the strangest duel [closed to Yugi and Atem]

[blue_ice]

Seto Kaiba was having an emotion. Several emotions, actually, and he didn't like them one bit. Most of them at the moment were caused by two star-haired duelists, and so he needed to Deal with them. That meant dealing with the Kings of Games themselves. And so it happened like this:

Comments

w/ Yugi, post meme war

[blue_ice]

[How the hell could he have so many conflicting feelings for the same person? He'd just about burst a blood vessel from some of the nonsense this morning, and yet...

So he appeared in the courtyard as agreed, scowling.]

I understand you even less than I understand Mokuba sometimes.

[puzzlers]

[ the reverse is also true. yugi still didn't know exactly where he stood with kaiba. they had clashed several dozen times in the past, but the pharaoh had fielded most of the encounters. and the last time they had met kaiba wanted nothing more than to resurrect his old friend. so where did that leave them? yugi tried not to think too in depth about it, because of the feelings tied to everything that happened between them. ]

[ meeting in the courtyard yugi gave kaiba an almost sheepish smile. he knew what he had done and he was pretty proud of it, especially since he didn't need to see kaiba on the other side of the bulletin board to know he was seething. ] I was just having some fun, Kaiba. [ really, that was all. ]

[blue_ice]

Yeah, this headache is a real highlight of my day.

[He'd reviewed the messages over and over upon learning who they were from, and there was a real turmoil brewing within. His whole world had turned upside down and he was still struggling to keep up.]

Atem isn't the only one I need to rematch anymore. You're just as capable of being a thorn in my side, though I may have to learn another field of battle.

[He'd been bested and he knew it. And hated it. And with what Yugi had said the first day...Kaiba had had the chance to wonder what he'd been missing.]

[puzzlers]

I learned chewing on mint leaves can help with that. I can have Peregrin get you some if it's a real problem. [ he had been so serious in his request that yugi couldn't help but inject a little silliness into the mix. it might not be immediately appreciated, but maybe over time kaiba would learn to relax a little. ]

And you're just now learning this? [ he cants his head, still smiling, though he's masking a lot more feelings than he lets on. ] I do my best no matter the challenge. [ and he's clearly capable of thinking outside the box. ] For what it's worth I'm sorry. I know you were only trying to test out the bulletin board, but it's far from perfect. Kind of like a chat room, you know? I'm sure there might be ways to make it more concise and even enchant the messages we post so only certain parties can read them. I was thinking about talking to one of the professors about it, but maybe we can do so together.

[blue_ice]

In a sense, I had tunnel vision. But you were always there, weren't you...

[This was going to give him an even worse headache. He'd thought back on all their interactions over the years, and though Atem filled most of them, there were times when he'd seen a glimmer of something else. Something he'd flinched away from.]

Heh. Once we learn that spell, it should be simple to replicate while restricting the results to certain parties. But if that means you'll be sending me 'memes' at 3 AM...

[He rolls his eyes, but it's not meant derisively.]

I'll just have to answer in kind.

[puzzlers]

...yeah, I was, [ gives a snort as he turns and looks aside, a few moments of silence passing before yugi decides to take a couple of steps in that direction. ] we did share a body. [ my body, he's tempted to remind kaiba, but it would hardly make any sort of a difference. ]

It couldn't hurt to bring it up to get things to move along even faster. It's a public forum right now, but even on the internet there were ways to create private chats and implement rules to already existing ones. Heh, well it's no fun if you know that's what I'm going to do. [ he wouldn't have bothered kaiba with that, though the prospect was surely tempting. ]

Yeah? [ he's not sure he means that, but he'll shrug it off with a smile. ] I would have liked to see that. [ he wanders around the area idly, eventually stopping at the bench, which he takes a seat on. ] You still owe me a game of chess.

[blue_ice]

Precisely. And all it shows is that you have sense beneath all that nonsense.

[He actually respects you now, Yugi, as stubborn as he is about showing it.]

Mm. It's possible to write out the game on paper, but this world is bound to have a board---though they've probably fused it with magic, knowing them.

[puzzlers]

That actually sounds like a compliment. [ he smirks for all of a second, though it fades as he sinks back into the bench and shuts his eyes. ] I could have done it over the bulletin board, but it would have taken forever to draw everything... though I suppose we could have just written our moves back and forth. It's not too hard to picture the board. [ he cracks an eye open. ] I'm surprised you wouldn't be excited about that. I'm sure the pieces can come to life and actually do battle. Think Duel Monsters but with chess pieces.

[blue_ice]

Tch.

[He'll never acknowledge it as such. Never. But he looks at Yugi with interest as he describes the game.]

I'm still not thrilled about magic in general. But it does have possibilities, I'll give it that.

[puzzlers]

Heh. [ he looks aside, nothing bothering to press the issue. he'd already annoyed kaiba plenty for one day. ] It's not that bad, Kaiba. [ he'll take out his wand and point it at the bench across from him, giving a flick of the wrist as he calls out the spell's name; levitate. the bench lifts off the ground, shakily at first, but seems to steady after a moment. ] Here, Kaiba, have a seat. [ with another flick and the word attract uttered the bench came toward them, right under kaiba to force him to take a seat. it was set down after that and yugi gave kaiba a smile. ]

[blue_ice]

What---

[And then there's a bench nudging the back of legs, forcing him down onto the bench. In an instant, his wand is in his hand.

He could totally handle that spell if he tried. But his magical proficiency lies elsewhere thus far. He swivels and points to the grass between them, drawing a glyph with his wand and speaking an equation a mile a minute. The grassy patch flattens into a square. With another glyph and equation, cut square pieces of the patch switch colors, precisely resembling a chess board.]

Still up for a game?

[puzzlers]

[ yugi takes out the notebook he had bought and tears a bunch of paper from it, throwing it into the space between them. ] Think you can change these into the various pieces? Maybe dragons for you and magicians for me? Shouldn't be too hard for you, right Kaiba?

[ he crosses one leg over the other and uses his wand to lift their benches off the ground permanently, or at least for the duration of their game. ]

[blue_ice]

Please. It's as simple as 3D modeling.

[Not really, but he proceeds to do so anyway, filling the air with glyphs and calculations for a few minutes while the little pieces take shape. He can still improve upon them with further study, but they'll do for now.

He jolts a little as they rise up, a slow smile spreading on his features. It's just like climbing onto the platform before a climactic duel.]

Perfect. White or black, Yugi?

w/ Yugi and Atem, day 9

[blue_ice]

[It's a painful subject, but it can't be avoided anymore. His little post-it note squabble with Yugi this morning had proved it.

For this, he'd thought it be best for them to leave the confines of the school grounds. He's waiting at the gate, looking slightly ruffled by the trip through the wind tunnel. He's immediately decided he doesn't like it.]

Hello.

[He greets them neutrally for now, with a single hand lifted, but there's so much more to say. This is going to be painful.]

[puzzlers]

[ he's looking a lot more serious for this particular conversation, though he does force a smile to his lips as he waves his hand in greeting to kaiba. ]

Hey. [ though it drops almost immediately. this isn't something they could avoid forever, especially given everything that had happened back home. ]

[king_of_egypt]

[The tension in the air is palpable, but Atem does his best not to draw attention to it. It's preferable to wait and see what this is all about first. He arrives at about the same time as his slightly shorter counterpart.]

Kaiba. [Said with a nod of the head to acknowledge the greeting]

[blue_ice]

[They're all here. Kaiba's heart is racing, and he tries to calm it by folding his hands together, hoping the motion isn't obvious.

He leads the way through the gates and across the bridge, finding a nicely shaded spot off the town square.]

Over the last week, and with our conversation this morning...

][with a terse nod at Yugi. He still hasn't forgotten that embarrassing meme war.]

It's become obvious that we're more deeply entwined than I thought previously, and that there are unresolved...points of discussion between us. I'm willing to discuss them honestly with you, so long as you extend me the same courtesy.

[After a few agonizing moments of thought, he decides to start with the question that inspired this meeting.]

I never understood what you are to each other, and the last confrontation made that obvious. You shared Yugi's body and Atem tended to take charge in duels, I understand that much. But you're...best friends?

[He's so uncomfortable with those words.]

[puzzlers]

[ he follows in relative silence. he’ll let kaiba start things off, since this was his idea. when they finally reach their destination the first thing yugi does is take a cursory glance around. hn. ] ... [ though his eyes are soon farting back to kaiba when he not-so-subtly calls him out. ]

[ yugi has to refrain from saying has it, because it’s been obvious to him all along, though he knows kaiba was always skeptical about such ‘nonsense’ as he’d put it. he supposed it’s at least nice to hear him acknowledge the bond they all share. ] Mm. [ he gives a nod. he’d always been willing to talk, so why would now be any different? ]

I’m more than a vessel. [ there’s a distinct edge to his tone, because that term is something he hated. it made him feel worthless, like his sole reason for being was to house the pharaoh’s soul. yes, that was certainly a part of it, but he was so much more than that, which is something he’d been hoping to prove following their duel. apparently not. ] It’s complicated, and that’s the long and short of it. I like to think we’re more than best friends, because that’s definitely oversimplifying things.

[king_of_egypt]

[Joining in the solemn procession, Atem takes note of the scenery in passing, curious as to where the brunette has decided to lead them. Whatever it is that Kaiba feels must be said is obviously of great importance or he would not have been so particular in his actions.

It's with this thought in mind that he follows Yugi's example in allowing Kaiba to break the silence when they reach the presumed privacy allotted to them away from the prying eyes of the campus.]

[He never thought he'd see the day when Kaiba admitted that he shared a bond with them] I like to think we have always been fairly honest with you, Kaiba. I see no reason for that to change now. [Offering that as some reassurance that he personally would try and comply with those wishes. Atem was going to have to shake the habit of speaking on behalf of Yugi however.... that fact is punctuated by what Yugi said next about being more than just a vessel. In fact, it's so pronounced that Atem is compelled to look towards Yugi questioningly. He assumes the comment is meant more for Kaiba than himself, so he doesn't speak up about it despite feeling a slight pang of uncertainty about it. Had he ever done anything to make Yugi feel undervalued or unappreciated? To him it went without question that there was more to Yugi than just acting as a conduit between himself and the world.]

[The conversation took a curious turn. The sudden interest in Atem's connection to Yugi didn't really seem like something Kaiba need trouble himself with unless he was feeling somehow left out. That certainly couldn't be the case..... ] It does go deeper than friendship, however as Yugi already demonstrated it's difficult to put sufficiently into words.

[blue_ice]

No, you've sufficiently proven that point to me, Yugi.

[Kaiba still looks a little miffed about whatever had transpired earlier that afternoon, but since then he'd taken about an hour of solitude to pet his cat and pull his head back together. It was clear he wouldn't be able to concentrate on schoolwork until this was settled, anyway.

As a result, his goal with this conversation had changed, but it was a difficult needle to thread. And their answer to his question only made things more complicated. If they were that close, then why was Yugi all right with this?

But he'd promised not to let his obsessions consume him, so he forged ahead with a little less certainty.]

And that's about what I'd determined. Now. I know we have a rocky history, that I'm largely responsible for. And I have some regrets about the way it played out.

I hoped...I could offer you both a long-overdue apology. And my assistance in issues regarding our education, should you want it.

[God, it's killing him to say this. But Yugi's display this afternoon had made it clear that he had a lot of lost ground to attempt to recover.]

[puzzlers]

[ if there’s anything about this that’s bothering yugi he’s doing at great job of hiding it. he stands there, silent, his focus on kaiba at the moment, though he does spare atem a glance when he supplements what he’d said about their relationship. kaiba didn’t really need to know all about it, that was their business, what he knew was enough; that it was as strong as it was special. no one could really understand it in its entirety anyway. ]

[ yugi had dropped a few hints in regard to his feelings about this earlier, but they might have gone unnoticed amid their constant back and forth. ok what it? hardly. if kaiba thinks that’s the case, then he certainly needs more time to re-evaluate things. ]

Apology accepted, Kaiba, though nobody was really holding what you did over your head. [ just him, apparently, but kaiba let a lot of things hold him back despite claiming otherwise. ] I’m sure we can all help each other. I don’t think the opposite was ever a question. We’re friends, like it or not, and helping each other is what friends do.

[king_of_egypt]

[Looking between the two of them, Atem was a bit curious as to what had transpired between them previously. Aside from the brief mention of an earlier conversation there wasn't much else to go on. Apparently, he was more out of the loop here than he previously anticipated not that he was intending on prying. There was no reason for him to constantly interfere in their lives. The pharaoh still needed to take a look at this enchanted bulletin board to learn what it was capable of just for his own knowledge.]

[The impression he was getting was perhaps that Yugi and Kaiba had more unresolved issues they should be discussing with each other. If they really felt they needed him here as some sort of mediator he would be there for them, however.... they might benefit more from his absence.]

Kaiba, you don't need to.... [Atem chimed in to stop the apology midway. This sort of thing was difficult for his rival to put into words so he was trying to spare him from having to actually say it. Still, Kaiba proceeded much to Atem's surprise.] An apology was never necessary, Kaiba, but I do appreciate the acknowledgement. Your actions when it truly counted have never let me down, and they spoke volumes on their own.

[Although he wanted to add in some teasing comment about all this being for the sole purpose of becoming study buddies he refrained. It was clear that it would have been inappropriate at the time. Later, perhaps.] I would also appreciate any alliance we might forge in this new setting. [Or to put it plainly, he would be glad for the help and in turn would return it as best he could]

While- we're getting everything out in the open, I have an apology of my own. [Taking a steadying breath he looked to Kaiba and Yugi in turn] Although I firmly believe we were guided by forces outside of our control, I asked a lot of each of you, which often placed your very lives in danger. For that I am sorry but you exceeded my expectations and I know that I will always be in your debt. Thank you.

[blue_ice]

[It's painful and awkward to admit to this, but their assurance is appreciated. He almost looks relieved, until...

Kaiba's gaze turns to Yugi, and he gapes at him like he has two heads. Friends? His aversion to that word is instinctive and powerful, despite his admitted intent being a desire to forge a closer bond with them. Hey, he's complicated. Kaiba's drafting one of his usual retorts in his head when Atem's answer stops him in his tracks.

Even now...Atem was so accepting of fate. He deserved a life of his own, and though he and Yugi disagreed about where to go from here, he'd promised to back off and let the pharaoh decide. But that familiar anger from before resurfaces.]

Do you really think we would have left you alone?

[He huffs, remembering another piece of Yugi's speech from earlier. His gaze shifts between both of them, because while his feelings for each have unique nuances...the general sentiment is the same.]

I didn't do what I did out of charity, but I didn't want to see you fall either. I'm better for having known both of you. I respect you. And if that's what makes us 'friends'...

[Ugh. He still makes a face.]

Then this stays between us, but. So be it.

[puzzlers]

[ did kaiba really think he'd get through a conversation with him without hearing the 'f' word at least once. yugi had considered them friends all along, but kaiba had never really acknowledged as much. now, however, things were changing rapidly, so he figured he'd put it out there all over again. it's not like kaiba had to completely accept it just yet, but maybe just knowing that there were wasn't a whole lot keeping them from becoming friends besides his stubbornness would help. ]

[ he stiffens when atem apologizes, because he hadn't been expecting that. not completely sure how he feels about any of that right now he simply keeps his mouth shut. his gaze does slowly turn downward, because there's a heaviness settling in more than just his heart and it feels like it's weighing him down. thankfully kaiba interjects, but yugi's hardly paying attention. ]

[ atem deserved to have a choice. but maybe this is truly what he wanted. he'd never asked. his throat tightens, keeping him from adding anything, so he just looks up and gives a smile, nodding his acknowledgement. ]

[ a few moments later and he's using all his strength to will himself to relax. stop overthinking things, he reminds himself, a laugh given to kaiba's statement. ]

Of course. Wouldn't want it getting out that you actually had friends. [ he rolls his eyes fondly, burying all the bad feelings, because they'll do him no good. ]

[king_of_egypt]

[Atem was aware that he was treading uncertain ground whenever he brought up the past, but he did mean what he was saying. Without their help he never would have been able to accomplish what he had to do and they should be recognized for their contributions. In their conversation a week prior Kaiba had expressed with a level of vehemence just how much he detested the way things had played out, and the unfairness of the circumstances surrounding them and although Yugi had mostly kept silent with his opinion he held a level of regret that even a casual observer could pick up on. Atem wasn't really sure how to proceed, which was unusual for him. He didn't wish to hurt his friends anymore than he already had, but what else could he have done?

All time is finite, and his had been up....

Though the strange forces at work here seemed to be saying otherwise....

As to what Atem personally wanted, then or now was secondary in his mind. It would take some convincing for him to place his desires above his responsibilities, which though greatly reduced still existed in the afterlife. He also found Kaiba's responses a welcome relief to the silence.]

Not a chance of it. [He answered with a sincere smile.] If nothing else it placed you in a better position for angling for that rematch. [He's kidding, Kaiba. It seemed as if a little dose of levity was needed] Yugi was stuck with me either way. [Though he easily could have refused to participate]

The respect is mutual. [Although it might be hard to tell now that the pair had started teasing Kaiba, but that too is something friends do]

[Yugi's response received a chuckle as well.] It's bad for his image, Yugi.