Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Atem wandered the palace, arms folded behind his back. At his side, Mana chattered about what he’d missed. Three thousand years meant there was a lot to catch up on. She’d spent the past six months filling him in, with plenty more to go.

He could hardly believe it had already been six months. Time passed strangely in Aaru. He’d fought hard to keep track. Wanted to be aware of the amount of time that had passed in the real world. Of how long those left behind had been without him.

The brief visit he’d made to help keep the darkness at bay once again hadn’t been nearly enough. He wished he could have spent more time with all of them. Yugi, of course, Jonouchi, Anzu, Honda, and…Kaiba. It felt rude to leave without a word to him. Especially after all the effort he went through to reassemble his puzzle.

A valiant effort truly. Maybe he really could have solved it. If anyone other than Yugi could, he was certain it’d be Kaiba. The man was certainly determined enough.

“Atem!” Mana poked his cheek. “Have you listened to a word I said?”

He blinked and refocused on her. “Sorry…got distracted.”

She rolled her eyes. Pulled them both to a stop. Crossed her arms, skewering him under a critical eye. “You’ve been weird ever since you got back.” She paused and added, “Again.” He shrugged, but she wasn’t done. “You didn’t have to destroy the puzzle.”

“I did,” Atem said. Looked past her at the sand dunes out the window. They rolled like ocean waves beyond the palace and phantom recreation of Khemet. “I can’t have anyone messing with those items anymore. It only leads to trouble.” He threw out his arm. “I mean, look at what just happened!”

Mana shrugged. “I guess.” She kept a critical eye on him. “I just hate seeing you so sad."

Atem scoffed. “I’m not sad. What reason would I have to be sad? I’m finally here, back with all of you. Where I’m meant to be.”

“I agree, but you’ve been moping nonstop the last six months. The first real excitement I’ve seen out of you was when we realized the puzzle was being reassembled. You leapt at the possibility of returning to the living world.”

“Yugi was in trouble. They all were. It’s my duty to protect them.”

“Sure. Whatever you say. Keep lying to yourself.”

“I’m not-”

“My lord?” Karim said. “Apologies for the interruption.”

Atem withheld a sigh at the formality and faced him. Smiled at his old friend. “Yes?”

“There’s…someone approaching the palace.”

“Someone?” How was that possible? No one could enter this realm without his knowledge. “Do we know who?”

“It looks like…Seto Kaiba, my king.”

His heart skipped. Seto? Here? He should have been more surprised. “Show me.”

Karim bowed and led them to the throne room. Isis had a projection of a large silver orb hovering in the centre of the room. Clouds swirled around the image of a figure, unmistakably Seto Kaiba, marching through the sands. Headed their way. White coat billowed behind him, duel disk on his arm. Aura of soul flecks outlined his form. Lifted into the blue sky. Slowly consumed by the spiritual plane. A physical form was not meant to be there. Attached to the side of his head was the device he’d seen on Yugi in the arena.

He laughed, surprising himself and everyone else gathered. “Of course he found a way.”

“My lord? Shouldn’t you banish him immediately?” Priest Seto demanded.

A flicker of irritation crossed his face. He hid it the best he could. Being back involved constantly looking into the face of his rival, except…here they weren’t rivals. Not in the same way. The past was the past for them and he didn’t have any of Kaiba’s memories. He kept forgetting that.

“And be rude to our guest?” Atem grinned at him. “That would be inhospitable, don’t you think? He worked so hard to get here.”

His priest narrowed his eyes, but didn’t argue. Atem pushed aside yet another sigh. He missed the banter Kaiba offered. “Of course, my lord.”

“Clear the throne room. I will greet him alone,” Atem ordered. “No one is to enter until my say so. Understood?”

Murmurs of “Yes my lord,” or “Yes my king” sounded off as the throne room emptied. Isis dispelled the image of Kaiba’s journey. He wasn’t far now. The only two to linger were Seto and Mana. One with a frustrated glare, the other with a knowing smirk.

Whatever that meant.

Once alone Atem swept out his cape behind him and sat on his throne. Settled, he awaited his worthy rival to arrive.

________

Seto flicked on the pod's systems. Readied it to carry him to the pharaoh's realm. The cube from Diva sat beside him in the cramped space. It pulsed with faint light as it fed the engine. Beeped where it was hooked up to the navigation controls. 

After the monster tried to end his and Yugi's life during the tournament, and after realizing that the cube hadn't gone with Diva, Seto spent hours day in and out prepping for this moment. If the pharaoh was too much of a coward to face him again in this world, he'd simply go to him. 

On the screen above him, that also functioned as his windshield, Mokuba yammered about the sales for the latest duel disk. Even with the terrifying display at the product launch people were buying them as fast as they were able to manufacture them. They were an even greater success than previous product launches. Kaiba Corp's legacy of innovating gaming for the modern age remained firmly intact, now was as good a time as any to take a prolonged vacation.

“That's great, Mokuba,” Seto said. Though he'd only been half listening. The systems were all in the green, ready to go whenever he pressed the final countdown sequence.

“Seto…” his brother said, tone less certain. In any other circumstance it would have drawn his attention, but if he looked up now he worried he'd lose his nerve. “Are you sure about this? We've only run preliminary tests on the cube. What if there's something we missed and-”

“It'll be fine. I tested it myself.”

“I trust you, I just…” he trailed off. Voice lacked all the cheeriness he'd grown to expect from him.

Seto risked glancing at his little brother. His unruly black hair combed back out of his face. Business suit tailored to his short stature to indicate his new status in the company. He felt bad leaving it all on his little brother. The kid was even younger than he'd been when he took over the company. It couldn't be helped, though. He couldn't stay here anymore. Not without…Seto shut the thought down. That wasn't what this was about.

“Promise me you're coming back,” Mokuba pleaded, voice broke halfway through the sentence. 

He averted his gaze again. “You're in charge, Mokuba. If anyone gives you trouble, there's a form in my desk giving you all the authority as CEO. Shove it in their face and then fire them. Take care of our company.” And he ended the call.

Seto rested his forehead in his hands. Elbows propped against the console's edge. He took several deep breaths and sat back in his seat. Strapped himself into the chair, head pressed back into the headrest. He engaged the launch procedure. The cube by his side illuminated the symbols carved into it with gold light. A robotic voice counted down to take off.

“…3….2…1” The pod launched from the KC station into the inky void of space.

The skin on his face stretched back at the velocity. Hands remained clutched around the armrests as the cube and the computer guided the oblong pod through the fabric of time. 

The cube acted as the only light source in the cabin. Cast everything in a bright gold shimmer. Outside the window the infinite black lightened to greys, blues, until a gold schism opened in front of him. He smiled as the pod hurtled itself into the awaiting maw.

He squinted at the brightness. The metal walls shook as they crossed the threshold into the new dimension. It tossed him about in his seat, even with the belt holding him down. An eternity passed before the golden light receded, and he exploded into a sky of blue with a sea of yellow sand spanning the floor.

Seto laughed at the sight. He'd done it. He'd really done it. Purple flecks of his soul lifted off his hands and floated around the cabin. Fed off the cube that slowly dimmed the further into the realm they travelled. He brought a hand up to his face, it came away with extra flecks that floated up and out like the metal was immaterial.

Celebration of his success was cut short when lights on the console flickered. The cube's gold symbols stuttered and went out. Red emergency lights flared to life, followed by the alarm that told him all systems were down. 

He flicked on the backup power as the pod nose dived to the sands. The generator roared to life just in time to stop him from crashing in a fiery blaze. The pod righted itself and skid across the sands until the generator's limited power reserves died. Momentum carried him another several feet before the pod stopped permanently. 

Seto took a few seconds to catch his breath. Hand to his head, short stuttering laughter the only sound in his dead pod. It had been months since he felt this alive.

Outside the window to his right he could just make out the shimmering image of a small city and behind that his final destination. The grand golden palace where his rival hid from him.

“I'm coming for you, Pharaoh,” Seto said to no one in particular.

He unlatched the manual override on the pod's upper hatch. It depressurized and flung backwards to allow his exit. He pushed up out of the seat and slung his long legs over the cabin's edge. Stiff and like jelly all at once as he very gracefully tumbled out. He managed not to faceplant in the sand. Rested back against the already scalding metal as he caught his breath. Flecks of his soul consumed by the atmosphere wherever he moved.

One look at the state of his pod told him all he needed to know. It was beyond repair, at least for what he'd have available to him here. He bent in and picked up the cube. Turned it back and forth in his hands. It didn't react to his touch. All the lights extinguished and flecks of gold joined his soul bits in the sky. Frustrated scowl tilted his lips and he dropped it back on the seat. 

This would be a one way trip.

Knees no longer shaking, Seto pushed off the pod's side. Took his first step towards his victory.

The sun beat down on his back the whole way. Shadows moved in the houses he passed. People peered out the windows to see the intruder who marched towards the palace. He ignored all of them. Focus solely on his destination.

No one stopped him as he ascended the steps into the open palace doors. Like they were expecting him. Upon entry another set of doors opened for him and a grand throne room awaited. And there, seated on his throne, was the pharaoh.

He was cloaked in white fabric, ending at his knees. The flowing shift given shape by beads and a solid gold triangular chest piece. It connected to the long purple cape covering the throne. His face was painted with reds, purples, and blacks in dramatic points and swishes around his eyes. Rectangular golden earrings hung from both ears. Across his forehead was a gold headpiece with a familiar eye sculpted into the centre. Blond pieces of his bangs, braided into several twists stretched up into the black and red of his curls, arranged like the spikes of his other self.

He smiled when Seto stepped into the room. Gave him the sense that again, his arrival had been expected. A smirk tilted one corner of his own lips. Couldn't be helped.

“Kaiba, welcome to Aaru.” 

“You know why I'm here.” He activated the duel disk strapped to his arm.

The pharaoh's smile widened. “That I do.” He pushed off his throne. Taller than him only by the nature of the dais he stood on. He lifted an arm, gold cuffs decorated his bicep and his wrist. A duel disk manifested on his arm, a deck already loaded. He stepped down the steps until they stood on equal ground. “No reason to delay, then.”

“Glad you agree.”

He frowned, head tilted to the side as he observed Seto. “Hm, one thing to take care of first.” He lifted onto his toes and placed a hand atop his head. Closed his eyes and whispered something under his breath. Too fast for Seto to understand. When he opened his eyes, the sensation that he was slowly breaking apart faded. He looked at his hand. The purple flecks had stopped lifting off his body.

“There. Now go. Stand across the room.” The pharaoh motioned for him to move, and swept away from him without another word.

Seto grinned and took up his position. Faced his rival on their makeshift dueling grounds. The pharaoh swept out his cape and raised his arm. 

“Let's duel!”

Chapter Text

The smoke cleared as the opposing monster disintegrated and Seto’s life points dropped to zero. The same ending they always came to. Atem dropped his arm, a satisfied smile on his face. It felt good to fight against someone who actually offered a challenge.

Seto was not taking the outcome as well.

"I...lost...again..." Seto breathed. Gaze trained on the floor. Disbelief on his stoic face. "But the simulation..."

Simulation? Atem mused. He crossed the distance between them, now clear of their monsters' projections. Clapped a hand on Seto's shoulder. "You have improved. I thought I was going to lose that one." 

The man barely reacted. Something lost in the rapid shift of his eyes.

Atem hummed. "How about this? You came all this way, it seems a shame to send you back already. Stay the night. We can discuss what comes next in the morning."

Brief clarity flashed in the depths of his blue eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Is that so?" Atem couldn't hide his amusement anymore.

Seto met his gaze. That resolute stubbornness he so adored had returned. "I will stay here until I finally beat you. I don't care how long it takes. Send me back if it makes you feel safer, I'll come back. Again and again until I win."

"That's not necessary. My home is yours, while you wish to stay," Atem said. "Consider it thanks for helping me accomplish my goals and return here."

"I didn't do any of that."

Atem squeezed his shoulder. "You did. In your own way." 

Seto held his gaze for a moment. Confusion crowded in his features. Atem allowed himself as long as he could to stay close to his guest. His rival. His friend. 

When he turned away, his fingers lingered on his shoulder a second. Trailed lightly down his arm. Avoided letting their fingers connect. He couldn't promise what he'd do if they did. 

"Mahad!" He called. And his friend appeared in the throne room in an instant.

He dipped into a low bow. "My king?"

That all was still a work in progress. "Rise. Please, you know I hate that." Mahad did, a sheepish smile on his face. The bastard was doing it on purpose. All a show for their guest he supposed. "Take Mr. Kaiba to a guest room. The finest we have. He is most honoured in this place." He flashed a smile at the still confused Seto over his shoulder. "Make sure he has access to whatever he wants."

"It will be done," Mahad confirmed. He smiled at Seto over his shoulder. "Follow me, Mr. Kaiba. I'll show you to your room."

Atem stepped to the side. Seto carefully walked past him. Met his gaze as he passed. "I'll see you in the morning, Kaiba."

"For our rematch, Pharaoh."

"I look forward to it." Atem beamed.

Seto frowned and followed Mahad out. 

Atem watched him go, finger to his lips. What an interesting turn of events.

______

The one called Mahad walked a twisting path back and forth through the golden palace halls. Arms folded neatly behind his back. Every so often he glanced back at Seto, as if checking to ensure he still followed.

It worked. Though Seto wished to wander off and explore this place, he knew better than to incur the wrath of the pharaoh. He knew what happened when people did. Had experienced it himself.

He rubbed at his chest, over his heart. There were days when it still hurt. Like it had when his mind had been shattered. The months spent tediously slotting each new piece back together a memory he wouldn't soon forget. No matter how much he wished it'd fade. The tug he felt on said forgotten heart was what led him here in the first place. It's what kept him coming back to the pharaoh time and time again. Only to lose just as many times. To the king it was just a game, a friendly duel between rivals. He saw it in the way he acted. The snide comments and showboating. He didn't take Seto seriously. Never had. So confident in his victory each time.

No more. Seto meant what he said. He would stay in this place until he proved to himself and to the pharaoh that he wasn't unbeatable. The numerous simulations he'd run provided enough evidence of that. They were perfect in every way. He just hadn't accounted for his skills having grown when he left their world. Left the limited abilities of his host behind. Though, how Yugi managed to win still baffled him.

How could he beat the pharaoh, with his mediocre deck, but Seto still couldn't?

Not for much longer, he reminded himself.

The pharaoh may be cocky now, but Seto would prove himself the better duelist if it was the last thing he did. It was all that mattered.

"I must say," Mahad said, pulling him from his thoughts. "I am quite impressed you were able to find your way here. None of us expected that."

He eyed the back of the man's head. A cream headress with gold accoutrements accented his high position in the court. His face was familiar, though Seto couldn't say how or why. So much of the last five years were a mix of that uncertainty. He'd hoped that coming here and seeing the supposed magic for himself would clear it up. 

He was growing very accustomed to disappointment.

"It wasn't hard. Not once I had my hands on Diva's cube.” Seto replied, tone dismissive of the compliment, though inside he preened at the acknowledgement. “We'd already been experimenting with interdimensional travel before he showed up."

A bit of an exaggeration sure, but how would this stranger know that? It was an area of study that had always intrigued Seto. The opportunity to finally explore it had simply fallen into his lap. He'd be a fool not to take advantage of it. And Seto was no fool.

Mahad chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me. You always were tenacious. Ready to push the borders of what was possible."

Seto bristled. "And what do you know about me? We've never interacted before." 

"Not us," Mahad agreed. "However, I am quite acquainted with your past self."

"Hm," Seto hummed. Eager for that to be the end of the conversation. Mahad had no such desires.

"You'll likely meet him if you stay with us. He is quite important to the pharaoh. We all are, it's why he chose us to be here with him." Mahad explained. "He saved me from my entrapment in the Dark Magician so I might better serve him here. I can never return to the physical dimension sans Atem, but that's alright. I go where my king goes, and Atem is here, so I am satisfied."

"Interesting," Seto muttered, though he cared little. He was sure the people the pharaoh chose to associate himself with were fine. They held no importance to him. He had a mission and he would not be distracted.

Mahad shook his head. Shoulders shook with laughter as he looked over at him. Familiar glint in his dark eyes. And yes, he did know that face. It looked like the hologram he'd sculpted of the Dark Magician. But how could he possibly have done that without knowing the man? Even Pegasus's design for the card lacked the specific details of his holograms.

"You are more like your past self than I thought." 

Seto didn't reply, brow raised instead. The other man fell silent until they rounded the corner. A hall of doors awaited them. He stopped in front of one, halfway down the right side. Golden walls and scenes in the traditional Ancient Egyptian style he'd been surrounded by in the last several years painted wherever he looked. 

The door where Mahad stopped had the symbol of a seated bird of prey with a hooked beak. Curled around it was, what he swore to be, a dragon. Blue eyes, like his own, looked into his soul. He averted his gaze.

"Atem had this room prepped for you when we heard you were arriving." Mahad unlocked the door. Pushed it open. "Consider this space your private quarters for the duration of your stay. It will be cleaned once a day, but other than that no one will have access."

Seto studied him a moment before entering the room. His eyes widened. 

The walls were painted the same blue as his favourite card. Silver hieroglyphs he could read covered the walls. Told the story of a priest who wielded the most powerful dragon to ever exist. His eternal battle searching for a worthy adversary. Moved mountains and seas to reach the one. The pharaoh still thought highly of himself it seemed. Sheets on the large bed were pure white with intricate details in silver depicting a dragon in flight.

A window on the other side of the room overlooked the great sand dunes he'd traversed. On the horizon the sun had set, casting the sky into golds and reds where its light persisted, faded to black the higher he lifted his gaze. Beside the window sat a table with a duel monsters mat and a place for him to store his duel disk and deck. An adjoining door across from the bed was propped open and he could just see the edge of a bathtub.

"How long did he know I was coming?" Seto asked, to no one in particular.

"When Karim announced you'd been spotted approaching the castle," Mahad said.

"That's not enough time to do all this!" Seto gestured around the room.

"You are correct, if we are talking about mortals. And none of us, least of all our king, has been mortal for some time."

Seto glanced away. Allowed himself a moment to admire the room in private. It was impressive, he supposed. "I see."

"Will there be anything else, Mr. Kaiba?"

"No."

"As you wish." Mahad paused before he left. "Should you require anything, please do not hesitate to ask. You can pull the cord by your bed," he motioned to a black velvet braided rope that hung next to the headboard. "One of us will come to assist you."

"Alright."

"I bid you goodnight." Mahad closed the door behind him, leaving Seto alone to his thoughts.

Chapter Text

The sun's rays sliding across his bed woke him from the deepest sleep he'd had in months. Maybe years. He chalked it up to the exertion of interdimensional travel. No one had done it, so no one had studied the effects it had on the human body. Just because his soul was no longer flaking away, didn't mean it hadn't cost him something to get here.

It was worth the cost.

He rolled out of the softest bed he'd ever had and pressed a hand to his forehead. Dragged his fingers down over his face. Blinked at the room the pharaoh had prepared for him. Half believing the night before had all been a dream. But no. Here he sat in a room full of his dragon's iconography. Just like his rival knew he loved. What a strange gift to give someone who crashed your afterlife. The pharaoh must have little else to occupy his time.

He got to his feet and stumbled to the adjoining room. A mirror and basin already full of steaming water awaited him. He frowned. Had someone entered the room while he was still asleep?

Unnerved, Seto dipped his hands into the warm water and splashed it over his face. It ran down his face, drops slipped under his collar. He’d fallen asleep in his clothes. Hadn’t bothered to check if there were any other options provided by the palace staff. Today, he thought he might check. Had he known he’d be staying longer, he might have packed a little heavier.

The plan had been to defeat the pharaoh upon his arrival and return home the same night. That’s what he’d promised Mokuba, though not in so many words. Probably smart he hadn’t made any promises he couldn’t keep.

Back in the main room, Seto approached the wardrobe with hesitance. Afraid of what he might find tucked away inside. Or no, he wasn’t afraid, but what if it was a replica of the outfit he’d seen his past self wearing the last time he’d been in a version of the pharaoh’s time?

You’re being ridiculous. He scolded himself and opened the wardrobe. Lips parted at the contents. A collection of the outfits he’d worn during the last five years were folded neatly on a collection of shelves. The purple coat and green shirt from Duelist Kingdom, the white coat he wore for Battle City. Same as the one hung on the back of the desk chair where he'd left it the night before. Even the white suit he’d worn once in Yugi’s presence. How had the pharaoh gotten them here? And why?

Seto pushed the thought aside. It didn’t matter. At least they were on the same page about not wanting to confuse the two versions that now resided in the afterlife. Short as his visit would be. The thought twisted his stomach. Reminiscent of the emptiness he’d been running from by searching for the puzzle in the first place. Would he ever be rid of it?

Yes. He told himself and grabbed a fresh black shirt and pair of pants from one of the shelves. A mimic of his outfit the previous day. Of course he would feel whole again. Once he defeated the pharaoh, everything would be as it should be.

Dressed for the day, he exited his room. No one was there to tell him what to do, or where to go, leaving him free to wander the palace. He backtracked the way Mahad had taken him the night before. Managed to find his way back to throne room doors after much trial and error. Ran into no one he recognized on the way, until he tread into a new area.

He turned the corner and came face to face with…himself. They were the same height, eyes the same blue. Same scowl he often saw in the mirror. That was where their similarities ended. The other version wore an outfit of blue and gold, like the last time he saw him. A cape in the same cream colour as Mahad's outfit swished behind him as he marched towards Seto. A pointed hat in blue framed by a golden rim. A cobra reared up in the centre, leering at him like its owner. His hair was completely hidden by the piece.

“What are you doing down here, imposter?” The other him sneered.

“Looking for the pharaoh,” Seto replied coolly. “He owes me a rematch.”

“Pharaoh Atem owes the likes of you nothing. Who do you think you are to come to our home and make demands?”

“If he has such a problem with me being here, why ask me to stay?”

His other self smirked. Seto found he didn’t like being on the other side of his own disdain. “As great as our king is, his priorities are not always where they should be. Allowing you to stay is a mistake. One I am sure he will rectify soon enough. Until then, you are but a nuisance in our home.”

Seto laughed. His other self’s face darkened with rage. “You sound jealous.”

The man pointed at him, finger inches from his nose. "You think you’re special? You’re just a shiny new toy for the king to play with. And all toys lose their novelty, eventually. He'll bore of you. Just like he did with me. And when he does, you'll be banished back to your time without so much as a goodbye, Imposter."

“Seto,” Mahad said, coming out of a room down the hall. Both sets of eyes lifted to address the new presence. “Are you harassing our honoured guest?”

His other self laughed. “No, of course not. Just making sure he knows his place.” He shot another scowl Seto’s way and brushed past him without another word.

Seto watched him go, pushing down the anger that boiled inside him. Listened to Mahad’s approaching steps. Didn’t turn to face him until he spoke.

“Are you alright?”

“I can take care of myself.”

“I never said you couldn’t.”

“Hm.”

“Come, the king has requested you eat before your rematch. It is important that you are both well rested and sharp. Once you’ve had your fill, I will escort you to the duel grounds.”

Duel grounds? The pharaoh built a space in his afterlife just for dueling? He supposed that made sense. He couldn’t say he wouldn’t do the same. 

Though he would have much preferred to make his next attempt at beating the pharaoh as soon as possible, he could use some food. He hadn't eaten since he left Earth.

“Fine. Lead the way,” Seto said.

Mahad dipped his head and fell into step beside him. Though, he didn’t try to hold a conversation like the night before. That suited him just fine. He had battle strategies to plot out. The pharaoh had demonstrated new techniques last night. Ones he hadn’t coded into his simulation. He refused to be caught off guard again.

Breakfast consisted of fruits and nuts, a sweet beverage that tingled on his tongue, and buttered bread. The taste of everything was far stronger than in his world. He wondered if it was smart of him to be eating the food here. Weren’t there stories that warned against that? He had never been much for folktales. For all he knew the pharaoh was poisoning him to give himself an advantage in their duel. Still, he couldn’t deny how much his stomach started growling as the food arrived on golden plates. 

He ate with Mahad, a shorter girl with dark skin and black curly hair dressed similarly to Mahad, a woman who looked shockingly like Ishizu, and two other men he didn’t recognize. Only Mahad and the woman, Maria or something he couldn’t remember, spoke with him.

The woman asked him question after question about his world. About his time spent with the pharaoh. She wanted a minute by minute, play by play of all their adventures. Seto thought it strange that the pharaoh hadn’t filled her in himself. He had been here for six months already, what exactly had he been up to?

After the table was cleared, Mahad stood and indicated for Seto to join him. “The king is expecting you.”

“It’s about time,” Seto said and followed Mahad out of the dining room. 

They left the palace walls through a back door. A great sprawling garden shaded their journey from the hot sun overhead. Even in the afterlife its heat was unbearable. Fruit trees and pungent flowers created a dizzying incense over the pathways. 

It was beautiful. Unlike any garden he had seen in the real world. Everything here was brighter, more saturated. Each of his senses heightened to greater appreciate the uncanny plane of existence.

At the end of the garden, the dueling grounds were revealed. It was simple, reminiscent of the earlier battlefields Seto had created for them in their world. A stone floor, roughly the size of a tennis court, with great sidr trees and jacaranda trees, both in full bloom, provided shade from the sun’s rays.

On one side of the court, surrounded by fallen purple petals of the jacaranda above him, was the pharaoh. He grinned when he spotted Mahad and Seto. Swept his cape back behind him with a dramatic flourish.

“Welcome Kaiba! What do you think of our new dueling grounds?”

“How new?” Seto asked. He stepped closer to the court, leaving Mahad behind. Didn't notice when the man bowed to his king and disappeared back into the gardens. 

“I spent all night growing the trees, decorating, plus a few…surprises. All to ensure it was up to your standards.”

He took in the space again. It really was stunning, especially if it had only been constructed the night before. The ground was tan sandstone with detailed paintings of monsters around the whole court. All from the cards in their decks. The images were so realistic he believed they'd rise up at any second. Maybe they would once their duel began. 

On the far end of the pharaoh's side was a recreation of his image from the tablet in the Domino Museum. Across from him on Seto's side was a modern depiction of himself in the ancient style, looking as he had in the duel with Diva. The paint was fresh and vibrant unlike the tablets that survived long enough to make it to the modern age. In front of Seto's depiction, his beloved Blue Eyes White Dragon roared at the pharaoh's Dark Magician.

When he stepped onto the sandstone, walls rose up around them on all sides. Provided privacy from seeing eyes in the garden. Plush cushions for spectators were scattered haphazardly on the long ends. Today they remained unoccupied. He walked to his end of the court. Faced his opponent with a stoic expression, though his heart pounded. The pharaoh had made this for them. So they'd have a suitable place to finally determine which one of them was the better duelist.

“I thought you wanted both of us to be fresh for the duel,” Seto said instead. 

The pharaoh grinned. It was infuriating how pleased he always was with himself. “I'm a god, Kaiba. I don't need the same kind of rest that you do. Besides, if I wasted my time sleeping, we wouldn't have such a beautiful place for our ultimate match now would we?”

“As long as it doesn't affect your dueling,” Seto said. He lifted his arm and his duel disk unfurled. Across the court, the pharaoh did the same.

“Nothing could stop me from giving you all I have,” the pharaoh goaded. He drew his first card and played Celtic Guardian. An explosion of purple smoke erupted in front of him, like the night before, and a large manifestation of the card roared to life. It glared at Seto across the field.

He snickered and played his first card. Battle Ox exploded to life, roaring with its duelist's good mood. It launched at the pharaoh's weaker monster. Its ax swung at the opponent's throat, destroying it instantly. Celtic Guardian disintegrated into golden particles and reformed in its depiction on the ground. Battle Ox returned to his position in front of Seto.

The duel went on that way. Each taking the advantage, only to be thwarted a turn or two later by their opponent's stronger monster. Seto's life points dipped, always just a little lower than the pharaoh's. Even with his Blue Eyes on the court.

At the end, his dragon disintegrated into the same gold particles and his life points dropped to zero. He growled and reshuffled his deck. “Again!”

This wasn't supposed to happen. He had practiced for this moment, studied every duel he had on file between the pharaoh and an opponent. Watched Yugi and his other self pull through in even the most unlikely of scenarios. Ran the sequences in his own simulation and overcame those again and again. He was supposed to win.

The pharaoh shrugged and shuffled his cards as requested. Drew his hand and looked at his opponent. A fire in the depths of his purple eyes that Seto had been searching for. No one in his world could match that passion and intensity. None of them were worth putting everything on the line for.

“You start this time, Kaiba.”

“Gladly.” And he played his first card.

____________

Several duels later, each longer than the last as the duo relearned the other's strategies, the sun set on the horizon. A table full of water and fruit, provided by Atem, sat by the exit so neither of them passed out from exhaustion. It was barely touched, both too engrossed in their battles.

Atem's continuous victory aggravated Seto more and more. He saw it in his posture. In the way he kept making stupid mistakes. Teeth grit every time he came so close to his own victory, only to lose focus and allow Atem an opportunity to end it all. Like he didn't want to win.

But that was ridiculous.

As the dust settled and Seto swayed on his feet, Atem knew they'd reached the limit for the day. He snapped his fingers and the walls dropped back into the ground. Revealed the garden, still empty except for them, and the desert beyond the palace walls. He closed his duel disk and dropped his arm. Watched Seto's face morph into one of confusion.

“What are you doing?”

“It's night time, Kaiba.”

Seto seethed. “So?”

“So, we've been at this all day.”

“Are you bored?” He snapped, more anger underlined his words than Atem thought necessary.

He frowned and headed for the exit. "Of course not. I've never been more alive.” He smiled at him over his shoulder. “All I'm saying is, better luck tomorrow.” He extended a hand to Seto. “Join me for dinner?"

“Tomorrow…” Seto said, voice soft.

“You'll join me for dinner tomorrow?” Atem asked, amused.

His rival blinked and shook his head. “No I, well yes I will, and I…will…tonight…but I…” He trailed off. Resolute again in his posture when he said, “You swear we'll do this again tomorrow?”

He couldn't recall ever seeing Seto flustered. The only indications in his speech and the shifting of his eyes as he focused on the court and then back at Atem. Never had he wished to read someone's mind so badly. Just what was going through the Seto Kaiba's head?

“Of course. And every day after until you beat me. Just like I promised.” He beckoned him over with his outstretched hand. Accepted that he wouldn't take it. “Come, I've requested quite the feast.”

Seto nodded and followed Atem out of the garden. The palace halls were empty wherever he led them. Intentional on the king's part. He knew where everyone in his realm was at all times, except for Seto. The only reason he could ascertain in regards to that dilemma was that Seto wasn't supposed to be here. A fact he rebelled against constantly in his mind. But even as a god, he had limited control over his own realm. The spirit world didn't like having a mortal in its space.

Atem pushed open the dining room doors. He swept aside and motioned for his rival to enter first. If anyone were around to see, they'd have endless questions. Which was why he kept them away. Seto was his equal and he would be treated as such.

For his part, Seto didn't seem to understand the gravity of the action. Another reason he felt safe enough to be so informal about protocol. It meant nothing to him, no reason to look deeper into it.

Spread out on the long table made of Lebbeck wood, with the legs mimicking the twisting trunk of the tree proper, was a feast fit for a party. He had no expectations that they'd finish it all. Whatever they didn't consume would be redistributed among his friends and staff. Nothing went to waste. 

The spread consisted of platters of roasted goat and beef cooked with pomegranates and oranges. A bowl of dates sat next to a plate of sweet breads with a honey glaze to adhere walnuts and pistachios to each roll. Vegetables roasted with the meat, but served separately sat nigh overflowing in two large bowls. Large jugs of wine were in the middle of the table with two gold goblets already poured. One had been placed at either end of the table. 

Seto took his seat at one end, the far side. Disbelief on his usually controlled face as he took in the array. Atem swept his wine goblet off his seat and dropped into the chair two down from his rival. Wanted to be closer, but thought it smarter to hold back. He tucked his cape beneath him and rested his chin on a fist.

“Dig in!” He ordered.

Seto did, though tentative at first. He filled his plate with small portions. Attention flickered to Atem's empty plate. Raised a questioning brow. Atem only smiled and motioned for him to take more. Only when Seto sat back in his chair did he take his own portion. Piled all his favourite dishes into distinct sections on his plate. He sipped his wine and shoved food in his face. Felt real hunger for the first time since he'd returned to his family.

From the corner of his eye he saw Seto take his first careful bite. Blue eyes widened as the flavours settled on his tongue. A satisfied thrill rushed down Atem's spine as the man ate with more ferocity after that.

Seto's eyes were on him for nearly the entire meal. Neither spoke. Both famished after their long day spent in the hot sun. He'd have to expand the cover of the new trees. They needed more shade if Seto was insistent on spending all their waking hours outside.

He was glad he liked the arena. It wasn't as high tech as the ones he'd built in his world, but he hoped it mimicked them well enough. Without his holograms, their duels wouldn't be quite the same. The magic he'd built into the foundation had taken some time to get right. The summoning words couldn't be too complicated. Just using their names had to be enough for the duel to move smoothly. After today's success, he was proud to say that he had accomplished that. They were just as, if not more, realistic than even Seto's holograms. Though, he'd never say that to him. Their rivalry was strong enough. He didn't need to add a technology versus magic debate.

A servant came in and cleared the plates. Several behind them brought in dessert. Platters of honey glazed dates and sweet breads stuffed with fruits and nuts. Lastly, they refilled the jugs of wine. Of which, Atem had been the only one drinking. Seto had to be five cups behind. Though that didn't seem to bother his rival, nor did it really surprise Atem. He had never seen the man spend much time indulging in anything besides his work and concotting greater and crazier ways to duel him/Yugi.

Why would that change now?

Once the servants left, Atem plucked a pastry off one of the platters and smiled at Seto. Broke the easy silence they'd fallen into. “I never got the chance to ask in all of the excitement yesterday, but I’m so curious.” He ripped off a corner of his dessert and gestured at Seto with it. “How did you manage to make it here?”

Seto remained quiet for a moment. Hand clutched his goblet's stem. Hard enough to shatter by the looks of his knuckles. “Diva's cube,” he said, monotone.

Sigh. Of course. Atem cleared his throat. “And…why?”

He lifted his eyes to his, and oh, there was anger in those depths. “You left before we could have our rematch.”

“We did have a rematch. Several times, if I recall correctly.”

“Not one where I proved I was better.”

Atem pressed a hand to his forehead. He couldn't look at that obsessive anger anymore. Mulled over the decisions he'd made whilst sharing a body with Yugi. “Let me see if I understand this correctly. You risked everything, even the very real possibility of your body being obliterated as you crossed into my plane of existence….just to duel me again?”

“Of course.”

“Kaiba…I….” Atem dropped his hand. Gazed fondly at his rival. “Flattering as that is, your life is worth more than a rivalry. I'm sure there are just as many worthy opponents besides me on Earth. Yugi, for instance, is very capable. You left everything to come here, without the certainty that you could get back. You left Mokuba-”

“Don't,” Seto snapped, but there was little bite behind it.

“Kaiba I simply-”

“Don't you get it?” He hissed. “You're the only one worth dueling. The only one who's worth my time. What's left for me in the land of the living? A company that can be run by other people and no friends because no one is worth my time except for you.” Seto pushed to his feet and stormed out of the dining room before Atem could reply.

The dining room doors slammed shut and Atem chugged the rest of his wine. And then Seto's. He groaned dramatically in the empty space and smashed his head down on the table. Headpiece dug into his forehead, but he didn't try to move.

Hinges creaked as one door opened again. His head snapped up, hopeful, but expression fell when he saw it was only Mana. 

“Whoa, no need to look that disappointed. I'm only your best friend through all of space and time.” She plopped down beside him, rested her head against his shoulder.

Atem wrapped one arm around her in a tight embrace. “Sorry, I just…thought you were Seto coming back.”

“No. He went to his room.” He frowned. She shrugged and popped a date into her mouth. “I was listening at the door. By the way, you could have handled that better.”

“Thank you, Miss Obvious.”

“No need to get snippy.”

He dropped his face into his hand. “I think I created a monster in Seto.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Just a feeling I have.”

Mana hummed and played with the edge of his cape. “Well, he seems to enjoy being in your presence at least. So if you did create a monster, I don’t think he minds.”

“That’s part of the problem. What if I’ve made myself the only thing he can think about?”

“You’re not that interesting or irresistible, Atem.” Mana scoffed and poked his side. He winced and she laughed. “Still ticklish huh?”

“Alright that’s enough of you.” He got to his feet. She whined as she was shoved off his shoulder. “Thanks for listening. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

She watched him walk towards the exit. “What are you going to spend all night making him this time?”

“Who says I’m going to do that?” Mana just stared at him. Atem sighed. “I’m not making him anything.” Anymore. “I’m going to bed.”

“I’ll be checking.”

“Fine.” Now he really was going to bed. He left the dining room and headed for his bedroom. Avoided the others who roamed the halls. He was in no mood to have a conversation with anyone. 

Well, that wasn’t true. There was one person he wanted to talk to, but said person was a terrible conversationalist.

_________________

A week passed since Seto arrived in the pharaoh's afterlife. They spent sun up to sun down dueling in the special arena. Each time he went to see it, there was something added. Something to improve the experience. More trees, taller walls, more refreshments that often went untouched, or more details in the already intricate paintings. When the pharaoh found time to do all of that around their duels and nightly meals was beyond Seto. They spoke amicably during said meals, though remained on lighter topics. He didn't bring up what had been left behind again. Which he did appreciate.

Especially since he kept losing.

It didn’t make sense. All his careful planning. The numerous hours spent honing the simulation to perfection. Battling against it for as many hours as he spent with the real pharaoh. It should have been over by now. 

After each loss, his rival announced how much better he was getting. That one of these days surely he would succeed. It was irritating. Like a parent pandering to a child about their terrible skills in a new hobby. Seto Kaiba was no amateur. So why couldn’t he reach that win? Where were his skills lacking? Maybe the pharaoh was cheating, though he couldn’t think of a reason for that. If his other self had any truth to his words, surely winning again and again to the same opponent was going to bore the king at some point. When that happened, Seto would be sent packing. Ran the risk of being barred from ever entering this realm again.

He couldn’t let that happen. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t win. Forever just out of reach from his grasping fingers.

Sleep no longer came easily to him. Despite how comfortable the provided bed. His mind raced each night, going over every detail of their duels from the day. He missed his computers and analytics that helped him break it down moment by moment. Minute expressions he’d missed that would have indicated which card he pulled. The cards in his opponent's deck that he’d forgotten to account for as he honed his own strategy. Here he had to rely on his, while excellent, still fallible, memory. 

It drove him insane.

So he had taken to walking in the evenings when the insomnia crept up on him. The cool night air cleared his head better than any type of caffeine on earth. It was fresh, full of intoxicating night flora that seeped into the windows from the sprawling gardens behind the palace. He never ventured into them. Spent enough time there during the day. No, his preferred pacing spot was by a pond in a back courtyard to the left of the gardens. Lotus flowers floated in crystal clear water. Tiny fish darted about in the depths. He paced back and forth amongst the tall pillars that created a semi private space around the pond.

It was familiar in a way that he still wasn’t accustomed to acknowledging. Once or twice he had run into his other self, but upon seeing his other self upon arrival, he simply walked back into the palace. Left Seto to his pacing. He appreciated it, but never told him that of course.

Tonight his spot was occupied by someone new. He walked into the courtyard and his feet stopped. Seated on the edge of the pool, bathed in moonlight, was the pharaoh. A hand swished back and forth in the water. Pensive expression on his still painted face. He was dressed simpler otherwise. Lacked any of his usual gold jewellery and his cape. Sat in just a white pleated kilt tied off by a golden sun pin at one hip. The only indication of his status in the palace. Tight curls decorated like Yugi’s and braided bangs framed his face. No crown today.

Seto went to leave, but had lingered too long staring at his rival.

“You’re still awake.”

He froze, turning back to face him. Crossed his arms. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your moment alone.”

“You could never intrude on me,” the pharaoh said. That annoying smirk on his face. “If you could, I would have sent you home as soon as I realized you were here.”

“Aren’t I lucky you’re so hospitable, then.”

“And don’t you forget it.”

Seto smiled, despite himself. “I’ll leave you to it.”

“Come. Sit. I don’t mind.”

The pharaoh may not, but Seto certainly did. The last thing he needed was his rival sitting across from him distracting him all night. He needed to nail the perfect strategy to finally take him down. It was all that his mind could focus on, all he had ever been able to focus on since their first duel that ended in a tie. Since he shattered Seto’s mind and left him to reconstruct his personality.

“I don’t-”

“I insist,” he said. “I can order you if that makes it easier?”

Seto scowled but joined him next to the pond. Sat on the other side. He went back to skimming his open palm across the otherwise placid surface. Ripples spread out from where he touched. Reaching the furthest corners of the large water feature.

“I want to apologize,” the pharaoh said, eyes never leaving the pond.

“For?”

“Angering you the other night.”

“You always anger me, you’ll have to be more specific.”

The pharaoh laughed. Head lifted to look at Seto. “I’m sorry for questioning your motives for coming here. I meant no disrespect by it, I swear. I only wanted to understand.”

“There’s nothing to understand, Pharaoh,” Seto said through gritted teeth. “I realized that with Diva’s cube I could finally warp the fabric of time to my will. Since you made it clear you weren’t going to let me do it the easy way, I took matters into my own hands.”

“So you did,” the pharaoh hummed. His attention drifted back to the pond. “I think we’re far past formalities now, don’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know you know my name, Seto.” There it was again. Started the day before, or maybe it had been the day before that…they'd started to morph into each other the longer he stayed. At some point during the week he’d dropped the last name and switched to primarily using his first. Seto thought he’d care more, but…he kinda liked it. He didn’t look deeper into that thought. It led nowhere good. “I spent so long without one, do me the courtesy of using it now that I have it back.”

Seto stared at the end of the courtyard. Studied the images on the pillars he couldn’t see in the dark. “If that’s what you want.”

“It is.” The pharaoh brushed a stray braid out of his face. “So, am I forgiven?”

“For what?” His attention shifted back.

The pharaoh hummed. Purple eyes flickered, almost glowed in the night. “All of it?”

“I can’t be mad at my only friend.”

“I’m not your sole friend, Seto.”

He averted his gaze again. Studied his hands as his fingers spread out on the stone ledge he sat on. “Yes, you are.”

“No I’m-”

“Forgiven, I mean,” Seto looked back at him. “I forgive you, Atem. For all of it.”

His beautiful face lit up. Damp hand reached across the pond, barely long enough to reach his. Fingers brushed across the back of it. “Thank you, Seto.”

Seto sat frozen. Attention locked on the shining face of his pharaoh. Spell only broke when the man removed his hand and got to his feet. Bare chest glistened with small beads of sweat in the hot night air. It never got cold enough here. 

“We should rest. We have another long day of battles ahead of us tomorrow, don’t we?”

“I thought you didn’t need sleep.”

A playful glimmer danced in his eyes. “True, but you do.” He beckoned with his head towards the courtyard’s exit. “I’ll walk you back to your room if you’d like?”

“No, thanks,” Seto said. “I’m not ready to sleep yet.”

The pharaoh shrugged. “Whatever you say. Just make sure you’re sharp enough for tomorrow. Something tells me it might be the day.”

“It will.”

He smiled. No hint of jokes this time. “Good night, Seto.”

“Good night.”

Chapter Text

On their fifth duel of the day, it finally happened. 

The dust settled on Atem’s monster reforming in its position around the court. His life points spun down to zero. He stared in disbelief at his duel disk and then up at Seto. The man looked just as shocked by the turn of events. His own life points hovered at a precarious one hundred.

Neither of them moved for a long time. The only sounds were heavy breathing and the birdsong that drifted in over the walls from the garden.

He broke the silence first.

"Congratulations, Kaiba! You finally did it. You beat me. Your quest is over." Atem beamed at him through the disappointment in his chest. Of course he would lose eventually. It was only right. They'd been dueling for so long. Even a god made mistakes.

Seto stood at the other end. Breaths came in quick pants. "I...did it."

"Yes. You can finally go home."

His eyes widened. Thrust a finger at him. If anyone else were present they'd gape at the disrespect. It thrilled Atem. Reminded him of the days before. They were equals in all ways that mattered. "You let me win!"

"I did no such thing."

"You did. Just like you let Yugi win."

Atem frowned. "I didn't let Yugi win. He proved himself capable of dueling all on his own. I was just as surprised when he won." He’d wanted to stay.

"How else would he beat you?"

"He's a good duelist. He beat you didn't he?"

Seto scoffed. "Hardly."

"Kaiba, you're acting ridiculous. You won. You can leave. I thought you’d be happy."

"If you wanted me to leave so bad, why not just banish me yourself?"

Atem's eyes narrowed. So he had been talking to his past self. He'd need to have a talk with his priest about manners and hospitality. "Seto I swear on my life, I didn't let you win. You beat me. Fair and square."

He stormed across the court. Towered over the pharaoh with no sense of self preservation. Sneered at him. "I don't believe you."

"Look me in the eye. Do you truly believe I would throw a duel? Or any game for that matter? Lest you forget, I have a reputation to uphold!" Atem snapped. He grabbed the front of Seto's shirt and dragged him down to his eye level. The CEO’s expression briefly shifted to surprise. A kind of excitement that Atem wished to read deeper into. A fool's wish when it came to Seto, he feared. 

"You won.” He reiterated. “You got what you wanted."

Seto's hands balled into fists at his side, but he didn't pull away. "And if I haven't yet?"

"What else could you possibly want from me?" A frustrated snarl curled Seto's lips down, but no sound left him. Atem frowned and stepped closer. "Are you asking for another rematch, my worthy rival? Even though you have proven yourself capable of beating me at last?"

"I've always been capable of beating you."

"I know," Atem said softly. "So why haven't you until now?"

Seto was shaking. "I don't-" His voice trailed off. Atem dropped his hand. Seto didn't move. Eyes searched over the pharaoh. An internal war raged behind the blue. Free of their ice for the first time since his arrival. "I don't want to leave yet."

Warmth rushed through him. “Is that so?”

His eyes shifted away. Shoulders shook with what Seto wanted him to believe was rage. Atem wasn't so convinced. 

He reached up and cradled his face. Thumbs brushed over his cheeks, fingers ran along the underside of his jaw. Felt him swallow against the pads. Seto refused to look at him, but didn't push him away. Emboldened he pushed up on his toes and kissed his rival.

The other man didn’t react. Panic creeped into Atem’s bones. He started to pull away, certain he misread the situation. Hands grabbed his shoulders. A low growl fell from Seto’s lips. His heart skipped at the sound. Teeth grazed along Atem’s lower lip. Fingers dug into the exposed skin of his upper arms, holding him in place. 

His body pulsed with excitement. Years of waiting all culminated into this moment. Hands grabbed wherever Seto could reach. Atem circled his arms around the man’s neck, tugged him down so he didn’t have to stand on his toes.

Seto’s hands slipped under his cape. Pressed on his back, until their bodies were flush against each other. Atem deepened the kiss, mouth partially agape. Seto reciprocated, though with less practiced movements. Made up for in enthusiasm and the way his fingers curled against Atem’s bare back under his cape. Skin heated under the direct touch.

Atem backpedaled as Seto pushed against him harder and harder. Didn't stop until his back crashed against the wall behind him. Hands grabbed his thighs and lifted him into the air. Cape dangled behind him. Seto's fingers dug into the soft flesh and Atem moaned in his ear. Locked his legs around his rival's waist.

Head fell back as chapped brushed over the sensitive skin of his neck. Breath hitched and he buried his fingers into the thick strands of his hair. Tugged at the roots, drawing a hiss from Seto. Heat spread throughout his body at the sound. Took great joy in knowing the effect he had on the other man.

Lips sought out his again, teeth knocked together in their desperation. Tongue slid over his lower lip and Atem moaned into Seto's mouth. The fingers around his thighs dug deeper. His heart skipped and hammered. Pleasure coursed through every inch of his body. Pooled in the depths of his stomach. His cock twitched where it pressed against Seto's waist.

Atem brought one hand down and pushed him back slightly at the base of his throat. Seto's lips chased after his, blue eyes blinked open. Confusion in the lust filled depths. Cheeks flushed and warm under the palm Atem dragged down his face. Seto turned into the touch, eyes fluttered. “Should we take this somewhere more comfortable?”

“Like?” Seto asked, bent in to drag his teeth along Atem's neck, distracting him. His finger curled into the front of Seto's collar. Kept his mouth on his throat.

“My room?”

Seto straightened, pressing against Atem's hand. He released his head. Gasped as Seto readjusted his hold on the pharaoh's thighs. The motion caused his cock to rub against his belt, sending a sharp spike up his abdomen. He grabbed the man's shoulders and exhaled sharply. A satisfied smirk crossed the bastard's face. It faded slightly as he processed the words. “Your…room.”

Atem stifled the panic. “We don't have to, this is nice. Really nice, but I thought maybe-”

Seto shut him up with another kiss. He gently let Atem's feet touch the ground. Bent with him to keep their lips pressed together. When he broke for air, he brushed a loose braid back from his face. “Lead the way.”

Excitement pounded in every molecule of his body. He grabbed Seto's hand and dragged him out of the arena. Greenery rushed by as he walked. Fast as his legs could carry him. The floral scents intoxicated his already flustered senses. Halfway through the gardens he was swept off the ground. 

“Ah-!” He gasped. A secure arm behind his knees, the other supported his lower back. Atem wrapped his arms around Seto's neck, mouth agape as he stared wordless at the man.

“You walk too slow,” Seto muttered. 

“Asshole,” Atem replied and locked his mouth around the part of his neck he could reach. Sucked on the sensitive skin. Grazed his teeth against any inch he could. Increased the intensity the more Seto's fingers dug into him. He nipped at his earlobe and Seto stumbled. 

“Careful,” he purred into his ear. “If you drop the king I can't promise you'll be spared.”

“I'll take my chances,” Seto grunted. Words ended in a desperate gasp as Atem found a new spot behind his ear to clamp his teeth down on. “Fuck-! That feels good.” He said, breathless.

“I'll show you how good I can make you feel,” Atem whispered and ran his tongue up Seto's neck over the array of dark purple and red bruises he'd left across his pale flesh. “Turn right up here.” He sensed Shada walking down the hall to their left. He didn't need his friends to see him in this state.

Seto did as he was told. Followed the hall until Atem directed him to the next and the one after. Didn’t question the obvious detours that kept them out of sight from the others that lived in the palace. By the time his bedroom door came into view, The right side of Seto’s neck was more hickey than skin. 

“You follow orders so well,” Atem praised. Smirked at the low whine that hitched in Seto’s throat. 

He opened the door. Atem hooked his foot around the handle and tugged it closed behind them. He curled his fingers into his hair. Tugged his head to the side to give him access to more of his neck. Stuck his nose under his chin and sucked another hickey into his skin. 

“Do you like that?” He asked between breaths. “Do you like when I tell you what a good boy you are?”

“Shut up,” Seto growled. The timbre vibrated through his chest, sending pleasant tingles up his spine. The pulse of anticipation for what came next.

“Make me.”

Seto dropped him on the bed, kicked off his shoes as he crawled on top of him. Great white coat shoved off his shoulders. Left him in his usual black shirt and tight pants. Seto reached up and unclipped his cape. Let it fall to the floor in a heap. Hands brushed up his legs. Slipped under the white pleated kilt he wore. Rough fingers caressed his inner thighs. Seto’s lips followed, brushing over the heated skin. His eyes met Atem’s. “I intend to.” He nipped at his skin.

Atem gasped and pushed his fingers into his hair. Felt his tongue drag along the inside of his thigh. Stopped just before he reached where his cock still ached to be touched. Half hard again already. “Fuck…Seto…”

A hand undid the pin holding the wrap around his waist. It joined the cape on the floor. He kissed down each leg and undid his sandals. Left him nude on the white sheets. He smiled up at his rival, at his friend. Hand lifted to caress the side of his face. “Your turn.”

“What-?”

Atem reached down and lifted the black fitted shirt over his head. Ran his fingers lightly down the soft skin. Wispy dark hairs covered his chest, grew sparse as they disappeared into his pants. Nimble fingers undid his belt and pushed them to his ankles. Kept one eye on Seto at all times. Gaged his comfort levels as he pressed heated kisses to his bared shoulders and down his chest. Flipped their position so he hovered above. Kissed down his body until he reached his groin. Nosed playfully at the dark wiry hairs. Stripped his pants over his ankles and left it on the floor with the rest. He kissed back up his body and pressed against him. Shaft of his cock dragged across Seto’s, causing both of them to gasp.

Seto captured his lips in a deep kiss. Lifted the headpiece off of Atem’s head and placed it gently on the small table next to the bed. Lips found his neck and he arched his back as teeth burrowed into his shoulder. His nails dug into Seto’s shoulders. 

“I need you,” Atem pleaded. Consumed by the pleasure that pulsed under his skin.

“Show me how,” Seto whispered, lips brushed against his pharaoh’s ear. The pressure building in his gut was almost too much to bear. Atem gave no indication of giving him a break. His legs wrapped around his waist held him close. Rolled his hips in a steady rhythm against his already aching cock. He wrapped his arms around the pharaoh’s shoulders and panted in his ear.

Atem moaned. Nails dragged down his back. Seto’s toes curled in. They shifted until he hovered over Atem. He leaned down and pressed already swollen lips to the other’s. Teeth nipped his lower lip as Atem welcomed him into his mouth. Hot breath washed over his face with years of unsaid words, manifested in the desperate way their lips moved together. 

“I want you to fuck me,” Atem gasped as Seto’s fingers dragged down his sides. He squirmed at the ticklish sensation, but refused to drop his legs. “Please, Seto I-”

Seto nodded, nosed at the crook between his neck and his shoulders. “I will, I will. Whatever you want.” He promised. Anything to keep the king on the bed with him. He would do anything.

A soft laugh left the pharaoh’s lips. He angled his mouth up to nip at his earlobe again. “Good boy,” he whispered and Seto couldn’t stop the embarrassing whine that exhaled from his lips. Overwhelmed by the feeling of Atem’s cock rubbing against his. Breath hitched as he felt precum leak over. Fingers curled deeper into the back of Atem’s shoulders. 

“Careful, Kaiba,” the king whispered, voice teasing. A hand slipped between their flushed torsos and a thumb swept over the slick head. Seto gasped, gritting his teeth. “You don’t want to lose do you?”

“Then hurry up and show me what to do.”

Atem smirked, pressed another heated kiss to his lips. He took Seto’s right hand. Slipped the fingers between his lips. Swirled his tongue around the digits. Heat pooled in his stomach. More precum coated both of their stomachs. His cock ached with every twitch of his body. Every inch of him was overstimulated and hot. Sweat shared between them as skin rubbed against skin. Atem’s hips never stopped rolling into him. 

He had never felt more alive.

Atem popped his fingers out of his mouth. String of saliva connected his tongue to his hand. His chest pounded at the visual. A knowing glint in those purple eyes. Dark brown skin shone with gold like the king himself was sweating pure sunlight. A hand brushed sweat soaked bangs back from his eyes. Deep affection Seto had never seen in another on full display in his eyes.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

Seto’s mind emptied and he kissed the glowing god. Atem wrapped his arm around his neck and held him close. Other hand reached out and grabbed the small jar of oil off the table. He unscrewed it behind Seto’s head. Lost a few drops down the man’s back. He wiggled at the new sensation. Atem moaned as his cock caught between their bodies was stimulated. His own tip leaked at the feeling of the two moving together.

He took Seto’s hand back in his. Dipped the three digits into the jar and placed it back on the table. Blue eyes studied every movement, learning the steps in real time. Atem was happy to be his teacher. He guided his hand down between his legs. Thumb brushed against his balls on the way. It sent a sting of pleasure up his body, drawing another loud moan from his lips. Once his leg stopped shaking, he pushed one of Seto's long fingers inside him. His legs tightened around his waist.

“A-ah…” Atem whimpered, held the man’s chin in his other hand. “I’ll tell you when to add the next.”

Seto nodded, face stoic in deep concentration. He moved his finger back and forth, in and out. Felt the pharaoh stretch around the single digit. He rocked and squirmed under him. Lips parted as soft little pants and whimpers fell from swollen lips. He watched, waiting for his next instruction.

“Okay. Another.” Atem gasped, chest heaved. Sweat rolled over his pecs, glistening in the afternoon sun that poked through the open window.

He did as he was told. Slipped his middle finger into Atem’s hole and wiggled them together. Pushed as deep as he could reach and curled them upward.

“Oh fuck-!” Atem shouted and his hips bucked. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, Seto.” He whined and dragged his nails along his back. 

Seto grinned and bent to kiss whatever skin he could reach. His neck, his cheek, his collarbone. Angled his back to suck on his nipples, drawing another desperate whimper from the king.

Who knew it took so little to turn such a powerful force into a pleading mess?

Atem panted and slowly regained his composure. Entire body vibrated with the pleasure rolling through him. With the knowledge that all of this was because of the man he’d been pining after for years. He exhaled shakily and took his chin again. Turned his face to kiss him, slipped his tongue over the other’s. Exhaled heavily into his mouth. “The third now,” He pleaded. He needed to feel his cock inside him, he needed Seto more than he needed anything else.

Without a word the man slipped his ring finger inside. Stretched the three out and curled them up again. The middle finger just brushed against his prostate and Atem thought he was going to cum right there. His cock twitched with the need for attention. The frotting between their abdomens not enough to relieve the pressure. He focused on keeping his breaths deep and full to avoid passing out. 

“Feel good?” Seto asked, a teasing smile on his pink lips. He curled his fingers up again and Atem saw spots dance in front of his eyes.

“Incredible,” he sighed, a slight purr to his words. “I think- oh fuck, yes right there, ah!-I’m ready.” Uncertainty passed over his rival’s face and Atem’s heart stuttered. “Only if you want to. I don’t-”

“Would you stop?” Seto snapped and pulled his fingers from Atem’s hole. The absence now more noticeable than when they were inside. “I want to be here. So just relax.”

Atem nodded, forcing his shoulders to drop. Softened into the bed. He reached down and took Seto’s length in his hand. The man hissed and rocked back and forth over top of him. Mischievous smile crossed the king’s lips and in one smooth motion he flipped them so he was seated on top of Seto. A surprised expression on his face at the king’s strength. He put a finger to his lips when he opened his mouth. “Just relax, remember?”

He nodded and watched Atem lower himself down, placing kisses along his skin. Stopped when he reached his hard cock resting against his stomach, and swirled his tongue around the tip. Hand reached between his legs and fondled his balls. Thumb dragged along the sensitive skin. Seto gasped and arched his back. The king took the rest of his length between his lips. Head bobbed as the man beneath him muttered strings of unintelligible phrases.

Seto wound his fingers into the pharaoh’s hair. Tugged at the curls, enjoying the moans it got from Atem. Spine arched as the king came up for air and swirled his tongue again. Felt it dip over the slit in his tip and panted hard. The pressure in his stomach built and he tugged hard on the strands clutched between his fingers.

“Fuck you’re good at that,” he gasped. Curled his other hand into the sheets below him. Damp from the sweat pooling off their bodies.

“Thank you. That means a lot coming from my rival.” Atem winked and took his full length in his mouth.

Seto moaned. Head spun with the sensation and scent of their mixed skin floating in the air. A haze he would happily drown in.

Chest heaving he tapped Atem’s head. The king blinked up at him through his eyelids. Purple gaze feverish in the dim room. “If you want me to fuck you, you better do it.” 

He’d never had to last this long on his own. Those were purely a release of pressure or stress. Done and over with as fast as possible, so he could return to whichever task required his attention at any given moment. Not to mention Atem was the first person he’d done, well, anything with. The only one he’d ever wanted. Not that he dared admit any of that to the clearly experienced king.

Atem nodded his understanding, swept his tongue one last time up the underside of his length. Seto’s back arched, toes curled as he fought to slow the rapid rise and fall of his chest. 

The pharaoh settled on his hips, kept him pinned down. He leaned forward, hovered over top of Seto. Swiped two fingers into the jar and sat back on his hips. He reached behind him and took his sensitive cock in his warm hand. Coated the length in the oil slicked on his fingers. Then he reached up and traced some around his hole. He positioned himself above Seto’s tip and looked at him.

“Ready?”

“Stop stalling,” Seto snapped.

“Be nice,” Atem chastised. Kissed him, lowering himself down. “Or I'll get off.” He moaned as he felt Seto’s length push into his ass, nulling the threat. Neither of them were going anywhere.

He took a moment to pause and enjoy the feeling of him before he began rocking back and forth. He broke the kiss so he could catch his breath. Panted next to Seto’s ear, picking up speed. Almost bottomed out on his first full thrust.

Seto's breath was loud in his ear. Hands clung to his hips as Atem moved himself along his cock. Fingers gripped him so tightly he was sure he’d have bruises in the morning. Which, considering the state of Seto’s neck, was only fair. He supposed he’d have to clean that up before they faced anyone else in the palace. It was a pretty obvious indication of what they’d been up to.

A shame. He liked seeing Seto covered in marks that claimed him as his and his alone.

“You feel incredible,” Seto gasped, the first intelligible sentence he’d managed since he started fucking him.

He hummed and brushed a hand through his damp hair. Pushed the bangs off his forehead. Smiled at the rare sight of his face laid bare. Flushed crimson, sweat at his temples and along his hairline. One side of his neck a mess of red and purple. Lips parted slightly, still swollen from Atem’s teeth. He looked gorgeous, undone and desperate beneath him. Atem reached up and braced himself against the headboard behind them. Other hand stroked himself, head fell back at the pressure building in his gut.

“Atem-” Seto said, and he knew that tone. He looked down at the desperate man. He squirmed under his methodical thrusts. Close to the end. “I’m…”

He pressed a hand to his mouth. Bent down until their faces were inches apart. “You can hold out longer. For me, you can do that, can’t you? We’ll finish together. Win together.” Blue eyes widened and hardened with the determination of his beloved rival. “That’s good. You’re so good for me, Seto. You feel incredible-ah! Hang onto me, stay with me. Help me get closer.”

The next thrust he took all of Seto’s length inside of him. He cried out as the tip found the perfect spot. Angled his hips to hit it again and again. Both hands needed to brace himself against the headboard. Seto took the hint and wrapped one hand around his length. His calloused hand rough against the hypersensitive skin of his shaft. He whimpered. Knuckles gripped the headboard so hard he worried he’d snap a piece off.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Atem cried out as he drew closer. “Seto, yes!”

“Atem, Atem, Atem, Atem,” Seto whispered into his shoulder. Lips parted, teeth grazed his skin. “I can’t…hold it.”

“Let go, it’s okay, let go.” Atem encouraged, words barely audible.

Seto gasped, whispered his name several more times before clamping his teeth around his shoulder. Atem felt his cum fill him and that undid him. He cried out and spilled into Seto’s dutiful hand. Didn’t stop thrusting on his length until his leg shook so bad he couldn’t stay upright anymore.

He collapsed atop Seto’s chest. Breaths rasped too heavy for him to speak. He dropped his hands off the headboard, wrapped them around his neck. Nuzzled against his heated skin. Listened to the rabbit race of his heart beneath his ear. The rapid rise and fall of his chest slowed as they each caught their breaths.

Seto wrapped his arms around his back. Lay his head onto the pillow. Deep imprint of his teeth in the king’s shoulder. He winced at the sight, though it sent a thrill up his chest to know he’d marked the man so thoroughly. At least it was easily covered by his cape. Unlike whatever had been done to his neck. It ached now that the adrenaline seeped out of his body.

Movements slow, Atem shifted so Seto’s cock slipped from his ass. He collapsed beside the man. Burrowed back into the safety of his arms. Seto welcomed him closer. Trailed a light finger up and down his bicep. It sent a shiver down his spine. He angled his head up and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “Much better than a duel, don’t you think?”

He scoffed. Breath tickled his forehead. “You aren’t getting out of another rematch that easily, Pharaoh.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Kaiba.”

“But…yes. That was…” Expression contorted, looking for the right word. The vulnerability of what had just happened registered on his face. Panic threatened to well up inside him. He forced his breaths to continue their even pace. Heart still thundered from the exertion.

Atem smirked. “That bad?”

“No!” Seto said, frustrated at his inability to express himself. “It was-it was good. It was everything I never thought I’d get to have when you left.”

Further amused, Atem readjusted so he lay on his front. Turned Seto’s face until their eyes met. Feverish blue, full of that passion he so adored. He traced the curve of his jaw. “So you did come here for more than just a rematch.”

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” Atem hummed, curling into Seto’s side. Buried his face into the crook of his shoulder. Inhaled the scent of him deeply. Played with the hair at the nape of his neck. “Your words are ingrained in my head. So is how amazing it was to have you chanting my name.”

Seto groaned, but didn’t move to leave. “I regret ever coming here. I forgot that I hate you.”

“Yes, that is quite apparent.”

“Fuck you, Atem.”

“Maybe in a bit, I need to rest first.”

Seto groaned louder, but rested his cheek on his pharaoh’s head. Mind clear of its racing thoughts for the first time in years.