Mokuba paced his office nervously. He had been on edge since New Years day when he had received a mysterious email from the secret shareholder, asking for a meeting.
He tried his best to calm himself down, texting Rebecca for emotional support.
He was sure his secretary had the correct meeting time.
Right?
He gazed at the clock on his computer screen.
They were late.
He sighed shakily and paged his secretary,
"Where are they? Are you sure no one has checked in downstairs yet?"
"I'm sorry, sir. No one has checked in and I haven't received any cancellation phone call or email."
Mokuba sighed,
"Fine. Good. Thanks."
He rubbed at his forehead and sat at his desk.
This was the worst.
Whoever had purchased his stock definitely wanted to cause him harm. He didn't think about the fact that since he technically didn't own the US branch, he could be removed as president.
Mokuba shook his head and dialed his brothers number on his office phone. He pressed the speaker phone button and exhaled deeply when he heard Kaiba's voice on the other line.
"Good afternoon, Mokuba."
"Seto, this person still hasn't shown." Mokuba blurted.
"Stay calm and collected."
Mokuba furrowed his brow,
"You know something, don't you?"
"I have to get dressed for work. I'll talk to you after."
Mokuba frowned when he heard the line click and go silent.
Great.
He groaned and put his head on his desk. He knew there had to be a way around this mess.
There had to be.
His head shot up when he heard a loud warble. He stood up slowly as a swirling pink mass formed in front of his desk. He backed away in awe as Salem gracefully stepped out of the portal.
"Wh-wha-" Mokuba stuttered, unable to fathom what he had just seen.
"Oh come on, habibi. Out with it." Salem said, crossing her arms as the portal closed.
Mokuba shook his head and cleared his throat. He couldn't believe it.
Wait.
"You're the one who purchased my stock." He said slowly.
He felt his heart thud in his chest harshly.
This was bad.
"Yeah, no shit." She said, scanning the office carefully.
"Why?" Mokuba asked, glaring at the curly haired woman in front of him.
He watched Salem saunter around the office. It looked like she was already redecorating.
"Why what?" She asked, finally walking over to the desk and leaning against the polished wood.
"You don't seem like the type to want revenge so what could you possibly want with my company?"
"It's my company now. And you don't know me as well as you think you do. This branch is a disaster and the only reason why it started to do well was because of your brother's relationship with me." She explained, adjusting her grey trench coat.
"Yeah, I'm aware. So, then. What do I have to do to get you give me my two percent back?"
"Give? I'm not giving you anything." She said, with a sarcastic chuckle.
"Listen. Sell me back my two percent. This won't end well for you if you don't." Mokuba threatened.
"Hmmmm. What are you going to do if I don't?" She asked, raising in inquisitive eyebrow at the raven haired teen.
Mokuba narrowed his eyes,
"I'll tell everyone about your technology. You would be arrested."
Salem let out a bone chilling cackle,
"Awwww. You're going to tell the government on me? Why don't you call the prime minister right now? I would love to hear you explain everything."
Mokuba growled and slammed his fist on his desk,
"Listen, bitch! When Seto finds out you're the one behind this-"
"Oh! As if he didn't already know. You don't think it strange that your brother took no action when he noticed the stock had been purchased? I'm sure he knows about the predicament you're in and knows I'm the one behind it." She explained with a cat like smirk.
Mokuba sat down in his chair, defeated. He knew there was something off when he spoke to his brother.
Fuck.
There was no way around this mess.
"Okay. Okay, Salem. What do I have to do?" He asked, ready to work with her.
"Mnnn, for starters? You should resign." She stated seriously.
Mokuba laughed uncontrollably,
"Haha, no. That's not happening."
"Better that you resign, than I fire you. Your choice." Salem said, examining her hands absentmindedly.
Mokuba pursed his lips and flared his nostrils,
"Keep me on as president."
"Why should I? An empty seat is better than a spoiled brat." She said, flipping her long messy curls over her shoulder.
Mokuba ran his fingers through his hair,
"Fuck, Salem. Come on. I'm sorry for what happened between you and my brother. And, I'm sorry for threatening you but please don't do this. I'll do anything…" He pleaded, completely desperate.
Salem cracked her knuckles and sighed,
"I'll keep you on as president."
Mokuba let out a sigh of relief.
"But, you have to do everything I say. This is my company after all." She added.
"Of course." Mokuba nodded, glad that he was still president. For now.
"Let's start simple. Yugi's game is set for release this coming spring in Japan and in the fall in the U.S. It should be released in the U.S. first. This branch needs the profits sooner rather than later." She said, walking to the center of the large office.
Mokuba shook his head,
"Seto isn't going to go for that."
"Not my concern. Your job is to make it happen. So make it happen. Before that though, I'd like to see how the game looks. I need to see the most current changes and then we can move forward." She ordered, pointing her watch in front of her and opening a portal.
"I'm glad we could do business. Do not disappoint me." With that, she walked through her portal, leaving Mokuba alone in his office.
He placed his head in his hands and exhaled deeply,
"I'm a puppet for the most dangerous woman in the goddamn universe…"
Atem groaned internally as Kaiba poured himself a second glass of wine. He stabbed a piece of broccoli with his fork and shoved it into his mouth. All the while glaring at his plate,
"Do you have to drink when it's just the two of us having dinner? I didn't think I was so unbearable that you'd need liquid courage just to eat this god awful food." Atem spat, impaling a baby carrot on his fork.
Kaiba sighed,
"It's just wine. What's your problem? You've been in a bad mood all day." He asked, taking a small sip of his drink.
Atem set his fork down and crossed his arms,
"I want to spend time with you outside of the mansion. I hate being cooped up here all day. I thought once Aibou and your brother found out, it would be different. I still feel like a science experiment." He said, staring emptily at his plate of vegetables.
"I know, you want to go outside but things are still a little difficult and new. It's only been two weeks, Atem. I just ask that you be patient." Kaiba said softly.
Atem sighed pushed his plate away from him,
"Fine. Can I at least have better food? Nothing is seasoned and there's no protein." He complained.
"You need to eat healthy." Kaiba yawned.
"Oh, am I boring you?" Atem growled.
Kaiba scoffed,
"I've had a long day, Atem. You'd know how that feels if you actually had a job."
"I would LOVE a job. Anything to get me out of this house! I'm so bored, Kaiba. I can't even spend time with Aibou because he's in New York on his honeymoon. You're so busy all the time. If I just had, I don't know…" Atem trailed off.
He wanted to say "a friend" but the last thing he wanted was to start another argument about where him and Kaiba stood on contacting Salem.
Kaiba rubbed his temples and cleared his throat. He knew what Atem had wanted to say and he was glad to ex pharaoh had stopped himself.
"I can't take time off right now, Atem. There's too much going on with the company and-"
"I know. Your work is important." Atem said, standing up.
"Where are you going? You've barely had any food."
"I can't eat unseasoned vegetables. I wish Isono's cooking was-"
"Don't you dare. If you really think you can make something better, then show me." Kaiba challenged, standing up from the table.
"Okay, I will!" Atem huffed, stomping to the kitchen, followed by a very entertained Kaiba.
Kaiba sat at the kitchen bar as he watched Atem set out a medium sized stainless steel pot.
"Let me guess. You're making pasta?"
Atem glared at the tall brunette and crossed his arms,
"What's wrong with pasta?"
Kaiba shrugged,
"I just figured if you're trying to prove how much better of a cook you are than Isono, you should do something more impressive." He said, slowly rounding the kitchen island and leaning against the counter.
He wasn't about to let Atem try and cook but it was fun to humor the ex pharaoh.
"Although, the thought of Atem cooking for me every night is the sexiest thing ever…" Kaiba thought, feeling himself become aroused.
"I'm sick of only vegetables. Pasta is definitely a step up." Atem said, taking the pot and filling it with water.
"Have you ever used a stove before, Atem?" Kaiba asked, closing the gap between them.
Atem looked up at Kaiba's intense expression and shivered,
"What are you doing, Seto?" He asked as Kaiba ran his hands down Atem's upper arms.
Kaiba smirked mischeviously and pushed Atem onto the countertop. He roughly lifted the ex king's shirt and pinched at the pink nubs on Atem's chest,
"The stove is dangerous...Wouldn't you prefer to do something more fun?" He purred, nipping at Atem's sensitive skin.
Atem moaned lightly, trying his best to not let Kaiba distract him.
"Stop it. I'm hungry."
Kaiba chuckled and bit down on Atem's right nipple. He smiled against Atem's skin,
"Me too and I'm getting impatient." He said, unbuckling Atem's belt and unzipping his jeans.
Atem grunted when Kaiba crashed their lips together, immediately biting and sucking on Atem's bottom lip. He yelped when he felt Kaiba's warm hand around his member,
"Oh, God yes…" He moaned into the kiss.
"Mmmn...You've changed your tune rather quickly.." Kaiba whispered, stroking Atem's stiffening member.
Atem exhaled sharply as Kaiba quickened his pace. He happily laid back on the counter, giving Kaiba the opportunity to fully pull off his jeans and throw them to the ground. He knowingly lifted his knees to his chest and placed his hands just below his knee caps, fully exposing himself to his lover.
"You're learning quickly." Kaiba licked his lips, gazing at Atem's clenching hole and twitching erection.
Atem hummed and arched his back as Kaiba trailed his fingers up the backs of Atem's thighs,
"Please…" He begged, shaking when he felt Kaiba's hot breath on his hole.
Kaiba chuckled when Atem squirmed beneath him,
"It's amazing how much more submissive you are when you want to cum…"
He spat on the tight ring of muscle between Atem's legs and roughly inserted a finger inside the tight heat.
Atem hollered and moaned as Kaiba began to stretch him. He curled his toes as Kaiba added another finger,
"Oh shit… Haaaaoohhhhh…" He let his head fall back and his hips shake. He whined and protested when Kaiba removed his fingers and lewdly sucked on the digits.
"You want to cum, pharaoh?" Kaiba asked in a low murmur.
Atem nodded desperately, rolling his hips.
"Touch yourself." Kaiba ordered.
Atem obediently sat up and spread his legs, making sure Kaiba had a view of what Atem's hole. He gripped himself firmly, frustrated that the sensation was different when he stroked himself.
His eyes rolled into the back of his head as his moved his hand up and down slowly, spitting onto his erection to give himself more lubrication.
"Good. Keep going." Kaiba guided, rubbing himself through his slacks.
Atem's breathing became choppy and ragged as he pumped himself faster,
"Please….I need more…" He begged, aching for Kaiba thickness to stretch and pull him apart.
"Mmmmnnn, only good boys get what they need. Are you going to be good from now on?" Kaiba hummed, amused by Atem's neediness.
Atem nodded and moaned,
"I will...I'll be a good boy…"
"Good boys don't complain about dinner." Kaiba smirked.
Atem exhaled in frustration,
"...I won't complain anymore..Just please…" He let go of his weeping member and spread himself,
"I need you…"
Kaiba smirked triumphantly and nodded his head toward the kitchen floor. He unbuckled his belt as Atem hastily stepped down from the counter and got on all fours on the cold tile. He knelt behind Atem, unzipping his pants and setting his throbbing member free. He rubbed his arousal against Atem's soaking entrance, relishing Atem's shakings legs as he pushed himself inside slowly.
"Oh fuck yes…" Atem moaned, unashamedly stroking himself. The ex king didn't like that he was so easily influenced and controlled by sex but he couldn't help himself.
Sex was new to him.
At least it was new to his organic body.
He felt himself drool as Kaiba slammed into him,
"I'm close…." He moaned, hating that Kaiba had toyed with him for so long.
Kaiba was panting and groaning as he sped up, leaning over Atem and biting on the shell of his lover's ear. His vision blurred as the heat around his cock became almost unbearable,
"Fuck, Atem…" He moaned, feeling his orgasm building in his lower stomach.
Atem stilled as he spilled his seed all over the tile, his tongue lolling out as Kaiba's thrusts became desperate. He grunted when Kaiba pushed his shoulders to the ground and began thrusting at a new angle.
He choked out a breath as Kaiba came with one final hard thrust.
Kaiba let out a low groan as he came thickly and deeply inside of Atem,
"Mnn, yes…" He pulled out of Atem, spreading the ex pharaoh's cheeks to watch the semen ooze out of the tight hole,
"Satisfied?" Kaiba asked, stuffing himself back into his boxers and zipping up his pants.
Atem nodded happily, sitting up slowly. He looked at the floor and sighed,
"I guess we shouldn't leave this mess here for Isono to clean up..."
Kaiba snorted,
"He already doesn't like that we're together. The last thing we should do is leave our collective juices on the kitchen floor."
"Right." Atem sighed.
Kaiba yawned loudly as he started his work for the day. The last month with Atem was something out of a dream.
He had convinced the ex pharaoh to find a new hobby to keep him busy during the day. He was surprised when the former royal had decided to make it his sole purpose to redecorate the entire mansion.
Kaiba chuckled to himself at the thought of Atem picking out new carpet and complimenting wall paint. He sighed when his phone rang loudly,
"Mokuba, I'm surprised to hear from you."
"It's only 9pm here and I knew you'd be by up now." Mokuba's voice was dreary and weak on the other line.
"Are you alright? You sound sick."
"I'm fine. It's just allergies. There's actually something I wanted to discuss with you."
"If it has to do with your mystery shareholder, I'm proud that you were able to negotiate with them."
"I'm surprised you haven't asked me who it was, yet. Aren't you curious?"
"...It doesn't matter now that you've handled it.."
"...Okay, Seto…"
Kaiba cleared his throat,
"Was that what you wanted to discuss?"
"No. No, it wasn't. I wanted to discuss the first release of Yugi's game. So far, it looks like it'll be on time for this spring."
"That was the plan."
"I think that because of the state of the US branch, it might be a better idea to release it in America first. Kaiba Corp. U.S. will have profits coming in immediately, and it'll set the demand for the Japanese release in the fall."
Kaiba chewed his tongue.
No.
That was an awful idea.
Yes, it was true that the US branch needed the profits immediately, but it could lose more money if the new platform flopped in America.
Which it was more likely to do…
"Seto? Are you there?"
"I'm here."
"So what do you think?"
"Mokuba. We never release in the states first. Do you actually believe that this will set the demand in Japan? There's already demand in Japan and Americans are so willing to follow Japanese gaming culture and trends. I mean, unless this wasn't your idea?"
Kaiba listened as Mokuba sighed,
"I really do think that a U.S. release first is the best course of action for this platform."
"And that's completely your idea? An original thought?"
"Seto, come on. I think you know my hands are tied."
"I don't know, Mokuba. It seems like these are all of your original ideas…"
"I don't understand what you want from me right now." Mokuba sighed.
"Take responsibility. Is it your idea or not?"
"I feel like you know who the new owner is and this would all be easier if it was out in the open."
"And I feel like you know that if a shareholder wishes to remain anonymous you have to honor that."
"Fine. Do you approve my request to release the game in America first?"
"It's not that simple, Mokuba. Yugi owns the copyright and in his contract it states that the release dates are spring in Japan and fall in America. He could sue if we move forward without his consent." Kaiba explained, simultaneously answering emails on his laptop.
Mokuba groaned,
"What do I have to do, Seto?"
"Well, since it's your idea and no one elses you should put together a case. We'll have a video conference and you can give us concrete reasons why it would be in our best interest to change Yugi's contracted release dates. You know, a better reason than that your branch needs the money."
"Fine, Seto. Anything else?"
"You need to own your branch."
"I know."
"Handle it."
"I'm really in a bind here, Seto. I'm trying. Can you just...maybe you can be the voice of reason?"
"I'll see what I can do but we're way past that." Kaiba sighed.
"It's worth a shot."
"Get some rest. We'll set a meeting once you have your materials."
"Alright."
Kaiba hung up and groaned.
This was a mess.
He dialed a memorized number into his work phone and waited as it rang,
"Mr. Kaiba, to what do I owe the displeasure?"
Ugh.
Jackson.
"Jackson, it's been a while. Is she available?"
"She's busy. I can take a message but I probably won't give it to her. It'll just upset her."
Kaiba growled and cleared his throat,
"Listen, Jackson-"
"No, you listen, Mr. Kaiba. You've put her through enough. You have what you want. You have Atem. As far as your company's stock is concerned, Lady Sala doesn't do anything without cause or reason."
"If you won't let me speak to her, just tell her that Atem is sorry about offending her. She blocked him about a month ago."
Kaiba heard Jackson sigh,
"Fine. That is a message I will relay. Do not try to contact her again."
The line went silent.
Kaiba exhaled deeply and clicked the phone onto the receiver. He leaned back in his chair and gazed at the high ceilings of his office.
He knew Salem wouldn't do anything to hurt them.
And, she wasn't one for revenge.
Was she?
He guessed it didn't matter at this point. What's done is done.
All that mattered was that Yugi's game gets released on time and Atem stays a secret from social media for just a little while longer.
Just a little while.
Atem excitedly ventured through the halls of the Kaiba mansion. He had big plans for this rotting piece of architecture. He wished that Kaiba would just sell the ancient eye sore but when Atem mentioned the idea of putting the mansion on the market, Kaiba gave him the silent treatment for a full day.
He did not like being ignored.
His next best option was to redecorate and renovate the crumbling manor. Maybe then he'd feel more at home. He took out his phone and began snapping pictures of the master bedroom.
"What do you think you're doing?" Isono's voice said from the doorway.
Atem rolled his eyes and turned to face the greying chief of security,
"If you must know, Seto put me in charge of redecorating the Kaiba mansion."
Isono scoffed and shook his head,
"The mansion is over 100 years old, any renovations or redecorations need to be done by a professional. He gave you a fool's errand."
Atem sighed,
"Redecorating isn't something I need to be a professional to do. I know you don't like me, Isono but I'm not an idiot. I know how to use the internet to order things. Seto's card is on auto pay so he told me to have at it." He said, taking another picture, this time of the ensuite bathroom.
"Your presence here is ruining Mr. Kaiba's future. You don't belong here and redecorating the Kaiba mansion won't change that." Isono spat, leaving Atem alone in the large master bedroom.
Atem scanned the room and walked over to the bed. He sat down and ran his hand along the dark blue comforter. He laid back onto the fluffy pillows and held his phone above his face, typing a message to Kaiba.
Atem: Isono really hurt my feelings just now. Could you talk to him?
..
….
Kaibabe: We've talked about this Atem. If you sass him back he'll never respect you.
..
….
Atem: He started it.
..
….
Kaibabe: I really can't deal with this right now, Atem. I'm busy.
..
…
Atem: You're always busy and we never talk when you get home because you fall asleep right after sex. You never used to fall asleep immediately and this past week you've really neglected me.
..
…
Kaibabe: Don't start this argument again, Atem.
..
…
Atem: I'm just saying it's almost like you're allergic to being gentle.
..
Kaibabe: I work long hours, Atem.
..
Atem: I don't see how your hours correlate to your lack of aftercare. It's not difficult to cuddle.
..
….
Kaibabe: It's too hot to cuddle after we're done.
..
…
Atem: You mean after your done.
..
….
Kaibabe: …. I know Isono was mean to you but I feel like your taking your frustration out on me for no reason.
..
…
Atem: I wouldn't be frustrated if you would reign in your watch dog.
..
….
Kaibabe: Watch yourself.
..
….
Atem: Or what? I'm not allowed outside, I've eaten nothing but vegetables for the last month and a half, and I have to finish myself off after having rough sex with you. What could you possibly do to make me feel more alone.
..
…
..
..
.
Kaibabe: I didn't realize sex was such a chore for you. It's hard to tell because you turn into whiny wet little mess if I stare at you for too long.
..
…
..
Atem: I'm trying to tell you I feel alone and the sex is what you reply to? I wish you would actually listen to my feelings instead of trying to distract me all the time.
…
..
Kaibabe: I want to listen to your feelings, Atem.
..
…
Atem: Then why don't you? I talked you out of calling Salem the other night when you got wine drunk. And then, I listened to you cry about your feelings for her and about the guilt you feel every day. Why can't you do that for me?
..
…
Kaibabe: I really hate that you keep bringing her up. And I didn't cry.
..
Atem: You cried like a bitch.
..
Kaibabe: You know what. Go outside, eat junk, I don't fucking care.
..
Atem: Wow. Great. Thanks for listening, asshole.
..
Kaibabe: Whatever.
Atem growled and shoved his phone in his pocket. He stood up and stomped out of the bedroom and down the grand staircase. He stormed into the kitchen, spotting Isono who was starting dinner.
"Take me to Aibou, now." Atem demanded, crossing his arms.
"You are not permitted to go outside." Isono grumbled, not looking up at the disgruntled ex king.
"You aren't the boss of me and neither is Kaiba. You obviously don't want me here so just take me to Yugi. He's back from his honeymoon and I need to talk to him. Take me now." Atem growled, his patience already lost.
Isono sighed and finally gazed at the angry ex pharaoh,
"Fine. Let's go."
Yugi furrowed his brow when he heard a knock at his front door. He looked at Te'a who was seated across from him at the dinner table,
"Are you expecting someone?" He asked as he stood up.
Te'a shook her head and sipped her lemon water,
"No, hun."
Yugi blinked and walked through his foyer and to the front door, staring into the peephole.
"Oh my god!" He yelled excitedly, opening the door for an exasperated Atem.
Yugi pulled the pharaoh into a tight hug and giggled happily,
"It's so good to see you! I didn't think Kaiba would want to come over. Work as been crazy!" He said looking behind Atem, confused when the company limo pulled off.
Atem smiled weakly and returned the hug,
"It's just me if that's alright. I really needed someone I could talk to…" He said sadly.
Yugi released the pharaoh and studied his expression carefully,
"Is everything alright?"
Atem felt his eyes water and his throat close,
"Um-I-" He choked back a sob, covering his mouth as his lip quivered.
Yugi's eyes widened,
"Oh, oh, no. Pharaoh, come inside." He said, ushering the distraught king inside and shutting the door.
Atem looked around the mid sized house as Yugi lead him through the foyer and into the kitchen,
"You're home is beautiful, Aibou." He said, smiling at Te'a.
"Pharaoh!" Te'a stood up and hugged Atem,
"Have a seat! I'll fix you a plate!" She said excitedly.
Yugi sat down next to Atem and smiled,
"Thank you, Pharaoh. I expanded the game shop when Kaiba hired me. I bought this home last summer so Te'a and I would have more space." He explained.
Atem nodded, feeling his heart swell when Te'a put a plate in front of him. He almost moaned of joy when he saw familiar triangular slices piled with tomato sauce, cheese, and slices of meat.
Pizza.
"Sorry for the junk food. We just got back from New York and I'm already not the best cook so, pizza was the best option." Te'a explained, sitting in her chair and pouring Atem a glass of water from the pitcher on the table.
Atem shook his head excitedly,
"No, this is amazing! I haven't tasted pizza in my organic body yet." He said, picking up a slice off of the plate and biting into it.
Holy shit.
"It's so good.." He laughed, his mouth full.
Yugi chuckled and leaned back in his chair,
"I'm glad you like it...So, what's going on?"
Atem swallowed his large bite and sighed,
"Well…" He took out his phone and showed Yugi the text conversation he had with Kaiba.
He watched silently as Yugi expression changed from calm to horrified,
"No, no, no. He can't treat you like that." Yugi said, becoming angry and handing the phone to Te'a.
"Oh my god...Atem...Kaiba's definitely difficult but this behavior is, um, well…." Te'a trailed off as she handed Atem his phone.
"It's abusive." Yugi finished, fuming.
Atem stared at his pizza, his appetite suddenly gone,
"I don't know what to do. It's only been a month or so but recently the sex has been...stale. He always says it's because he's tired but he's never too tired to drink. He almost called Salem a couple of days ago-"
"Whoa. Did she ever unblock you?" Yugi asked, leaning forward.
Atem nodded,
"Apparently she never blocked me…When she stopped responding to my messages it wasn't because of what I said. I mean, what I said to her was fucked and I've apologized multiple times… She told me some stuff earlier this month. She's going through a lot right now." He explained, taking a sip of his water.
Te'a cleared her throat and crossed her arms,
"I feel like whatever she's going through is her own fault. Hard to deal with the consequences of your actions when no one's ever held you accountable."
Atem narrowed his eyes at the former dancer,
"Excuse me?"
"Te'a, don't. Please." Yugi pleaded.
"No. I mean it. She deserves whatever she's going through. Maybe she'll learn a lesson." Te'a huffed.
Atem glared down at his plate,
"You know what, Te'a. Even if what's she's going is her own fault, it doesn't make it any less difficult for her to deal with. I chose to be with Kaiba so I guess by your logic, I deserve to be treated badly."
Yugi sighed and rubbed at his temples,
"She didn't mean it like that."
"I meant what I said, Yugi. And no, I don't think you deserve to be treated badly. Your situation is different." Te'a explained, shaking her bangs out of her eyes.
Atem raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest defensively,
"Do explain."
"Well, in your case, Kaiba isn't listening to your needs and concerns. It isn't your fault. Kaiba's just an ass." She explained further.
"But, I knew he was an ass before Salem brought me back. I knew what kind of person he was then and I know even better now. I stayed with him even after what he did to Salem. I know for a fact that he's an elevated blood alcohol level away from doing the same thing to me. So if that happens, by your logic, it was my own fault." Atem challenged, glaring at the wide eyed woman.
"Actually by Te'a's logic it would be Salem's fault…." Yugi added quietly.
Atem turned to look at Yugi,
"You too, Aibou?"
"No, I'm saying that Te'a's point is that Salem knowingly brought you back and if you end up in danger, it would be Salem's fault because she's the one who brought you back." Yugi expressed, feeling incredibly uncomfortable.
Atem scoffed,
"I'm floored that in both of these scenarios, Kaiba doesn't get any of the blame. She brought me back for Kaiba. He never even thanked her… I didn't even thank her…"
The three of them fell into an awkward silence.
Atem chewed on his bottom lip as Te'a moodily stomped out of the kitchen.
Yugi sighed,
"I'm sorry about that Atem. The whole money thing still bothers her. As for Kaiba, I really think he needs to make you a priority. I think now...because your back, he can't picture losing you again. You can come over here whenever you need some time away from the Kaiba mansion." He said, putting his hand on Atem's knee.
"I'm sure you two are never home. I wouldn't want to impose." Atem said with a long exhale.
Yugi shook his head and smiled,
"Te'a doesn't work so she'll be here whenever you need help."
Atem furrowed his brow,
"What? What do you mean she doesn't work? How does she contribute?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"It's not a big deal, Pharaoh. Thanks to my job at Kaiba Corp we can afford our new lifestyle with just one salary. It'll only get better when the game comes out." Yugi explained.
"Wait. So, Te'a wants judge Salem for giving her a check when Te'a doesn't even have a job or her own income?" Atem asked, starting to believe Te'a's distrust of Salem is stemming from jealousy.
"That's kind of why it made her mad, Pharaoh. Listen, I'm glad you and Salem are talking again but you should really be more worried about Kaiba's behavior." Yugi leaned back in his chair and gazed up at the ceiling,
"I really don't want things to get to where he hurts you physically for you to decide that you should leave. Maybe you should stay here for the night. Just so he knows what it's like to not have you around. Maybe tomorrow he'll be ready to listen." He finished, standing up and stretching.
Atem ran his fingers through his soft short spikes,
"I think you're right, Aibou...I don't have anything to wear to sleep, though."
"I have plenty of sweatpants and pajamas you can choose from. Um, your track suit looks expensive. Can it go in the wash?" Yugi asked holding a hand out towards Atem.
Atem took his hand and stood,
"I have no idea." He chuckled. He realized he had didn't know how to wash clothes or how to take care of his designer wear.
"Hmm. I guess we can throw your underwear in the wash so you'll at least have that for tomorrow." Yugi thought aloud as he lead Atem to the upper level of the house.
Atem took in the modern decor and feminine color palette. He followed Yugi down a short hallway and into a sparsely decorated bedroom.
"This is our guest room so feel free to stay until Kaiba takes the hint." Yugi said, closing the curtains on the medium sized windows.
"Thank you, Aibou." Atem said, walking over to the bed and gingerly sitting on the pink frilly duvet.
"I'll be right back with a towel for your shower and pajamas, okay?"
Atem nodded, the reality of his situation finally beginning to set in. He was hiding from his lover at his friends house. He felt sick to his stomach when he realized Kaiba was right.
He was intruding on Yugi's life and he didn't like the feeling.
He shouldn't have left the mansion.
"Actually, Aibou. I think I'm going to go home…"
Chapter 18 done! Things are difficult for our boys right now.
Who do you all think is in the wrong?
Sorry if the chapter seemed choppy but time is moving a little faster now.
This story has come so far and I'm getting very excited to see how it'll turn out!
If you like this story, make sure the comment/review and leave kudos! That way I know I'm doing something right.
Also, because this story and Highlight of My Life are coming to an end, I'm planning some new stories for the fall.
If you want to help me with quality Puzzleshiping, Prideshipping, Flareshipping, and yes even Puppyshipping, check out my : QueenBEWD