Ryou just stood there for several seconds wondering if this was some kind of joke. No one in their right mind would sleep with Kaiba. But then Ryou had always suspected there was more to the ex pharaoh's relationship with his priest than they let on. It was quite possibly a bit one sided on the part of Kaiba, but even so he always had a nagging feeling this would happen which is why he hesitated on the intimacy part of his relationship with Atem. He just…knew this would happen and now that it has, he was left with the daunting task of figuring out what was next for them both. Did he love Atem? Well he was certain he loved him. He wasn't sure how else one would explain missing him so the last few days. But he also found himself missing that ever troublesome thief Bakura and he just knew it couldn't be love. Not so soon unless the feelings reciprocated represented the emptiness he'd felt without his spirit. In that case maybe he did love that evil spirit too.

"Ryou please…say something," Atem pleaded. He reached out to his friend, but Ryou snapped out of it, stepping away from him. "Ryou…please don't…hate me. I couldn't bear-it was a mistake."

"Mistake? I hardly doubt it was a mistake if you were the one on top Atem," Bakura chided. "Tell me something pharaoh, was it good for you? And as you were penetrating that tight ass of a CEO, did you think of Ryou at all? If you say no, then maybe you don't really love him as much as you say."

Ryou needed a seat. He plopped down on the end of the porch staring down at the ground, his eyes cloudy with tears. This hurt. This really hurt and he couldn't understand it since he always knew. But maybe it was because he fought so admirably against most of Bakura's advances. He pushed that bloody thief away so that he could welcome his lover home after a trip with rich boy only to be highly disappointed in someone who was usually known for his good moral standing. "Guess you're bloody human after all," Ryou said after a while.

Bakura bowed his head mockingly. "This is where I'll take my leave. I trust you'll return to me when you've settled things here Fluffy?" Ryou nodded not really caring all that much about what happens anymore.

Bakura took his leave and once he was well out of sight, Atem sat next to Ryou still fidgeting with his puzzle. "I really am sorry Ryou. It wasn't supposed to be this way."

"He cares for you and you him," he answered quietly. "I've always known. Just wondered why you couldn't see it for yourself."

"Kaiba…he's been giving me mixed signals these last few weeks and I didn't have time for it Ryou. I-He didn't start being up front until after I named you my boyfriend. By then I told him we were nothing and could never be nothing. I-I wanted you Ryou," he explained, trying his best to control his voice. "I…Ryou you have to believe me. I would never intentionally cheat on you."

"Forgive me pharaoh for my insolence but I can't help but point out that what you did was intentionally cheating."

"Ryou please understand I didn't mean-"

"Pharaoh there's no need for long explanations," he said sadly. "You and I hooked up because we were both lonely. I've always assumed our relationship was slightly one sided as well. I knew deep down that you could never love me the way you loved your host or…the way you obviously love Seto."

"I don't love him!" he insisted.

Ryou took his hand squeezing it a bit. "Are you certain?" Atem would not look at him. "I thought as much. You're not sure just as I'm not sure if you and I have enough there to make it last a lifetime."

Atem looked over at him, his eyes wide and fearful. "Just-just what are you saying Ryou?" he asked. "Don't-please don't let one mistake be the end of us. Ryou, we were just getting started," he pleaded. Atem scooted closer to Ryou turning his face so he could look him in the eye. "Look, I-I can't explain my feelings for Kaiba but just like my feelings for Yugi, they will fade away in time. Isn't that how it works? Isn't that how it always goes? Seto Kaiba isn't right for me nor I him. It's you Ryou. I love you!"

Ryou took hold of Atem's wrists pulling his arms down away from his face. He smiled weakly. "So noble you are pharaoh, even after you've done wrong." He shook his head. "Enough of this. I will not listen to you of all people beg for the affections of someone who wasn't worthy in the first place. Your place Atem, has always been with Seto Kaiba. If you made love to him then that means somewhere in that heart of yours lies feelings for him-strong feelings I might add-that may never ever go away. I am merely a distraction at this point."

"Is that all you think of yourself? Just a distraction?" he asked angrily.

"I know so pharaoh and maybe if I'm a bit more honest with myself then you'll know that I've been thinking of Bakura today. Not as much as you but all the same I thought of him softly." He sighed looking up at the sky. It was nearing nightfall and already the sky was decorated beautifully with stars that twinkled brightly. "This is usually the part where you say something bold or insightful about fate or destiny."

Atem looked away sadly wiping his eyes. "Screw destiny. Screw fate. I'm tired of letting fate decide what's right for me. Sure I was destined to save the world but I always thought that whatever happened next was up to me."

"It is up to you pharaoh. You're just…confused at the moment and we all get confused from time to time. The right path is never clear nor is it without it's share of traps…or in my case distractions."

"Yeah well what next Ryou? If not you then who? You can't possibly believe fate brought me back to live happily ever after with the world's greediest and most selfish CEO right?" he scoffed.

Ryou chuckled a little, the bitterness in Atem's voice amusing him. "Well…fate can be cruel. I trust you know that already being as you've been delt some pretty harsh cards in the past."

"Guess so," he mumbled.

Ryou stood up giving Atem's hand a final squeeze. "I must be going. It's growing rather dark out here and it's a bit chilly. I do not want you catching a cold."

Atem stood as well, unsure of how he should be feeling. On one hand he was relieved. The burden of keeping such a secret from Ryou was long gone now, but on the other hand, he feared he was saying good bye to someone he loved very much. "So…what now? Is this…good bye Ryou?" He didn't want that. That's the last thing he wanted. If Ryou left him then he would be here all alone again and he did not want that at all.

Ryou smiled weakly bowing his head just slightly. "It is…at least until you are certain of your feelings. Then again, I have a very persistent ex spirit lying on my bed begging forgiveness in my head. I did love him once Atem. I'm not so sure how much longer I can keep pushing him away. The way I see it, everyone deserves a second chance. That includes a certain CEO." With a another slight bow, Ryou walked off crying every step of the way back to his room. His door was opened for him and he found himself comforted by the one he thought of some that day. He cried himself to sleep. Despite knowing that what he did was right, it still hurt.

Meanwhile, Atem slowly made his way back inside the empty dorm room. All of Kaiba's things were still there no doubt because it was his private building. Just seeing all of his trinkets and gadgets made him want to hurl. Atem shut off what was formally Kaiba's side of the room then closed himself off in his own which made him miss home. At least back in Cairo he had Malik and all of his priests and modern day guards. Back home he could hang out in the old temples. Most times people were visiting from the states and it always amused him how people would gawk at him as if he were the pharaoh in the inscriptions. Of course he was, but they would never know and even so they wouldn't believe him if he told the truth. So he would always just smile and wave enjoying the atmosphere of people.

But these thoughts of home did not stop him from thinking of how he betrayed Ryou or how he did not feel quite like himself. In fact, he had come to realize how much he's changed in just a few short weeks. Without Yugi around to guide him, he'd been left to figure things out on his own. He was now more certain than ever that leaving him alone allowing himself to make decisions that had nothing to do with saving the world was a big mistake by fate. So far, all he's managed to do was make things worse. In the span of just a week he managed to lose two friends and two lovers. How's that for being such a noble friend and savior of the world?

He laid on his bed clutching one of the soft expensive pillows. He really wasn't himself and he knew it. Just thinking back to his arrival in the states, the first few days with Kaiba and Ryou, he could easily spot the differences between his actions then and now. He hated admitting it, but when he first arrived at school, he was a little more than curious about Kaiba. Looking back at earlier conversations, he'd even go as far as to say that he was interested in him. They shared shrimp, a few kisses here and there not to mention the freaky déjà vu incidences concerning pillow fights.

Atem rolled over on his side, the picture of him and the cocky CEO staring him right in the face. Maybe he did care for his former priest. He certainly went out of his way engaging in pleasantries in the beginning so why wouldn't Kaiba think he was interested? He just wished things would have turned out differently. Kaiba's forwardness scared him at times and since Kaiba was so hard to figure out, Atem was afraid that Seto wasn't being completely honest with himself. Or maybe I'm the one who's not honest… Maybe Yugi was right…

Atem could not take this anymore. Two weeks ago, being cooped up all alone was more than okay because it was apart of his life he became accustomed to so very long ago. However, now that he's seen what it's like to be in the real world and how it feels being held or cared for, being stuck alone in a house that constantly reminded you of your ex lovers just wasn't cutting it. He grabbed his cell out of his bag. He didn't wish to stay here another day if possible. "Hello Malik? It's me Atem…Yes, Pharaoh. I do wish you'd call me by my name. Listen…I-I want to come home…"

~xx~

Several weeks passed then weeks turned into months. The semester had long ended and thus a new one was beginning. In all that time, Seto had not heard from the young pharaoh. It bothered him a lot considering he thought they were pretty good friends but obviously he thought wrong. Maybe some of Atem's distancing was his fault. After all he did issue somewhat of an ultimatum about his feelings for him which didn't turn out very well. Atem never intended on leaving Ryou and as a result their lovemaking turned out to be just what it started out as-a game. It was a silly little game and Kaiba was none the wiser to think it would be anything but to the all mighty King of Games. Still it doesn't change the fact that I really care about him… He sighed, closing the lap top laying his head on his desk. When he left Atem on his own, he decided to do both school and work from the office, a plan that pretty much had him living at Kaiba Corp. That was nothing new of course considering he did that anyway even before he enrolled in university, but these days it wasn't enough to fill an empty void that wasn't so empty months ago. Kaiba picked up his phone. He had plans to do something that before Atem he never would have considered doing-swallowing his pride. He waited impatiently as it rang, the secretary picking up after just three rings. "Sho-Jo University. This is Karen speaking. How may I help you?"

"Karen, my name is Seto Kaiba and I'm sure you know I'm a student at the university."

"Oh! Why yes Mr. Kaiba what can I do for you?"

"I need you to fax me the schedule of a student by the name of Atem Moto. I'm planning on dropping in to see him and I'd rather not have to wait for a class session to end."

"Hold on one moment sir." Kaiba waited for several long minutes thinking to himself that he ought to have her fired for taking so long. "Oh! Mr. Kaiba sir. Please forgive me for taking so long. I just wanted to be sure I read correctly. I'm afraid the student you're inquiring about is no longer enrolled here."

"WHAT?! What do you mean by no longer enrolled here?" he shouted.

"Aye…for-forgive me sir but it says here he withdrew from the school last semester after finals. He-he's gone."

Kaiba was now gripping the receiver so tightly that the plastic was starting to crack. "Does it say where he transferred Karen?" he asked as calmly as his voice would allow.

"N-no sir. It just says he withdrew."

"Thank you Karen."

Kaiba dropped the receiver leaning back in his chair angrily. Atem left without saying so much of a word. Then again, it had been months since either of them spoke to one another so he couldn't exactly blame anyone but himself. He knew Atem was just as stubborn as he himself so why should Atem have come for him? And how was he to know that Atem wasn't with Bakura? There was only one way to find out. Kaiba picked up his phone again, thinking of nothing but finding some kind of closure. Even if he couldn't be with Atem, at least maybe they could fix what was broken though he doubted his heart would ever truly mend after this.

~xx~

Atem stood quietly among the tourists as they got a tour of the crypt by Malik. He along with his sister acted as tour guides by day and rather than sit alone in his room at the old palace, he opted to join the groups on tours. A lot of times he would run into young duelists showing off their cards. He would casually offer dueling strategies to each one then blend in with other tour groups to avoid too much commotion. When the last group for the day migrated to another part of the temple, Atem took the opportunity to escape the ruins and head into the inter city on foot. There was some heavy traffic in the form of tourist checking out products from the roadside stands as well as kids running amok. Atem always laughed about this because he often wondered if things were this active 5,000 years ago. Atem stopped at a stand where an old woman was selling jewelry. She smiled at him sliding a box of very rare jewels towards him. He smiled and engrossed himself by studying each stone necklace, making note of things he might want to buy later. A tap on his shoulder made him turn around and he found himself face to face with a hooded figure; someone not much taller than himself. "May I…help you?" he asked cautiously. He looked down at the puzzle around his neck but it wasn't glowing so maybe this person was harmless.

"You always look so skeptical these days Yugi," he laughed. "It's just me!" The hood was lowered and Atem's face lit up.

"Mokuba! What are you doing here?" he asked, clearly surprised yet more than happy to see such a familiar face.

"I'm visiting," he grinned. "My brother said he needed a vacation. I thought he meant like Hawaii or something, but he insisted on Egypt for some odd reason," he winked.

At this Atem could only look worried because his last meeting with Seto was anything but a joyous one. In fact, he hadn't spoken to Seto since that day Seto moved out of their dorm room, which was a long time ago. He didn't even here much from Ryou aside from the occasional e-mail. After everything that went down, Atem could not bring himself to fight for Ryou once more when he himself wasn't even sure how he felt anymore and now that he was faced with a potential meeting with Seto, he could only hope Seto would allow them to make amends.

"You don't have to look so put off Yugi. We'll be sure to stay out of your kingdom if my presence here is that troublesome."

That sarcastic voice. That deliciously caustic ego of a voice. Atem spun around, his eyes locking with that of the CEO. Kaiba was dressed much like Mokuba-covered from head to toe by a brown cloak with a hood on it. If not for that voice one could easily mistake the CEO for someone else. As Seto lowered his hood revealing himself, there was this internal debate as to where Atem should begin. Should he start off with an apology? Maybe an explanation for the withdrawal and loss of contact? He didn't even know where to begin.

"Yugi…" Seto went quiet for a moment and Mokuba took that as his cue to shop somewhere else. When Mokuba was well out of hearing range, Seto locked eyes with the former pharaoh speaking quietly. "Look Yugi, I didn't come here to make trouble or interrupt your life. But you know me. I'm not one for having loose ends so to speak. That being said I-" Seto's eyes went wide as he was suddenly grabbed and lips were pressed against his.

"Shut up," Atem murmured, coaxing Seto's lips apart. He wrapped his arms around the CEO deepening the kiss and confirming what all of his friends apparently always knew-that he loved Seto. He broke the kiss only when he needed air, leaving their foreheads pressed against each other's. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I'm sorry for the way I left you hanging. I think… I think I knew that morning when we got up how I felt about you, but I was still mad at you for stringing me along and-" Lips were pressed against his again and he sighed, lips parting allowing Seto to explore his mouth. Hands fell lower on his back pressing his body flush against Seto's.

"Where's your room?" he asked as he broke the kiss.

Nothing else needed to be said. Atem grabbed Seto's hand pulling through running kids, people mounted on slow moving camels and salesmen attempting to sell pamphlets all the way back to the temple. This was not where Atem was staying, but it would have to do for now. He led Seto down a dark hall inside the huge pyramid. There was a section taped off with danger and warning signs to keep visitors out. This of course, was a lie. There was very little danger; only a few empty chambers that were still exclusive to the former pharaoh. Atem turned a corner leading Seto into a room that had been made up to look like a livable bedroom. As soon as they were far enough into the room Seto pressed Atem against the stone wall, lips nipping at the pharaoh's own as his hands moved to explore the glorious skin of his exposed chest. It was as he imagined it and though he felt Atem's skin before, that first time was hardly as enjoyable as it could have been. It was a game between the two of them, but this was game. There were no rules to hide behind and if this continued on, there was no turning back or regrets. "Atem-"

Atem broke the kiss cupping Seto's face. "I want this and you lead. My body is yours to take Seto."

These words, these sweet words sent chills through Seto's body; a chill that went all the way to his groin. He wasted no time attacking Atem's lips while his hands fumbled to get the pharoah's jeans undone. With some difficulty, he managed to get the belt loose shoving the pharaoh's britches down just enough fondle him. Atem's eyes clinched shut as Seto's hand wrapped around his length, stroking him all the while sucking on his neck. "I know this isn't how you envisioned it Atem, but I need you now. I need to get inside of you now to be sure it's not some lame ass mirage toying with me. We are in the desert after all."

There was hint of amusement in his voice that made Atem smile. "One of your finer excuses."

"You're welcome." Seto dropped his hand long enough to slip out of his own slacks kicking them to the side. He grabbed Atem turning him face first into the wall, pulling his hips close with his hands. He sucked on a few fingers then gently shoved them inside of Atem, two at the time and then finally a third until Atem was writhing against the wall.

"Now…Seto now… please…"

Seto aligned himself with Atem's entrance and hastily pushed in. It wasn't his intention to hurt Atem, but he was hot for him and Atem seemed to have that same hurried anticipation for the joining of their bodies. As Seto buried himself deep within the Pharaoh, he couldn't help but let out anguished groans. So long had he dreamed about this moment of being buried within his rival that he could hardly believe that it was real. He pressed his body flush against Atem's backside, licking his jaw line before grabbing Atem's head, turning it just enough so that their lips met for a searing kiss. "Atem… it's so good…"

He broke the kiss concentrating only on fucking Atem's perfect ass, his thrusts slow and steady as he listened to the sweet sounds Atem made. After a while, he grew impatient. Being inside of Atem was nothing unless he could see his face when he released. He pulled out just long enough to help Atem step out of his jeans. He then turned him, lifting him by the waist pressing his back against the wall. Atem's legs went around his waist and that's when he slid back in, Atem's face contorted in a brief moment of pain. They had no lube and for that Seto was truly sorry, but he would continue his slow assault until Atem could no longer take it.

"K-Kaiba!" he choked out. "I'm not-I'm not some delicate doll."

They locked eyes, the former priest finally getting the message. He grabbed Atem's arms raising them high above his head as he met him with long, hard thrust after another, his pace hurried because he was ready to explode. "A-Atem… I fucking love you. Do you…" He thrusted. "Understand me?" he asked, thrusting hard between his words.

Atem could only cry out in both pain and pleasure as his body was being taken. His own insides were beginning to coil and as if Seto just knew, he dropped Atem's wrist, wrapping a hand around his throbbing member. "Release. Do it for me Atem the way I did it for you."

That was all it took. With a few twists on his length Atem exploded all over Seto's chest, while Seto worked to finish himself off. Atem's body shivered against his milking his own orgasm from him. He groaned in Atem's ear, thrusting sporadically a few more times before pulling out and gently lowering Atem from the wall. They both stood there, Seto's body lazily leaning against Atem's which was only standing due to Seto anyway. Atem could hardly feel his legs but he wasn't going to complain because this moment was worth it.

"So what now Atem?" Seto asked, catching his breath. "What do you want? Is this me tying a loose end because if so, I'll get back on my plane and go home. What exactly is this Atem?"

Atem sighed, arms wrapping around Seto's waist. "It's whatever you want it to be Kaiba. I like you-a lot. I'll even go so far as to say that maybe everyone was right about me. Maybe I've loved you all along, but I think that you should have the decision Kaiba. I at least owe you that." He paused, going quiet for several seconds before speaking up again. "I want you and I'm yours if you'll have me."

There was a very long, awkward silence after Atem spoke. So long that Atem felt sick in the pit of his stomach. If Seto walked out of the temple as having tied a loose end, Atem was certain he'd never love again even though he will have deserved it.

"Help me enjoy my vacation," he answered after a while. "If I like it maybe I'll just move in with you rather than packing all of your belongings and kidnapping you for states."

Seto had no idea how relieved Atem was. It was like ten tons had been lifted from his shoulders. He pushed Seto away just enough to stand straight for a proper hug. "I love you…Seto Kaiba and I think I'm going to make it my business to tell you this everyday." He pulled away suddenly looking very concerned. "Can this work Kaiba? Can we…do you really think we can make it?"

Seto chuckled softly before taking Atem's lips for another kiss. "If this is what fate had in store all along then yes. If not well," he smirked, "you know me. I'm a risk taker. Nothing in life's worth having if you never had to fight for it and to keep it."

Atem couldn't help but to smile. "I never thought I'd see the day where you'd sprout off some mumbo jumbo about fate or destiny, but coming from you, I'll take it." He pressed their foreheads together, the two of them just standing there in each other's arms. There was light touching and nipping, filthy little promises and some sweet ones, but for the remainder of the afternoon that's where they stood as the ties of friendship and destiny finally tied the knot to become one.

AN: Eh…well I hope it was a fitting end. It was hard considering I'm not as into the fandom as I once was roughly 3 or 4 years ago. I'm bad with endings, but hey, at least they got together finally. Ha Ha Thanks to that last reviewer for finally kicking me in my ass to get it finished. I have a tumblr. You can add me, but that is the extent I'll go with this social networking my fics. Reviews appreciated but again, not necessary. I'm used to folks reading and not reviewing but in the mass amount of junk on ff these days, it would help if you would at least fave or follow. Thank you all for sticking with the fic! Mwah!