Kaiba grumpily waited at his dinner table. He hated dinner meetings but this one would help him acquire what he desired.

Atem.

By any means necessary.

If he had to manipulate Atem's internet co star, then he would do that.

He checked his watch impatiently and tapped his foot.

The waitress came by his table and refilled his wine. She eyed the opposite chair and left with a scoff.

Kaiba furrowed his brow.

How annoying.

This woman was making him look bad.

Seto Kaiba, alone at one of Japan's most popular and expensive restaurants.

He looked up from his watch and his heart stopped as a beautiful woman in a tight white dress approached his table.

Shit.

She's actually good looking in person.

He stood up to shake her hand and she smiled.

"Ah, Mr. Kaiba! Ana asfa, I'm sorry. Arabs are always late! It's genetic! What are you doing? Put that away!" Salem said denying his outstretched hand and pulling him down to give him two alternating kisses on his cheeks.

He blinked at her and pulled away, trying to remain polite.

"Don't fucking kiss me again." He thought.

He cleared his throat and straightened his tie.

This was going to be easier than he thought. She seemed rather dense and flighty, getting the keys to her apartment won't be much of a challenge.

He brought his attention back to Salem and put on his best smile.

"Shall we start?" He said, sitting down in his chair.

Kaiba realized why Atem chose her as a friend, as she gracefully sat across from him.

He looked over her features and felt his chest tighten with a mix of anger and resentment.

Kaiba gazed at her caramel skin and her high cheekbones. His raked his eyes over her full chest and her taut waist.

Hmpf.

It made sense. If you were going to have to co star with someone, they might as well be pleasant to look at.

Salem looked up from her lap after laying her napkin down, and caught Kaiba's gaze. She had to repress a scoff.

Ugh.

She waved the waitress over to make sure her wine glass was filled.

The waitress glared at her and Salem smiled and whispered,

"Fix your face, or I'll fix it for you."

The waitress gulped and scurried away, but not before apologizing.

Kaiba's eyes widened.

Wow. She doesn't pull any punches.

A force to be reckoned with.

He would have to be more delicate than anticipated.

"Now, Mr. Kaiba. What has your interested in my business ventures? I took this meeting because I need more pull in Japan before I can start my cosmetics line with Atem. But, I never thought that a gaming mogul would-"

"Ms. Wolf. Think of my being involved as a vested interest in the future of you and, Atem was it? Your partnership…" He interrupted.

Salem took a sip of her wine and cleared her throat.

"Do you know Atem by chance? I buzzed Yugi Mutou, King of Games, into my apartment this evening. I can only think that if they're close, you must know Atem somehow, mish kida?" She said, swirling the red liquid in it's glass.

Kaiba clenched his jaw and forced a smile.

Fuck.

She's sharper than he thought. There were pictures of him and Yugi everywhere. But this woman didn't seem like she actually followed the dueling circuit.

"I must have met him in passing, he does seem familiar." Kaiba lied.

Salem leaned back in her chair and breathed out calmly, a smirk crossing her lips.

"You know, Mr. Kaiba, Maximillion Pegasus has already approved my idea for the Duel Monsters Eye Shadow Palette. He's very excited. I'm just confused on why you'd want to be involved? I can only assume you maybe...have a crush on Atem? A lot of fans do, there's no need to be ashamed."

She knew it was a wild accusation but something about Kaiba's urgency for the meeting made no sense. They had literally just announced their partnership. The sudden interest is jarring.

Kaiba smirked back

He could work with this.

He gave his best coy smile and held his wine glass to his lips.

"Ah, Ms. Wolf, it looks like you caught me. I would love to help this product flourish and with Kaiba Corp's marketing, along with your warehouses, this could be the new start that you and Atem didn't know you needed."

Yeah. A new start.

With Atem.

In the Kaiba mansion where he belongs.

Salem studied Kaiba's face carefully. She knew that having Kaiba Corp market the product would boost sales better than solo marketing would but, there was something in Kaiba's eyes that made her uneasy.

She knew she couldn't trust this man.

Salem wanted to get Atem's opinion on what would be the best course of action. She already felt awful taking a meeting without him being present.

"Mr. Kaiba, you know that Atem is my partner yet you haven't asked why he isn't at this meeting. Doesn't it strike you as odd that only half the "company" showed up? Isn't that a red flag?" She asked feeling as if Kaiba's relation to Atem was more than a passing hello.

Kaiba smirked sensually and sipped his wine.

Time to go in for the kill.

"Well, Ms. Wolf, I may have a bit of a crush on Atem, but I know a savvy business woman when I see one. I just had to get you alone. It must be hard, being the one in the partnership that handles all of the planning and organization." Kaiba said, leaning forward slightly.

Salem's eyes lowered and she put her slender hands on the table, overlapping one hand over the other.

It was true. Atem wasn't so great at deadlines and scheduling. Salem found herself pulling his weight when it came to the "unfun" side of their videos.

Nevertheless, Salem saw the value in Atem and decided they should continue as partners.

"Atem has great ideas, he just needs help with execution. Once things get started, he'll be more of-"

"Of what, Ms. Wolf? Let me ask you this, when he asks you for help, does he ask you directly or does it seem like it's your idea?" Kaiba asked, knowing that somewhere in his relationship with Atem, he taught the ex pharaoh how to get the things he wants without seeming desperate.

Salem swallowed the lump in her throat as she remembered earlier that morning when she "offered" Atem a room. .

She wanted to be a good friend and it seemed like the right thing to do. Even though she knew he could afford to live on his own, it wasn't like Atem to actually want to spend his own money.

Oh no.

Was Atem using her?

No there's no way.

Maybe Atem just isn't aware of his behavior?

"Ms. Wolf?" Kaiba asked, knowing he had just gotten Salem on his side.

Salem looked up at Kaiba with watering eyes and cleared her throat.

"Atem is my partner, Mr. Kaiba. I made a promise and I'm going to keep it. I would never shove him out of a deal just because he's a little, what's the word-"

"Lazy? The word is lazy, Ms. Wolf. And I never said to shove him out, no, no. It's just hard for me to see such a strong woman do so much to help a friend. Especially when he probably wouldn't do the same for you." Kaiba said, finishing his wine.

The dinner was taking longer than expected but he was getting close to breaking her. She was strong yes, but even someone like Salem had a weak spot.

Hers just happened to be Atem.

Kaiba was glad she was at least somewhat intelligent. He didn't feel as bad doing things like this if the woman was smart.

Salem blinked back her tears and straightened her posture.

"You don't know Atem...He's-"

Salem froze when she felt Kaiba's warm hand on hers. He ran his thumb across her knuckles, the contact making her eye twitch with disgust.

Kaiba smirked at her and gave her hand a light squeeze.

"When was the last time someone...took care of you?" He asked sensually, locking his eyes to hers.

Salem swallowed thickly and tried to speak. She felt her chest tighten with rage.

Gross.

She clenched her jaw as Kaiba stroked her skin with his thumb again.

"Ms. Wolf…" Kaiba whispered.

Salem blinked at him, unsure what to do. She had never been in a situation like this before and didn't like where it was going.

She needed to get out.

Kaiba saw Salem's cheeks turn a shade of red and rejoiced internally. He was winning.

Women were so easy to seduce, it was almost sad.

He even almost felt bad.

Almost.

He ran his other hand through his soft brown hair and licked his lips.

"How about we continue this conversation, at your place…" He whispered with a devilish smile.

Kaiba felt Salem pry her hand away and reach for her wine glass. She took a clumsy sip and dramatically spilled the dark red liquid all over her white dress.

"Ohh...Oh, no! My dress! Ugh how embarrassing, mish kida? I, ugh, you know Mr. Kaiba, I'm actually just going to go home, by myself, because, ah it's everywhere. And I just need to go home, alone, because I- I just need to go…" She stuttered standing up, making sure to take her clutch off the table.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed into a glare before he slammed money on the table and stood up.

"Oh no, you aren't getting away that easy."

He realized she spilled the wine on herself on purpose. She wanted to attract unwanted attention so the people around them would see her leaving, without him.

"Please Ms. Wolf, Let me escort you to your car." Kaiba said, following her out of the restaurant.

Kaiba wasn't about to let her leave without getting that key fob from her.

He needed access to Atem.

He needed to put everything in the natural order.

Atem belong to him.

This was proving to be more difficult than he thought.

"Mr. Kaiba, I'm perfectly fine getting to my car, alone." She said once they were far enough away from the restaurant.

Salem was walking as fast as she could to her car. She knew that Kaiba would be able to keep up but, if she stopped she knew that he would be able to over power her.

She wasn't sure if he had malintent, but she wasn't going to stick around to find out.

She didn't know why but she felt like Kaiba wanted more from her than just a "good time". This approach felt desperate. Even a little sad since he had just confessed to having a crush on Atem.

Wait.

Salem stopped in her tracks and felt Kaiba's hand on her shoulder.

"Ms. Wolf are sure you're alright?" Kaiba asked, wanting this silly game of playing hard to get to be over.

Salem turned to look at Kaiba and smiled. She realized that Atem never expressly told her who his crazy "ex" was, and if Yugi Mutou is his long time friend, then he absolutely has a connection to Seto Kaiba in some way.

She knew it was a stretch that the man that Atem was in a physical relationship with was Seto Kaiba, but it would make sense on why the gaming mogul was suddenly so interested in the cosmetics industry.

"Yes, Mr. Kaiba, I'm fine. Ana asfa, I'm sorry. I just got a little nervous. I would love to spend the evening with you. Unfortunately, Atem has a date and I promised him that-"

Kaiba's heart stopped.

A date?

With who?

He blinked and regained his composure.

"Oh? A date." Kaiba said flatly.

Salem smiled and saw a hint of jealousy in Kaiba's eyes. Ha. Gotcha.

"Yes, Mr. Kaiba, remember earlier I said that I buzzed Yugi Mutou into my apartment? Him and Atem have a date tonight and I'm afraid having you over would interrupt. You see, Atem just got a new mattress and, well, you're an adult, I'm sure I don't need to explain…" She trailed of when she saw Kaiba retreat into his own mind, obviously trying to think of a different tactic.

This confirms it.

Seto Kaiba is Atem's ex.

It made sense that Kaiba could find Atem where ever he is, and that he could-

Wait. Is Kaiba the reason for the bruise on Atem's neck?!

Salem would have to pretend the deal is still on to weigh her options, but there's no way she was going to accept marketing from Atem's attacker.

Kaiba's plan was just crushed by the news of Yugi and Atem's date. He just spoke to Yugi earlier today, and he was sure he jumbled the poor King of Games' mind. Plus, wasn't he still dating the friendship bitch?

He had gotten into Yugi's head so he wouldn't trust Atem, yet now he's there on a date?

Salem cleared her throat and pressed a button on her car keys. The lights of her white luxury car flashed and she began walking towards it, Kaiba still following her close behind.

Persistent much?

Kaiba followed Salem to her car, unsure of what to do next. He could take her to the Kaiba mansion, but if her keys go missing for even a second she'd know that something was off.

Shit.

This woman wasn't so easy to manipulate.

"Well Mr. Kaiba, I'm sorry for ruining our dinner but the meeting proved to be quite helpful. I'll think over what we discussed. I'm sure Pegasus will be excited to have you as a part of this project. Especially since Atem will be nowhere near the business side of things, we might actually even get work done! You were right when you said I take care of all the planning but it's better this way." She said, gracefully sitting in the driver's seat.

Kaiba stood by her car door shocked. Somehow she now holds all the cards.

It's official. This woman was worse than him.

She was the only thing standing in Kaiba's way and he could just get rid of her without anyone noticing.

Shit.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you." She said, slamming her door and starting the car.

She peeled away triumphantly, not caring about having ruined her favorite dress. Her friendship with Atem was intact and her quick thinking saved her from who could have been a dangerous man.

Kaiba was left standing in the dark, his mouth gaping open.

Did he just lose in a battle of wits with a woman who willingly embarrassed herself in public?

"What the fuck just happened?"

Atem was hurriedly putting his clothes on while Yugi pleaded for his attention. He couldn't believe what him and his aibou had just done, and to friend no less!

"Atem, please! I don't know why I did this. Te'a's just been so distant and things got harder after you left. Please, please forgive me." Yugi keened, following Atem downstairs and into the living room.

Atem started to clean up the overly romantic set up on the coffee table. He realized his mistake in doing all of this.

It gave his aibou the wrong idea. Salem had always joked about Atem's sex life, but she wasn't joking about the way Atem was setting up for a seemingly innocent visit.

He took the still full wine glasses off the table and poured them into the kitchen sink.

Yugi watched with tear filled eyes as Atem cleared the food off the table. He didn't know how to make something like this right.

He would have never thought to cheat on Te'a last year, and he definitely wouldn't have thought to have sex with the pharaoh.

Maybe that was just the issue. He wasn't thinking. He saw the amount of effort Atem put into the evening and it made Yugi feel appreciated. Now Atem was throwing all of that away because Yugi didn't think to stop himself from doing something horrible.

Yugi heard Atem sit on one of the couches and sigh in frustration. He looked up at Yugi with watering eyes and said,

"I don't even know who you are anymore."

Yugi's heart fell into his stomach, causing him to fall back onto the opposite chair. He put his face in his hands and started to sob uncontrollably.

He was so upset with the pharaoh for keeping secrets, he didn't take the time to look at himself.

He had become so numb to everything going on around him, he just needed to feel something.

That something just so happened to be Atem.

Atem sniffed and rubbed at his neck. He knew he wasn't any better for keeping his past a secret, but he wanted to move forward. He couldn't do that if Yugi was involving him in things like adultery.

Yugi tried to control his breathing before trying to speak again. He wanted to make things right.

"Atem, please. How do I fix this? I just want everything go back to the way it was. I've been so sad lately, and running game shop doesn't help...Please. What do you want me to do?" Yugi said through choking sobs.

Atem looked at his partner with sad eyes. His leaving affected more people than he thought. It wasn't just Kaiba and Mokuba who had changed.

But why was it his job?

Why did it solely rest on Atem's shoulders to make sure everyone was happy?

He didn't like seeing Yugi cry, and even he had a feeling that Yugi wasn't exactly single. So, he guessed he was just as complicit in this affair as Yugi was.

"Yugi. I want you to call Te'a and tell her what happened." Atem said steadily.

Yugi breathed in and out deeply and nodded. He knew it was the right thing to do.

"You may stay the night but in a separate room. It's late and I don't want you walking home alone." Atem continued.

He loved his partner and even though what they just did was very wrong, he knew it came from a real place. But right now, they needed to stay away from each other.

"Also, when you call Te'a, I would like to speak with her as well. So I can apologize." Atem finished.

Yugi stared at Atem and wordlessly pulled out his phone. His heart was beating loudly in his ears..

He pressed dial on Te'a's number, hoping that she wouldn't pick up. Yugi had no idea what time it was in New York right now, he hoped Te'a would be in class.

Atem pressed the speaker phone button and the ringing sounded loudly throughout the apartment.

It rang a few more times before they both heard a click.

"Hello?"

Yugi gulped and quickly found his words.

"Te'a, Hi, I'm sorry for the random call." Yugi said, trying to make sure his voice wasn't shaking.

"Haha, it's alright, Yugi. Hey! Joey actually told me that Atem is back!"

"Yeah, he's um, right here actually."

"Hello, Te'a." Atem said flatly. He wanted to get this over with.

"Atem! Oh my God! It's so good to hear your voice! I mean, your voice live and not on a video! You're practically famous!"

"Yeah." Atem replied, nudging Yugi to confess.

"Hey Te'a, I actually called because, well, um…"

"What is it, Yugi? You know you can tell me anything?"

Yugi's heart broke. He was going to lose Te'a's trust forever, but she deserved to know.

"Well...I was...Unfaithful to you…" He said slowly.

There was silence on the other line. Yugi and Atem heard fumbling and then a door open and close.

"Could you repeat that? It sounded like you said you were unfaithful?"

Yugi was shaking. He may never see Te'a again because of this.

"Yes. That's what I said. You don't deserve that and-"

"Well, of course I don't deserve to get cheated on, no one does. Why would you, how could you, I just don't understand Yugi this isn't like you at all."

Atem heard Te'a's voice start to shake and he sighed. This was hard to listen to.

"Wait, why are you telling me this in front of Atem?"

"I believe I can provide some insight on that Te'a. You see, I was the one Yugi cheated with." Atem said emotionlessly. He didn't exactly know how to lessen the blow of a confession like that.

There was silence again.

"Te'a?" Yugi asked, bracing himself for what was to come.

"Atem, I trusted you. And so did Yugi. What, you leave and then come back only to take advantage of the one person who's been there for you?"

Atem blinked and felt his chest bubble with rage.

"I didn't take advantage of Yugi. How dare you-"

"Haha. How dare I? Atem, Yugi has been dealing with depression since the day you moved out of the game shop. Then you leave Domino for six months? What, were you and Kaiba too busy having sex all over the Kaiba mansion to realize that the friends you left behind needed your help?"

Atem froze.

How did she know?

Yugi stared at Atem, waiting and hoping that what Te'a said wasn't true.

"Atem? What is she talking about?"

"Yugi, your my friend first and I love you. As your girlfriend, well ex girlfriend now, you should know that Atem and Kaiba were "together" during Atem's stay at the Kaiba Mansion. Did he not tell you?"

Atem kept his gaze lowered. He wanted to be the one to tell Yugi about what happened,

"We weren't together. Kaiba made that very clear." Atem said firmly.

Yugi raised his eyebrow at Atem. He sighed and sniffed, feeling more tears coming.

Atem did have sex with Kaiba.

More than once.

"Is that why you left?" Yugi asked quietly.

Atem nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. This phone call was backfiring on him terribly.

Yugi knew it. He knew it was Kaiba that drove Atem away.

"Wait, guys. So, Atem, Kaiba had you move in with him and then you guys were what?"

"According to Kaiba we were nothing. There was no us." Atem said feeling the pain from that day return.

"So he used you? Typical."

Yugi couldn't help but laugh. Kaiba tried to make Yugi believe that Atem was the one who ended things.

"Kaiba was at the game shop today. He said that Atem left because he didn't get his way."

Atem scoffed and rolled his eyes. Of course Kaiba tried to get his aibou against him.

"Get his way? Atem what does that mean? It seems like Kaiba got into Yugi's head to tried and hurt us all. I guess it worked…"

"I wanted a relationship, he wanted a toy. I left because I will not be owned by anyone." Atem said, his royal past showing in his speech.

Yugi understood why Atem didn't tell anyone. It can't feel good to think one thing and then find out another.

Especially when Atem wasted a year of his life with that awful man.

"Kaiba also said Atem took money from him, is that true?" Yugi asked half talking to Te'a and half talking to Atem.

"What?! Atem you didn't!"

"He opened a bank account in my name and deposited money in there. It was all I could think to use, to get out of the Kaiba mansion."

"Atem, you took the bait. I think since you have more of a following now, you should give the amount he put in your account back to him, it's only right."

"How much did he "give" you anyway?" Yugi asked, wondering how much of a hit Atem would have to take.

It must have been a lot of Atem didn't have to get an hourly job.

Atem thought to himself and cleared his throat.

"...a little over 1 million yen…" he whispered.

He'd never said it out loud before. He was an idiot for taking that money and he should have went back to the game shop when he had the chance.

"Atem! No wonder Kaiba is pissed! You need give that money back!"

"Atem what the hell! How are you going to pay that back?" Yugi practically yelled.

Atem stayed silent. He had savings but not enough to pay it in a lump sum. The beauty guru money isn't consistent enough for him to schedule payments.

At least not until the cosmetics line launches and who knows when that would be.

He would have to get a job and settle things with Kaiba.

"I'll apply for esthetician positions downtown. It can't be that hard to find a job. I won't apologize to Kaiba until he apologizes to me for breaking into my old apartment and assaulting me." Atem explained.

Yugi gasped and started to search Atem for marks.

"He assaulted you!?"

Atem showed Yugi his neck and sighed.

"He found out I was back and tracked me down. He was angry about the money, me leaving, and the fact that I went to see Yugi first."

"Atem, your neck…" Yugi said finally finding the bruise.

"It sounds like you two have been through a lot in the past two days. Listen, I don't like the fact that you both betrayed me but the Kaiba brothers have turned all of us into people we hate."

Atem and Yugi looked at each other and smiled sadly. It was true.

Atem would have never taken taken that money if Kaiba hadn't brainwashed him into thinking money was all that mattered.

Yugi had forgotten how to be forgiving and kind. After everything he had been through, running the game was ended up being hardened him.

And he had made it everyone else's problem.

"I think I owe Mokuba an apology." Yugi said, knowing it wasn't going to be easy.

"What happened between you two?" Atem asked, hoping it wasn't too serious.

"More like what happened between Joey and Mokuba."

Yugi sighed and ran his fingers through his spiky hair.

"Mokuba let slip that he had a crush on Joey. I set them up on a date to help Mokuba out. Things apparently got hot and heavy and Kaiba saw them." Yugi started.

Atem's eyes widened. He didn't know Joey liked men. He was sure Joey had a thing for Mai all this time.

"What did Kaiba do?" Atem asked, surprised Joey wasn't in prison.

"Well, he of course reacted like Kaiba would. Yelled and called Joey a predator-"

"Even though it was Mokuba who threw himself at Joey." Yugi added.

"Yeah and he lied to Kaiba and said something like "they were just hanging out but then one thing led to another"."

"He neglected to tell his brother that it was a date. So, Kaiba had Joey thrown out of the Kaiba mansion and banned him from all Kaiba Corp sponsored tournaments." Yugi finished.

Atem was shocked. How could Mokuba do such a thing?

He was still confused.

"Why didn't Mokuba just say it was a date? There was no reason to lie." Atem asked, scratching his head.

"Well, imagine being Mokuba's age trying to explain to Kaiba that he's more than sexually active…"

"That still isn't a reason Te'a." Yugi said getting heated.

They've had this conversation billions of times and it doesn't excuse Mokuba almost ruining Joeys dueling career.

Luckily when Mokuba finally came clean, Kaiba apologized to Joey and waived his entrance fee for life.

But that still didn't make up for what happened.

"Oh and what's your reason for cheating on me?"

Yugi immediately fell silent. It was true. He was no better.

"Te'a, I apologize. For all of this. You too, Yugi. Really I am sorry." Atem said, feeling like all of these problems started because of his decision to leave his friends behind.

He had forgotten who he was and he needed to move forward like he had intended. But this time, he needed to include is friends.

He needed to get a job, besides the videos, and pay Kaiba back.

Ugh.

"Listen guys, I have to go. Yugi, you and I need to talk. It was supposed to be a surprise, but my parents were able to help me out with a ticket to Domino…"

Yugi's eyes widened. He had really messed things up. If he had just waited, him and Te'a could have resolved their issues.

"Can I text you tomorrow?" Yugi asked sadly. Te'a had been nothing but good to him and he betrayed her.

"Like I said Yugi, you're my friend and I love you. Text me whenever you want. Bye. Bye, Atem."

With that, the line clicked. Yugi sighed and hung up. He turned to Atem who looked equally upset with himself.

"Hey, Atem?"

"Mmm?"

"I'm going to sleep in my own bed tonight. I'll text you when I make it in." Yugi said, standing up and heading towards the elevators.

Atem ran after Yugi and walked with him into the private lobby. As they waited for the elevator, Atem spoke.

"Aibou?"

"Yes, Pharaoh?"

"Regardless of everything, I enjoyed it." Atem said, his cheeks flushing ever so slightly.

Yugi raised an eyebrow and studied Atem's face carefully. He looked ashamed but hopeful.

"Enjoyed what exactly?" Yugi asked, knowing exactly how Atem was feeling. He felt something more than friendship or lust for Atem, but he needed to sort out his relationship with Te'a first.

He owed her that much.

Atem crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his gaze. He breathed in through his nose and let out quickly.

"Being with you, in that way. I can understand why you couldn't control yourself, I wasn't responsible either."

Yugi sighed and stared at the bruise on Atem's neck.

"I think we both have some things to work out separately before we think about...us." Yugi said, imagining what happened between Kaiba and Atem for Kaiba to get so physical with him.

Atem nodded and the elevator pinged. It opened to reveal a very frazzled Salem. Her dressed stained and her mascara smudged.

"Holy shit." Yugi and Atem said in unison.

Salem smiled at the ex twins and nodded at Yugi.

"Good evening." She said, ignoring their concern and walking into the apartment.

Yugi gave Atem a concerned look and got in the elevator.

"You should see what happened. She looks like she's been stabbed." Yugi said with a small laugh.

Atem smiled and waved to Yugi.

"Goodnight, Aibou. Let me know when you've made it safe." He said as the elevator doors closed.

Atem sighed as he went back into the apartment and went to his room. Sorting things out with Kaiba was going to be easier said than done.