The thrill of their dances were always the same. Excitement building up, the tension as they worked to outwit each other to gain the upper hand had always been exhilarating. Pushing each other past their limits just to see how high they can reach. Now with the attraction growing between them thrown into the mix, perhaps it had always been inevitable they will come to this point.

It didn't take long for Atem to grow accustomed to life in Kaiba Corp. Being up close and personal, he can see the appeal. The company was like a hive. One that so far seemed content with their work. Surprising, really, despite the CEO's mood swings. Yet overall everyone enjoyed working for the company.

And Atem didn't have any complaints being a tester. He gave his full opinion in the experiences and what he believed should be worked on. He had been informed not to hold back if something needed more attention. The pharaoh was eager to prove himself a decent tester.

Atem then began to look into the rules and regulations. He was surprised to see that harassment of any kind would never be tolerated. No accusation would be ignored. And Atem was amazed to see false accusations would be severely punished. Almost on par if an accusation proved true.

He rules the company justly. Atem wasn't entirely surprised. What he learned from his cousin in the After Life, his reign was similar. Everyone had their place. But it wouldn't hinder someone from reaching for better. And every injustice was carried with the correct punishment.

Atem noticed that the regulations were the strictest when it came to who would be next in seat of power should anything happen to both President and Vice. While the pharaoh can understand to an extent, these confusing rules made it seem near impossible for anyone to step up and claim Kaiba Corp.

Is this an insecurity or paranoia? Atem pondered.

It took him nearly a week before gathering the courage to ask. Atem took to having his lunches with Seto in the office. Since it was just the two of them, and the pharaoh felt comfortable enough, he decided now would be any good moment as ever.

"So I was looking through the company rules and regulations." Atem began.

"I am amazed you would bother." Seto commented dryly.

"Well, I'm working here now. Might as well have a better understanding how the company runs." The pharaoh hoped he didn't sound too defensive. "Anyway, I managed to understand everything up until the scenarios of who can take the seat should anything happen to both of you."

He watched as Seto leaned back in his chair. For the time being he seemed relaxed enough to humor him. Yet the CEO was still excluding all of the answers Atem sought.

"The basics are simple. Not just anyone can stake a claim to Kaiba Corp if such a situation arises. The credentials are the steps required to ensure an idiot doesn't take control and run this company into the dust."

He's talking business. This wasn't the pharaoh's approach for answers. So he decided to be bold.

"I also noticed that these rules were placed just before your trip into the After Life." Atem held his ground under Seto's cold glare.

The pharaoh continued. He knew it was a risk playing this gamble. But he wanted to see exactly what he was working with. Atem needed to see just how deep the wound is in Seto's heart and soul.

"You expected to die in the aftermath. And you couldn't foresee whether Mokuba wouldn't try and join you or not." Atem sensed the pain, and watching Seto masking it with rising fury hurt.

"What does it matter now? I'm here." Seto remained guarded.

"Did you truly not believe I would sit by and allow you to die?" Atem asked gently, his voice soft.

"If I had the strength I wouldn't have let you save me!" The CEO snapped. For a split second anger boiled within Atem. But he refused to respond out of anger.

"The Seto Kaiba I know wouldn't accept death. You, the CEO of one of the most influential companies in the world. The most stubborn, sometimes idiotic asshole I've ever met. Your little brother looks up to you through thick and thin. I even grew to admire you as I watched you change into a better man. In a past life I was proud to name you my heir." Atem took a deep breath to pause. To gather himself as his emotions went haywire the more he spoke.

"So what changed?" He challenged.

"Do you really want the truth?" Seto countered. His voice stern.

"It would be greatly appreciated." Atem urged with annoyance.

"You."

The pharaoh stared utter in shock. He also felt conflicted. Such a simple answer. And yet somehow Atem didn't expect it. It was similar to their duels when Seto managed to catch him off guard.

"Would you care to elaborate?" The pharaoh asked, his voice still soft.

"After the Ceremonial Duel, I came to terms with my past life. What no one warned me about were the memories. All of them. Did you know he cared about you deeper than he let on? But he knew it would be taboo between a pharaoh and a priest. So he kept his love secret from you and used it to fuel his strength to serve you."

Atem stared. At first in disbelief. Then as he recalled the memories of his past life, he saw the little signs. How attentive Priest Seto had been. Always ready to come for his aid first. Always checking on him when others gave Atem space. Atem had assumed it was due to their close age that drew them together.

"So then it was like losing another chance to reveal how you felt." Atem caught on. "And you wouldn't stand for it. Thus you sought a means to change that."

"I know Yuugi doesn't believe that I should be rewarded being soul bound to you. In a way, I do agree. I don't deserve you. Yet here you are in my office." Seto crossed his arms.

"Do you truly believe you don't deserve me, or is it because you are aware of how others think?" Atem raised a brow.

"You and I both know I don't give a rat's ass what other people think." The CEO's tone darkened.

"In most cases, yes." Atem huffed. "But I am beginning to see that whenever I am involved, everything is reverse with you. It would seem the rules you set don't apply to me even in your head."

"Then what do you believe? Are you here simply out of obligation for saving me, or the fact we are magically bound even into the next life?" Seto turned the tables around.

He usually does that when I am right. Still Atem decided to humor him.

"I admit it is in part that we are soul bound. But, it is more due to the fact I want us to try and work."

"Why? You've never shown interest in me before."

"Actually, around the time I lost Yuugi's soul, I did. Remember Dartz? It was you who inspired me to keep fighting. To stand up on my feet and stop feeling sorry for myself. While there were other factors, I looked to you for inspiration over the others." Atem admits. It felt strange to talk about this subject when he avoided it with Yuugi in the past.

"The same can be said when you almost couldn't beat Slifer." Seto deflected. Which meant he didn't believe.

"Seto, I was broken. I was misinformed that I was an evil ruler. I had lost Yuugi to my own mistake. Not even Joey could make me stand up and make things right. Although you were harsh at times about my attitude, I still needed to hear it. For that war I didn't need comfort I needed the strength and will to keep fighting. I am still amazed that source came from you."

"...So you did have an interest." Finally Atem's words were getting through Seto's head.

One would think I have to beat it into him sometimes to get my point across. Atem recalled some of their past conversations. At times the pharaoh wondered if the taller duelist really was that stubborn, or his skull was thick and it took a few tries.

"Yes. I secretly wanted to thank you somehow. But of course, the world threw more problems at our feet. And I regret I didn't take a moment to share with you the tiniest crush I had. It instead developed into respectful admiration, since I had the speculation that you wouldn't return the gesture."

"At that time? No, I wouldn't have." Seto agreed.

"See? I like to think this is a golden opportunity for the both of us." Atem smiled as he moved closer to the desk.

"To what end?" Seto was wary. He strangely felt cornered as the pharaoh leaned on the corner of the desk. Their faces were almost impossibly close.

"To learn to love." Atem stated so casually, and his smile widened upon seeing the CEO's cheeks flushed. His heart danced that the color was brighter this time. Was it due to the close proximity?

The pharaoh laughed at Seto's tormented panic. Atem couldn't even be mad when he was yelled to leave the office. If anything he made sure his laugh could still be heard outside the door.