[ Kaiba is left floundering, his mouth a thin line as he picks up his menu. He mis-stepped big time here...even if he'd never become attracted to Yugi, or come to care so deeply about Atem,, it would still be wrong to leave him out of a group so relevant to their skills. Some small part of him is still a hoarder, still selfish...and whatever the reason, he has to make it right.
He takes a few moments to think through his response before he begins, fingers folded and head lowered. ]
It is long. I should have told you and let us challenge the group together, as you did with the foils.
And I'm not being a pessimist, Atem, just learning from precedent. I'll tell you everything before we enter. It's a tight-knit group and difficult to earn their trust, but...
Some of the elder members have finally begun to warm up to me. If I endorse the two of you as my only worthy rivals, you'll easily attract sponsors. You'll be completely ready to dominate by the first game.
And I'll find another way to make it up to you.
[ He takes a drink and wills his emotions back down. Ugh. This is one he doesn't like. ]
no subject
He takes a few moments to think through his response before he begins, fingers folded and head lowered. ]
It is long. I should have told you and let us challenge the group together, as you did with the foils.
And I'm not being a pessimist, Atem, just learning from precedent. I'll tell you everything before we enter. It's a tight-knit group and difficult to earn their trust, but...
Some of the elder members have finally begun to warm up to me. If I endorse the two of you as my only worthy rivals, you'll easily attract sponsors. You'll be completely ready to dominate by the first game.
And I'll find another way to make it up to you.
[ He takes a drink and wills his emotions back down. Ugh. This is one he doesn't like. ]