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:
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No? Well this isn’t so bad, right? Being, dare I say, friends?
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[He says it dryly, but there's still a glimmer of humor in his eyes. His own drink warms the chill that had settled into his chest earlier that day, and he finds himself relaxing bit by bit.]
But it's not so bad. Mokuba would never let me hear the end of it if he could see us now.
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[He snorts and takes another sip. There's a darker edge to his thoughts, but the buzz dulls it a little.]
Surprisingly, it's not terrible. But...
[He sighs. Somehow, the warm room and quiet space are more conducive to his honesty than the heat of battle.]
A turtle has a shell because its soft underbelly is an attractive target for predators. I've known predators for as long as I've lived. But even back then...
[He sighs.]
Even then, I could hear you calling to me.
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He listens with growing concern, shifting just a little closer.]
When I first transferred to Domino, you were smiling. I'd just assumed it had always been that way...
[Obviously a foolish assumption. He finishes his own drink and sighs.]
Bullies are scum. You're so much stronger than that, Yugi. Your wit, your skill. But you credit so much to friendship, and...it's difficult to argue against those results.
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To hear that he'd been through that much pain was almost unbearable. For a fleeting moment, he wished they hadn't begun as enemies---maybe they could have been stronger allies, even then. But he felt a clenching around his heart and knew: they were unmistakably bound together now.
Seto Kaiba wasn't the best-equipped person to provide emotional support, far from it, but some ancient instinct he'd almost forgotten demanded that he reach out, laying a hand on Yugi's upper arm.]
Then I'm glad they were there. Even Wheeler.
[Another poor attempt at a joke. And maybe the drinks really are getting to him, because he feels compelled to continue.]
But though this turtle may be slow, it knows a few tricks. I won't let you falter.
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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.
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I... I know... [ he says quietly and his hand tightens around kaiba's briefly. ] But that's when you two were all alone, right, when you only had each other? I know it's hard to break old habits, because, as they say, they die hard, but whether or not you consider us friends we'll always be there for you when we can. Nobody should have to go through life relying on themselves and themselves alone. I can only imagine the toll that's taken on you, Kaiba... [ a slow nod. ] Yeah, I'm... sure. You're definitely in a position that makes trusting someone or... anyone, really, difficult.
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[Kaiba feels that odd flip-flopping in his chest again when Yugi squeezes his hand. Kaiba's sitting right next to someone who's seen through his aura, shredded the walls he built around himself...and yet he never once betrayed him. The realization makes him dizzy...or maybe that's the drink.
He takes another sip to gather what courage he can and finally looks at Yugi, eyes unusually bright.]
Something inside is telling me to trust you. You're right, it won't be easy. But...I'm sure now. I want this.
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[ he looks up at kaiba, smile softening. ] Silly as it sounds, Kaiba, I think that may be your heart. I hope over time it'll become easier. [ yugi takes his hand back and cups it around his new drink, smiling like a dope. ] I'm glad, because I want you to want it too. I just want to see you happy, Kaiba. I think you deserve that much.
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Instead he relaxed, ordering a shared appetizer. It was a bad idea to drink without fuel.]
I don't know what makes me happy anymore. Mokuba is the most important person in my life. I keep the company going to realize our dreams and provide for our futures. I left school life behind because it had nothing to offer me at the time. But...
[He looks out at the mingling crowd, wondering.]
Everything I was before has been cast aside. I have nothing but schoolwork, survival, and...
[He pinches the bridge of his nose.]
Friends.
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Duel Monsters? A challenge? It kind of seems like you like working, since that furthers your dreams an makes them a reality. Maybe if and when we get back home we can all go to Kaibaland and you ride the rides and just enjoy the park like was meant to be. Oh! and obviously we can play Duel Monsters, but my Grandpa's shop has a ton of games, some of which I think you'd really enjoy.
[ readies himself for another tentative sip of his drink. ] Hehehe. [ leans into kaiba. ] See! Not so bad~
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Mokuba has an entire wall of ride photos of us. I'm glaring into the camera for each one. According to him, they're perfect souvenirs.
I'll have to try again with you.
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Try what again? [ jumping between topics is getting him a bit confused. blame it on the a- a- a- alcohol~ ]
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[Yeah, right. He smirks, but it fades into a slightly worried expression. They might be going a little too hard on the booze here, so he gestures for the check.]
We'll try a lot of things. I have a feeling you won't let up.
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Not at all. [ he chuckles. ] But I think it'll be good for you. And... this will be our change to start over...
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[It will always be part of them. He knows that, and it hurts more than he can bring himself to admit right now.]
But we can become stronger than its hold over us. That's what I want.
that was supposed to say chance not change. oops.
lol no worries
It'll arrive no matter what, so it's in our best interest to face it with all our strength. And your strength is perfectly suited to mine.
[There's still a hint of a smile in his eyes. Is sappiness a side effect here?]
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[Which is to say that he knows you'll be good at this, Yugi. He's seen the creativity, the passion...and his expectations are a high bar to clear. But no one's better at clearing his high bars.
He'll tolerate the contact for now, knowing that his...friend? Is intoxicated and a little unsteady.]
And I'll hold you to that. Just don't pass out on me, hm?
[Which would be said as 'are you okay' by any other person, but he's still learning.]
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Good. Because I get the feeling I'm going to forget a lot of tonight. [ he takes a hold of his head and starts laughing again. ] I drank way too much. [ and now he can't stop laughing. why is everything so funny? ]
I don't think I'm going to pass out. I'm still plenty coherent. [ that's debatable. ] I drank more than you, by the way, what do I win? [ because everything's a contest, right? haha. ]
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