was sitting on.
He adjusted the fuzzy pink throw pillows and groaned.
"I don't know why I'm so nervous. He's my friend. We used to be so close." Atem said, struggling to open the wine.
Salem laughed and leaned back into her seat, pulling at the skirt of her skin tight white dress.
"Atem, just breathe. Are you sure this isn't a date? By the looks of things, you're about to break in that mattress, mish kida?" She said taking the bottle from him and uncorking it with ease.
Atem rubbed at his neck and then remembered the bruise. He had covered it with makeup, but the mark has only gotten darker, making it harder to conceal.
Salem sighed and put the open bottle back on coffee table.
"Just promise me you'll be safe tonight. And also, no sex on my couch." She said, standing up.
Atem looked Salem up and down and felt his cheeks grow hot. Her curly hair was spectacularly shiny and bouncy, her makeup was a natural bronze finish to accentuate her features, and her white dress showed off her taut figure.
He chuckled to himself as Salem started to make her way towards the private lobby.
"Whoever you're meeting with better be prepared to give you whatever you want...Especially in that dress.." He called out after her.
"Wear a condom!" She called back.
Atem laughed.
Just when he thought he'd have to wait another eternity, his phone buzzed. He fumbled with the sleek rectangle and then unlocked it.
Aibou: I'm in the elevator. You're co star just buzzed me in…
"Co star?"
Atem was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the elevator ping.
He walked out of the apartment and into the private lobby to receive Yugi.
Yugi couldn't get over how lavish and huge the apartment tower was. He remembered Kaiba's words from earlier and quickly shook the thoughts from his head.
He wanted to remain positive. Even though it was quite obvious Atem preferred the finer things.
Yugi stepped out of the elevator to see Atem waiting for him.
Atem ran up to Yugi and hugged him tightly. Yugi returned the hug and sighed happily.
There was no way this man had lied to him.
Atem took Yugi's hand in his and walked them into the penthouse. Yugi had to hold in gasp when he saw the beautiful spread of snacks on the large coffee table.
"Did Atem do all this, for me?"
Atem poured the wine and handed Yugi a very full glass. He took a sip and smiled warmly at his partner.
"Are you alright, Aibou?"
Yugi nodded and looked at the stairs leading up to the second level, where the bedrooms must have been.
He couldn't control himself.
He set down his glass and threw his arms around Atem, crashing their lips together.
Atem gasped as he felt Yugi's warm lips on his own, his hot tongue frantically looking for entry.
He set down his own wine glass and pulled Yugi closer to deepen the kiss, parting his lips slightly to let Yugi's moist tongue in.
As soon as Atem parted his lips, Yugi's tongue was exploring every part of the ex pharaoh's mouth, enjoying his unique taste mixed with the wine.
They broke this kiss, gasping and breathing heavily, both of their cheeks flushed from excitement and arousal.
"Which one is yours." Yugi asked, pointing at the visible doors of the upper level of the penthouse.
He was having trouble catching his breath but didn't care. This felt right.
Atem wordlessly took Yugi's hand and pulled him up the staircase, not giving Yugi any time to process which room they were going into.
Atem shut his door behind them and was met with Yugi's lips as he turned around.
Yugi pulled him to the bed and forced the pharaoh underneath him, eager to pick up where they left off the night before.
He leaned in and kissed Atem's neck, tasting something foreign.
Sweat?
No. Makeup?
He pressed his hot tongue against the shell of Atem's ear and felt himself grow hard as he heard Atem let out a small moan.
Atem's mind hummed and shut off as he felt Yugi bite down on his ear lobe.
He snaked his arms around Yugi's waist and ground his hips upward, eliciting a lustful moan from the smaller male.
Yugi moved his lips from Atem's ear to his lips as their hips bucked and grinded against one another.
Their tongues battled for dominance as Yugi wrestled with the zipper of Atem's pants, and as Atem unbuttoned Yugi's shirt.
Yugi sat up and pulled his shirt off, tossing it on the floor. He pulled Atem's black tank top over his head and wrapped the fabric around Atem's wrists.
Atem furrowed his brow and tried to pull his arms free.
This was a VERY tight knot.
"Where did Aibou learn to do this?"
Yugi grinned mischievously at Atem as he shifted himself down between the ex pharaoh's legs, pulling off Atem's jeans and boxers in the process.
He let the fabric pool around Atem's ankles, shifting the fabric into a makeshift knot.
Atem shifted uncomfortably and tried to kick off the fabric binding his ankles but kept his body on top of Atem's legs, his face leaning over Atem's leaning erection.
"Ai...bou!" Atem gasped as he felt the moist, hot cavern that was Yugi mouth envelope him fully and start sucking him mercilessly.
Yugi hummed and moaned around Atem's rigid member, the vibrations sending waves up pleasure up and down Atem's legs.
Atem gasped and moaned, realizing why his partner bound him in such a way.
His aibou intended to ravish him in earnest and make sure he couldn't get away.
Yugi's swirled his tongue around the head of Atem's penis and licked the precum that seeped out of the hole.
"F-fuck...a-ahhhh…" Atem moaned loudly as he felt his climax approaching.
Yugi smirked around Atem's member and gave one last lewd suck before pulling away.
Atem whined at the loss of contact, his cries desperate as he was denied his orgasm.
His member twitched, wanting to be engulfed by Yugi's mouth once more.
He was shaking and breathing heavily. The fabric around his arms and legs bunching uncomfortably as he watched Yugi slowly take of the rest of his clothes.
Yugi climbed on top of Atem, kissing the ex pharaohs soft lips once more before lowering himself down onto Atem's length, flinching at the feeling of being stretched.
He knew he should have asked Atem to prepare him, but he couldn't wait any longer. It's been a while since he had sex in this way but he knew he could handle it.
He moaned, feeling Atem twitch inside him as he was filled to the hilt.
Atem groaned in pleasure, trying to keep himself from bucking up into Yugi's tight heat. It's been so long since he was last touched, he feared coming too quickly.
Yugi rolled his hips and moaned lightly.
"Fuck…" he breathed as he slowly started to move up and down Atem's throbbing erection
Atem gasped and moaned as Yugi set a rigorous pace, moaning Atem's name over and over again.
Yugi continued to impale himself on Atem, enjoying the sound of their bodies slapping together and the smell of sex invading the air.
It smelled like them.
Yugi never wanted this to end.
Atem moaned louder as he felt Yugi's walls tighten around him. His eyes grew wide when he saw Yugi start to rapidly stroke his erection.
Yugi could feel Atem was close and didn't want to deny him a second time. He bounced himself harder and threw his head back in ecstasy as he came in salty spurts all on Atem's chest and stomach.
Atem's back arched beautifully as he felt Yugi clamp down on his member and keep up his frenzied pace.
He came in one long heave, his eyes rolling into the back of his head from the intensity of his orgasm. His chest was heaving and his legs were still shaking as Yugi slowly rocked himself back and forth, savoring their last moments as one.
Yugi's bangs were glued to his forehead from sweat and his stomach muscles were happily spasming as he raised himself off of Atem. He collapsed next to an equally content and sweaty pharaoh, making sure to remove the tied up shirt from around the other's wrists.
Atem kicked off the pants that were around his ankles with a grunt and turned over to give Yugi a chaste kiss.
He wrapped his arms around the smaller male and buried his nose in crook of Yugi's neck.
They were both still breathing heavily, enjoying each others warmth in the afterglow.
"Fuck…" Yugi breathed, a small smile on his lips.
As his breathing slowed, Yugi felt dread build in the pit of his stomach.
What him and Atem just did was definitely considered an affair.
He had just cheated on Te'a.
He had just cheated on Te'a and definitely planned on doing it again.
"I have to tell Atem...then we can continue with no secrets...after I break the news to Te'a."
Atem breathed in Yugi's unique scent and sighed happily.
This was what Kaiba could never give him, intimacy.
He squeezed Yugi in his arms and kissed the spot behind his ear.
He was happy that they were able to sit in comfortable silence. That was, until Yugi sat up and quickly got out of the bed.
Yugi felt the skin around his entrance chafe, and he felt his hole leak.
He shuddered and crossed his arms, looking at Atem pleadingly.
Atem smiled and rolled out of bed. He took Yugi's hand and led him to the guest bathroom down the hall.
He felt weird walking down the open hallway naked, but no one was home so it was fine right?
As they started the shower, he saw a hint on sadness on Yugi's face.
Yugi let the warm water wash over him and sighed, dreading the upcoming confession.
Atem raised his eyebrow at his partner and pulled him close, the water pouring over both of them.
Yugi buried his head in Atem's chest and felt his tears cascading down his cheeks.
How was he going to do this?
He didn't want to lose Atem again.
Suddenly, Atem spoke.
"Aibou…"
He pulled away from Yugi and looked him in his lavender eyes.
"I think I...I think, I lov-"
"Wait!" Yugi interrupted, not wanting Atem to make things real just yet.
Atem gave Yugi a confused look and wondered what this issue was. They've always been open with each other, this was no different.
Yugi took a deep breath and decided to tell the truth.
"Atem...I've been with Te'a, for the last year…" He said lowering his gaze, unable to look Atem in the eye.
Atem felt his world crash around him and Yugi's voice fade out and turn into a high pitched hum.
"Aibou...used me?"
Chapter 2 done!
Mish Kida- Right?
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