A week went by and the day of the interview had finally arrived. Mokuba had arranged everything, of course.

The live interview would take place in the back parlor of the Kaiba mansion where there was plenty of old decor and classy furniture. Still unchanged from when Gozaburo had frequent parties and would entertain his corporate cohort.

Kaiba sighed as he looked at his reflection in his en suite bathroom mirror. He looked more refreshed after spending some time alone with Salem over the past week, even if she barely spoke during their time together.

He felt guilty for having to leave Atem in Salem's large estate with Jackson, but the young pharaoh understood that the interview was necessary and the public needed to believe Kaiba and Salem were a stable unit.

He shook his head and clicked his tongue as he continued to stare at his face in the mirror. He noticed that his dark circles had almost disappeared overnight and the fine lines that were beginning to appear on his forehead were gone.

He jolted as Salem walked into the bathroom, her hair a mess. Wild curls going every which way and cascading down her back, her dark hair in contrast against her lacey white nighty. Kaiba gazed at her reflection in the mirror and notice her skin was tighter and her cheeks were tinged a dark pink. He couldn't help himself as he brushed a lock of hair out of her face and cupped her cheek.

He didn't know what he would do without her, but he didn't know where she would fit in his life after Atem fully transitioned into society.

She calmly turned towards him and looked into his eyes, placing her small elegant hands on top of his. She sighed happily and for a moment, she looked to be at peace.

"I wish this was real." She muttered to herself, her walls building themselves back up before Kaiba could get a chance to really see inside of her.

Kaiba scoffed and shook his head,

"What makes you think that this isn't? Hmm?" He said placing his other hand on the side of her face, now holding her head firmly so he could look at her more closely.

"Atem." She said simply, pulling away from Kaiba and beginning to wash her face.

Kaiba sighed and crossed his arms,

"This, whatever it is, relationship transition, is difficult. I know. But, everything I feel for you is real."

"And what do you feel?" She asked, patting her face dry with a nearby towel.

Kaiba cleared his throat and adjusted the white towel that was wrapped around his waist.

Salem leaned against the counter and crossed her arms.

"See? If you did feel the same way I felt about you, I feel like you'd be able to tell me. But I also feel like if you had no feelings at all, I wouldn't be here right now." She thought aloud.

"It's not that I don't."

"Uh huh." Salem said, walking out of the bathroom.

Kaiba followed her and watched her lay out her clothes for the interview. It was hours away but every time he looked at the digital clock on his nightstand, time went by even quicker.

"It's just that...I don't know what to do with those feelings…"

"Wha-"

"On top of the feelings that I have for Atem. I've never at any point thought I'd find love, so to have two real people wanting to be with me in that way is more than I can handle." Kaiba interrupted, feeling incredibly vulnerable.

Salem scoffed and brushed past Kaiba to stand in the bathroom doorway,

"Such a dilemma. Too much to handle for The Great Seto Kaiba…" She said fake swooning against the frame.

Kaiba jumped as she slammed the door and started the shower, leaving him standing by himself in the middle of the large bedroom.

Great.

Atem was sitting in the den, impatiently waiting for the interview to start. He was seated on the floor in front of the tv, Jackson seated on the large couch behind him.

He had a small bowl of popcorn and a sparkling water in front of him. His clothes comfortable and stretchy.

"Is it on yet?" Atem asked impatiently, fumbling around the floor for the remote.

"No. And if you turn the TV up any louder you'll blow out the speakers." Jackson growled, acquiring the remote from behind Atem and turning down the volume.

Atem rolled his eyes and pulled his knees to his chest.

"You don't have to watch this with me. I'd rather you leave, actually." Atem said, not bothering to turn and look at the older gentlemen.

"Lady Sala asked me to look after you and that includes when you want to use the TV. Besides, I want to watch too." Jackson said, crossing his legs and running his hands through his blonde hair.

Atem turned his full body around to look at the bodyguard.

"Why? You don't even like Kaiba." He asked.

Jackson shrugged,

"Of course I don't. Look at what he's doing to a proud woman. If Anansi were here-nevermind." He said, clearing his throat.

"Who's Anansi?" Atem asked, scooting closer. He wondered if this was an ex boyfriend or lover of Salem's before Kaiba stormed into her life.

Jackson sighed and loosened his tie. He guessed it was better if Atem knew the circumstances than to withhold information and have the young king continue his righteous behavior.

He had gotten better with Salem, but Atem's attitude toward Jackson was still as mighty as ever.

"Anansi was Lady Sala's right hand man. I was his number two." Jackson started, wondering if it was really alright to be divulging this information.

"Was? What happened to him?"

"He betrayed Lady Sala. I can't reveal much of exactly what happened but their friendship took a turn as soon as Mr. Kaiba came into her life." Jackson explained.

"A turn?"

"As close as they were, Kaiba was a threat to Lady Sala's work and lifestyle. When he brought his concerns to the Lady's attention, she had him suspended and removed from the premises." Jackson continued.

Atem chuckled and shook his head. He couldn't believe Kaiba had caused Salem so many issues.

"So, then you took over?" Atem asked, leaning back on his hands and crossing his legs.

"Not exactly. That same evening I caught Anansi trying to sneak back on the property. I tried to detain him and he broke my foot. He claimed that there was some sort of threat."

"Let me guess. There wasn't one." Atem said, raising a eyebrow.

Jackson nodded, resting his elbow on the side of the couch.

"Lady Sala heard the squirmish and separated us. I was taken to the hospital and Anansi had convinced her of the bogus threat and had me fired for incompetence. After Anansi's betrayal, which endangered her and Mr. Kaiba, I was reinstated. I told her what had actually happened those months ago and that Anansi was never to be trusted." He finished, pulling on his collar with his free hand.

Atem stared at the tile floor contemplatively. He realized that what Salem had said about not having friends was true.

Which meant that the only person she had that was a friend and not an employee was Kaiba.

How sad.

"It's starting." Jackson said, returning to his cold professional demeanor.

Channel logo scrolls across the screen and a young caucasian woman appears on screen, seated in a gold french gilded armchair.

Voiceover: Coming to you live for the Kaiba mansion, political correspondent Diane Hurst.

Hurst: Good Evening, I'm here with Kaiba Seto, CEO and chairman of Kaiba Corporation and the beautiful Lady Sala Wahab, American Ambassador to Japan and Entrepreneur. Good evening to the two of you.

Kaiba: *nods politely* Good evening.

Salem: *smiles, genuinely relaxed with Kaiba's hand on her thigh* Good Evening, Diane. Good to see you again.

Kaiba is wearing a dark blue Canali three piece suit with a light blue dress shirt and a complimenting maroon tie. Salem is dressed in a dark maroon bodycon turtleneck dress. Her curls perfectly formed and flowing down her shoulders to the middle of her waist.

Hurst: My don't you two look lovely. Ambassador Wahab, what a lovely dress.

Salem: Thank you.

Hurst: I bet Mr. Kaiba had a difficult time keeping his hands to himself while you were waiting for the interview to start.

Kaiba smirks and chuckles, being the best sport. He moves his hand from Salem's thigh to her hand, lacing their fingers together.

Hurst: Now, let's get down to brass tax shall we? The public is slightly shocked at your relationship, Mr. Kaiba.

Kaiba: Oh?

Hurst: Oh, yes. Mr. Kaiba. You've never been one to show the public your private life. Now, you've suddenly gained an internet presence on all of your social media, as well as more followers demanding updates on your relationship.

Kaiba: *smirks* Well, when you've found someone you want to show to the world it's hard to stay quiet.

Hurst: And I bet it's easy to show the world someone as beautiful and intelligent as Ambabassor Wahab. Especially in that dress she seems to have dipped herself into. *hurst laughs at her own joke*

Kaiba looks at Salem who is shifting uncomfortably in her seat. He squeezes her hand and brushes his thumb across her knuckles.

Salem: I didn't realize this was the time for you to practice your stand up routine, Diane. We're very busy and agreed to do this interview out of kindness, not necessity. So we would appreciate it if you didn't waste our time.

An awkward silence blanketed the air as Hurst glared at Salem and Kaiba, now ready to go in for the kill.

Hurst: Of course. Ambassador Wahab-

Salem: Salem is fine.

Hurst: Okay then. Salem, what do you say to the allegations that Kaiba Seto is unfit to lead as governor?

Salem: I would say that those allegations aren't based on the facts.

Hurst: Facts?

Salem: ...Yes.

Hurst: So, Mr. Kaiba not having any prior political experience isn't a fact?

Kaiba: And how did your get your first freelance job with no prior experience?

Hurst: Excuse me?

Kaiba: Surely you had other qualifications that made you a good candidate for the job, even though you didn't have prior experience correct?

Hurst clears her throat and looks down at her note cards, looking to change the subject. Not finding a way to divert, she continues.

Hurst: Well, I can say that while that may be true, I have a degree in journalism. Where is your law, or even political science degree, Mr. Kaiba? Even, Ambassador-

Salem: Salem.

Hurst: Even, Salem has several degrees and qualifications that would make her a better candidate. Even if she wasn't born in Japan.

Kaiba: While Salem's resume is impressive, she hasn't seen what Domino needs. I was born here. As an orphan, I grew up in the system and saw what it was lacking. As the adoptive son of Kaiba Gozaburo, I saw the corruption and greed of weapons trade and war. Yes, all of your degrees sound good in theory, but you know nothing of what this city needs. Not like I do.

Hurst nods slowly and clears her throat again.

Hurst: I can see where you're coming from Mr. Kaiba. But don't you think, with everything going on in America right now, that it may be best to leave politics to the politicians?

Salem: That's different.

Kaiba raises an eyebrow at Salem as he feels her let go of his hand.

Hurst: How so?

Salem: That awful orange Q-tip that people call a businessman is in no way there for the American people. He doesn't want actual change. He wants to pit the disenfranchised against each other so the rich can get even richer.

Hurst: Can you even say that here?

Salem: Of course I can. Free speech is my right as an American citizen and politician. That is exactly why that pumpkin can spread as much hate as he's been spreading. Seto, wants real change for the people of Domino and it shows in his passion and the way he leads his company.

Hurst: Do you think it's a problem that Mr. Tr*mp has gotten so far?

Kaiba: Of course it's a problem. It's not just America's problem if a man like that becomes a world leader.

Salem: Exactly. When a candidate is running for the wrong reasons, it can lead to other issues besides lack of leadership.

Hurst: Like what?

Salem: Well, when a leader doesn't want to lead, they become a tool for those who want to change things. Whether it be good or bad change, I don't think anyone wants a leader who's solely a mouthpiece.

Kaiba furrowed his brow and cleared his throat.

Hurst: A mouthpiece?

Salem: Well, yes. When the powers that be don't pay attention, they end up being controlled like puppets by the people who are really in charge. That's how you end up, and this is an exaggeration, with a totalitarian government. That's how you start war. That's how you lose control.

Kaiba nods silently and takes Salem's hand in his once more.

Hurst: Mr. Kaiba, what do you think of all of this?

Kaiba: I agree, and it's given me even more to think about in terms of what it means to be a leader.

Hurst: My, you two are a powerful team.

Salem: Thank you.

Kaiba: Yes. Thank you.

Hurst: On a lighter topic, you two have been together for how long?

Kaiba: It'll be six months in November.

Salem: Wait, really?

Kaiba playfully nudges Salem and she giggles.

Kaiba: Yes, really.

Hurst: Wow, half a year. I think I hear wedding bells…

Salem: *laughs nervously* Diane, stop.

Kaiba: One step at a time.

Kaiba smirks toward the camera.

Hurst laughs and clears her throat. The camera cuts to a close up of her face.

Hurst: Well that's all we have time for tonight. Thank you to Kaiba Seto and Ambassador Sala Wahab-excuse me, Salem, for having me at the Kaiba mansion this evening. Tune in during the month of October for updates on the Kaiba Mansion Halloween party.

The channel logo scrolls across the screen once more, the credits moving quickly down the screen.

"Turn it off." Atem muttered, standing up and brushing popcorn crumbs off of his clothes.

Jackson complied and also stood,

"Lady Sala and Mr. Kaiba will be here soon." He said, taking the empty bowl from Atem and heading into the kitchen.

Atem was left in the TV room, alone.

He wanted to be shocked that Kaiba and Salem had pulled off looking like a couple but he wasn't.

They were a couple and a powerful one at that.

He wanted to believe that Kaiba was acting but, what he saw was real.

No more denial.

Kaiba was in love with Salem.

Kaiba and Salem were in the back of his company's town car, on their way back to Salem's estate. He was still holding her hand, never wanting to let go.

He sighed and looked out the window, Salem's words from the interview still running though his mind.

He definitely had no intention of becoming the governor of Domino but with the press and publicity, there was a chance he could win.

He thought back to when his board proposed he run. There was no reason for his company to get involved in the world's problems. It was a gaming company, not the war mongering super power his step father had-

Wait.

His board was adamant on selling his Solid Vision technology for purposes other than gaming. If he was distracted, either by a girlfriend or another full time job like being a political leader, there would be no one to stop them from going through with the reproduction and sale of his tech to whomever.

"Those bastards." Kaiba breathed.

"Are you alright, Tanin?"

Kaiba shook his head and squeezed her hand,

"I've just figured something out is all. My board has hell to pay." He growled.

Salem raised her eyebrow and took out her phone.

"Atem has been doing very well in English. I'm sorry he has to wait so long to see his friends." She said changing the subject.

"How is he handling the hormones?" Kaiba asked, not wanting to think about the drama that will ensue at Yugi's wedding.

"Very well. I've decreased the dosage actually. Things were getting strange." She said, showing Kaiba a picture of Atem's shedding locks.

"He's losing his hair?" Kaiba was shocked. What the fuck was Salem putting in those shots.

"No, no not exactly. The color and texture is changing. That's happens when you go through puberty and it seems his on the other side of it now. He's been dealing with pimples, hair growth, and as you know, an insatiable libido."

"I haven't touched him." Kaiba stated.

"Oh I know, Tanin. I've caught him trying to pleasure himself multiple times now." She said, her cheeks blushing a light pink.

Kaiba chuckled and kissed Salem's hand,

"What patience." He said with a smirk.

"You don't understand, Tanin. He's been different. He's become thoughtful and caring toward me. I've had nothing thrown at me, he helps me clean up. I feel...protective of him." She explained, putting her phone back in her white clutch purse.

Kaiba blinked and let go of Salem's hand.

"What are you saying?

"I'm saying that he's an adult now. It feels like I've raised him, he's...family." She sighed.

"And I want him to be happy." She continued.

"You've come far from where you were when he first got here." Kaiba answered, crossing his arms.

"Is that a bad thing? Or are you scared once you and Atem start having sex, him and I will talk about all the weird shit you like in bed." She said with a laugh.

Kaiba rolled his eyes.

"Well, I'm glad you want to stay in his life and mine. Even if you two are going to cause nothing but trouble." He said pulling on the skirt of her dress.

"Tanin, stop you'll rip it." She said putting her hand on top of his.

"Maybe that's what I want to do." He said, his voice low.

The town car came to a halt and Salem rushed out of the car, trying her hardest to out run Kaiba.

He caught up to her and grabbed her waist.

"Why are you running, Goddess?" He purred into her ear, biting and sucking on her ear lobe.

"Tanin, enough. Atem is waiting inside." She said pushing him off and opening the front door.

Kaiba sighed frustratedly as he followed her inside, immediately greeted by Atem.

"Welcome home, Salem. Hi, Kaiba." The ex pharaoh said, giving Salem an innocent hug.

"Did you eat already?" Salem asked, pulling away and tucking a lock of Atem's hair behind his ear.

Atem shook his head no and crossed his arms, smiling at the curly haired politician.

"Let me get changed and I can make something for all of us." She said, leading the two men into the kitchen. She left them downstairs as she walked up the stairs to change.

Kaiba took a seat at the kitchen island and took out his phone, using the silence to answer his emails. He slowed his finger strokes as he felt Atem's gaze boring a hole into the back of his head.

"Why don't you come sit, it's been a week since I've seen you. You look more mature." Kaiba said, watching Atem closely as the prince sat as far away from Kaiba as possible.

"Yes, Salem's amazing. She's a good person." Atem said simply, keeping his gaze lowered.

"Night and day from the drink incident." Kaiba chuckled.

Atem sighed and looked into Kaiba's eyes.

"Do you love me?" Atem asked.

Kaiba blinked and chuckled,

"Of course I do. I was the one who confessed first remember?" He said, putting his phone in his pocket.

"Yes, I remember. I remember how you looked when you told me. Including how you looked when I told you I couldn't return your feelings." Atem said, folding his arms together and putting them on the counter.

Kaiba raised an eyebrow and took off his jacket. He didn't know why Atem was acting so strange.

"It's obvious, you know." Atem said, glaring at the taller male.

"What?"

"That you love her too."

Kaiba sighed and rubbed at his eyelids,

"I don't know that for sure. What I do know is that I love you, Atem." He said.

Atem scoffed and shook his head,

"You're finding every reason to keep her in your life. If you just tell her that you return her feelings-"

"Atem. You're the one I love and she understands that."

"So what happens when I move into the Kaiba mansion and everyone knows about me? What happens to her?" Atem asked, standing up and moving closer to Kaiba.

"That would be up to her. She can choose to stay in our lives or-"

"Or?" Atem looked into Kaiba's eyes desperately. He had found some sort of connection in Salem and he didn't want to be separated from her.

Kaiba cleared his throat as he heard Salem walking down the stairs. He ran his fingers through his hair as Atem glared at him.

Great.

The king was upset with him.

"Is everything okay?" Salem asked, walking into the kitchen and donning a blush pink apron. She tied it carefully over her short black kaftan.

"Yes, actually, I was just asking Kaiba about the Halloween party at the Kaiba mansion. I'm sure you're both expected to be there." Atem said with a smile.

"Right. Mokuba spoke with us about that. I'm sorry Atem, he didn't tell us about it until after it was publicized on purpose." Salem said, taking out a cutting board and placing it on the island.

"No, I think it's good." Atem said, watching Kaiba carefully.

"Really? I feel bad that you're stuck here until New Years eve." Salem said, sticking her head the fridge to retrieve fresh veggies and raw pork chops.

"No, no. I don't want to ruin Kaiba's campaign. Right, Kaiba?" Atem said, running his fingers through his hair, now darker and less spiky.

Kaiba scoffed,

"I've actually decided to withdraw from the race."

"What?!" Atem and Salem yelled simultaneously.

"I have a feeling my board was conspiring against my wishes to keep Solid Vision within the company." He said, standing up and grabbing a knife from the block behind Salem. He began to help her chop the zucchini.

"I don't understand." Atem said, confused.

"Tanin...That's a serious accusation." Salem said, not exactly knowing where he would have heard this information.

"Think about it, Salem. Mokuba pushed me to find a partner, why? Because the board was talking about me in secret. He somehow finds your facebook out of everyone and you just happen to be my age and type? I was pushed to rush our relationship. Little did they know that you and I would actually bond and connect…" He trailed off, realizing what Atem was talking about.

Shit.

What was going to happen after Yugi's wedding? He doubted that Salem would leave her responsibilities behind to live at the Kaiba mansion with him and Atem.

"Tanin…"

"Not to mention your technology, which they of course know nothing about. Except maybe Mokuba. Don't you see? The members of the board want my company to go back to its old ways. And I refuse to live in the past." Kaiba said, punctuating his sentence with a hard chop.

"Pfft. Is that why you had Salem bring me back from the dead? Because you're so great at moving on?" Atem said, rolling his eyes.

Salem sighed and took out a skillet.

"Atem, please don't start. It's been a long four months." Salem said with a laugh.

Atem laughed and nudged Salem playfully.

Kaiba narrowed his eyes.

What the hell?

"I didn't realize you two had gotten so close…" Kaiba said, a hint a jealousy in his voice.

"Well, I do live in her home, Kaiba. You said it yourself. I had to fix my behavior, and I did. It's not my fault that you can't decide how you feel about her after everything she's done for you."

Salem slammed the pan down and sighed,

"That's enough. I'm done talking about this for the rest of the evening. Tanin, you know how to cook, you make dinner." She said, pulling off her apron and running upstairs.

Atem jumped when he heard her bedroom door slam. He glared at Kaiba and crossed his arms.

"Way to go, lover boy." Atem spat.

"Shut up."

Don't mean to throw you all for a loop by actually posting early. I put this in my last chapter of Highlight Of My Life, but I'm searching for an artist to draw my OC Salem. You can DM me on tumblr, AO3, , or discord and we can discuss your rate and any other things needed.

I will not make you draw for free.

Hopefully I can find someone soon so I can have a full body drawing of Salem for this story!