A/N: Welcome to chapter 7 of Overcoming Differences!

First of all, I'd like to thank all the reviewers who've been suggesting nicknames for Atem. All of them were abbreviations of his name, and I must admit that I wasn't looking for that. Besides, with how I'm portraying Atem it just cracks me up whenever I imagine Yugi calling him something like Temmy. I could use that as a teaser somewhere, but it won't stay. Suggestions are still welcome.

Secondly, well like I promised, let's give puppyshipping a chance! I'm not going to say any more.

Without further ado, I'll let you get to reading this new chapter. Remember that I don't own Yu-gi-oh! or any of its characters, that mobiumshipping rocks, and that I love reviews.

Enjoy!

0o0o0

Give it a chance

Evening had set in and the two lovers found themselves in the comfort of their living room after a hearty dinner. The television was buzzing softly in the background, but the focus of the room's occupants was not on it. Yugi was laying on his back on the couch, his hands folded cross his stomach and his eyes closed in relaxation. Atem was knelt down at his feet, slowly bending his disabled boyfriend's legs to and fro from his chest. It was one of the exercises Yugi's physical therapist had given him, but one that required Atem's help to do. Its purpose was to gently stretch the leg muscles, and keep the joints supple. Combined with other exercises that required Yugi to also push back in a certain way, he gently gained a little bit more muscle mass, and with it the strength he was building up.

It was a regular routine for the two. Yugi would do his exercises with Atem helping him where needed while the two would occasionally glance at the television screen, just for the sake of having something to listen to and watch. But this time was a little different. Atem still had his conversation with his cousin from earlier that day on his mind, but he had yet to keep his promise to talk to Yugi about it. The entire concept of Seto harbouring romantic feelings for someone still baffled him, but he was more concerned at the moment about his boyfriend's reaction when he told him the object of Seto's crush was none other than his goofy blonde best friend.

Atem had been waiting for the right moment, but also realised that there would never be a right moment unless Seto would forget about the entire issue and leave it to rest without anyone the wiser. Knowing his cousin though, Atem knew that this could simply never happen. Seto had the memory of an elephant, and was very dedicated to whatever he set his mind to. He would expect Atem to have some sort of an answer tomorrow, so no seemed like a good a time as any to broach the subject with Yugi, "I've had an interesting conversation with my cousin this morning." He started carefully, hoping to keep the mood light.

Yugi hummed interestedly and opened his eyes to look at Atem as he replied, "About the game for Yami?"

Atem nearly smacked himself on the forehead. Even though he intended to call Yugi the moment Seto had told him it had been approved, the sudden change in that conversation had made him completely forget about it, so Yugi was still unaware of the good news, "That too." He answered with a smile, "We've officially started working on it today."

"That's great news!" Yugi exclaimed happily with a huge smile, "Yami will be so shocked when he hears."

"And he's going to be so angry when he hears that I came up with the idea but didn't tell him."

Both men chuckled at the deviousness of it. At first Atem had purposely kept the idea from his boyfriend. The idea had started to form into his mind shortly before Yami had left to go on his current tour. He wanted Yami to be able to concentrate on it, and not get his hopes up about a game in his honour. He idea had also been in its very earliest stages when Yami left, so there wasn't much to tell him anyway. But when the idea became more serious, and Atem had finally worked out a plan that he could present, he still hadn't informed his touring boyfriend. Even though Pharaoh Music Studio would be long from finished when he would return, Atem had decided that it would be his coming home present, just like Yugi was preparing his own, though that one was of an entirely different nature.

But then Atem's mood turned slightly gave again. Now that the mood was even lighter with this news he was even more reluctant to break it. Before he could decide to bear any scolding his cousin would give him tomorrow by discarding the entire issue to be discussed another day, Yugi solved the problem for him. The younger had noticed his boyfriend's change of mood by the gradual stop of his movements with his legs, and was regarding him with curiosity, "Is there something else Atem? You seem troubled."

Atem sighed and let go of Yugi's legs, gently placing them on his lap as he sat down normally, "Seto also came to talk about something else." Atem feel silent after speaking those words, going over the issue in his mind about how best to tell Yugi.

Yugi pushed his upper body up with his arms so he could regard his troubled boyfriend better. "About what?" He asked when Atem didn't immediately continued on his own.

"It seems that he's got a crush on someone."

"Really?" Yugi replied with a frown before laying back on the couch to think the information over, "That's unexpected for sure. Someone I know?"

This was the point where Atem could no longer beat around the bush, "It's Joey."

"What?!" Yugi shot up again to look at his boyfriend in disbelief, "You've got to be kidding me!"

"Yugi, please calm down." Atem pleaded.

Yugi sighed and laid back down again, "Sorry Atem. I just didn't expect that. How does Seto even know Joey anyways?"

"He doesn't really. He just briefly saw him at that party two weeks ago." He replied, glad that Yugi had calmed down so quickly. He should have known that he would. Yami would have demanded Atem to start talking while Yugi would stay more rational, "Anyway he just came right out and told me this morning. I told him I would talk to you about it, considering you know Joey better than I do."

"And I'm telling you straight out that that relationship just isn't going to work." Yugi said rather resolutely, "You know Joey well enough to know that Atem. The two are complete opposites. Seto's only concern in life is the company. Not even Mokuba can tear him away from it. Joey on the other hand is a free-spirited happy-go-lucky. I don't see how those two could ever find some common ground, and-"

"Yugi." Atem interrupted the ranting young man, leaning over him and gently placing a finger on his lips to effectively shut him up so he could speak, "I know that, but all Seto wants right now is a meeting with Joey to get to know him better. Where's the harm in that?" He asked softly while retreating his finger.

"The fact that it's a complete waste of time, that I don't want to get Joey's hopes up only to have them smashed to smithereens, and that I don't want to deal with a disappointed best friend just as much as you don't want to deal with your cousin after such a meeting." Yugi summed up.

Atem sighed demurely. He agreed that it probably wasn't going to work out, and that he didn't want to have to deal with his cousin afterwards, but he actually also wanted to explore the possibilities. Yes, Joey and Seto were complete opposites, but that could also mean that they would be able to change each other to come to some common ground. It would be nice if Seto would learn to become a little bit more relaxed, and who better to teach him than that goofy blonde.

Determined to change his own boyfriend's mind, Atem leaned back over him and continued to speak softly, "Love may come in unexpected places squirt, just look at us. Years ago, people would have claimed we were worlds apart. Just the mere idea of me getting together with a disabled person and a touring pop star was absurd, but look at us now. The two of you have changed me for the better, and I hope I have done the same for you. We've overcome our differences and grown stronger in our relationship. I love you both so much that I am convinced that I could never feel the same for anyone else, and I know the two of you love me the same."

"But Atem-"

"Just talk to Joey about this Yugi. That's all I ask. If he wants to give it a try, then who are we to stop him? I know you don't want your best friend to get his hopes up only to have them possibly shattered, but at least you'll be there to pick him up when he falls. Just like I will be there to pick up Seto. They are both adults and able to speak for themselves, and it would be unfair to Joey to leave him in the dark. So please." Atem stopped for a moment so he could cup Yugi's face and place a gentle kiss on the tip of his nose, "Just talk to him."

Yugi thought over his boyfriend's words. He realised that Atem was right to some extent about them being quite different but solid lovers at the same time, but he felt that the difference between them couldn't be compared to the differences between Joey and Seto. The mere thought of the blonde and the brunette getting together was outright absurd in his head, but he guessed he indeed couldn't deny them a chance. Besides, even though he didn't know Seto as well as Atem did, from what he did know of the dedicated man was that he could get relentless to get what he wanted. If they would refuse to play the middle party, then who knows what would happen. This way they could at least have some insight and influence into this matter, "All right." He conceded, but before Atem could lean back in satisfaction Yugi used one hand to grasp Atem's hair at the back of his head, and continued with a tone of determination, "But let me warn you that I will talk to Joey about Seto thoroughly. I want him to know what to expect should he agree to such a meeting."

"That's fine with me." Atem conceded with a smile.

Yugi finally smiled back, and pulled Atem in for a real kiss this time, as if sealing the deal.

0o0o0

The next day Yugi was waiting for Joey to arrive at their regular table at the canteen of the office they worked at for lunch. The blonde was running a bit late, but that gave him the opportunity to mull over how he was going to broach the subject to his best friend. He knew Joey really admired Seto, and wouldn't hesitate to agree to a meeting with him. So perhaps it would be wise to tell him about the man first so he wouldn't jump to any hasty decisions without him knowing what it was about.

With his plan made, Yugi looked up to just see Joey come in through the door. The blonde waved at his best friend in greeting, but instead of joining him he quickly joined the short queue to buy his lunch. Yugi waved back and smiled in amusement as he witnessed his best friend pile his tray with a variety of foods. He knew Joey wasn't one to be able to choose easily, especially when it came to filling his stomach. Yugi's own humble packed sandwiches just couldn't compare to the feast Joey would consume.

Once Joey had gotten his food he finally made his way over to the table, "Hey Yug', sorry I took a while. The meeting ran a bit late." He greeted as he set down his food-heaped tray and sat down.

"Anything interesting?" Yugi inquired, wondering whether something important had been discussed for the meeting to run late.

"Nah." Joey denied before taking a bite of his food. He chewed and swallowed before he continued, "Tristan just got a little carried away talking about that new programme we're going to implement next month."

Yugi chuckled, both about Joey's comment and the way he could always eat and speak at the same time, "Yeah he does tend to get a little bit too enthusiastic about it."

Joey hummed in affirmation while taking another bite, "It's to be expected from a tech like him, but it was a good thing boss-man cut him off before lunch break was over."

"Yeah, but that's not a surprise though. He probably didn't want to deal with you whining over how you didn't get enough time to finish your food."

"That too. No one comes in between me and my food."

Both young men laughed at that before Joey resumed his meal and Yugi turned more serious. If he was going to discuss Seto's crush with his friend now was the time, "Joey, I want to talk to you about something." He announced.

Joey looked up from his food and replied, "About what, bud?"

"What do you know about Seto Kaiba?"

Joey was about to shove some rice into his mouth, but he lowered his hand as he frowned at his friend. He was caught off guard by the question. Seto was Atem's cousin, and due to that fact Yugi probably knew him better than Joey did, so why would he ask such a question? Still, he decided to indulge his best friend and answer him. Hopefully he would reveal the reason for the question afterwards, "He's the partial owner of Kaiba Corp and the head of the technical division. He's known for designing unique programmes that make Kaiba Corp the leading company in modern games and game systems."

Yugi sighed demurely. It seemed that Joey only knew about Seto on a professional level. He'd probably read all about it in KC Gamelore, the company's monthly magazine that Yugi knew he was subscribed to. But apparently he had no clue about the man's personality. This was going to be very challenging, "What about him as a person Joey?"

Joey continued to frown, but answered the question nonetheless, "Well, he's supposedly very dedicated to the company, and is very strict about only hiring the best of the best technicians for his team." Joey stopped and thought for a while before continuing, "I don't know much about him other than that though. I didn't really get a chance to get to know him at that party either. But why these questions Yug'? "

"Just bear with me for another moment Joey. So, if you would ever get the chance to really meet Seto Kaiba, would you take it?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course I would! The guy's awesome Yugi." Joey exclaimed with a huge grin.

Yugi groaned, having totally expected that answer even though Joey had only just come to the conclusion himself that he didn't really know much about the CEO, "Did you also know that Seto's so ambitious that he hardly has a personal life, that he's an arrogant snob, and that he fires people if they don't keep up with his standards? Even if they are not of his division? He's not just the head of the technical division of Kaiba Corp, he basically is Kaiba Corp."

"Whoa, whoa, calm down bud." Joey attempted to calm down his raging friend, "Now would you tell me what this is all about? Why do you want me to know all this?"

Yugi sighed and rubbed his face with his hands to calm down. Again the thought of his best friend being together with the man he'd just described made him angry, "It's just that…" Yugi hesitated for a moment, but Atem's words were still haunting his thoughts. Despite the fact that he was convinced that it wasn't going to work out, he couldn't deny Joey the freedom to choose for himself, "Atem told me that Seto would like to meet you."

"What?" Joey said in bewilderment, "But why? Does he need a new administrator or something?"

"No Joey!" Yugi said in exasperation, rolling his eyes at his friend's sudden denseness, "He wants to meet you to get to know you on a personal level. Apparently he's been developing a crush on you ever since you've briefly spoken with him at that party."

Joey just stared at his best friend, even forgetting all about his food. He was stunned at the admission, and literally didn't know how to reply, let alone what to say. He greatly admired Seto Kaiba, just like pretty much everyone who regularly bought and KC games and game systems. Others just paled when compared to the prowess of Kaiba Corp, and now he had an opportunity to really meet with the most brilliant mind behind it all. And not just that, but possibly built up a relationship with him. It was every fan's dream come true.

Or was it? Truthfully Joey had been super excited when Yugi and Atem had been able to bring him along to that party, where he could finally see the object of his admiration in the flesh. It was so sad that when he had finally worked up to courage to talk to him, Seto had soon been called away. The opportunity to really meet with him again excited him, but he actually wasn't so sure about the reason behind it. He had never even considered being together with such a man, and now the opportunity was suddenly thrown into his lap. He didn't really know what to think of it.

"Joey?" Yugi inquired, "Are you all right?"

Joey shook himself out of his referee to see his friend look at him with a worried expression on his face. He must have been looking at him a little weird while he had zoned out and gotten worried. To ease his worries he smiled a small smile and responded softly, "I'm all right, bud, just a little shocked."

"No doubt." Yugi said with a sigh of relief, "I was too when Atem told me. I never imagined Seto to be the one to develop a crush on anyone. He's not really the emotional type, you know? All he cares about are the company and his younger brother. He's moderately civil to everyone else as long as they are either connected to these two factors, or don't bother him too much."

"So what are you saying Yug'? That he isn't serious about this crush?" Joey asked in confusion, though there was also a hint of accusation in his voice.

Yugi sighed. This conversation wasn't really going like he had planned to. In fact, he didn't really know the answer to Joey's question. Seto wasn't the type to lie about such a thing, or take advantage of someone's emotions, but it was also difficult to imagine that he understood what he was feeling. Yugi was sure that Seto believed he had a crush on Joey, but whether he had interpreted his own emotions correctly was an entirely different matter.

"I'm sorry Joey." He apologised, "I'm not really sure. It's just that I never expected something like this to happen, and certainly not with you involved. I have no grudge against Seto, and wish him all the happiness in the world, whether it be alone or with someone. It's just that you are my best friend, and that the two of you are so different that I find it difficult to imagine that a relationship between the two of you could ever work out. That's why I'm trying to tell you what he's like, so you'll be prepared if you do decide to meet him."

Joey sighed and sat back, crossing his arms as he pondered over the issue. If what Yugi had told him was true, then only bad things could come from this, but could he really deny the unique possibility he had here? All he knew about the infamous Seto Kaiba was what he had read in magazines, tabloids, newspapers and the impressions of his best friend. Although he had no doubt that they would prove to be quite accurate he had the right to see for himself, didn't he? What harm could one simple meeting be? If anything it would allow him to explore the possibilities, and make up his own mind about the man.

"I think I might give it a shot Yug'." He finally admitted.

"Really Joey? Are you sure?" Yugi pressed with concern.

"Yeah Yug'. I can't say that I harbour any romantic feelings towards him right now, but at the very least I'd like to find out for myself if what you say is true. Who knows, maybe something good will come of it, and if not, well at least I tried."

"All right then." Yugi conceded, still concerned, but also feeling relieved that Joey seemed to be taking his warning to heart, "I guess I can't argue with that. I'll give you the number of his secretary. He said to call her to set up an appointment."

Joey suddenly burst out in laughter, attracting attention from the nearby tables, whose occupants frowned at their co-worker's sudden mirth. Joey soon reigned himself in however, allowing everyone to continue with their own conversations, "Oh that's just priceless Yug'. I guess I can already understand your disposition. Really? The guy wants to meet me for private matters and he wants me to make an appointment with his secretary?"

"Yeah, that's what you're up against." Yugi said with a small smile, "But seriously Joey, that's how he is. Don't expect anything different from him. He doesn't know how to keep private and professional matters apart."

"Right, thanks for the warning, bud. I'll keep that in mind."

Yugi nodded. He was glad that Joey was taking this so well. It provided him a certain peace of mind that he was, and he actually wasn't so convinced anymore that this was going to end up in a complete disaster. Sure, he still thought that Seto and Joey just weren't going to work out as a couple, but at least he felt that he had prepared Joey enough and that he might actually not have to deal with a broken-hearted best friend.

0o0o0

Several days had passed and Yugi and Atem were tangled together on the couch while making out. Just moments before they had been anxiously waiting for some news. They had cuddled up on the couch together after completing Yugi's exercises, trying to keep their focus on the television, but not really achieving that. Their minds were occupied with Joey and Seto. They were having their fated meeting at a quiet restaurant downtown right now, a suggestion made by Atem when Seto had yet again come to him for advice once Joey had made the call for an appointment. Joey had promised to call Yugi once the meeting was over to tell him how it went, and that was what the disabled young man was anxiously waiting for. Atem was also slightly nervous, wanting to know whether his additional advice on how to act during the meeting would pay off, but he was mostly made nervous by his boyfriend's anxiety. Yugi just wouldn't stop fidgeting around and glancing at both the clock on the wall and his cell phone. But eventually Atem had had enough of his boyfriend's inability to sit still and decided to distract him, which led to their current position.

Yugi kept on protesting lightly against his boyfriend's ministrations, but Atem simply ignored him. He was thoroughly enjoying himself with constantly cutting off his boyfriend's protests with his skilful mouth and hands. He knew exactly how Yugi liked to be kissed, where he liked to be touched. Before long Yugi was a mumbling and moaning mess beneath him, hardly even able to voice any protest. And yet he kept on trying. In a way it eventually became some sort of a game. Yugi would try to convince Atem to stop, while Atem would try to keep him from doing so.

Eventually their little game was finally interrupted by the sound of Yugi's cell phone. This time Yugi literally shoved Atem off of him to be able to grab it from his pocket and answer it. Atem simply grinned and he leaned back to allow Yugi to do just that. He's successfully distracted him and had gotten a fairly fun game out of it, so he wasn't going to stop him. Besides, he also wanted to know how the meeting between his cousin and his boyfriend's best friend went.

"Hey Joey. How did it go?" Yugi started right off the bat, causing Atem to chuckle at his forwardness. Yugi quickly shot him an annoyed look and shushed him. Atem in return shot him a look of mock indignation and crossed his arms.

Before Yugi could do anything to rectify the situation however, Joey replied, "That annoying, arrogant, stuck-up prick!" Joey yelled through his phone, causing Yugi to actually hold it away from his ear to avoid becoming deaf.

"That bad Joey?" Yugi asked with sympathy in his voice, shooting a knowing look to Atem, who understood immediately and decided to let Yugi deal with it. He knew he would probably have to deal with his cousin tomorrow morning. Now that was a joy he was looking forward to…

"You have no idea Yug'." Joey fumed, "Seriously, I know that you warned me about his personality, but he's been stepping on my toes from the very moment we met. He just takes himself as a standard for everything, and doesn't even seem to realise that he was insulting me most of the time by comparing me to himself. I just walked out on him, because I couldn't stand it anymore, but man, I wanted to punch him so hard for calling me a mutt."

"Mutt Joey? Why did he call you that?"

"Apparently that's his idea for a term of endearment. He said I remind him of a dog, a rather scurvy one at that."

"How could he?" Yugi wondered in shock, "No wonder that you got upset over that Joey. I'm so sorry for you though. I know you really admired him and wanted to give it an honest try. Do you want to come over?"

"Nah forget about it Yug'. Thanks for inviting me, but I'm heading straight home. At least I can say I gave it an honest try, but I feel sorry for the person who ever does get together with him. He's impossible!"

"All right. Goodnight then Joey. Again I feel sorry for you, but I'll see you tomorrow at work okay? I've got some leftover macaroni and cheese I'll bring along for you for lunch."

"All right!" Joey exclaimed, "You know I love your mac and cheese, bud. You know how to make me feel better. Maybe I should hook up with you."

Yugi chuckled, glad he could get his best friend out of his angry state. Though, with food as a bargaining chip, that wasn't very difficult, "Sorry Joey, but I'm already taken, and I don't think my boyfriends would appreciate me cheating on them." Yugi looked at Atem when he said this, witnessing his boyfriend give him a rather strange look. Yugi winked at him and blew him an air kiss.

"At least you got the good part of the Kaiba family, buddy. But anyway, thanks for listening. See you tomorrow. Don't forget the mac and cheese!"

"I won't. Bye!" Yugi hung up the phone and let out a long sigh.

"What was that all about, squirt?" Atem asked as soon as his boyfriend had done so. He understood that the meeting hadn't gone well, but was curious about what Joey had said after that that had elicited Yugi's response that he was already taken.

"Just Joey goofing around Atem. Offer him food, and he'll be cheery in no time. He was just joking that we should hook up." Yugi said with a smile as he crawled back over into his boyfriend's embrace, "Not that he's got any chance against you and Yami though. Joey is a great friend, but that's all he is."

"I know squirt." Atem reassured him with a smile and a kiss, "So I take it the meeting didn't go very well?"

"Not in the slightest. Seto never ceases to amaze me by his lack of social skills." Yugi replied, followed by another kiss, "But let us not worry about that for now." He kissed Atem again, "And continue what we were doing before Joey called."

"Now that's a plan I have no problems agreeing with." Atem grinned once he got the chance, and wrapped his arms around his disabled lover and kissing him passionately.

0o0o0

A/N: This chapter was odd. The beginning was so easy to write, but once I came to the second scene I was struggling through it until the end. I think I'd like to explore what I've got going on a little more though. Just to see where it'll take me.

I've nearly exhausted everything I wanted to write about for this first arc though. The time jump to Yami's homecoming will come along soon.

Next chapter: Not sure yet. I'll probably give this puppyshipping arc some more body and delve a bit deeper in some daily life things. If I can get it out I'll throw in a scene with Yugi trying to find a nickname for Atem.