[There's a sharp intake of breath when Yugi touches his hand. It's strange, to feel that they're real, that he's part of this. But he doesn't make a move to pull away. Instead, he manages a true smile.]

The one thing I can't do is defeat you in a game, apparently.

A king should hold his head high. It's how I conduct myself, and as the one who earned the title...you should, too.

[But then...Yugi's been unexpectedly open with him, and the small part of his heart that's crying out to be understood responds in kind. He takes in a deep, shuddering breath, pulling back and bowing his head over his drink.]

But I did it out of necessity. When could I ever allow myself weakness? Not with Mokuba---it's my job to protect him. And my secrets in the wrong hands would be a large boon to a number of other corporations, as well as my shareholders. Few people are truly immune to a large enough bribe.

I wasn't bullied...but I know that pain, or some part of it.