L' Appel Du Vide

by QueenBEWD

"Call of the Void" Years after getting his love spurned by Atem, Seto Kaiba (at his now, adult younger brother's request) aims to find a new companion. This new person of interest however has the technology to travel the multiverse. Upon realizing that there are infinite versions of Atem, Kaiba embarks on a journey to find the love that he's been denied. KaibaxAtem/OC, MokubaxOC

17. New Beginning, Difficult Endings

Atem groaned as he heard a knock at his door.

"Master Anknankhanen." Isono grumbled from behind the door.

Atem rolled over onto his back in the too large bed. He had lived at the Kaiba mansion for the last week and he had hated every minute of it.

If he had known that Kaiba would be too busy to even eat dinner with him and that Isono didn't approve of their same sex relationship, he would have stayed with Salem.

But, he promised himself that he would try and make his relationship with Kaiba work.

"What, Isono?" He growled, hating that the aging Chief of Security has promptly woken him up at 6am every morning.

"Breakfast is downstairs. If you aren't in the kitchen by 6:30am your food will be thrown out." Isono stated.

That was the other issue.

The Kaiba mansion wasted so much electricity and food. There was no recycling, compost, or even energy conserving light bulbs.

So wasteful.

"Fine, I'm coming! Osirius save me…" Atem spat, crawling out of bed and changing his clothes.

He heard Isono leave the door and sighed.

He didn't want to seem like he didn't appreciate everything Kaiba had done for him to make him feel at home. But, he had never felt so out of place.

He slipped on a pair of Gucci track pants and a black tank top. He put on the matching jacket and slid his feet into a pair of house slippers.

He looked at himself in the full body mirror in his walk in closet,

"This isn't me…" He said to himself, missing the airy tunics and two piece kaftans that he had left at Salem's manor.

He had left in such a hurry, he didn't get a chance to pack his clothes.

He heard his phone buzz on his nightstand. He walked over to it and pocketed it without looking at who was trying to message him.

After all, it could only be one of two people, and Kaiba doesn't text Atem now that he lives at the Kaiba mansion.

Atem walked out of his bedroom and down the grand staircase to the extravagant kitchen.

A lonely plate of eggs and bacon sat on the kitchen island and there was no one to be found.

He would be eating breakfast alone. Again.

He sat down and diligently ate his breakfast.

Cold.

The food was ice cold.

He finished his food, feeling just as empty as he did breakfast. He took out his phone to check his messages and smiled when he saw a text from Salem.

Angel: Sabah Alkhyr, Atem. I hope you have a better day than yesterday.

…

….

Atem: Sabah alnoor, my angel (did I get the response right?). And my day is already off to an awful start. Isono threatened to throw my breakfast away. Did you have this much trouble with him whenever you came over or stayed the night?

…

…..

Angel: No, he was very nice to me. Overly respectful I might say. I think he just wants Seto to make a different choice.

..

…

Atem: He wanted you for Kaiba, I know that. After all, I can't produce an heir. We can't even legally get married.

…

….

Angel: I'm sure he'll come around once he sees that you're better for Seto. Him and I "make more sense" but our relationship was toxic. Until him and I can figure out how to not be so awful to each other, we shouldn't see each other, mish kida?

…

….

Atem: Make more sense? Because you have the organs necessary to bear a child and I don't?

..

…

Angel: Atem, I'm a genius. I can literally make you guys a baby without getting pregnant with both of your DNA.

..

…

Atem: No. I don't want a science experiment.

..

…..

Angel: But you do want children with Seto?

..

….

….

..

Atem: I don't know. Maybe...

..

Atem: I have to go, Angel. I'll talk to you as soon as I can.

..

Angel: Have patience, Atem. Take care.

Atem sighed as he pocketed his phone, taking his dirty plate to the sink and rinsing it off.

"That isn't necessary, Master Aknankhanen." Isono said from behind him, causing Atem to jump in surprise.

Atem spun around and put his hand on his chest,

"Isono, you startled me. And I don't mind. I just wanted to feel useful…" He said as Isono shooed him out of the kitchen.

"Go to Master Kaiba's study. You'll be beta testing a very special game today." Isono ordered, washing the dish that Atem left in the sink.

Atem sighed and walked up the grand staircase and through the second level of the mansion. He turned right down the long hallway and opened the last door on the left, striding into the overly decorated office.

He sat at Kaiba's desk and opened his Kaiba Corp issued laptop. He entered the password and clicked on the shared folder.

In the folder was a file titled "Spherium". He clicked on the file and gasped at the loading screen.

Sperium

Created by Yugi Mutou

Atem's eyes watered as he worked his way through the new Duel Monsters platform prototype.

It was beautiful.

It was just bare bones but it was the closest he felt to his Aibou ever since he was brought back to the world of the living.

After he finished the demo, he sent Kaiba a text with his notes. He knew what Yugi would be hoping to improve so he hoped his specific notes would push the game into the right direction.

Kaiba tried to hide his yawn as he half listened to his PR representative talk about the next steps now that him and Salem were now publicly broken up.

He had no idea how to answer the questions.

"Was it mutual?"

"Are you still friends?"

"Did you love each other?"

"Was the break up due to schedule conflicts?"

Kaiba kept his gaze out the large window of the conference room. He realized dealing with the menial public image nonsense was something Mokuba had protected him from.

"Mr. Kaiba? Mr. Kaiba, please. I hate to be forward but this is important and we need you to pay attention." The PR rep pleaded.

Kaiba rolled his eyes,

"I'm not at a point to where I can answer those questions. All I can say is that she deserves better than me." He said honestly.

"That's very sweet, Mr. Kaiba, but I can't give that to the press. All of your American investors have left the U.S. branch in shambles all because of your break up. Luckily there was a last minute buyer but if we don't get the press under control the company could be in huge trouble." The rep explained, pushing his tablet toward the CEO.

Kaiba slid the tablet back toward the middle of the long able,

"I don't need to see what people are saying. I already know and they're right. I'm awful. Everything about me is poison and instead of trying to find a way around this bump, we need find a way through." He said standing up and buttoning his blue suit jacket.

"Sir, please."

Kaiba ignored his pleading PR representative and walked out of the conference room. While he waited in the elevator, he checked his messages.

Hm.

Notes from Atem.

He composed a message to Yugi, giving the lavender eyed game creator the same notes via email. He opened the conversation between him and Atem and replied to the text,

Seto Kaiba: Thank you for your notes, pharaoh. How are you feeling this morning?

..

….

Pharaoh: How come we don't sleep in the same bed?

Whoa..

What the hell?

Seto Kaiba: Okay.. Coming on a bit strong there huh, Pharaoh?

..

…

Pharaoh: I mean it. You asked me to move in immediately and I've been here for almost a week. We leave for Yugi's wedding tomorrow morning and I've barely seen you. I was hoping I'd at least see you at night but I don't. We sleep in two different rooms. Why?

..

…

..

…..

..

.

Seto Kaiba: I want you to feel comfortable. We've barely kissed. I don't want you to feel pressured by us sharing a bed so early.

..

….

Pharaoh: That's very gentlemanly of you, Kaiba. But, I wanted to come back for a reason.

..

…

Seto Kaiba: Atem. I have to get back to work. We'll talk when I get home.

Kaiba pocketed his phone as he sat at his desk chair.

He sighed and opened his laptop, distracting himself with reports. He became lost in his work until he heard a soft but firm knock at his office door.

"Come in." Kaiba said, not caring about who was at the door. It wasn't like he was going to pay attention anyway.

The door opened to reveal an excited Yugi Mutou.

Kaiba groaned internally, unprepared to speak with Atem's ex twin.

"Kaiba-kun. We need to talk." Yugi said, closing the door and walking over to the white chairs across from Kaiba's desk.

"You should be working on the game. Did you receive my email? It included the beta tester's notes." Kaiba scolded as Yugi sat down.

Yugi nodded,

"Yeah those notes are really going to push this game to the next level. Excuse the pun."

Kaiba rolled his eyes,

"Awful."

"In any case, Kaiba-kun. Those notes were very specific. It was almost as if I had written them myself. Can I have the name of the gamer who beta tested the first prototype of my game?" Yugi asked sweetly.

"You know I can't do that, Yugi. If a beta tester wants to stay anonymous, I have to honor that." Kaiba explained dryly, continuing to work on his laptop.

Yugi groaned in frustration,

"You don't understand, Kaiba-kun. I need to meet this person. I've had a void in my heart ever since Atem left and after reading these notes you OBVIOUSLY copied and pasted, it feels a little less empty. What do I have to do?" He pleaded.

Kaiba inhaled deeply and paused his fervent typing. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms,

"I'll tell you who it is at your wedding along with the surprise I have planned. I just need another plus one." He negotiated.

"You want to bring two guests to my wedding?"

"The only reason you could afford your wedding was because I decided your game was good enough for my company. I need another invite, and I'll introduce you. Trust me." Kaiba said.

Yugi scoffed,

"I really hate to say this, Kaiba-kun. But based on your track record, why should I?"

"Fine then. Don't. You'll never know who supplied those notes then." Kaiba said returning to his work.

"Ugh fine! You told me that even though you and Salem broke up she's still coming. Just keep her and your extra guest away from Te'a and we won't have a problem." Yugi said standing up.

"You've never explained to me why Te'a hates Salem so much." Kaiba said, realizing that even at the Halloween party, Salem latched onto him and steered clear of anyone else.

"She would have been better off if she wasn't so worried about me being so drunk…"

Yugi sighed,

"She just… Doesn't seem like a very good person. I know we have no basis for feeling that way but all of us do."

"All of you?" Kaiba raised an eyebrow.

"Me, Te'a, Joey, everyone. That dinner didn't do her any favors...you two were violently high and everyone could tell." Yugi explained.

Oh.

Kaiba didn't know that it was obvious that he was high on weed chocolate, but he wasn't exactly surprised.

"Salem's a good person, Yugi. Our break up wasn't her fault. It was mine. She was the…" Kaiba trailed off.

"Say it."

Kaiba cleared his throat,

"Do we have a deal, Mutou?"

"Say it you asshole."

"She was what, Kaiba-kun?"

"The best and worst thing that ever happened to me…' Kaiba thought.

"Do we have a deal or not?" Kaiba growled.

Yugi scoffed and shook his head,

"Yeah, Kaiba-kun. We have a deal."

Yugi left Kaiba's office, shutting the door softly behind him.

Kaiba sighed deeply and leaned back, rubbing at his forehead. He needed to talk to Salem.

He needed to be delicate.

He took out his phone and composed a message to the curly haired politician, praying to a higher power that she would answer.

Seto Kaiba: I know you've set clear boundaries but we need to discuss Yugi's wedding.

..

…

"Oh shit, she's typing.." Kaiba said to himself as his phone buzzed.

Goddess: Let me guess. You need plus two?

..

…

….

..

Seto Kaiba: I know you're an interdimensional traveling deity, but how did you know that?

..

..

…

Goddess: Atem spoke to me about Yugi's game. I can only assume, you being the idiot that you are, copied and pasted Atem's notes and sent them directly to Yugi? Now, you need a buffer for when you reveal Atem because there's no way you'd be able to explain everything that I did to make sure Atem could live a normal life.

Ouch.

No.

No, he deserved that.

He knew he wasn't technically an idiot but over the past six months he's exhibited idiotic behavior.

Seto Kaiba: Fair. Salem, please. I beg you. You'll be sharing a room with Atem and I, but your presence will guarantee the final component of Atem's assimilation into society.

..

…

..

Goddess: Don't say "assimilation".

..

…

Seto Kaiba: Irregardless.

..

…

Goddess: Ew.

.

..

Seto Kaiba: REgardless. Salem, I want to change. I just don't know how. I want to start Atem's life off in society with complete transparency. No lies. No hate. No judgement. And I need your help to do that. I mean after all, you're almost like a mother to Atem.

..

…

Goddess: Then I guess that would make Atem, Oedipus.

..

Seto Kaiba: ….What?

..

…

Goddess: Hm. I guess he hasn't told you yet. That's fine. I've also hypothesized that you two haven't slept together since he moved in? I'm certain he would have told you before anything happened.

..

…

Seto Kaiba: What are you talking about?

..

Goddess: I'll attend the wedding.

.

Goddess: Atem already told me where the wedding is and when the announcement will happen so I'll just meet you both there. Goodbye, Seto.

Kaiba growled and slammed his phone on his desk.

No matter.

He would find out what Salem was talking about in Kifune.

---

Atem groggily put his duffle and garment bags in the trunk of Kaiba's dark blue tesla. He yawned and moodily got into the passenger seat, hating everything.

He groaned as he heard Kaiba get into the driver's seat and slam the door,

"Ugh. Morning is so vile." Atem said as Kaiba started the car.

Kaiba chuckled and put his hand on Atem's thigh,

"You can sleep. We'll be there by the time you wake up."

Atem sat up and tried to blink away his exhaustion,

"No I want to talk to you. We never did yesterday. Isono made me workout twice that day and I passed out as soon as I laid in bed…" He said, wishing he had his plush bed at this moment.

Kaiba swallowed the lump in his throat and feigned an innocent smile,

"You needed your rest. Besides, we'll have plenty of time to talk while we wait for Salem."

Atem leaned back in the seat and sighed,

"I'm excited to see her again. it's barely been a week but I've been so lonely in your cold, loud home…" He trailed off, falling asleep as soon as his head hit the head rest.

Kaiba exhaled harshly through his nose,

"Cold and loud?" He said to himself.

Why did that sound so familiar?

The drive was silent as Atem slept peacefully beside Kaiba.

Kaiba blinked the exhaustion out of his eyes as they arrived at their destination.

Finally.

The village of Kifune was beautiful.

He realized that Yugi and Te'a may be hoping for a snow wedding if their having their wedding at the shrine.

"Hmpf. Like that'll happen. Snow in Kifune is rare this time of year…." He thought to himself as he pulled up in front of the hotel where the happy couple were housing their guests.

Shit.

Kaiba realized that even though Yugi and Te'a may not be at the hotel yet, any number of staff might think Atem was Yugi.

Fuck.

He took out his phone and went to his text messages.

Seto Kaiba: Salem, Atem and I have just arrived but we have an issue.

..

…

….

..

Goddess: Atem has my scarf in his duffle bag. Just take it out and wrap it around his head to cover his hair. Text me your room number as soon as you have it and I'll meet you there.

Kaiba blinked at his phone screen.

What?

"Sir?" The valet knocked on his driver side window.

Kaiba growled and shot out of the car.

No time to try and understand.

"Good morning. My friend is asleep, give me one moment to wake him up." Kaiba said as politely as possible.

The valet apologized profusely and bowed, giving Kaiba space to get into his trunk.

Kaiba unzipped Atem's bag and rummaged through the clothes, trying to find anything that looked like it might be Salem's.

He stopped when he felt a soft cashmere fabric. He pulled the blush pink scarf out of the bag, the scent of roses wafting into his nostrils.

He zipped the bag back up and handed their luggage to a lobby boy. He rushed to the passenger side and opened the door wrapping the fabric around Atem's hair and throwing the excess fabric over his neck.

"Atem...Atem wake up. We're here." Kaiba said softly after making sure none of the ex pharaoh's spikes wear sticking out of the delicate material.

Atem's eyes fluttered open and locked onto Kaiba's big blue ones,

"Oh? Already?" He said, stepping out of the car with Kaiba's help.

He furrowed his brow when he felt something around his head,

"Kaiba, I already have a scarf on why are-"

"Salem suggested it. We should get checked in right now." Kaiba interrupted, leading Atem into the hotel lobby and up to the reception desk, the lobby boy following them with their luggage.

Atem eyed Kaiba warily as they checked in at the front desk.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Atem asked as Kaiba frantically tapped at his phone.

Kaiba nodded and lead Atem to the elevator. He pressed the button for their level and sighed as the doors closed.

"Listen to me, Atem. Regardless of the color of your skin or the fact that your spikes are less...spiky, you still look like Yugi. This hotel is where the reception will happen after the ceremony. I didn't want staff members seeing you and causing issues for Yugi and Te'a when they arrive." The tall brunette explained.

Atem sighed and leaned against the wall,

"That makes sense...I don't want to cause Aibou trouble." He said adjusting the pink scarf around his head, smelling the fabric and sighing happily.

Kaiba raised an eyebrow,

"Why do you have Salem's scarf? She knew you had it so did you borrow it?" He asked.

Atem cleared his throat and blushed,

"I didn't think she had realized that I took it…. It smells like her and I've been using it to sleep. You and I don't share a bed so sleeping in the mansion is difficult…" He explained, not yet ready to tell Kaiba about his connection with the curly haired politician.

The elevator doors opened and Atem hurriedly stepped out, hoping Kaiba wouldn't ask anymore questions.

Kaiba followed Atem out of the elevator and lead the way down the hall,

"Salem said something over text that was slightly confusing. What does the name Oedipus mean to you?" He questioned, slowing his pace so he could interrogate Atem further.

Atem chuckled,

"I remember laughing during my lessons in literature about that story. It wasn't funny because Oedipus killed his father but the fact that he was fucking his mom-"

"That's funny that you say that because I told Salem you see her as a mother figure and she said that would make you Oedipus...Do you have any idea what that would mean?" Kaiba asked as they reached their door.

Atem fell silent.

Shit.

"It's hot under this scarf can we go inside now?" Atem asked, pulling at the pink fabric.

Kaiba rolled his eyes and used the keycard to unlock the door,

"Why don't you tell me what that means Atem?" He said walking into the already lit bedroom.

Atem closed the door and pulled the scarf off of this head,

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Atem, tell him." Salem's voice said from the lounge area of the large extravagant suite.

Kaiba and Atem gasped in surprise as they turned to see Salem laying across the couch, drinking hot sake out of a small porcelain cup.

"Angel!" Atem squealed running over to Salem and crawling on top of her to give her a big hug.

Kaiba glared at the scene before him,

"Angel?" He growled, realizing what must have happened between his ex lover and his current lover.

He stomped over to the couch and pulled Atem off of Salem,

"Tell me. I know what happened but I need to hear it." He said, crossing his arms and glaring at Salem.

Atem sighed yanked his arm out of Kaiba's grip. He sat next to Salem on the couch and kissed her cheek,

"I don't know how to say this…" He began, smiling at Salem when she took his hand in hers.

Kaiba felt his eyes become hot and water,

"No. You two didn't...You wouldn't do that to me…" He murmured to himself, shaking his head.

"Why not?" Atem scoffed,

"After all, you pressured Salem into sex when you and I were supposed to be together… Er, at least when you and Salem were supposed to be officially broken up.." He finished, leaning back against the couch.

Kaiba laughed hysterically and put his palms to his forehead,

"Holy shit this isn't happening. Where do we even go from here?!" He asked pacing back and forth.

"Seto, Atem has agreed to fully attempt to make your relationship work. Nothing else will happen between us while you two are together." Salem explained, standing up and taking off her grey trench coat.

Kaiba watched as she draped it over the side of the couch and stretched. He moved his gaze to Atem who was staring at her body hungrily.

"Hey, lover boy you have drool on your face." Kaiba spat, sitting on the king sized bed with a pout.

Atem gasped and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

Kaiba's blood boiled as he heard Salem chuckle. He looked over at her, turning red when he realized she was taking her clothes off.

"What are you doing?!" He asked with a mixture of excitement and horror.

"Oh please, at this point, my body is nothing you and Atem haven't seen before. I haven't forgiven you yet, but I no longer feel unsafe around you." She said throwing her clothes on the floor, leaving her in just a bra and panties.

Kaiba looked her up and down and groaned internally.

How did she look even more amazing than the last time he had seen her.

Atem walked out of the bathroom and turned bright red when he saw Salem,

"Oh! Angel what are you doing?" He asked, feeling himself getting excited at the thought of having Salem on top on him once more.

"I'm changing so I can go to get us some breakfast. I'm sure you're both starving and the room service doesn't look so good. Leave it to Te'a to choose the worst hotel in Kifune just because it was in a magazine, mish kida?" Salem said, rolling her eyes.

She sauntered over to the closet and opened the double doors.

"You've already unpacked?" Kaiba asked with an amused grin as he watched Salem pull a black turtleneck sweater dress off of its hanger.

Salem shrugged,

"It didn't take long. Cocktail hour dress, ceremony kimono, reception formal dress, and my traveling clothes." She explained, slipping the sweater dress over her head.

Atem gushed as he skipped up to the closet and looked through Salem's dresses,

"Oooooo these are beautiful… You should be careful, guests might think you're the one getting married." He said clasping her hands in his and unashamedly pulling her close.

Kaiba shot up and pushed Atem away from Salem,

"Stop it. Or I'll get a spray bottle." He grunted, blocking Atem's view of Salem with his tall frame..

Atem smirked playfully at Kaiba and wrapped his arms around the CEO's waist,

"Not necessary, she left."

Kaiba blinked and turned around, feeling a headache forming in his temples when he saw that Salem had disappeared.

He grunted when he felt Atem pulling him to the bed.

"Atem wait. We need to discuss what happened between you and Salem- ah-Ahmmm…" Kaiba's concerns melted away when Atem pressed their lips together and gently pushed the taller male onto the bed.

He moaned into Atem's mouth as the ex king straddled him and ground his hips down.

"Mn! Atem, please...wait." Kaiba broke this kiss and put his hands on Atem's hips.

"What did Salem say to get you to stop?" Atem whispered harshly.

Kaiba's heart dropped into the pit of his stomach as guilt washed over him.

He pushed Atem off of him and swung his legs around the bed so that he was sitting at the edge.

Atem sighed in frustration and crawled over to kaiba, sitting next to him,

"I asked her for it. I wanted to be with her in that way and she trusted me enough to give herself to me. I do love you, Kaiba. But I realized that I love her too."

Kaiba exhaled and gazed into Atem's crimson eyes,

"...I do too…" He said hiding his head in his hands in frustration.

"You do what?" Atem asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kaiba laid backward on the bed with a soft poof! And sighed,

"I love both of you…" He said, feeling too vulnerable.

This wasn't how he had wanted this come out.

Yes, his feelings for Salem were obvious but how was he supposed to confess?

"Sorry for the non con halloween romp, I'm in love with you." He thought to himself.

Atem groaned and laid next to Kaiba to comfort him,

"You're a mess, you know that?"

Kaiba exhaled and chuckled,

"She's right, though. We need to learn how to be with each other. Just you and I. I'm not happy about what you two did, but I suppose have no right to complain considering my own behavior…" He reasoned, gazing at the ceiling.

Atem sighed,

"So, what now?" He asked.

Kaiba reached his hand toward Atem's, interlacing their fingers together so that they were holding hands,

"Well, I think it's best that we move forward without any… distractions." He said carefully.

"By distractions do you mean Salem?" Atem questioned, unable to look at his partner.

Kaiba swallowed the lump in his throat and squeezed Atem's hand,

"I don't like that it was to be this way either. But just for a little while…"

"I'll talk to her when she gets back…" Atem said, his voice shaky.

"I've been back." Kaiba and Atem heard Salem's voice say.

The two duelists sat up, wondering how much of their conversation Salem had heard.

"Salem, I-" Kaiba started.

"Save it. You're both right. I'll help answer any questions Yugi and his friends may have when they and Atem have been reunited. After that, I'm leaving." Salem said, placing boxes of food on the coffee table.

"Actually, Angel...I think it might be better if the others don't see you." Atem said slowly.

Kaiba watched Salem's expression become dark and intense.

Oh shit.

"Fine. Enjoy your breakfast." She spat, pointing her watch at the floor and opening her portal. She quickly took her dresses out of the closet and dumped them into the portal. She turned to look at the two silent males and scoffed, turning back around and jumping into the blush pink swirl.

The portal closed as soon as she disappeared into it, leaving Kaiba and Atem speechless.

Kaiba sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose,

"It's okay. She'll be okay. The important thing is you and I explain our situation to Yugi together. We can't keep running to Salem when things get difficult." He explained, standing up and walking over to the ex king.

Atem looked at Kaiba sadly,

"She looked really hurt, Kaiba. More hurt than I've seen her."

"She'll cool down when she remembers what all this was for. The reality of the situation is that you and I can't grow if she's constantly around us reminding us of our past errors." Kaiba explained, going to the mini bar and grabbing a beer.

Kaiba unscrewed the cap and took a large swig, cringing at the taste.

He hated beer and it was early, but he knew Salem's departure meant that the weekend was going to be three times more stressful.

Atem stared at the boxes of food and sighed. He walked over to the coffee table and opened each box, examining the contents. He nodded to himself and took a box over to Kaiba,

"This one's yours." He said handing Kaiba the box and going into the bathroom to wash his hands.

Kaiba furrowed his brow and opened the styrofoam box, to reveal a beautiful egg breakfast garnished with poppy seeds,

"Um, what makes you think they aren't the same?" He asked getting up and grabbed a fork from the table.

Atem came out of the bathroom and sat on the couch, pulling his box of food toward him,

"This one has sunflower seeds and yours has poppy seeds. The third box is a sweet breakfast with fresh fruit which was obviously Salem's. I'm allergic to poppy seeds and Salem knows my allergies so the poppy eggs are yours." He deduced.

Kaiba quietly sat next to Atem and started to eat his breakfast.

This was going to be difficult without Salem.

Atem put his hand on Kaiba's thigh,

"What's on your mind?"

"I just… I guess I just realized that I don't know anything about who you are now…" Kaiba said, immediately regretting shooing Salem off.

Atem chuckled,

"Well that's why I'm here right? I still have to figure that out too. We can do it together." The ex pharaoh said, digging into his eggs.

Kaiba exhaled deeply and stared at the floor where Salem had exited. He set his food on the coffee table, his appetite suddenly gone.

He really hoped him and Atem made the right decision.

---

Yugi sighed in frustration as he made his way to the lobby with Te'a.

The couple was in complete silence in the elevator, upset from their earlier argument in the car.

"Are you going to ignore me until we meet up with everyone? I told you I was sorry." Yugi said, crossing his arms.

Te'a exhaled deeply and gazed at her fiance',

"I'm not ignoring you. I just-Did you have to give Kaiba a plus two? I know we have extra everything for our guests but still. He's already bringing Salem and you know how I feel about her." She explained, tucking a strand of her short brown hair behind her ear.

Yugi shook his head,

"You've barely even spoken to each other. I get a strange vibe from her too but I don't think it warrants ostracizing her."

"You can't think what you want." She said simply, hurriedly exiting the elevator when it pinged for the lobby.

Yugi exhaled through his nose and followed his disgruntled bride, knowing that her mood was due to the stress of the weekend.

Atem breathed in and out slowly to calm his nerves. He gazed at Kaiba who looked equally nervous.

"What are you going to say to them before I come around the corner?" Atem asked, adjusting the sleeves of his dark burgundy dress shirt.

Kaiba ran his fingers through his hair,

"I don't know. Something along the lines of "Salem couldn't be here and she was able to do something I wasn't." Is that cheesy?" He asked with a sigh.

Atem shrugged,

"I think this is going to be stressful and difficult no matter how you preface it." He said, his heart fluttering as they reached the lobby level.

"Shit. Okay here we go. Stay close and stay behind me. I told them a specific part of the lobby so hopefully all of them are already there." Kaiba strategized, pulling Atem after him as they stepped out of the elevator.

Atem took quick shaky breaths as he followed Kaiba closely, weaving in and out and hotel guests that were coming and going. He grabbed the back of Kaiba's blazer nervously as they slowed to a stop.

"Wait behind this pillar. I'll tell you when you can come out." Kaiba whispered, seeing the large group of Yugi and his friends chatting and catching up by the fireplace.

Atem nodded, his heart fluttering when he heard the familiar melody of Yugi's laugh.

Oh Gods.

It was happening.

It was finally happening.

He tried to keep himself calm as Kaiba left his side to join the large group.

Kaiba cleared his throat as he approached the fireplace, noticing his brother had also gotten the memo that something special was about to happen.

"Mokuba, I'm glad you made it from America in one piece." He started, trying his best to not blurt out his long kept secret.

Mokuba smiled and greeted his brother with a firm handshake,

"Just barely, Seto."

Kaiba smirked at gazed at the group in front of him, suddenly feeling the pressure and weight of what he and Salem had done.

Shit.

"Well, money bags? You got us all here in one place. What's the surprise you got for Te'a and Yugi?" Joey asked, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, Serenity and I had planned not to get here until later but Yugi told us that you needed all of us here…" Tristan said with a yawn.

"Calm down you two. Kaiba, It's very nice of you to make time for Yugi's wedding, and even though coming all the way from England was difficult, I'm happy that we could all have a moment to see each other for the craziness starts." Ryou added, smiling at the tall brunette.

Yugi sighed and looked around,

"Where's Salem? You said this gift was from both of you?" He asked impatiently. He and Te'a had been arguing since Domino and at this rate Kaiba was going to make them late for their own cocktail hour.

Kaiba nodded,

"It was decided that Salem not attend the wedding. You know, all things considered." He said, glaring at Te'a.

Te'a returned Kaiba's glared and scoffed,

"Well good. It is my wedding after all." She said, with a huff.

"Our wedding." Yugi added, blatantly sick of Te'a bridezilla attitude.

"In any case. Salem was the one who made this gift possible. As you all know, I did try many times to make this happen and failed in the process-"

"What are you finally gonna beat Yugi in a duel?" Duke teased, high fiving Joey to punctuate his insult.

"Can you guys shut up and let the guy explain? I'm the only one who didn't get to meet this Salem person and you three idiots are making this hard to follow." Mai scolded Duke, Joey, and Tristan.

Kaiba rolled his eyes and continued,

"Yugi, I need you to understand that this isn't something that I would have done if he didn't give me permission to do so."

Yugi furrowed his brow,

"What are you talking about Kaiba-kun…"

"Salem was more than a political figure. She's dedicated her life to one of her inventions and it just so happened that she was successful in what I had failed to do...I need- He needs all of you to understand that this was his choice." Kaiba finished, hoping to any god that this would end positively.

Yugi stood up slowly, feeling his eyes water,

"Kaiba-kun, what did you do…"

Kaiba took a deep breath and looked toward the pillar behind him,

"You can come out now." He said, feeling as if those words would be his last.

Atem inhaled deeply and stepped out from behind the pillar, his vision blurred by an unseen force knocking him to the ground.

"ATEM!" Yugi yelled, crushing the ex pharaoh with a hug.

"It's good to see you, Aibou…" Atem wheezed, returning the hug as best as he could.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Joey yelled, causing even more of a scene.

"Joey, language!" Serenity hushed.

Mokuba glared at Atem. He knew it. He fucking knew it.

Te'a slowly approached the ex twins rolling around on the floor, her eyes filled with tears. She knelt down and choked back a sob,

"Atem, is it really you?" She hiccuped as Yugi pulled away from the overwhelmed prince.

"It is, Te'a. Everyone…" He stood up, helping the couple up from the floor as well,

"Salem and Kaiba, mostly Salem, brought me back from the other side. I wanted to live a full life, my own life. Salem made sure to keep my healthy and educated, and as of last week Kaiba and I…" Atem trailed off, not sure if his relationship with Kaiba was something they should know about.

Yugi backed away to give Atem some breathing room,

"Kaiba and you what, pharaoh?" He asked.

Kaiba ran his fingers through his hair, knowing it had to come out sooner or later,

"Atem and I are dating. He moved into the Kaiba mansion last week. He's actually the one who beta tested your game the other day, Yugi." He said walking over to Atem and wrapping his arm around the crimson eyed male's waist.

Mokuba rolled his eyes,

"Fuck this. Seto, come to my room after this sad reunion." He grumbled, leaving the lobby angrily.

Te'a swallowed a lump in her throat and blinked back more tears.

This wasn't good.

The group fell eerily silent as they processed the information.

"Oooh my is that the pharaoh?!" Yelled Pegasus from across the lobby.

"For fucks sake…" Mai said standing up, and taking Te'a by the elbow,

"Let's leave the men to talk, our bride needs to get into her cocktail dress." Mai, Te'a, and Serenity left the lobby in a hurry as Pegasus waltz up to the men still standing at the fireplace.

"Great.." Kaiba groaned, putting himself in between Atem and Pegasus.

"Kaiba-boy how is he here? Absolutely amazing!" Pegasus said trying to get closer to Atem.

"Hello, Pegasus…" Atem said, feeling even more overwhelmed.

Kaiba smacked the silver haired CEO's hand away as he tried to reach out and touch Atem's arm.

"Hands off." He growled.

Pegasus clicked his tongue and crossed his arms,

"Oh so if I try to revive my dead wife I'm a villain but if you use Salem's illegal technology to bring back your boyfriend you're a savior?" He said, spat.

Kaiba froze,

"How do you know about that?"

Pegasus chuckled,

"Why do you think I was having dinner with her that day? Then of course you had to step in and steal my date."

Yugi gasped,

"Wait. Kaiba did you use Salem to get to her tech?" He asked, his gaze switching from Kaiba to Atem.

Joey, Tristan and Duke watched the scene before them, whispering to each other.

Atem glared at Kaiba and crossed his arms,

"Yeah, Kaiba. Did you?" He asked.

Kaiba cleared his throat nervously, realizing the was closed in by the group,

"It didn't start that way…"

The group of men groaned and rolled their eyes in unison,

"You're the worst, Kaiba." Duke booed, leading Joey and Tristan away from the mess in front of the fireplace.

Kaiba flinched as Joey blew a raspberry in his face as the three men passed him. He sighed and looked at Pegasus with disdain.

Pegasus smirked at Kaiba evilly,

"See you at the cocktail hour, Kaiba-boy…" He said leaving Kaiba, Atem and Yugi alone.

"Kaiba-kun, you should go talk to Mokuba. He seems really upset." Yugi said, leading Atem to the chairs near the fireplace.

Kaiba raised an eyebrow. He didn't want to leave Atem with Yugi for too long.

"Kaiba. I'd like to talk to Yugi alone now. Please go tend to your brother." Atem said, the authority in his voice causing Kaiba's legs to move on their own.

Atem sighed and smiled at Yugi,

"You've grown so much, Aibou. You're a man now…" He said warmly, studying Yugi's mature features.

Tears streamed down Yugi's face as Atem put a hand on his thigh,

"I've missed you so much, Atem...It's been so hard here without you." He hiccuped, squeezing Atem's hand.

"I'm so sorry, Aibou. It's been difficult these past few months for me as well and-"

"Wait. How long have you been back?" Yugi interrupted, pulling his hand away.

Atem thought for a moment and counted the months he had spent at Salem's manor plus the week at the Kaiba mansion,

"About four months." He answered.

Yugi inhaled deeply and shook his head,

"How could you not reach out to me? You've been here for months?" He said shakily.

"I wanted to Aibou but I wasn't a legal person yet and I wasn't able to move for a couple weeks after Salem and Kaiba brought me back. Then with the hormones, my studies, and-"

"How exactly did they bring you back?" Yugi asked raising an eyebrow.

Atem blinked at his ex twin,

"I…"

Oh.

Atem realized he had no idea how the science of his return worked. He barely remembered the conversation in his throne room let alone how he was able to return to the world of the living.

Yugi gave Atem a look of concern,

"You don't know how Salem brought you back? Did Kaiba ever explain it to you?"

"Umm...I never really thought to ask...I know that my body is organic but I don't know how she did that. The hormones helped with my maturity considering I was sixteen a couple of months ago and now I've caught up to Kaiba in physical maturity. The lessons helped with my mental maturity. Salem thought of everything. She's really amazing…" Atem said, trailing off.

Yugi raised and eyebrow,

"Okay… What part of this process did Kaiba actually help with? I thought things were weird between him and Salem during halloween but it seems like if you were already back their relationship was probably strained."

Atem thought back to that night. He remembered Salem's beautiful costume, ruined by Kaiba's drunken sexual rampage.

"Actually, Aibou...Can we move someone a little more private…" He asked, needing to voice his concerns about the nature of Salem and Kaiba's relationship.

Yugi nodded and lead Atem out of the lobby, unsure on how to feel about Atem's return.

Mokuba poured himself a glass of whiskey as he glared at his brother. He poured a second glass and handed it to Kaiba, who was seated in one of the arm chairs in the luxurious suite.

"How could you?" Mokuba started, barely asking the questions as he sipped his drink.

"What do you mean? Salem agreed to bring him back and-"

"You used her. She loved you, you know.."

"That's not. Mokuba, I do love her, I just-"

"Does she know that you do? Does Atem know that?" Mokuba asked.

Kaiba scoffed,

"Atem knows and feels the same way about her."

"What? Atem is in love with Salem? How long has he been here?" Mokuba said, downing his drink and pouring himself another.

"Four months."

Mokuba coughed on his liquor and put his glass down,

"Four months?! Seto what the hell? So you and Salem were over the minute she brought him back?"

Kaiba shrugged,

"Well yes and no…"

Mokuba nodded,

"Right. Yes and no. I wish I could say I had forgotten about halloween but even since I started dating Rebecca I haven't heard the end of how much she admires Salem."

Kaiba gazed at his brother, confused,

"I thought you and Wheeler were together?"

Mokuba rolled his eyes,

"Joey and I broke up like two months ago, Seto. You would know that if we weren't constantly in the middle of talking about you."

Kaiba scoffed and stood,

"I don't need to take this from you, Mokuba. By the way, if you aren't going to try and find the person who bought more than half of your stock, then give the case to the main branch so it can be properly handled." He said, setting his glass on the coffee table and walking towards the door.

"How did you know about that?" Mokuba grumbled.

"I know everything that's going on in my company, Mokuba. You have a month. Atem and I being together are the least of your worries. Get your house in order before you try to search someone else's." Kaiba said, walking out of the room and shutting the door behind him.

He sighed and took out his phone, no text from Atem. He composed a message telling the ex king to meet him at the cocktail party location when he was done talking to Yugi.

Now mingle with the geek squad.

Gross.

Yugi paced back and forth in his private room and paused to gaze at Atem,

"No no no. I knew Kaiba had issues but I never thought he would ever hurt someone like that." He said, rubbing up and down his arms.

Atem sighed, seated at the edge of the bed,

"He claims it was an accident and that he had no intention of hurting her...Still.." He trailed off, blushing at the thought of him and Salem's lust filled night.

Yugi exhaled deeply and sat next to Atem,

"And you, Atem? She trusted you. I'll be honest, I didn't think you liked women but if you really do love Salem why would you ask her to leave?"

Atem shook his head and shrugged,

"I don't know. I feel like she has a special hold on me...and an especially strong hold over Kaiba. I just thought it would be better if Kaiba and I tried to be with each other without her-"

"Without her looming over you, pointing out everything that's wrong with your relationship? Just to be even more honest Atem, it seems like her and Kaiba's relationship was pretty toxic too. Don't you think that maybe the common denominator is Kaiba and not Salem?" Yugi theorized, playfully tugging at Atem's curly blonde bangs.

Yugi chuckled,

"Sorry, I've always wondered what your real hair would be like. It's really soft." He smiled.

Atem smiled warmly at Yugi,

"You might be onto something, Aibou but I promised I try and make things work with Kaiba. That's why I'm here right?" He explained.

Yugi furrowed his brow and scooted closer to Atem,

"I'm sure that's not the only reason, pharaoh…" He said wrapping his arm around Atem's shoulder.

Atem exhaled sharply through his nose and smirked,

"I wanted to see you again, Aibou. I owe Salem my life because now I get to do what I want with it, not what everyone around me expects me to do with it…" He said putting his hand on Yugi's thigh and giving him a light squeeze.

Yugi bit back a sob and laughed,

"This is all so strange but I'm really happy you're back. Everyone will need a little time to adjust but I know they're just as happy as I am to see you again." He said throwing his arms around Atem and giving him and big hug.

Atem chuckled and returned the hug earnestly,

"I've missed you so much, Aibou." He whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Yugi reluctantly pulled away and wiped his face,

"I have to get ready. Te'a's been a bridezilla but this weekend wouldn't be so organized if she wasn't a stickler for details." He said standing up and sighing.

Atem wiped his own tears and stood as well,

"I should find Kaiba downstairs. He's probably scowling in a corner somewhere." He said with a snort.

Yugi nodded,

"If you ever feel alone at the Kaiba mansion just text me okay? I know first hand how busy Kaiba is, Atem. Don't be afraid to come over either." He said opening the door for Atem.

"Thank you, Aibou. I'll see you downstairs." Atem said, leaving the room and heading to the cocktail hour in the hotel bar.

He looked around the bar and spotted a familiar crop of brown hair. He tried his best to ignore the whispers from the other guests.

"News travels fast." He heard Pegasus say as the silver haired CEO sipped his wine.

"Shut the hell up Pegasus." Kaiba growled, pulling Atem by the elbow to keep the pharaoh close by.

"Watch it, money bags.." Joey threatened, not liking the way Kaiba was handling the ex pharaoh.

Atem smiled warmly at Joey,

"How are you, Joey?" He asked, putting some space between him and Kaiba.

Joey beamed at Atem and rubbed at the back of his neck,

"I've been good, Pharaoh! I'm a pro duelist now! Got all the sponsorships and junk. Mokie taught me how to invest the money and now I got a portfolio and everything!" He was practically yelling as Tristan and Duke tried to calm the over excited blonde down.

Atem tilted his head,

"I'm so happy for you, Joey! What's a portfolio?" He asked, trying to start pleasant conversation.

"A portfolio is a grouping of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies and cash equivalents, as well as their fund counterparts, including mutual, exchange-traded and closed funds." The group turned to see Rebecca, fully grown, and dressed in a light blue halter dress.

Rebecca's hair was perfectly straightened, her blonde longs flowing down to her shoulders.

"Thanks for the google definition, kid." Kaiba deadpanned, taking a sip of his third whiskey for the evening.

"Don't start, Seto." Mokuba said approaching the group and wrapping his arm around Rebecca's slender waist.

Kaiba rolled his eyes and gave Atem's hip a small squeeze. He was uncomfortable around this many people and his watered down drinks weren't helping.

Atem shifted uncomfortably and feigned a smile,

"Mokuba, it's really amazing to see how much you've grown. And Rebecca, I never thought that-"

"Don't play cute with me, Atem. Did Seto tell all of you that Atem has been back for months?" Mokuba interrupted, gesturing for Rebecca to get their drinks.

"That doesn't really surprise me." Pegasus said, bored of the topic of Kaiba being a bad person.

Atem gazed at Kaiba, confused when he saw that the tall brunette was emotionally checked out of the conversation.

"Of course it doesn't." Mokuba said, glaring at his older brother. He accepted his drink from Rebecca and kissed the blonde of the four head,

"Thanks babe." He smirked, relishing Rebecca's giggle.

Atem smiled warmly at the young couple. He was glad that everyone had found someone to be their other half. He raised an eyebrow when Joey scoffed and glared down at his beer.

"Everything alright, Joey?" Atem asked, ignoring Kaiba's hand running up and down his side.

"We broke up months ago, Joey. Grow up." Mokuba spat, turning away from the group and leaving to mingle with the other guests.

Atem's heart sank.

Joey and Mokuba were in a relationship?

Atem looked up at Kaiba who was bored of the group's drama,

"Why didn't you tell me?" He whispered.

Kaiba took a final sip of his drink and set the empty glass on a nearby table,

"Why do you care?" He grumbled, releasing Atem from his vice like grip.

Kaiba wasn't getting ready to explain what he knew about Atem and Joey in front of everyone.

Atem huffed and crossed his arms.

This wasn't the reunion he was hoping for.

The large group's awkward silence was interrupted by the other guests clapping as Te'a and Yugi entered the bar dressed in cocktail chic evening wear.

Te'a gave the crowd a graceful spin in her white cocktail dress. It was a short glittery A line dress with a full tulle skirt.

Yugi blushed as he watched his fiance' wow their guests. He was sporting a slim cut lavender suit with a white bow tie to match Te'a's dress.

Joey, Tristan, and Duke ran up to the couple immediately cheering and toasting their drinks.

"Thanks for coming you guys!" Yugi said, grunting as Joey put him in a headlock.

"Get off of him, Joey!" Te'a yelled, pulling her fiance' out of Joey's grip.

"We wouldn'ta missed this for the world you two!" Joey said with a laugh.

"Yeah! You two are the first of us to get hitched!" Tristan chuckled, wrapping his arm around Serenity's waist as she approached the screaming group of friends.

"I thought for sure you and Serenity would be first." Te'a smiled at the skinny redhead.

"You look beautiful Te'a. Do you have your kimono ready for the ceremony tomorrow morning? It was such a great idea to have the wedding on New Years Eve! I can't wait for the reception!" Serenity squealed excitedly.

"Thank you, Serenity! There was so much planning to do but luckily we got everything done in time!" Te'a said, not paying any attention to Kaiba and Atem, who were making their way over to the group of friends.

Yugi smiled warmly at the ex pharaoh,

"Atem, Kaiba. May I speak with both of you privately? Just for a moment?" He asked, nodding at Te'a, who was leading their group of friends to a reserved table.

Kaiba sighed heavily and crossed his arms,

"Like we're going to decline?"

Atem shoved his elbow into Kaiba's ribs,

"Shut up. Of course, Aibou." He said following the smaller male to a booth away from the small party.

As the three of them sat, Yugi expertly unbuttoned his suit jacket and adjusted his bow tie,

"I'm going to be frank, I don't like this." He said pointing at Atem and Kaiba.

Atem blinked and looked at Kaiba then back at Yugi,

"Wh-what?"

"I don't like that you two are moving so fast. Especially considering what's happened between both of you and Salem." Yugi explained, smiling as one of the waiters placed Yugi's wine onto the table.

"I don't really think that's any of your business." Kaiba said flatly.

"Given my bond with Atem, I would think it is." Yugi responded quickly.

"And given my bond with Atem, I know it isn't." Kaiba rebutled defensively.

Atem watched the two argue incessantly and sighed,

"Why don't either of you ask me what I think? It is my life now, right?" He said, wishing Salem were there to make him feel better.

"Of course it is, Atem. I just don't agree that cutting Salem out of your lives completely is such a good idea." Yugi said, taking a small sip of his wine.

Kaiba scoffed,

"Are fucking serious, Mutou? You were just telling me last week how you and Te'a didn't think Salem was a good person!" He was becoming frustrated. This wedding was an awful idea and there was no escape.

Atem snapped his attention to Yugi,

"What?!"

"That was before you had told me everything, Pharaoh." Yugi defended, reaching his hand out for Atem's.

Kaiba smacked Yugi's hand away and glared at Atem,

"What exactly did you tell him, Atem?"

"That you're basically a rapist." Yugi whispered harshly.

Kaiba felt Atem hold him back as he tried to launch himself over the table to stangle the groom. He shrugged Atem's hand off of his shoulders and glowered at Yugi,

"How dare you call me that." Kaiba growled.

"Why shouldn't I? It's true. You say it was an accident but I think you wanted to hurt her. Based on what Atem has told me, I don't think you like that they got as close as they did. Even if your intention wasn't to put her in the hospital, you did want to drive a wedge between her and Atem." Yugi theorized, smiling at other guests as they passed his table.

Atem gazed at Kaiba's expression and swallowed the lump in his throat,

"Is… Is that true, Kaiba?" His voice wavered.

Kaiba thought to himself for what seemed like an eternity before he finally answered,

"It is true. I was jealous. I still am. But I truly care for and love Salem, I would never want to intentionally harm her." He said robotically.

Yugi shook his head and clicked his tongue,

"Wow. You really wouldn't have been a great politician." He said, standing up and buttoning his suit jacket, "Or maybe it's just you've told yourself that lie so many times you actually believe it. Atem, I'd love for you to be a part of the bridal party tomorrow. Come to my room dressed in your ceremonial robes and Joey will fill you in on the day's activities." He finished, leaving the booth to join his blushing bride and his friends.

Atem sighed sadly and looked at Kaiba,

"I think we need to talk to Salem. At least apologize to her for everything."

"There's absolutely no way for me to make up for what I did to her, Atem." Kaiba grabbing Yugi's wine glass and downing the rest of the liquid.

"Gross, Kaiba. We should go upstairs and at least try and contact her." Atem said, taking the now empty wine glass from the tipsy brunette.

Kaiba rolled his eyes and stood carefully,

"Fine. Let's go. If the lovely couple asks where you went you can just say needed to rest to be able to be of efficient help tomorrow."

Atem stood as well and locked his arm in Kaiba's,

"I don't need to lie to Yugi. If I tell him the truth he'll understand."

Atem and Kaiba slowly made their way to their room.

Atem had trouble keeping Kaiba steady as they stumbled into the large suite. He laid Kaiba down on the bed and pulled the CEO's hand off of his waist,

"No, Kaiba. Did you already forget what we're here to do?"

Kaiba chuckled drunkenly,

"Did you already forget what we're here to do?" He mimicked.

Atem rolled his eyes and took out his phone, composing a text to Salem.

Atem: Angel? Can we talk?

He tucked his phone in his pocket and took a glass from the small bar. He walked into the bathroom and filled it with cold water, taking it back to Kaiba.

"Drink this." He said simply, trying to hand the glass to the drunk man before him.

Kaiba pushed the glass away and mumbled,

"No. There could be drugs in there…"

"Kaiba, I'm trying to give you water. Please just take a sip, you're going to feel awful in the morning if you don't. You haven't had anything to eat since breakfast and you didn't touch any of the finger foods downstairs." Atem pleaded.

Kaiba turned over on his side and groaned,

"Let me suffer. It's what I deserve."

Atem rolled his eyes and jumped when his phone buzzed.

Angel: I'm busy. Talk to Seto. That's what you wanted. That's what you chose.

Atem inhaled deeply and typed his response,

Atem: I can't talk to him.

..

…

..

Angel: He's drunk then. Don't sleep in there with him. Find a different room. I'll pay for it if I need to.

..

…

Atem: Um, he's just trying to sleep. Plus he would never do anything like that to me.

….

..

Angel: Oh?

..

Atem: I mean, yeah. He's drunk and he's been unpleasant all night but he would never hurt me.

..

….

Angel: I thought the same thing about me.

..

….

.

Atem: It's different, though. My relationship with him is stronger. Of course he won't do anything.

..

….

…

Angel: Stronger?

..

Atem: Well. Yeah. I mean I have known him longer. And our bond is a special one. I'm special to him.

..

…..

….

…..

..

.

Angel: ok

Atem furrowed his brow at Salem's one word response. He heart skipped as he saw her typing again.

..

….

Angel: I'm happy to know that you won't suffer the same fate. I guess I just wasn't special enough to be able to keep my peace of mind. Goodbye, Atem. I hope you have a nice life. I mean that. I really do.

Atem's heart dropped into the pit of his stomach.

What?

Goodbye?

He tapped dial next to Salem's name and pressed the phone to his ear, hoping she would answer.

Straight to voicemail.

He tried again.

Straight to voicemail again.

He tried to send another text but the "delivered" icon never popped up. He walked over to the bed and shook Kaiba awake,

"Kaiba, Kaiba. Kaiba!" He yelled.

Kaiba sat up abruptly and looked around,

"What, holy shit."

"Sorry. I tried to reach Salem but after our text conversation my messages stopped going through and my calls started going straight to voicemail." Atem explained, holding his phone in his hand, hoping Salem would return his call any moment.

Kaiba rubbed at his eyes and yawned, still very drunk,

"Let me see."

Atem handed Kaiba his phone and turned beet red when the blue eyed male laughed loudly,

"What?!"

"First of all, Pharaoh. I hate that you call her Angel. She's everything but that. And secondly, you basically told her the reason I hurt her is because she wasn't as special as you were. She had genuine concern for your safety and you spit it back in her face. She blocked you. Meaning you can't contact her." Kaiba explained tossing Atem's phone to the end of the bed and laying back down.

"That's not what I meant! But still, our relationship-"

"What relationship, Atem? I didn't even know you had a poppy seed allergy. There's so much I don't know about who you are in this life. Salem knows everything. About both of us"

Atem lowered his gaze to the carpet and sighed heavily,

"So. Would you ever hurt me in the same way you did her?"

"No. Never." Kaiba answered quickly, "It's different. I'd lose you forever if I did anything to harm you like that."

"So, the reason you did it to Salem is because you thought she wouldn't leave?" Atem asked carefully.

"I'll take that glass of water now." Kaiba said, avoiding Atem's question.

Atem narrowed his eyes and took the glass off of the side table, handing it to Kaiba,

"Are you going to answer me?"

"Goodnight." Kaiba grumbled, setting the glass on his nightstand and laying on his side, making sure he was facing away from Atem.

Atem sighed and looked at the screen of his phone,

"Goodnight...I guess."

---

The next morning Atem knocked on Yugi's door promptly at 6am. He yelped when he was pulled into the room by his ex twin.

"Yugi what are you-"

"Shhh! People in the hotel are still sleeping, Pharaoh. We have to be quiet." The purple eyed duelist whispered, not yet dressed in his robes.

Atem chuckled quietly,

"Of course. So sorry, Aibou. What would you like my help with? You said Joey would be here. Where is he?"

Yugi sighed and shrugged his shoulders,

"He was pretty broken up about Mokuba and Rebecca. I told him to take the morning off and to resume his duties when it's time for pictures."

"Are you sure he wasn't hungover?" Atem joked, sitting on Yugi's bed.

Yugi gazed at Atem with sad eyes,

"Joey doesn't have more than one drink per event… You know...because of his dad… I've told him on more than one occasion that he'll never end turn out like his father but...Old habits die hard."

Atem tilted his head,

"Old habits die hard? What does this mean?"

Yugi chuckled,

"Well. I guess it means that things that you've been doing for a long time, good or bad, take a long time to go away. A good example would be, well, whenever I turn over onto my back, I still reach my hand up to touch the puzzle...It's been years and I still do it. Sometimes, Te'a has to hold me until I stop crying…" He trailed off, his voice shaking slightly.

Atem felt his eyes grow hot as Yugi sat next to him and leaned his head against the pharaoh's shoulder.

"I've missed you too, Aibou. There wasn't a moment where I didn't think about my time here with you and your friends." Atem said, placing his hand on Yugi's thigh.

Yugi wiped a tear from his cheek and smiled,

"I'm happy your back, Atem. Will you help me with my hair? Yours is always so perfect." He said pulling on one of Atem's bangs playfully.

"Of course, Aibou. Let's get started, shall we?" Atem said, standing up and leading the groom into the bathroom.

Kaiba snored himself awake, shuffling around the bed for his phone.

"Shitshitshitshitshit!" He cussed, jumping out of bed and running into the bathroom.

He had overslept and only had thirty minutes to get ready. He showered, brushed his teeth, and donned his ceremonial robes.

He checked his phone and groaned.

No time to blow dry his hair.

"I guess I'm going natural for this wedding." He said to himself, running out of the room and just barely catching the shuttle to the shrine in time.

Atem stomped through the snow and around the shrine, raking his hawk eyes across the grounds for the last shuttle. He was having a rough morning and Kaiba being late was the cherry on top of the shit sundae.

He put his hands on his hips as the last shuttle pulled into its parking spot.

It was late.

He watched the last guests disembark and he greeted them as they passed, feigning a friendly face until Kaiba stepped out of the large vehicle.

He grabbed Kaiba's arm and pulled him away from prying eyes,

"What the fuck is wrong with your hair and why are you on the last fucking shuttle?" Atem growled, upset that Kaiba has been incredibly unhelpful and useless the entire weekend.

Kaiba ran his fingers through his air dried wavy hair,

"I'm trying a new look. What you don't like it?" He asked sarcastically.

Atem glared at Kaiba and crossed his arms,

"I'm in no mood, Kaiba. I'm going to stand with Joey, Tristan and Duke during the vows do you'll have to sit next to Pegasus during the ceremony."

"Fuck that. I'm not sitting next to him." Kaiba said, crossing his arms.

"You don't really have a choice considering Salem isn't here to sit in her seat." Atem said leading Kaiba to the temple.

"And whose fault is that?" Kaiba glared at the back of Atem's head.

Atem stopped and turned to look at Kaiba,

"Both of ours." He said seriously.

"Then you can stop catching an attitude." Kaiba sassed, hating that Atem was acting like this horrible weekend was all his fault.

"You're the one that threw it." Atem spat, putting his hands on his hips.

Kaiba's jaw dropped at Atem's response. He had realized that along with everything else he learned, Salem had taught Atem the art of the quick witted clap back.

He found himself more angry than impressed,

"I didn't realize Salem was teaching you to be just like her." He growled, brushing passed the pharaoh and toward the ceremony location.

Atem followed behind Kaiba angrily,

"Yeah. Maybe if you were capable of being taught you would have taken her lessons on how to be a better partner."

Kaiba scoffed as they continued to the shrine,

"I'm a great partner."

"Ha! Salem did everything for you and what did you give her in return? Two hospital visits, unwanted social media attention, and a broken heart." Atem yelped as he felt Kaiba pull on his monsuke, bring both of them to a halt.

"I won't deny that I was awful to her. But you don't know what she put me through at the beginning of our relationship. I don't expect you to understand. You just need to know I wouldn't do anything like that to you." Kaiba explained, staring at Atem seriously.

Atem sighed and gazed into Kaiba large blue eyes,

"I can see that you do hold remorse. But why would you treat me any differently than you treated her? Were you really just using her? Is that why you treated her so badly?"

"I don't have an answer, Atem. My relationship with her wasn't all bad. It became complicated when she agreed to bring you back. And things really went downhill after-"

"After I woke up." Atem interrupted.

Kaiba stared at Atem and blinked. Now wasn't the time for this conversation,

"I should get to my seat. Yugi's probably wondering where you are." He said simply.

Atem swallowed a lump in his throat as he watched Kaiba walk up the steps to the shrine without him. He walked up the stairs alone, rushing to get to the wedding procession meeting place.

"Atem! Thank goodness! Where have you been? We're ready to start!" Yugi said his face flushed from stress.

"I'm so sorry, Aibou. I'm here now." Atem said, giving his ex twin a small smile.

Yugi gave a Atem a crushing hug and sobbed,

"I'm so happy you could be with me today, Pharaoh."

Atem's eyes watered as he threw his arms around Yugi,

"I'm so proud of you, Aibou."

"Guys. It's time." Joey trying to hide his own tears from the group.

Yugi pulled away from Atem and took a deep breath,

"Time to marry the love of my life." He exhaled.

Atem nodded and got in the front of the line of friends to lead the procession with Joey. He inhaled slowly,

"Ready, Joey?"

"I was born ready, Pharaoh." Joey said, picking up a small urn and handing it to Atem.

"Yugi wanted me to take him but...You should do the honors." Joey said with a sad smile.

Atem looked at the urn, confused,

"What?"

"Guys, go!" Duke scolded, pushing Tristan into Joey.

Joey and Atem began walking toward the shrine, leading the rest of the procession with Yugi trailing behind the group.

Kaiba sat in his chair moodily as Pegasus talked his ear off. He hoped the ceremony would start soon. It didn't help that it had snowed the night before. Even with the heating pads in his monsuke, he was still freezing.

"I wonder who's going to sip the sake in Yugi's grandfather's place. Too bad about his mother as well..." Pegasus hummed, crossing his legs.

Kaiba stilled as he realized that Yugi didn't have living parents to take part in the san san kudo. He watched diligently as both processions enter from both sides of the shrine. He sat at the edge of his seat as the ceremony began.

He ran his fingers through his wavy hair as the couple said their vows and prayed.

"Atem doesn't know about Oji-san…."

This was going to be interesting.

As the san san kudo started Kaiba watched as Yugi whispered something in Atem's ear.

"Ah, here we go." Pegasus whispered, as Atem took a cup of sake and took three sips at the same time a Yugi and Te'a and Te'a's parents.

Kaiba raised an eyebrow as he saw tears streaming down the sides of Atem's face. He wondered what Yugi whispered to the ex pharaoh.

Atem gulped the sake and tried his best to wipe his tears. He didn't know Yugi's grandfather had passed.

"Oji-san…."

He smiled sadly as he passed the cup back to the priest, admiring Te'a in her beautiful all white kimono with red sash. Her short hair was done up in a white wataboshi headdress.

The ceremony ended abruptly, almost too quickly for Atem to process. Te'a and Yugi smiled at each other as they stood, sharing a chaste kiss.

The guests cheered and clapped, happy for the newly married couple.

Kaiba stood and clapped lightly as the newlyweds and the procession gathered and walked toward their guests, accepting all of the congratulations and good wishes. He studied Atem's expression as the ex pharaoh approached him,

"Why didn't you tell me about Oji-san…" He muttered, still holding the small heavy urn.

Kaiba sighed and put his hands on top of Atem's,

"It had been so long that I'd forgotten...I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner. What did Yugi say to you before he handed you the sake?" he asked, curious.

"He said, "You are my guardian". I couldn't help but-" Atem hiccuped and covered his mouth, making sure the urn stayed secure in his other hand.

"It's okay, Atem." Kaiba said gently, pulling Atem closer.

Atem buried his face in Kaiba's arm, trying to control his sobs. He looked up at the cheerful guests through tear filled eyes, stilling when he saw a familiar face staring back at him. He studied the face carefully, not realizing that his body was moving on its own.

He kept walking toward the figure, snapping out of his trance when Yugi called his name,

"Hey. Are you okay?" Yugi asked, putting a hand on Atem's shoulder, stopping the pharaoh in his tracks.

Atem turned to look for the figure only to see no one there,

"Um, Yeah. I just- Is Salem here? I thought I saw-"

"Is everything alright?" Kaiba asked approaching the larger group forming around Yugi.

Yugi stared at Atem with concern,

"You've had a hard morning. I'll give Oji-san to Joey so you can go lay down before the reception tonight." He said taking the urn from Atem's arms and nodding at Kaiba.

Kaiba wrapped Atem's arm in his and began walking him away from the excitement.

"Kaiba. I thought I saw Salem…" Atem said weakly.

Kaiba tightened his grip on Atem's arm,

"Are you sure you didn't just catch a glimpse of Ishizu? The Ishtar's were at the ceremony too."

Atem shook his head,

"No. It was her. I know it was. What do you think that means?"

Kaiba sighed as they walked down the steps of the shrine towards the first shuttle back to the hotel,

"If it was her, she probably just wanted to see the ceremony. I don't think she holds any ill will towards us. Especially not towards you." He explained, helping Atem get onto the shuttle.

Atem sighed as he sat down and gazed out the window. He was sure he had seen her. He knew it was her. She was dressed in her usual turtleneck and grey trench coat. She had looked out of place so there was no way he would have missed her.

His train of thought stopped when he felt Kaiba's hand against his thigh.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Kaiba asked again. He knew Atem's behavior was odd and the stress of the morning probably didn't help.

"I died when I was sixteen, Kaiba...I wasn't exactly aware of what was going on when it happened. I just remember being exhausted...so exhausted. Then I fell asleep. Then...darkness...Until Yugi solved the puzzle...then when I relived my memories, I had to relive that feeling all over again." Atem thought back to his first and last week as pharaoh.

He had never realized how random and short lived life could be.

"I wonder how Oji-san felt knowing his time was coming...It must be so terrifying. Just the thought-"

"Atem, you're alive now. You get to live your own life-"

"Yes, but for how long? Life is random. This shuttle could crash right now and all we've done this weekend is argue and push the one person who understands both of us away. I don't want to fight anymore, Seto." Atem said shakily, resting his forehead against Kaiba's muscular arm.

Kaiba ran his fingers through Atem's spiky hair.

Atem was right.

He had been a pill all weekend and he hadn't put Atem's feelings first.

"Pharaoh. I don't want to argue either." Kaiba whispered into Atem's ear.

The two duelists remained silent as they exited the shuttle and walked to their hotel room. Kaiba opened their door and let Atem enter first, exhaling deeply as he shut the door.

"I'm going to shower." Atem mumbled, shuffling into the bathroom and shutting the door.

Kaiba sighed and sat on the bed.

There had to be something he could do to lift Atem's spirits.

Atem sighed happily as the hot water danced across his skin. He leaned his arm against the cold tile. He let out a light moan when he stood under the shower head, letting the water soak his hair.

"Are you alright, love?"

Atem gasped and stopped the water. He stepped out of the shower and looked around the bathroom.

Empty.

He rubbed at his eyes and groaned lightly,

"I'm hearing things…She isn't here." He whispered to himself, getting back in the shower to finish cleansing himself.

He slowly lathered the hotel body wash in his hands, cringing at the synthetic smell. He soaped his arms and legs, missing the feel of Salem's expensive oils and body butters. He exhaled slowly, thinking of Salem's large beautiful honey eyes staring into his soul.

Atem bit back a sob, remembering the look on Salem's face the morning before. He rested his hand against the tile, not bothering to try to rinse the cheap soap from his skin.

He was blocked.

He couldn't apologize to her and Kaiba sure as hell wasn't going to contact her on Atem's behalf…

Shit.

Atem slid to the floor of the tub and let out a shivering sob.

"Why? Why am I so upset?" He thought as he stood up shakily.

He quickly finished his shower and wrapped himself in a fluffy white robe, trying to warm himself up.

He walked up to the large mirror and looked at his reflection, studying the dark circles under his eyes.

Ew.

He ran his fingers against his skin in slow upward strokes. He looked even older than he did a couple of months ago. He knew that was the point of the hormones but he didn't realize what getting older meant for his face.

He opened his robe out of curiosity and stared at his naked body.

Oh Gods.

His body was worse.

He was skinny.

Too skinny for his own liking.

"No wonder Salem blocked you. Look at you, you're grotesque. What would a goddess like that want with you?" His gaze swept lower toward his genitals,

"Ugh…" He said aloud, closing his robe and leaving the bathroom.

He gasped when he saw several glowing candles surrounding the large bed. He walked further into the bedroom and smiled at the rose petals covering the duvet.

"You seemed like you needed a calm atmosphere so I made one." Kaiba's voice sounded from the couch.

Atem turned to see Kaiba seated beautifully in the middle of the couch. His long arms were draped across the back of the couch while his legs were deliberately crossed.

Atem exhaled deeply as he sauntered over to the tall brunette and sat on the couch,

"You didn't have to do this... " He said, examining the covered trays of food.

"It was needed. For both of us." Kaiba said, uncorking a bottle of wine and pouring a small amount of liquid into a glass for Atem.

Atem took the glass by the stem and gulped the red liquid in one go. He sucked in air through his teeth as the acidic drink burnt his tongue and inner cheeks,

"Fuck, this is bad wine…" Atem laughed, putting the glass back on the coffee table.

Kaiba chuckled and ran his fingers through his overly fluffy hair,

"That's the best wine they had…"

"Sorry… Thank you. I mean it." Atem said running his hand up Kaiba's bare thigh.

He noticed that Kaiba had changed from his ceremony robe to one of the fluffy hotel robes as well. He gazed at Kaiba's chiseled features and flawless skin.

"How...How do you look like this?" Atem asked, reaching his hand up to cup Kaiba's cheek.

Kaiba mimicked Atem's motions and cupped the ex pharaoh's cheek in his palm,

"Atem, if you only knew how stunning you really are…." He said leaning his face close to Atem's, their lips inches apart.

Atem closed the gap between them and pressed his lips against Kaiba's, desperately crawling on top of the larger male. He straddled Kaiba's hips and deepened the kiss, eliciting a low groan from the blue eyed CEO.

Kaiba snaked his hands up Atem bare thighs and to his backside, enjoying every inch of Atem's beautiful skin. He slipped his tongue into the ex pharaoh's mouth, lightly biting Atem's bottom lip.

"Mn!" Atem yelped, loving the slight pain from Kaiba's teeth. He felt a current of electricity course through him as Kaiba's arousal brushed against his member.

"Oh Gods…." Atem moaned, breaking the passionate kiss.

Kaiba smirked and stood, lifting Atem up in the process. He carried the former prince over to the bed and laid him down gently.

Atem was becoming impatient. He tore off his robe and threw it to the floor, taking extra care not to throw the fabric into the lit candles. He laid back onto his elbows, gazing at Kaiba through lust filled eyes.

Kaiba pulled at the belt of his robe, letting the fabric fall open to reveal his erection. He licked his lips and leaned over to kiss Atem's navel. He kissed and nipped at Atem's skin as he moved down to the pharaoh's groin, Atem's moans spurring him to continue.

He gave Atem's throbbing erection a tentative lick, gauging the ex king's reaction.

"Mnnn...Seto…." Atem moaned, tangling his fingers in Kaiba's thick wavy hair.

Kaiba swirled his tongue around the head of Atem's penis and hummed lightly, enjoying the feeling of Atem's thighs around his neck.

He pulled Atem's hips closer, deep throating his crimson eyed lover.

"Mn! Seto! Stopstotoptop!" Atem gasped, placing his foot on Kaiba's shoulder and pushing the larger male off of him.

Atem let out a frustrated moan when Kaiba quickly squeezed the base of Atem's shaft, keeping the spiky haired duelist from his orgasm,

"Fuck, that's not fair Kaiba!" He breathed.

Kaiba smirked and licked his lips,

"I see. So I'm "Kaiba" when I'm in trouble?" He said, raking his fingernail up the backside of Atem's erection.

Atem shuddered and glared at Kaiba,

"More or less…" He shrugged.

Kaiba fully crawled onto the bed and sat with his legs crossed, unapologetically showing off his leaking member.

"Are you okay to continue? Kaiba asked, stroking himself for some relief.

Atem nodded, yelping when Kaiba immediately grabbed the back of this thighs and pushed his knees to his ears so his puckering hole was completely exposed.

He shook lightly when he felt Kaiba's breath against his cheeks.

"Did Salem take you here?" Kaiba asked, giving Atem's perineum a small kiss.

"No. Just her fingers…" Atem mumbled, gasping when Kaiba's tongue licked and explored his folds.

Kaiba sloppily sucked and kissed Atem's entrance, moaning at the pharaoh's unique taste and smell.

Atem moaned loudly as Kaiba pointed his tongue and pushed it inside of his tight hole,

"Oooh Gods…." He curled his toes and gripped the bed covers, enjoying the new and incredible sensation.

Kaiba felt his own member throb with need as he continued to soak Atem's clenching and unclenching hole. He lifted one of Atem's legs over his shoulder and kept the other one pushed against Atem's body. He gazed at Atem's face, flushed and bright red, ready for more.

He reached his hand to Atem's cheek and cupped it lightly, using his thumb to stroke the ex king's cheek.

Atem instinctually picked up on what Kaiba wanted and opened his mouth, breathing through his nose when Kaiba pushed two fingers against his tongue to wet them. He sucked on the long digits sensually, loving Kaiba's intense gaze.

Kaiba pulled his fingers from Atem's warm mouth and slowly pressed his index finger inside of Atem. He licked his lips as his lover cried out and shook.

"Breathe, pharaoh…" Kaiba grunted, moving his finger in and out.

Atem let out a shuddering breath as he started to feel small veins of white hot arousal shoot through his legs. He pushed his hips against Kaiba's finger as the sensation became more enjoyable.

"Hmm…...Ha…" He moaned breathily as Kaiba inserted a second finger.

Kaiba roughly scissored his fingers, stretching Atem impatiently. He had been dreaming of this for so long, he didn't know how much longer he could wait. He gave Atem's perineum several lewd licks as he continued stretching Atem, relishing the pharaoh's loud moans.

"Atem...I can't wait any longer…" He purred, throwing Atem's other leg over his shoulder. He rubbed his stiffness against Atem's dripping entrance to sufficiently lubricate himself.

"Seto ...I'm ready." Atem whispered, wrapping his arms around Kaiba's neck as the beautiful brunette placed his hands on either side of Atem's head.

Kaiba rested his forehead against Atem's and line himself up at Atem's entrance. He pushed himself inside the pharaoh slowly, groaning from the heat of Atem's walls.

Atem tried his best to relax as he felt himself stretching painfully. He exhaled deeply as he felt Kaiba fully sheath himself to the hilt.

"Shit you're tight…" Kaiba moaned, kissing Atem neck and biting his ear. He tangled his fingers in the hairs at the base of Atem's neck and pulled lightly.

Atem sucked in air through his teeth as Kaiba started a slow rhythm. He let out a shaky sigh as his body started to respond to Kaiba painfully slow thrusts.

Kaiba sucked on Atem's ear lobe, hoping to relax the tense prince. He changed angles with each lazy trust, pausing when Atem gasped and moaned.

"Found it…" Kaiba thought, thrusting into Atem, hitting the king's prostate relentlessly.

"Oh! Oh fuck!" Atem moaned, feeling waves of please crash in his lower belly as Kaiba sped up the tempo. He dug his nails into Kaiba shoulders, moaning wildly.

Kaiba moved Atem's legs from his shoulders to around his waist, thrusting deeper into pliant body beneath him. He let out a throaty groan as Atem's tight heat clenched around him.

"Seto...Oh Gods, I'm going to come..Please, please, please…" Atem babbled, his erection trapped between their bodies, aching for release.

"Not yet, Atem please…" Kaiba moaned, thrusting into his lover desperately.

Atem whined and cried out feeling his member twitching and throbbing.

He didn't understand.

This was different.

His stomach quivered and his legs shook as his walls clamped down onto Kaiba relentlessly. His back arched and his vision went white, not hearing the sound of his own voice as he came.

Kaiba released thickly inside of Atem when the pharaoh clenched around him. He buried his face into Atem's neck and squeezed his eyes shut as the sensation became overwhelming.

Atem yelled Kaiba's name as his orgasm continued,

"Seto! Take it out! Takeitouttakeitout!" He hollered, unable to control his hips and legs.

"It's so tight, Atem...I can't-" Kaiba grunted, feeling Atem tense around him more, "You need to breathe. Relax.." He moaned, still reeling from his release.

Atem breathed in and out of his nose heavily, trying to calm himself down. He sighed in relief as Kaiba was finally able to pull himself out of Atem. He felt Kaiba's semen ooze out of him and he shivered.

Gross.

He breathed out of his mouth slowly, catching his breath. He turned his head to look at Kaiba who had collapsed beside him.

"I didn't think it would feel like that…" Atem murmured, feeling his hole leak even more.

Kaiba exhaled happily and smirked at the ceiling,

"I didn't think cumming hands free was real."

Atem sat up shakily and raised an eyebrow,

"What does that mean?"

Kaiba chuckled and shook his head,

"Don't worry about it. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

Atem scoffed,

"Enjoying myself doesn't even come close to how amazing I feel right now." He said with a laugh.

Kaiba turned over on his side and smiled up at the pharaoh,

"Hm. I had a good time too. Such a good time in fact, that I'm going to take a small nap before we need to get ready for the reception tonight. Do you mind?" He asked, getting comfortable under the duvet.

"Of course not, Seto. I'm going to eat something. I'm starving." Atem said slowly standing up and groaning lightly when his hole chafed and leaked.

Ouch.

He knew that would take some getting used to.

He grabbed his robe from off of the floor and blew out the candles. After wrapping himself in the fabric he quietly sat on the couch, excited for his meal. He removed the silver cover from both plates and frowned in disgust.

Fish.

"Yuck…" He whispered, realizing that Kaiba had no idea that Atem hated fish.

He covered both plates and went to the side table for his phone. He sighed, remembering that he couldn't text Salem. Instead, he composed a message to Yugi.

Atem: I know you're probably busy getting ready for the reception. But, I was wondering if we could talk?

..

….

..

Aibou: Actually, I'm all set for the party. Te'a's out getting her hair and makeup done so she'll be gone for a while. Why don't you come to the wedding suite? I could use your help making the room look romantic for after the reception. ;)

..

…

Atem: Of course! I'll get cleaned up and come to you!

..

…

Aibou: I'll text you my room number in a bit! 3

Atem chuckled and set his phone on the coffee table. He hung up his tux for the reception in the closet next to Kaiba's and sighed.

He would have to come back to the room to change but at least that'll give Kaiba some quiet time to rest. He took a second shower and dried himself off, getting dressed in a cream Gucci tracksuit.

He pocketed his phone and kissed Kaiba's forehead.

"He looks so peaceful…" Atem whispered to himself.

He wrote a note on the hotel stationary and breathed in and out deeply, hoping Kaiba wouldn't oversleep again. He shook the thought from his head and took the room key from the table next to Kaiba's sleeping form.

He stepped into his slippers and left the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. He checked his phone and follow Yugi's directions to the new room. He got into the elevator and pressed the button for Yugi's floor. He looked at the pictures from the before the ceremony on his phone, chuckling at Yugi's nervous expression around Te'a's father. He was so engrossed in the pictures, he didn't hear someone else enter behind him.

"Good afternoon, Atem." Mokuba's deep voice said.

"Oh! Oh, I'm sorry. I was- Hello, Mokuba." Atem stuttered, finally smiling at the young raven haired CEO.

Mokuba's expression remained stoic as he pressed the emergency stop button, causing the elevator to come to a sickening halt.

"What the f-" Atem started, yelping when Mokuba pushed him against the elevator wall.

Atem gasped and looked up into Mokuba's purple grey eyes which were full of rage and resentment.

"You ruined everything, you know that?" Mokuba growled grabbing the collar of Atem's tracksuit.

Atem glared up at the spoiled man in front of him,

"I did no such thing. Your brother needed me and now he has me. You should be happy for him."

Mokuba narrowed his eyes and slammed Atem against the wall once more,

"Oh I should, should I? I wonder how Salem feels about being replaced. After all if it were for you she'd still be with my brother…" Mokuba whispered threateningly.

Atem kept silent. There was no reason he should tell Mokuba about what had actually been going on between the three of them.

"The second you start causing trouble for my brother, well, more than you already have, I'll come after you. Yugi work's for the Kaiba's now so he can't save you either. It would be in your best interest to be on your best behavior." Mokuba smirked at let go of Atem's collar. Pressing the red button again for the elevator to resume it's upward path.

Atem rubbed at his chest and glared at Mokuba the rest of the ride.

"Mokuba was on a straight, innocent path the last I had seen him. Did my absence cause this behavior or was it my return?" Atem thought as the elevator slowed to a stop.

The elevator pinged and Mokuba sauntered out of the elevator,

"Tell Yugi I have a gift for him. Oh, and don't worry. I didn't bring Oji-san back from the dead and make the entire weekend about me." He spat as the doors closed.

Atem felt a lump forming in his throat. He had never thought about the fact that his presence would draw attention away from Yugi's wedding.

Oh, no.

He was so focused on coming back and living his own life that he didn't think about the effect it would have on the people around him.

The elevator came to another stop.

Yugi's floor.

He sadly left the elevator and walked down the hall. He sighed as he knocked on the large double doors of the wedding suite.

He heard excited footstep run up to the door before it opened, revealing a relieved and relaxed lavender eyed duelist.

"I'm so glad we're going to have a little alone time!" Yugi exclaimed, shutting the door as Atem shuffled inside.

Atem exhaled and pulled the new groom into a hug,

"I'm sorry." He whispered, his eyes filling with tears.

Yugi returned the hug, confused by Atem's sudden sadness,

"Atem? What are you apologizing for?" He asked.

Atem sighed and released Yugi from the hug. He sat on the large bed and looked around the overly luxurious room,

"This doesn't seem like you, Aibou." He changed the subject, gesturing to the spacious suite.

Yugi laughed nervously,

"Te'a picked it out. I didn't really mind where we slept as long as I got to be with her. She wants this to be a special experience and I can afford it now so, here we are..."

Atem nodded slowly,

"I hope my being here didn't put a damper on one of the biggest moments of your life." He said shakily.

"What?! Are you kidding, Atem! You being here it's-it's a dream come true! Oji-san would be happy that we've been reunited. Cheers to Kaiba, I guess." Yugi giggled.

"No. To Salem. It might have been Kaiba's idea but if it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here." Atem explained, feeling his earlier guilt wash over him.

"Hey, hey. I'm sorry. It's just that I'm so used to Kaiba being the one to do things like this…. I was so against him contacting Salem...If he had listened to me, you wouldn't be here."

Atem shook his head,

"This weekend isn't about me. Let's get to it shall we?" He smirked and stood, looking around the room,

"We'll need some flower petals to start."

Kaiba snored himself awake, jolting upright and frantically checking his phone.

Phew.

He still had plenty of time to get ready. He sniffed the air, noticing a stale fishy smell. He sniffed the sheets and under his arms.

Not the source of the smell.

He groggily got out of bed and followed the smell to the coffee table.

"Ohuggh!" He plugged his nose when he lifted up the silver cover off of one of the plates.

He hastily covered it and stacked both plates, holding his breath as he put them in the hallway. He shut the door and stomped over to the window, opening it to allow fresh air to flow into the room.

"The least he could have done was put the food in the fridge." Kaiba thought, taking off his robe and sighing heavily.

He stomped into the bathroom and started the shower, grumbling to himself when he heard the hotel room door open and close.

"Where has he been? Kaiba scowled as he quickly finished his shower. He ignored the bathroom door opening and stepped out of the tile enclosure.

"Seto? How was your nap?" Atem asked, his charming smile threatening to pierce Kaiba's sour mood.

Kaiba cleared his throat and wrapped his towel around his waist,

"Where were you?"

Atem walked up behind Kaiba and wrapped his arms around the CEO's waist. He kissed Kaiba's shoulder blade and nuzzled his forehead against the warm skin,

"I left you a note. Aibou, needed some help decorating his wedding suite… Also, I ran into your brother in the elevator… He, um, really doesn't like me." Atem murmured.

Kaiba rolled his eyes,

"I see you and Salem must have started talking again." He spat, Atem's words all too familiar.

Atem backed away and stared at Kaiba in the mirror as the brunette hastily blow dried his hair,

"What's that supposed to mean? Your brother is, I don't know, kind of a thug."

Kaiba slammed his hand on the marble counter and glared daggers at Atem,

"Watch yourself!"

Atem jumped and stepped back carefully,

"He threatened me in the elevator, Kaiba. I don't think you understand how your brother's behavior is ruining your personal relationships. Salem would still be here if you're brother wasn't such a monster-"

"Salem would still be here if you didn't tell her that her feelings were invalid. You really think you're such an angel, Atem? You've done more harm to her than I did." Kaiba growled.

Atem scoffed,

"How? You're the one who pressured her into sex by threatening to sick your clincally insane spoiled brat of a brother on her!"

"Stop it." Kaiba warned, walking out of the bathroom.

Atem followed Kaiba angrily,

"Why should I? It's true. You should be upset with your brother for threatening two of your loved ones!"

"Shut up. I'm warning you, Atem. Back. off."

"No! Kaiba, you're brother slammed me against the wall of the elevator..." Atem pleaded, hoping to make some sort of break through.

Kaiba stilled,

"He got physical with you?"

Atem crossed his arms and nodded slowly,

"Seto, I know that we both decided that having Salem in our lives right now isn't such a good idea. But, if you let Mokuba ruin your relationships...you might lose me too.."

Kaiba furrowed his brow and scoffed,

"I agree that Mokuba's behavior was inappropriate but let's be honest Atem. You can't leave me. Even if you wanted to." He took off his towel and began to get dressed.

Atem studied Kaiba carefully,

"What do you mean?"

Kaiba slipped on his skin tight boxers and smirked,

"Think about it, Atem. You have nothing to your name and nowhere to go. Salem's blocked you so you can't leech off of her anymore-"

"I have Aibou and our friends…" Atem challenged, putting his hands on his hips.

"Yugi is married now. Knowing him and Gardner, they'll have kids right away. You're going to intrude on his life and the lives of others just to prove a point? Face it, Atem. I'm all you have now." Kaiba explained going to the closet and pulling his dress shirt from the hanger.

Atem inhaled through his nose and swallowed the lump in his throat. He hated to admit it but Kaiba was right. He tried to blink away his tears, sniffling slightly.

Kaiba looked over at Atem,

"Oh, no, no. Atem, I'm just telling you the truth…" He said softly, walking over to Atem and cupping his face in his hands.

Atem sniffled lightly, staring up into Kaiba's eyes. He didn't understand.

Why did he feel awful?

He sighed as Kaiba ran his fingers through Atem's spiky hair.

So nice..

What was this?

"Kaiba just made me feel terrible...But now he's…"

Atem gasped as Kaiba kissed him full on the mouth.

"This is...a different kind of game…" He thought, moaning as Kaiba trailed his fingers down Atem's abdomen.

No.

Atem shivered as Kaiba grabbed his hands and put them on his chest. He became sexually frustrated as Kaiba broke away and went back to getting dressed. He huffed and crossed his arms,

"Um, are we going to…" He began, gesturing to the bed.

Kaiba chuckled,

"We have to get ready." He said, ignoring Atem and putting on this dark blue tux pants.

Atem growled and stomped his foot,

"I don't understand! You were so mean just now and then you get me worked up?"

Kaiba raised his eyebrow,

"I was just being honest. I'll talk to Mokuba about his behavior but everything else I said I meant." He said, buttoning his shirt.

Atem frowned.

Yes.

This was a different game and Atem didn't know if he wanted to play.

Atem jumped when there was a furious knock at the door. He walked over to the door and looked into the peephole.

Oh.

"Just open it, Atem. It's probably one of your friends." Kaiba sighed, making sure he was completely decent.

Atem opened the door and cleared his throat as Te'a stormed into their room, wearing a satin white robe and fluffy slippers. Her face was covered in a green substance and her hair was done up in pin curls.

"Um, come in?" Atem said closing the door.

"Kaiba, will you explain this?!" She yelled waving a rectangular piece of paper in Kaiba's face.

Kaiba snatched the paper out of Te'a's hands and read it.

It was a check.

From Salem.

"Pay to the order of Te'a Gardner for the amount of...Oh, Oh. Well. Congrats, Gardner. It looks like you've been given the gift of financial independence." Kaiba said, handing it back to the disgruntled bride.

Te'a glared at the tall brunette and held the check out,

"Take it. Give it back to her. I don't want help from that snake. I have Yugi."

"Te'a! Salem isn't a snake. She's the only reason I'm here!" Atem said in complete shock.

Te'a turned to Atem and smiled sadly,

"Atem, I don't expect you to understand but this is an inappropriate gift." She said handing the check to Atem.

Atem gazed at the check, counting the ridiculous amount of zeros. He realized that Te'a was right. He didn't understand.

"That's enough money for me to start my own dance studio and have money left over to start a college fund for me and Yugi's children. Kaiba, I know you can contact her. I don't accept this gift." Te'a said taking the check back from Atem, trying to hand it to Kaiba once more.

"Not my problem. Why don't you talk it over with your husband? Or do you not want him to know that you have it?" Kaiba questioned, wondering why the short haired bride wouldn't take the money.

Atem shook his head,

"Te'a haven't you always wanted to dance? I remember that you were going to go to school in America."

"I did, Atem. Let's just say, things were difficult...New York is shiny and fantastic but it was difficult for a girl from Japan to get cast on a work visa. I came back to Japan to start my own studio and I just...never got around to saving the money.." Te'a explained, gazing at the check dreamily.

"Well then there you have it. Salem is giving you an opportunity and you should take it. Keep the money, Gardner. Yugi's game isn't out yet and he's only contracted so long as he's working on it with Kaiba Corp. Once it's out, his contract ends. It'll do well, of course. But that'll be money that Yugi earned. Do you really want to spend your whole life getting an allowance from your husband?" Kaiba explained, sitting on the bed.

Te'a sighed and studied the check,

"I want to talk to her myself then. Give me her number." She demanded, crossing her arms.

"Absolutely not." Kaiba deadpanned, taking his tie from off of the bed.

"Atem, give me her number." Te'a said, turning to the ex pharaoh.

"Te'a...I can't just-"

"I am the bride and I demand to speak with the vile woman who gave me this small fortune!" Te'a yelled, throwing a tantrum.

Atem yelped and took out his phone, sending Salem's number to Te'a cellphone,

"There, it's done!" Atem said, terrified of the angry bride.

"Thank you, gentlemen. I'll see you in an hour for the reception." She smiled at Atem and glared at Kaiba, slamming the door behind her as she left.

"God, what I wouldn't give to listen in to that conversation…" Kaiba muttered, slipping his tie underneath his collar.

Atem shook his head,

"You're unbelievable."

Te'a sniffled and paced back and forth in her bridal suite, dialing the number Atem had given her. She breathed shakily as she listened to the other line ring.

"Hello?" Salem's voice sounded on the line.

"This is Te'a. What the fuck is your problem?" She said harshly, tapping her foot.

"...Something on your mind, bridezilla?"

"Oh, you are unbelievable! How did you even get this into my room? No one saw you and the lock wasn't broken!"

"I brought Atem back from the dead, I can obviously pick a lock. Is there a problem with the check? I'm a lefty but I made sure to write legibly."

"The problem is the check! How could you possibly think this was appropriate?" Te'a spat, the small piece of paper still in her hand.

"So you have no issue that I've returned one of your dear friends to you through highly impossible means? Means that would have me in trouble with world leaders and the Japanese government?"

"...No."

"Your issue is with a monetary gift that gives you financial independence. The amount not being an issue for me to provide-"

"The problem is the amount! You couldn't have possibly thought that I would accept this?"

"...Alright then, Mrs. Mutou. What amount would be appropriate and agreeable to you? After all, Atem was Yugi's gift. I mean if we're being honest, it was Seto's gift that he's sharing with Yugi. But, you were left out. Think about it, you haven't worked since, what, high school? You don't have any real work experience. You need your own money."

Te'a was silent. She didn't want to admit that Salem was right but she couldn't imagine taking the money and not telling Yugi about it.

"Te'a?"

"I'm here." She said her voice cracking slightly.

"Listen. I know you think I'm a bad person but I truly believe that you are a remarkable human being and that you'll do amazing things with this money. Think of it as an investment in your future. After what Seto did to me and after Atem using me, I don't really have anyone and-"

"What do you mean Atem used you? Kaiba's the one who used you...that's what Atem said. Kaiba seemed to know what he did to you..."

Te'a shivered when Salem let out a chilling laugh,

"Atem used me, Te'a. Seto and I had a real relationship...That is until I let slip that I had certain technology that could bring Atem back. After that, well...it was mainly just sex. Not that it wasn't consensual-well, it was until Halloween…"

Te'a knew she shouldn't ask, but she needed to know,

"What happened during Halloween?" She asked slowly.

"Seto and I had been broken up for a while. Mokuba threatened to buy stock in my company and run it into the ground. Technically if the stock is for sale, it can be bought by anyone. So, naturally I played along. During the party at the Kaiba mansion, Seto had too much to drink so I helped him to his room…"

"No."

"He told me I had two choices. One was I could explain why I was leaving to Mokuba and the other was getting into bed with him. Te'a, he was so rough with me. So rough that I was sent to the hospital the next morning. It took me weeks to recover. Atem was there for me. I trusted him."

"So then how did he use you?"

"He stayed with me during the entire process and we had become close. Incredibly close…."

Te'a gasped and choked back a sob. She didn't know what Salem had been through. She had mistaken Salem's cold attitude for ill intentions.

"I was supposed to attend your wedding but Atem told me to leave. After that he basically told me that Seto became violent with me was because I wasn't special to him."

"He wouldn't say something like that." She defended.

Te'a jumped as her phone pinged. A text message.

"That's the text conversation. Take from it what you will. Te'a, if you really don't want the money, then I'll stop payment and you can tear it up. But I need to know now."

Te'a thought seriously for a moment. Did she really need this money? Did she want to achieve her dreams by making a deal with the devil?

No. No, she didn't.

"I'm sorry for everything that happened to you, Salem. I am. But, I can't take your money. A part of me wants to believe that you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart but… my intuition is telling me not to trust you…"

Te'a tore up the check and went into the bathroom, flushing the pieces down the toilet,

"I'm sorry you don't have anyone but you know that if I took this money, I'd be starting off my marriage with secrets. I don't know you that well, but I have a feeling this check is your way of getting some sort of revenge.."

Te'a heard Salem sigh on the other end,

"I can't change what you think about me. I can't change what anyone thinks about me."

"Salem. I don't think you should try and contact me-any of us, again. Especially, if some of us have caused you so much pain." Te'a said, realizing she needed to get ready.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Mutou. I hope you have an incredible evening."

Te'a felt her eyes become hot as the line clicked and went silent.

No.

She knew she did the right thing.

Atem sighed loudly as he watched Kaiba sip his champagne,

"They newlyweds haven't even entered yet and you're on your third glass of champagne." He scolded crossing his arms.

Kaiba rolled his eyes and took another sip,

"It's champagne not grain alcohol calm down." He set down his flute and look around the reception hall.

He caught Mokuba's eye from across the room and nodded at the young man, gesturing for him to come to his table.

Atem looked at Kaiba and then at Mokuba who was now walking over to their table,

"You're more alcohol than man right now, and you're going to try to talk your brother?"

"You're being dramatic Atem. You'll know when I've had too much to drink." Kaiba said, standing up,

"I'll be right back. Do NOT talk to anyone you don't know." Kaiba finished, leading Mokuba to the hallway once the raven haired male reached the table.

Mokuba crossed his arms as him and his brother stepped into the quiet hallway,

"You haven't spoken to me all day. I'm guessing Atem told you about our little conversation." He said leaning against the wall.

Kaiba glared at his younger brother,

"You can't keep threatening my lovers, Mokuba. You were so supportive in the beginning. What happened?"

Mokuba scoffed,

"What happened? You broke up with someone who was perfect for you is what happened. Things are too raw right now. You can't already have another public relationship while both branches of our company is in shambles."

"It's not my fault your stock was bought out from under you." Kaiba stated.

"And it's not my fault you fired your entire board for conspiracy. Seto, we look like a joke to the public right now. I need to find out who purchased my stock and convince them to sell it back to me." Mokuba explained with a sigh.

Kaiba ran his fingers through his hair and gazed at his younger brother,

"Mokuba, whoever it is owns Kaiba corp. U.S. They can have you removed as CEO if they wanted. You can't rule out the possibility that this person isn't planning a takeover. Word will get out soon enough that you don't own the company. We can't release Yugi's game until you have the U.S. branch under your control. We can't risk it being pulled in America."

Mokuba groaned in frustration and studied his brothers face,

"I'm sorry I threatened Atem. It just feels like...You know. You were moving on. You and Salem could have gotten married and had a family…"

"Atem and I can have a family… There's just more steps…" Kaiba said with a chuckle.

"I'm serious, Seto. Technically, you and Atem can't get married. You can have that legal partnership thing or whatever, but even then it's not the real thing. Adoption has changed too. You'd have more of a chance adopting as a single father than you would with Atem as a partner." Mokuba came off of the wall and stepped closer to his brother.

"Seto, I think I'm in love with Rebecca…"

Kaiba's stomach dropped,

"What?"

"I think I'm in love with Rebecaa. We started talking again about a week after Joey and I broke up. She had been coming back and forth been Japan and America...And I officially closed on my condo in Times Square-"

"Congrats." Kaiba muttered.

"Seto, Rebecca is going to move in with me. I want kinds and so does she but I can't think of our future so long as I don't own the company you and I have worked so hard to change. Please, Seto. Can you find anything out?" Mokuba pleaded, sniffing slightly.

Kaiba sighed and patted his brother on the shoulder,

"I'm glad you're taking steps toward your happiness, Mokie. I'll see what I can do." He said, walking back into the reception hall.

Atem gave Kaiba a hopefully look as the blue eyed CEO took his seat at their table,

"Well?"

"He said he's sorry for threatening you. But he is right. We should keep a low profile. At least until Yugi's game comes out." Kaiba explained, adjusting his tie.

"What does keeping a low profile entail?" Atem asked, mimicking Kaiba behavior by adjusting his gold bow tie.

Kaiba exhaled deeply, looking Atem up and down. He admired the velvet burgundy tux that Salem had picked out for the ex kind.

It was a shame she couldn't attend the reception.

"Seto?" Atem nudged Kaiba gently.

"A low profile entails you not calling me by my first name in public." Kaiba whispered through clenched teeth.

Atem rolled his eyes and perked up his ears when the Duke started to speak into the microphone near the DJ.

"Hello, everyone! We've all had a very long day but I can say with complete confidence that bride and groom are well rested and ready to party with their amazing guests!" Duke announced, gesturing to the large double doors at the end of the reception hall.

All of the guests shifted their gaze to the newlyweds, who were entering the hall together. The music played at full volume as Yugi and Te'a walked down the middle of the hall arm and arm. Yugi was smiling nervously, trying his best not to step on Te'a's stark white ball gown.

Atem smiled happily and took out his phone, snapping several pictures of the couple as they made their way to the dance floor. He wiped a tear away from his cheek as the newlyweds started their first dance.

He wanted this.

He wanted to have this. With Kaiba.

But.

Atem turned his attention to Kaiba who was watching the couple calmly. He knew Japan didn't technically allow same sex marriage. At least not anything like this.

"What is it?" Kaiba whispered.

Atem shook his head and sniffed, watching Te'a and Yugi giggle and cry together.

They were happy.

He was that happy with Kaiba, right?

Atem looked at Kaiba once more and remembered how it felt to have the beautiful brunette inside of him. How it felt to be intertwined.

It was strange.

Atem realized that Kaiba almost acted like two different people and that it only got worse when he drank.

"Kaiba?" Atem whispered.

"What is it, Atem?"

"Do you think that'll ever be us?" Atem asked in a hushed voice.

Kaiba's heart fluttered excitedly. He wouldn't mind being married to Atem. That is if it were actual marriage and not a certificate that says "married but not really". He wanted to say yes so badly but the image of Salem in a wedding gown slipped into his thoughts.

This was all so confusing.

He cleared his throat,

"...Let's just get through the reception…."

Atem's heart sunk.

"What? He doesn't even want to talk about it?"

Atem sat back in his chair and crossed his arms.

This weekend was a terrible idea.

As the night went on, Atem caught up with Joey and his professional dueling career. There were so many new rules, summoning techniques, and monsters. Atem knew getting back into the dueling circuit wasn't going to be an option.

He spent time with Tristan and Serenity. They were living in Osaka together while Tristan worked as the manager of the second location of his father's auto shop.

He laughed with Duke and danced with Rebecca. He sighed happily as he got back to his table,

"Why don't you mind, Se-Kaiba?" He asked, undoing his bow tie and the first button of his white shirt.

"No thanks. We're here for you to have a good time. I'm fine watching you." Kaiba said, sipping another glass of champagne.

Atem stared at the almost empty glass,

"Don't you think you should slow down. It's almost midnight and you've been at that all night."

Kaiba rolled his eyes,

"Why don't we go to the roof and wait for the fireworks to start. I think Yugi and Te'a are up there already." He said, ignoring Atem's statement.

Atem exhaled and nodded, following Kaiba up to the roof silently. He knew that most everyone here knew who he was but the majority of them didn't know that he and Kaiba were intimate.

When they finally reached the roof, Atem had to ask,

"Joey told me that same sex marriage is legal in some parts of America. Would you ever consider-"

"Atem, not here. Okay?" Kaiba hushed, as Te'a walked over to the two gentlemen.

"Good evening. I'm glad to see you two are having a good time." Te'a said calmly, a dramatic difference from her early behavior.

"Te'a you look beautiful." Atem complimented, admiring her curly hair and done up face.

"Thank you. Atem, could I actually speak with you in private for a moment?" She asked, her voice waveringly slightly.

Atem looked at Kaiba, receiving a shrug from the tall brunette. He nodded and followed Te'a to a quiet corner of the roof.

"I spoke with Salem. I tore up the check." She started, gazing at the bubbles in her champagne glass.

"Are you sure that was wise?" Atem asked, trying to read Te'a's expression.

She nodded,

"Even with what I learned, I still don't trust her."

"Salem hasn't done anything the make you feel that way and-"

"She slept with you. Which makes me so upset and I think about how much you and Yugi are similar it just, ugh! But then she sent me a screenshot of a conversation she had with you yesterday. Atem, how could you say such a thing?" Te'a asked, her eyes brimming at the corners.

"I didn't exactly realize what I was saying, Te'a. I want Kaiba and I to figure ourselves out…" Atem explained, trailing off.

"Anyway, I felt awful for accusing her trying to get revenge when she was just trying to...I don't know. Look for someone she could take to? I tried to call her back but I was sent straight to voicemail." She said staring at her drink sadly.

Atem was about to speak when Yugi joined them,

"Te'a, what's wrong?" Yugi asked, their group quickly joined by Kaiba as other guests began entering the roof for the count down and the fireworks.

"She was just telling me about the check Salem left." Atem said, getting punched in the shoulder by the bride.

"ATEM!" Te'a yelled, almost spilling her champagne.

Kaiba awkwardly sipped his drink as Yugi furrowed his brow,

"Check? Salem left a check? Why didn't you tell me?" Yugi asked, taking the full glass of liquid from his wife.

"Because I decided not to keep it. She had addressed it to just me and-"

"You didn't think that a shady check isn't something I should know about?" Yugi asked heatedly, handing the glass of champagne to Atem.

Atem looked at Kaiba nervously. He didn't know what to do.

Kaiba smirked into his drink. He couldn't help but enjoy the fact that he wasn't the one being scolded for once.

"It was a small fortune, Yugi. I couldn't accept the money." Te'a said, crossing her arms.

"I just think that we should have made that decision together, Te'a. Of course we wouldn't take money from someone like Salem but I wish you would have involved me at least." Yugi argued, ignoring that the guest had started the countdown.

10..

9..

8..

"I just think that if it was a check for me, I should be able to make the decision on what to do with it." Te'a rebutled.

7..

6..

5..

"It's funny how that's your philosophy if it's your money, but my money is fair game to plan our overly extravagant wedding?" Yugi chuckled sarcastically.

Atem rubbed at his neck and looked between Yugi and Te'a, feeling awful for having mentioned the money.

Kaiba rolled his eyes,

"You know, none of this matters if you and Te'a signed a prenuptial agreement. You did sign a prenup,right? It only makes sense with your new tax bracket." he explained finishing his drink.

Yugi gazed at Te'a,

"Te'a got upset when I mentioned it."

"Only because money shouldn't matter." She put her hands on her hips.

"It obviously does now that I have a lot of it!" Yugi yelled.

"Maybe you shouldn't be such a GODDAMN BABY!" Te'a screamed back.

..3..

..2…

...1..

The small group stood in awkward silence as the fireworks went off. Everyone around them clapping and cheering.

Te'a sighed and blinked rapidly, trying not to cry,

"Yugi, I-"

"Atem, Kaiba. Could you give us some privacy please?" Yugi asked stoically.

Kaiba pulled Atem by his arm away from the newlyweds to a far away corner of the roof.

"That was a disaster." Atem said slowly, trying to enjoy the bright and beautiful colors in the sky.

Kaiba set his glass down and sighed,

"I'm sure they've had worse fights, Atem."

"No, Kaiba. That fight was all my fault. I knew she didn't want him to know but I just blurted it out like an idiot. And what's a prenup?" Atem asked, feeling himself going into hysterics.

Kaiba rested his arms against the guardrails of the roof,

"A prenuptial agreement is a contract that a couple signs before they get married. Usually it lists money, assets, property owned and debt that each person has and who will get said money, assets, property, and debt if the marriage fails or a spouse dies." He explained.

Atem exhaled through closed lips,

"One thing Salem explained to me was student loan debt and why I don't want it. Do you think maybe Aibou wanted to discuss this in the agreement? Te'a did go to school right?"

"That's a good assessment, Atem. It makes sense that she would want her debt to become both of their debt. Yugi, who didn't get any formal higher education most likely didn't have any debt."

Kaiba said, looking up at the fireworks,

"He definitely does now after this wedding. I know how much he makes and even with his salary he probably had to take several loans to pay for vendors, catering, the shuttle service… Even Te'a's dress is probably at least 200,000 yen."

"I know you keep saying now isn't the time or place. But if we ever got married would you make me sign that contract?" Atem asked, not knowing what kind of answer he was looking for.

"It's not a matter of making you do anything. A prenup protects both parties, pharaoh. So, I would want us to do it, yes. But, only to make sure that if something happened to me, you'd be taken care of. I don't know what the future holds for us, Atem. But I do know that you'll want for nothing.." He said, sneakily holding Atem's hand.

Atem smiled brightly and sighed,

"I was worried. About us. You know with how much we've argued this weeked. But, I see now that arguing is normal part of a healthy relationship."

"Plus, Te'a's drunk and being a brat. Look, they've made up already." Kaiba nodded over to the couple, who were now hidden away in their own little corner, getting incredibly frisky.

Atem chuckled and smiled. His relationship with Kaiba could work.

It will work.

"Hey, Kaiba?"

"Yes, Atem?"

"Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year, Pharaoh."

---

HOLY FUCK THAT'S THE END OF ACT 2! A FULL 21,000 WORDS!

Not the end of the story of course, but we're officially, now, fucking finally (I love this story don't get me wrong) reaching the end of L'appel Du Vide.

I'm so sorry it took me so long but this was a long, long, oh so long, chapter.

I hope you enjoyed the content and I'll post the next chapter of this story within a couple of weeks!

Tumblr: QueenBEWD