"So how's life working at Kaiba Corp?" Joey couldn't help himself a few hours into the party.
"It's decent. And sometimes fun. I get to test out some of their new projects. Can't reveal what they are, I'm afraid." Atem answered honestly.
"Everyone treating you okay?" The blond pressed.
"You mean Seto." Atem corrected, and Joey did a double take at the first name basis. "And to answer your question, yes."
"So then it's getting serious between you two." Tristan teased.
"I thought it was kind of obvious when he stepped out of a company car." Duke comments.
"What was that about anyway?" Joey wondered. "It was like he trying to make it known to us he's got a claim on you."
"Actually, there was a hiccup with a new project I tested." Atem had already an excuse lined up. "He knew that I had plans right after work so he offered me a ride since it would have left me stranded another thirty minutes for the bus."
"Well, that was nice of him." Anzu sounded like she wanted to make a comment, but refrained.
"Didn't think he cared like that." The blond didn't hold back.
"Wait, he actually cares?" Tristan added, he and Joey laughed.
Atem almost felt like this could start an argument. He felt a rise to defend Seto, and the pharaoh forced himself to refrain. Fortunately, someone understood him well enough to help change the subject.
"Can we forget about Kaiba and focus on having Atem back?" Yuugi insisted.
The party was smoothed over from this moment on. The rest of the evening was spent happy. It was good to see everyone again. Atem can see the growth in them. He noticed while in the After Life, yet it was somehow better up close and being able to interact.
When they began to head home, Joey was one of the last. He paused, as if contemplating. Atem raised a brow with silent encouragement. Joey straightened up as he brought up what was on his mind.
"When Diva was just sending people to another dimension, there was a point I almost didn't make it. But then someone saved me. I saw the shadow. I thought it was Yuug. But, thinking back on it now, it was you, wasn't it?"
"Yes. Although I tried not to interfere directly, I couldn't stand by. I was told not to save anyone. But no one told me I couldn't bend a few rules since I wasn't technically within the living." Atem explained.
"And you had the same impulse with Kaiba. But it sounded like he needed extra help. I'm not judging or anything. I just wanna make sure that it's not like you're trapped with him." Joey was simply looking out for the pharaoh, still the statement unsettled him.
"If anything I'm the one convincing him that it isn't a trap or a mistake for my permanent return. He's only just now accepting that I don't hold it against him." Atem kept his voice even as he spoke.
"Heh. You always did see the bright side in everything." Joey smiled, in part relieved to hear the news. "Sorry if what I said earlier made you mad. Yuugi refused to get details for us. We kinda been trying not to go crazy with theories and all."
"It's fine." The pharaoh smiled. "It wasn't fair I hadn't reached out to any of you to talk."
"Meh, you're working on Kaiba dime now. Betcha the bank is loaded already!" Joey laughed.
"To be honest I haven't checked." Atem shrugged. He didn't care much for money. Although he now wondered how a bank had been opened in his name without issue. It was probably Seto pulling strings just for the sake of it.
"Just uh, make sure to kick his ass if he starts going crazy, all right? He kinda went way beyond crazy with resurrecting you through Yuugi. And then to almost die to get to you in the After Life? I may not understand it, but I guess everyone copes differently."
"Trust me, he's a lot calmer these days." Atem assured. "Only drama that happens is when I stir things up."
"Wish I coulda seen his face when you mess with him." Joey had a devious grin. "Think you can tell me every detail?"
"Sorry, but I'm keeping those details to myself." Atem once again felt a wave of possessiveness.
"Fair, I suppose. It looks like you two gonna be together, together. Oh and good luck with that by the way. If you ever need help against him I'm a phone call away. Although I get the feeling you can easily knock him around."
"I'll be sure to call you after the whole mess if a situation arises." The pharaoh promised.
When Joey left with a barely awake Tristan, Yuugi was quick to jump to the questions. Atem knew it was coming. He had sensed it since the moment he left the company car. Still it was difficult to stand tall when Yuugi's voice had a tone.
"When were you gonna tell me it's getting serious?" Yuugi frowned.
"Today." Atem crossed his arms. "I had planned to tell you after I got off work. But then you called with a surprise party plan that you conveniently had no idea about it."
Yuugi appeared conflicted. Mad and upset that he had been found out. At least he felt guilty. It was obvious in his eyes. Yet the pharaoh sensed there was more to this than Yuugi let on.
"What is it that you're not telling me, aibou?" Atem gently pressed.
Yuugi looked away briefly. He took a deep breath in to gather himself. When their eyes met again Yuugi's voice was trembling.
"...When I was given the tip that you are in the ruins, I contacted the Ishtars. They asked if they wanted to check on you guys. I feel selfish for even saying it out loud, but I wanted to be one of the first people to see you. Then when we were almost there Ishizu called and explained what she believed was sensing the magic of two souls bound together."
Atem processed the information slowly. Then it clicked. He offered a smile.
"Aibou, it's not your fault at all that I'm bound to him."
"But if I had let them see you guys earlier then you wouldn't have done it!" Yuugi countered.
"He knew what was happening. And he at first refused my aid. Recently he also admitted to me if he had the strength to fight me, he wouldn't have allowed me to save him from the explosion in the first place. So with that train of thought, he would never accept any help from the Ishtars. He likely couldn't fight me when I insisted."
Yuugi blinked in surprise. Then horror at such a revelation. It wasn't a concept to anyone that Seto Kaiba would give up his life rather than to be brought back to the brink. Kaiba had the personality of someone who will be kicking and screaming while Death dragged him when the time has come.
"But why?" Yuugi asked in horror.
"More than likely due to owing me more than he can repay." Atem can only come to this conclusion.
"He should know by now you wouldn't hold it over his head." Yuugi made a face.
"No, but you being upset likely gave him that mindset." Atem recalled the day Seto had overheard their conversation and tried to run.
"He really thinks I hold a sway over you?" Yuugi raised a brow.
"You're my aibou." Which meant the pharaoh will have to give Seto his own nickname.
For the rest of the evening Atem pondered this. Up until he walked into the office, not caring how tired he appeared. He noticed Seto tensing up and alert at the sight of his state. And in that moment Atem had the name.
"Good morning, habibi." The words flowed out so naturally.
For a moment by Seto's expression, Atem worried he would be yelled at to leave. To his surprise, Seto relaxed. Then he pressed to call his secretary.
"Yes, Mr. Kaiba?" She answered.
"Have my office placed under do not disturb until further notice. That includes my brother."
"Yes, sir." The phone call ended.
Atem was a blushing mess.
DarkSlyBlue: Habibi is the masculine translation for "beloved"