"So I understand Mokuba gave you the idea. But I have the suspicion Yuugi helped with choosing." Seto barely glanced up from his laptop. Apparently even being away from the office he had to keep an eye over a new program in the works of being built.
"Actually, yes. How did you guess?" Atem was genuinely curious enough to ignore feeling slightly uncomfortable.
He was in the Kaiba mansion, a built private residence in Kaiba Land. This was also the same building that hosted the gatherings for tournaments since the World Cup. Despite the familiarity, it still gave off the feeling of being within the dragon's den.
"Between the two of you, Yuugi has a better fashion sense in terms of colors. You just see what you like and go with it."
How very observant. The pharaoh almost smirked.
"Well, I never put any thought of simply trying something out to attract anyone." Atem pointed out.
"Why do you care now?"
He's fishing for a specific answer. Atem hoped being honest would be enough.
"Why not put in effort? It's not a terrible idea being with you. To me it could be a chance to experience true peace." At his description, Seto's eyes finally focused on him.
"So even if it is commonly viewed I ripped you away from eternal peace, you believe this is better?" The CEO was skeptical.
"Even in the After Life, your past self never made his feelings known. I would have spent all of eternity simply sitting on the throne, ruling as if there was no sense of time or death. Watching over my friends proved difficult for me. I only seriously watched when Diva was proving to be a greater threat than imagined."
"That does sound boring." Seto comments.
"It does have a certain charm to it. And yet I sometimes felt empty. That something was missing." Atem admits, and he noticed once more the prickly walls Seto built to keep everyone out relaxed.
"Why me?"
Ah, there is the insecurity. Finally the pharaoh cracked Seto open. He smiled with gentle eyes as he answered.
"Well, why not you? You keep me on my toes, you challenge me to do better, be better, get back up on my feet despite whatever the world attempted in order to overthrow me. When we work together nothing can stop us. When we clash, I admit it's fun. It's a challenge that only you can deliver. You being handsome is simply the cherry on top."
Every point Atem listed, and what had Seto flushed the most was the handsome comment. The pharaoh found this most interesting. Being a bachelor CEO, of course he must hear every compliment in the books nearly everyday. Yet when it was someone he was interested in, Seto had little control over his own reactions.
I like that I'm the only one who can make him react like this. The pharaoh forced down the sense of possessiveness he felt in that moment. He didn't care if it could be sensed through the bond at this point.
"Also I like making you blush." Atem playfully teased.
Seto very much had the expression of a street cat experiencing love for the first time. He briefly looked furious, only for the blush to deepen which encouraged curiosity in his gaze. Atem felt bold enough to move closer. His own heart fluttered as he used the desk to somewhat lean into Seto's personal space.
Briefly Seto's eyes appeared conflicted. Closing the distance or pull further away? Atem almost gave in to make the first move. Yet seeing the conflict within Seto made him stay still. This would be better for the CEO to make the first move. This decision was up to Seto.
"I..." It would seem the CEO still believed that he didn't deserve this chance.
"I'm practically offering myself to you, and you're hesitating." Atem teased. He was being careful with his tone. With Seto Kaiba he can either push away or take his claim. His mood swings can go either way.
Tentatively, Seto's hand reached at first to cup Atem's face. He leaned into the touch. The open affection was enough for Seto to pull Atem closer. The pharaoh squeaked upon suddenly being in Seto's lap. This time his cheeks were flushed for being caught off guard.
Seto released a chuckle, enjoying the sight of Atem flustered this time. When the pharaoh wrapped his arms around broad shoulders, one of his hands reached for brown hair. Immediately the CEO relaxed, settling to bury his face into Atem's chest.
He missed this? Atem secretly pondered. In truth he had longed to simply hold Seto similar to when they were in the ruins. He had assumed Seto didn't. Atem wished he was better at reading the other through the bond.
The pharaoh felt a wave of emotions. Seto was overwhelmed from holding everything back so much he couldn't hold up the walls anymore. Atem shouldered the burden without asking. He was relieved to see that the CEO in his arms didn't get angry over it. In fact he seemed relieved.
The remainder of the day was spent entirely on each other. Not once had Seto glanced at another electronic. Atem was delighted to be given his full undivided attention. And for the first time the pharaoh felt comfortable in their standing together.
Atem had a feeling Seto was still processing this was happening at all. He didn't mind. For once they weren't rushing head in. This was a nice change of pace.
"Hey big brother, are we having an extra for dinner tonight?" Mokuba called a few hours before the standard shift end. Seto glanced at the pharaoh.
"Sure I would - " Suddenly Atem's phone rang. He checked the name.
"Aibou? What's wrong?" He answered.
"Well, uh, sorry to spring this on you, but this was planned without my knowledge as well. The gang is all back. They just showed up at my door and currently arranging a welcome back party. I thought it would be best to let you know before coming home from work."
"...Ah. What a surprise." Atem was conflicted.
"You are getting off work at the usual time, right?" Yuugi pressed, sensing something was off.
"Of course, aibou. But I got to go in order to finish business." Atem hated hanging up so abruptly.
"Another time, then." Seto wasn't going to keep the pharaoh away from the others.
"Are you sure?" Atem knew the CEO was upset.
"I'm not coming between you and them." Seto ended his own call with Mokuba.
"I can tell you're upset." The pharaoh gently pressed.
"And they likely don't know about us. If I keep you from them, whatever fragile understanding we have will crumble. While I may not care about them, I know better than to put you in a position with choosing."
"I am surprised." Atem admired the growing maturity. "But, if ever in the future where you really need me, all you have to do is say so."
Seto stared, as if he was contemplating whether or not the pharaoh was serious. He seemed to relax when Atem didn't retract his offer. It should be an unspoken rule that he wouldn't be that cruel.
"If a situation ever arises, you'll be the first to know." Meaning Seto won't take up the offer unless he absolutely had no other choice. Atem hoped that Seto also understood it was more than just coming in to save the day.
"Oh, and don't concern yourself with taking the bus home. I'll arrange you a ride."
Atem smirked, knowing that was an option he can't argue. Seto was openly placing his claim in a unique way. One that the group will notice immediately. The pharaoh braced himself for the inevitable.
"Shall I give you details of their reactions through text or in person tomorrow?" Atem asked playfully.
"I'll leave that up to you." Seto smirked, earning a laugh.
Atem had a better idea. When it was eventually time for him to get in the car, he was surprised to recognize Roland. He was the most loyal, thus Atem was grateful.
"Roland, is it? Are you familiar with phones?" Atem asked as the car began moving.
"I'm not the best, but I can help if I can." Roland kept focus on driving.
Through his instructions, Atem was able to locate the settings for his camera. Today the pharaoh was grateful he had chosen to bring his most formal jacket when there was a huge chance for rain. It had a front pocket, perfect for his phone. Only the top with the camera can be seen.
Upon arriving, Atem casually stepped out of the vehicle. He smiled at his friends. They had all gathered outside of the shop in excitement, expecting him to walk from the bus stop. Instead they watched in total shock at KC branded car pull up and Atem stepping out instead of either of the Kaiba brothers.
"Heya." Atem greeted casually.
The pharaoh openly laughed when they all fully processed what they just witnessed. Joey and Tristan were the loudest. Anzu and Ryou were embarrassed, Duke laughed. Yuugi had the expression that they will definitely be talking about this later. Atem hoped his phone caught every detail to send to Seto. He will be sure not to send the photos of the group hug.