diatu | the strangest duel [closed to Yugi and Atem]

[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]

[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.]

[ 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.

[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.

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.]

[ 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.

[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.

Edited 2019-02-18 21:03 (UTC)

[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.

[ 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. ]

[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.

[And they're already needling him. He already regrets every life choice that brought him to this point.]

Just don't expect me to be your replacement dweeb squad. I don't cheerlead.

[No, but he apparently goads them into fighting harder. Which doesn't count for some reason. He pinches the bridge of his nose, then lowers his voice before continuing.]

And that isn't the only reason for discretion. We still don't know if we can trust the school's word. I've noticed an unusually high number of students who had some position of power in their own worlds, and I'm beginning to suspect that isn't a coincidence. They may be trying to mold us to another purpose.

And to the conniving mind, personal relationships are a weakness to be exploited and manipulated when one needs to exert control.

[ and this almost feels normal. he's reminded of how he loves to hang out with his friends and shoot the shit. he doesn't need to think of the questions hanging overhead. not now. he'll just enjoy this for what it is; a second chance. though it might not be permanent he's sure to remember his time spent here, so he'll just have to enjoy those memories when the time finally comes to part ways yet again. ]

We know, Kaiba, and we wouldn't ask you to forfeit your role as our rival.

[ yugi had noticed that too, but he really hadn't been thinking about it too much. it could really have just been a spell gone wrong, but he supposes he should definitely consider the other options. ]

They can certainly try to exploit our relationship, but they're going to find that these bonds are harder to break. [ yugi wasn't going to let anybody hurt his friends, so try as they might he'd ensure their inevitable failure. ]

[Oh come now Kaiba, it isn't that bad is it?]

We would never expect you to completely change your behavior.

[Also, those instances certainly do count it just depends on who is controlling the scoreboard at the time. Then Kaiba proceeded to slip into a speech that could easily be labeled as paranoia or prudence. Still, Atem did trust the other's observational skills. He on the other hand had met a wide assortment of individuals who seemed to range in their positions, giving credence to the fact that this could all be random.]

That is something to consider, but as of yet they haven't tipped their hand. [If this was some elaborate scheme]

[He nodded to Yugi's words] I would even risk saying that they are unbreakable.

"And I'm going to keep a sharp eye on them until they do."

That was the typical, paranoid Seto Kaiba speaking. Crossed arms, an icy stare, the works. He wouldn't trust any of them as far as he could throw them.

But it's Atem and Yugi's words about bonds that touch him---and bring him back on track. His original goal with this conversation was to figure out where they all stood, and while they were getting there, there were clearly bumps in the road still.

To that end, he cleared his throat. Mindful of how easily he'd unleashed Yugi's wrath earlier, he resolved to approach this somewhat more gently.

"They've been tested so many times. Even the ultimate test. It's almost made me believe again."

It couldn't hurt. I mean, we don't have a whole lot of information about, well, any of this, and I don't really think they're going to be that forthcoming, especially if the magic used for this particular spell gone wrong was formally prohibited. But who knows. Maybe as soon as they get some info we'll get some info. [ he's not really leaning one way or the other. he's going to give everybody the benefit of the doubt right now. ]

Almost? I guess we have some more work to do, but since we're all in this together we should all look out for each other.

Edited 2019-02-22 20:14 (UTC)

I wouldn't expect anything less.

[Said with a knowing smile and a shake of the head. Maybe he was being too trusting on this matter, Kaiba could be right so he didn't say much to dissuade the other's concerns. If there was more to this school than met the eye it would take time to suss it out. Still, Atem wasn't going to deny that the three of them had a connection he just wouldn't promote it either. If the other students gathered as much from their interactions then so be it.]

Almost? Now you're just being conservative.... [It had to be edged in their favor a little further than that for Kaiba to have called for this meeting at all.] Mm, I agree Yugi. Wholeheartedly.

Edited 2019-02-27 19:38 (UTC)

I'm not going to say it.

[Because they already know it. He's just being petulant---but not entirely. It's hard to put his feelings into words, but for all of their sakes...well, he's going to try. And his little drinking session with Yugi has made this somewhat easier than it would've been.]

I know that means we're going to get into some dangerous magic at some point, and barely scrape through. But when we're not doing that, it's going to be...

[He wrinkles his nose, but playfully.]

Normal. Which is difficult, because we've never been normal, have we? It's like we were all caught in a whirlwind, and where you land...it isn't anywhere near where you started.

[ he's going to gently rib kaiba. ] Aw, come on, we won't tell anybody if you say it, Kaiba. It'll be our little secret. [ he brings a finger to his lips and winks at him. ]

Barely? You're not giving us enough credit. [ he laughs easily again. ] I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but I think with our assortment of talents and intelligence we'll be alright. [ the power of friendship will see them through to safety! ]

Well that's kind of like it was back home, right? Not that we really hung out together, but things weren't always bad. But I'm not saying we didn't get into a lot of trouble, though... it seems trouble found us more often than not. But either way I don't think we'll have a problem here... not as long as we have each other.

[Atem was going to say that he wasn't going to push for the audible admission, but Yugi beat him to answering. He'd just let it ride with the teasing.]

It..... will be something. [Not feeling as if he had enough information at this point to accurately predict or hypothesize what they were in store for] There's little point in trying to guess what we may have to face here, but as I said before I have confidence that we'll see it through. Although- I am looking forward to seeing how your magical studies proceed, Kaiba. [You're so outnumbered]

Mm, in a way- the only thing that has changed is the setting. Well, that and the medium through which this world operates. Not solving everything through the use of our duel monsters will be a switch, but we will just have to be that much more diligent in obtaining new skills here.

the strangest duel [closed to Yugi and Atem]

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