[ and though all of his friends knew about the stuff he had been through he tried not to let them know just how much it affected him. he didn’t want them worrying any more than they needed to. they had plenty on their plates already. he kept his head down, because he’d grown a bit distant. he didn’t think this is the turn the outing would take. ] B- But it’s alright. I have friends now and, h- haha, it’s been a while since I’ve been beaten up. [ a fake laugh. ] So, like, that’s a definite plus. [ and it’s alright, kaiba, it’s not like he expected you to comfort him. he flinches at the contact, surprised, his eyes lifting to kaiba. ] Me too. [ he gives his hand a small smile. ] I don’t think I could have taken much more of that. It… it was hard. [ there’s an awkward silence that stretches between them until kaiba dares to speak and break it. ] I don’t think you’re slow, Kaiba. I think we all just need a hand every now and again. Nobody’s infallible. But [ he sets his hand atop kaiba’s. ] You’re pretty close, huh? I admire that about you. No matter how tough things get you try not to let them bother you.