It was much past dark. Barely hitting 2:00 am. Kaiba had promised to be back before 8:00 pm. Once again, he didn't stick to his word, once again Atem was left sitting in the living room with two wine bottles in hand and a chess set splayed out on the floor, once again he had been fooled into believing that this time would be different and once again, he was wrong.
He was always wrong with Kaiba. Tonight was no different. He sighed, "Well, I suppose I might as well prepare for bed. It's not like I'll get to hear a 'goodnight' anyway." It was with that thought in mind that Atem slowly made his way up the stairs. He stopped on the fourth step, looking around himself, seeing nothing but blank walls staring back at him.
The walls were always blank, Kaiba always refused the idea of hanging up pictures. Atem questioned him about it once. Which only earned him the cold shoulder for a week.
"You know what? That's it. I'm giving Kaiba a piece of my mind! Who does that jerk think he is to treat me like this!"
He ran back down the stairs and slipped on his shoes, running towards the coat rack, he took his coat and keys and made his way to the car. Reving up the engine, Atem was on the road in minutes. Going slightly passed the speed limit in his haste.
Not that he was paying much attention to that anyways. He had much more important matters to consider. Like what the hell was he going to tell Kaiba?
Hey you fucking bitch, I'm sorry but I couldn't help but notice that you are still not at your fucking house where you agreed we would meet for the night!
Yes, that would be a great start now wouldn't it? And then they would follow through with the normal voice raising and raised fists. Atem sighed, there's no point in being angry about it. It was time to cut things off, he decided. He looked at himself through the rearview mirror, cursing the wetness escaping his eyes at the thought of leaving, what he considered, his beloved.
"Don't fucking cry! I-It's the right thing! You-You can't let him control you like this! Gosh Darn it."
Atem wasn't someone who usually talks to himself, in fact he found it funny that he was attempting to console himself. With a rough intake of breath he was able to focus on the road and calm himself down. He could see the huge 'Kaiba Corp' logo coming closer. Within a few minutes, he had parked his car and was on his way towards the building, stomping his feet along the way.
He opened the door and was met with silence, not even a single sign of a security guard. Of course no one would still be working right now, no one except one Seto Kaiba. With a determined huff, Atem made his way towards the elevator and requested the top floor. A few long seconds later the doors opened with a ding. Atem stepped outside and began to walk the short distance towards Kaiba's office, a slight tremor in his steps.
He opened the door, blinking to adjust to the sudden darkness. Once he had gathered his bearings, he could see Kaiba with his reading glasses on while typing away. His anger flared, of course. What would Kaiba rather be doing instead of hanging out with his lover, working himself long into the night. Not once lifting his gaze from the computer, Kaiba spoke up.
"What are you doing here?"
Atem laughed, "What am I doing here?! Seto, what the fuck are you doing here?!"
"Working."
Not once did the typing on the computer stop, not once did Kaiba lift his eyes from the screen. In a fit of rage, Atem slammed the computer shut and thrusted it into his arms. This time Kaiba did lift his eyes to meet Atem's, they were filled with a mixture of shock and rage. He stood up and towered himself over Atem's shorter form.
"If you came here to fuck around with my things then I suggest you go home, you can't beat me with your scrawny figure."
Atem swallowed sharply, "I came here to talk Kaiba, and we are going to talk without the computer."
Kaiba sighed, "Then start talking instead of wasting my time!"
Atem snarled, "Is it going to be like this every single goddamn time Seto? You promise me your love and my happiness and then you fail to uphold your word. Every. Single. Fucking. Time. You know, I had plans today, Kaiba. I had so many other things I could have been doing, yet I chose to drop it all and drive myself over to your place just to see you! Like, do I really mean so little to you?!"
Kaiba remained silent, a blank expression on his face. Atem let out a huff of agitation, "Ah. Okay. I see how it's going to be Kaiba. We are over, this little game of yours is done, I'm leaving."
With that, Atem slammed the computer on the desk and steered himself towards the door, feeling Kaiba's eyes on him as he left. Once he reached the elevator, he let the tears fall. It happened, he had finally done it.
He ended the relationship that was barely held together. So then why did he feel so empty? Why did he feel so wrong? It didn't matter anymore though, they were done and that was that. It was with a heavy heart that he made it to Kaiba's mansion, going up to Kaiba's room and taking the few belongings that resided there that belonged to him and headed home to his apartment.
Kaiba still hadn't moved from the spot he was when he watched Atem walk away from him. He still couldn't accept the fact that his little lover left him. How could this have happened?
You know exactly why this happened, idiot.
He couldn't deny that now could he? No, because it was his own doing, was it not? He always gave Atem nothing he promised, he barely ever held him when he needed it, hell, he didn't even let him sleep with him in his bed after a good fuck. He scoffed, no one controls Seto Kaiba, especially when they're not even present.
Yes, Kaiba never really loved Atem. He was only using the midget for his own personal gain. That's why this little setback meant nothing. He could always go back to masturbating, or even his little one-night stands. Those needs were satiable.
So why then, was his vision blurring with fat salty tears sliding down his face? Why did every moment he spent replaying the whole event make his heart pound from inside of his chest so painfully?
Another scoff, surely it couldn't be because he had any actual feelings for Atem. Ridiculous, absurd, outright buffoonery. That couldn't be, could it? Kaiba finally snapped out of it and started to pack up for the day.
Of course not, that was just out of the question. Insane, really. Feelings for Atem of all people? Impossible. With that thought in mind, Kaiba made his way outside of the building.
Atem awoke the next morning to a scourging headache. With a slight grimace, he slid his blanket off of his form and got out of bed. He winced at the nausea he received from the action, a reminder of what he had done last night.
In an attempt to forget about Kaiba he had drunk himself into oblivion, now severely regretting that decision. He walked to the bathroom and brushed his teeth, going on with his morning routine just as he would any other day.
Once he got dressed he headed towards his living room, plopping himself down on the couch. He rubbed his temples and tugged on his T-shirt. He had decided to go casual today, a black a cotton shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans.
Kaiba still held his thoughts. How that blank expression marked his face, as if he didn't even care that he was breaking inside. Like he didn't give a single shit that they wouldn't be seeing each other.
Maybe because he really doesn't give a shit about you.
Well, he couldn't ignore that. The fact was proven last night. Kaiba doesn't care, and he never did. And Atem was foolish to believe that he ever could. It was time to face the facts and move on. What better way to do so then hang out with his friends and get wasted.
With his sights set on a promising evening, Atem dialed Jounochi's number with a slightly giddy expression on his face. Although it was only solemnly genuine. A few rings and his friend picked up.
"Hey what's up 'Tem? Just got outta my bed, you sure are lucky I wasn't drinking last night."
Atem laughed, "Nah Jou, it's all good. I just need a bit of cheering up. Me and Kaiba broke off."
A few moments of silence, "Dude, I'm so sorry…had no clue…"
"No, you're good. It was for the best anyway, the guy's a real jerk. I could literally do so much better."
"Ah! Now that's the spirit! Me and my girl were planning for a wild night at 'Hot Baes' care to join us for a bit of fun?"
"Sounds great, what time?"
"8:00 pm, on the dot. Don't worry man, I'll get your mind off that bastard, he really didn't deserve you. You know that right, man?"
"Thanks Jou."
"I mean it, bud."
"Yeah I know."
A beep, and the call ended. Atem let out a satisfied sigh, tonight would be fun. It would also mark the end of his relationship, if you could even call it that. He would show Kaiba that he didn't need him. With a determined huff he went to his closet. Time for a makeover.
Kaiba sat in his office, just as he would any other day. The silence around him did nothing to soothe his raging thoughts. Thoughts that dwelled upon his most recent ex-lover. It's not like he hasn't had ex-lovers before. So then why was Atem giving him so much damned trouble.
The plan was to drop him as easily as the rest. After all, it was a common occurrence. But these feelings? These feelings were foreign. Kaiba couldn't help but remember everything about Atem to the point where it was a little disturbing.
Like the way he would hold his head high despite his small form. How he would lick his lips with his soft pink tongue whenever he was struggling with something. How he would manage to get most of the ice cream on his nose and not his mouth. How-
Okay that's enough.
But it was true, and that's what scared Kaiba the most. The fact that not only did he remember all of this, but that he sort of cherished it. Like he would want to see it again and-goddamn it!
That's it, he was going to finish his work and pick someone up at the club. He would prove to himself that he didn't need some pity low-life midget. He was above this. And it was time to show it.
With that thought in mind, Kaiba went back to work.
7:58 pm. Atem was standing outside the lit up doors to 'Hot Baes', dressed in leather pants, with a black wife-beater. His hands were sweating as he chewed his lip, waiting for his friends to arrive. He should've known that Joey's late antics would end up with him alone in front of a night club. He put a palm to his forehead, that boy.
Welp, might as well order the drinks. No point in standing around here. He walked inside and was greeted with wild cheers and music loud enough to make him go temporarily deaf, and lights blaring in his face. It served as a great distraction though.
He spotted the bar and headed towards it, head swaying to the music. Flashing a grin at the bartender, he started ordering the drinks.
"Hey, can I get three shots of Noir, neat!"
The bartender smiled, "Coming right up, going all out huh?"
Showing his ID, Atem laughed, "Yeah, me and my pals really need it."
"I get that."
A few minutes later, the drinks were on the counter. Throwing the cash on the counter, Atem gathered the glasses and walked towards a table booth. Setting the drinks down, he took his own and took a sip. Lost in thought, he didn't really notice when a tall figure stood next to his table.
"Hey there cutie,"
Atem's head snapped up, a slight blush rushing to his cheeks.
"Erm, I'm sorry?"
"Why would you be sorry for being gifted?"
The man was tall, hair bleached white. He had a slight muscular build covered by a white tang and a neon yellow overcoat, legs entrapped within smooth silk black pants.
"What? Speechless?"
Atem's face turned an even darker shade of red as he realized he was caught staring. God, what to say, what to say?!
"Uhm I-I like your coat."
Out of all the things that could've came out of his mouth-
"Why thank you, I've been told that it gets…stimulating results."
W-Was he…flirting?!
"Oh, you'll have to forgive me for being so rude. The name's Bakura. What's yours?"
By this time Bakura had effectively cut off any chance of escape. Hands around Atem's head, trapping him between the table and the booth. Atem could feel the man's breath across his face.
"I-Its Atem,"
"Atem."
The way Bakura said his name sent a shiver down his spine. The sultry and dark tone was brilliant.
"So Atem, are you planning to drink all of these for yourself?"
"What? Oh! Uh n-no, I actually have friends that I'm kind of waiting on so…"
"Shame on them for leaving such a pretty little thing all alone."
"Erm…"
Bakura laughed and used one of his hands to tuck a few blond strands behind Atem's ear. He leaned closer, whispering into Atem's ear while nibbling on the soft lobe.
"Care to join me?"
Atem froze, face turning hot. His hands were sweating again and Bakura's close proximity did nothing to stop his raging heart. The man was so handsome. He wouldn't mind being in his company. Besides, what better way to rub it in Kaiba's face that he didn't need him than hitting it off with a hot stud? Decision made, Atem took Bakura's hand and gave it a slight squeeze.
"Why not?"
Kaiba stepped out of the limo with an annoyed grunt, coat flaring behind him as he walked towards the club. 'Hot Baes' what a stupid name. He didn't dress too much for the occasion, silk white pants with a form-fitting white shirt that showed his muscular build. He wore a studded black overcoat on top and a leather belt.
He walked further until he was entering the building. Taking out his card, he walked towards the bartender. After getting his shots he went to a dark corner and searched the crowd, looking for some easy prey. He spotted a short brunet who looked pretty much wasted.
Surely he would be up for a quick fuck, no?
He started to advance towards the man when Atem's face flashed through his mind. Shaking his head furiously, Kaiba got rid of the image and walked on. Or he was going to, if he didn't see a glimpse of tri-colored spiky hair. Curious, he walked closer to the booth we're he'd sworn he'd seen Atem.
He sat down nearby, watching as the figure took a tentative sip of his drink. The man's back was towards him but Kaiba could already tell it was him. Looks like they had similar plans. Taking a sip of his own drink, Kaiba continued to watch, not caring how stalker-ish it seemed.
He tensed as a man about his height walked towards Atem's table. He was getting way too close for comfort, and Atem seemed to be enjoying the closeness with a cute little smile on his face. A mysterious rage filled him as he watched the man lead Atem out to the dance floor and run his hands all over his body.
Atem surely didn't seem to mind though, in fact he was doing a bit of touching of his own. They were swaying to the music in tune with each other. The man whispered something into Atem's ear to make him laugh. Kaiba ground his teeth together when he hooked his hands under Atem's pants, nibbling on his earlobe. A foreign voice in his head demanded for him to get up and head towards them.
Mine, he's mine.
He didn't even question his reasoning as he walked towards the couple and pulled Atem into his chest.
"Ack-Hey!"
"Hey! What the hell is your problem?!" The man snarled.
Kaiba smirked, "This one's mine I'm afraid, go find yourself another."
Atem was finally able to struggle free from his grip and turned to face him, his gaze beyond murderous.
Atem could say that he really liked Bakura. He was pretty funny and wasn't bad to look at either. When he took him to the dance floor, hands were on him immediately. They were on a roll, numbers exchanged and stories shared. Joey still hadn't come yet, but the two were too tipsy to really care.
"So, I was just wondering, Atem, it doesn't seem like a Japanese name. Where are you from?"
"I seem to be getting that a lot, I was born here in Japan, but my dad was Egyptian. So my parents wanted to call me Atem, raging winds."
"Raging winds huh? That means you're not that cute when ya get pissed?"
Atem laughed, "There would be only one way to find out."
Bakura chuckled nervously. "Ah, noted."
They both laughed, Bakura leaned closer and whispered in his ear.
"I like you, we should meet again sometime. Let's say Friday for dinner."
Atem felt hot and started to laugh for no real reason, "Suuuuure!"
A smirk, "My my, a little too much to drink huh?"
Atem nodded slowly, grabbing Bakura's hips and grinding into him. The friction caused the boys to move closer, aiming for more.
"Why not use it to our advantage?"
Their heads were moving closer to each other, eyes closing. Their lips were only centimeters apart, but then.
"Ack-Hey!"
All Atem could see was a white clothed chest as he struggled to break free, hearing Bakura shout out.
"Hey! What the hell is your problem?!"
He froze when he heard the man's voice.
"This one's mine I'm afraid, go find yourself another."
Atem broke free, staring in shock and anger towards the man who had caused him so much pain. He jabbed his pointer finger into his chest.
"You! You had your chance you fucking prick! Get out of here! Do not make me cause a scene!"
Kaiba's blank expression stared back at him. Atem sighed, turning away and giving an apologetic look to Bakura.
"I'm sorry, but I have to go. I'll see you Friday."
Bakura snarled towards Kaiba, grabbing Atem's hand and giving a stern nod.
"I'll see you then, but please let me drive you home."
As the two turned away, Kaiba decided to speak up. "That won't be happening."
The pair turned towards him, Atem opened his mouth to speak but Kaiba went first. "Why not? Because I need you back Atem, come with me."
Atem gave Kaiba a sad look and said simply, "No."
Kaiba blanked, well he wasn't really expecting that. The couple walked hand in hand towards the exit, not once looking back. Kaiba watched them until they were gone, eyes watering only slightly as he made his way toward the exit too, just in time to watch Bakura's car head out.
No
Usually it was the other way around, Kaiba was the one who always left his partners in misery, not the other way around. Kaiba texted his driver to bring back the limo, he didn't feel like staying any longer. He watched as a blue sports car made its way to the parking lot, two blonds coming out. He wouldn't have thought much of it save for the fact that they mentioned Atem's name.
"Atem is going to kill me!"
The girl laughed, "It's not like you could've just waited till later tonight."
"Well then maybe you shouldn't have worn that top Mai!"
"Jou you said that so loud!"
Kaiba stopped listening after that, way too much information. It seemed like these two were here for Atem, they were in for a disappointment.
Soon enough, his limo popped up. With only slight hesitation, he ordered his driver to take him to Atem's apartment. He hoped then he would be slightly less snappy so he could talk some sense into him. Why didn't he accept his apology? Kaiba rarely ever apologized, Atem should be-
Oh wait. He never did apologize, did he? No, no he didn't. But why should he? Why was he doing any of this? He is Kaiba Seto! He doesn't-he shouldn't need anybody.
But…he did.
The drive home with Bakura was silent for the first few seconds. Atem sat stiffly, waiting for Bakura to ask what was on his mind. He didn't disappoint.
"Atem, who was that?"
He sighed, "It-I broke up with him only yesterday. I know it-"
Bakura held up a hand to silence him. "Look, I get it. I don't want to catch a heart on rebound. But I do really want to get to know you better, it's just that it would be for real and not…"
"Your right Bakura, give me till Friday, I'll have it figured out by then."
"Take your time."
At this point they had reached the apartment building. As Atem got out Bakura surprised him with a kiss on the cheek. He grinned helplessly as he watched Bakura leave and felt it drop off of his face when it reminded him of his behavior towards Kaiba.
He shook his head, he was over Kaiba. He walked towards the building and headed towards the stairs, taking them to his floor. Once he found his room he took out his key card and slid it in, entering his room. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, leaning against it with exhaustion.
After a moment, he got up and began his nightly routine. As he brushed his teeth he stared at his reflection in the mirror. Look at me, he thought. Why can't I fucking figure this out?He spit angrily into the sink and rinsed his mouth. I'm done with this today, I'll just deal with this shit tomorrow.
He stepped into the shower enjoying the heated ripples of water grazing down his olive-toned skin. As he was rubbing his body wash, he couldn't help but remember when Kaiba and him were still together. They had once shared this shower, after a good rump. Atem still shudders at the thought of Kaiba's smooth delicate hands roaming over his body.
He snapped out of it quickly, ashamed at himself for even thinking about Kaiba after all he had done. He turned the knob and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Walking to his bedroom, he closed the door behind him and got dressed. He was just lifting the covers when he heard a knock on his door. Strange, who would want to see me at this hour.
Slightly suspicious, he cautiously approached the door and turned the handle. Once he opened the door his 'visitor' immediately came in and shut the door, not giving Atem a single chance to find out who it was beforehand. That is, until he looked up to find herself lost into blank blue eyes.
"Kaiba for the last fucking tim-"
"I'm sorry."
Atem stared in shock, completely forgetting the fact that he was interrupted. He stuttered.
"Y-Your…what?"
"Are you really going to make me say it again?"
Atem nodded.
"I-I'm sorry alright? I thought that I was just using you but I really wasn't and now I don't know what to do because I've-I mean I've never dealt with these things before so-"
Atem cut him off, "Seto, I don't want to fight with you anymore. I'm sorry, but you've realized your feelings a little too late. I'm afraid that I'm not coming back."
Kaiba finally showed an ounce of emotion, anger. "Why! I apologized and everything! Shouldn't that be enough for you?!"
Atem smiled sadly, "I just haven't seen you change for all the time I've been with you Seto, and people don't change in just a few days. I admit, I'm attracted to the person you are. Just not your habits."
By this time Kaiba was fuming, "Fine I didn't need you anyway!"
As he left, Atem stared after him longingly before closing the door. He ran to his bedroom and slammed himself onto the mattress. Stuffing his face into his pillow, he let the tears flow. He cried and cried and cried until there were no more tears to shed.
By the time he was done it was late. He had figured his life out now. He would always love Kaiba, but perhaps he could put it aside. He was starting to like Bakura anyway. He didn't need Kaiba either.
Kaiba preferred to walk home, letting his thoughts roam free. Unshed tears waiting to spill.
Atem…
He didn't want to fight anymore either.
3 years later…
Kaiba walked to his car, opening the door and smiling at his boyfriend. Three years. It had taken him three years but he did it. He had changed. Yes, he was still the infamous workaholic. But he was still able to put time aside for Atem.
See, a year ago, Kaiba had been alerted of a recent break up. Bakura was caught cheating with a girl on the night of his and Atem's anniversary. Atem was devastated, cutting it off immediately. He was a walking shell for weeks. His friends were worried sick about him.
That is, until Kaiba came in. He had started changing, and Atem could notice. He decided that Kaiba deserved a second chance. Since then, Kaiba has never let the smile leave Atem's face. They were happy together and inseparable. Both knew that they were meant for each other.
And they wouldn't fight each other away ever again.