[ it hadn't been a bad attempt. he knows he's trying and, really, that's all that matters. he smiles up at him and reaches to catch his hand as he pulls it away. ] Kaiba, [ he holds it in between both of his. ] thank you. I mean that. I think I said it once before already, but I've really been nothing but trouble. I don't know what it is, but it seems to shadow me. [ he gives an airy chuckle. ] But your help has been invaluable through it all. I'm glad I can count on you. I'll make it up to you, I promise. Friendship is a two way street, and I intend to pull my weight. [ he releases his hand. ]
P- Probably not. [ the only one that's experienced something like this. ] My professor did see me walk straight into the blue cloud, so he knows something's up already. [ so he'll have an excuse, maybe. ] If you wouldn't mind, thank you. I'll have to think of some way to repay you...
[ And just like that, Yugi holds his attention. Kaiba looks slightly flustered, but...he's fine. He needed to hear that. ]
I know you will. You're the hero between us, after all.
[ He waves off the concern. ]
I'm repaying a long-standing debt to you. But you'll probably have to rescue me again at some point, despite my best efforts. We don't have to rush it.
[ he flushes at that. ] I don't know if I'd go that far. I think we're all heroes in our own way.
Debt? Kaiba, you don't owe me anything. And you might not realize it, but you've helped me and my friends out of a lot of difficult situations. You helped us find Joey in Battle City when Marik had captured him. You helped free Tea during that same craziness. You gave Atem the courage to stand against Marik's puppet and Slifer. You even helped him defeat Marik by giving him Fiend's Sanctuary. Though you may think all of these things were inconsequential they weren't.
If not for you and Atem I really don't think I'd even be half the person I am today...
[ Kaiba froze. At the time during all of those incidents, he'd said something like 'I'm not doing this because I'm joining your little dweeb squad, it's because I have to uphold the reputation of this tournament.' or 'It's because I need to duel you later.'
But when put together like that...maybe he'd never been as cold-hearted as he pretended he was. Maybe some small part of him had been touched by their friendship even then. ]
Ugh. I really have gone soft. And that's largely because of you.
[ He makes a show of rolling his eyes, but gives Yugi's shoulder another squeeze. ]
You brought out the best in me, Yugi, and I don't mean by dueling. Don't sell yourself short.
[ the list goes on, but yugi had thought to share just a bunch that happened in the same span of time, because it might have more of an impact that way. kaiba might have been a real jerk in the distant past, but he, like the rest of them, had grown... whether or not he realized it. yugi was proud of his friends, which included kaiba. the influence they'd all had on each other turned them into better ( and stronger! ) people. ] I don't think so... you're still as strong as ever, Kaiba. [ he playfully puts up his fists. ] You just have a few more weapons in your arsenal, so to speak. [ he lowers them and laughs. ]
I think selling myself short is all I'm capable of. I'm not getting any taller, Kaiba. [ that was a terrible joke and he should feel bad. ] ... [ since kaiba's hand is on his shoulder yugi decides to hesitantly step forward, pressing himself into kaiba and winding an arm around him for a hug. ] But I'm glad, Kaiba. I knew it was there all along, but I'm glad you've finally come to see it too.
[ Those jokes are terrible. He chuckles and tells him as such. ]<
You're...heh. You're the worst.
[ It's all in good fun, but just when he's comfortable with where they are, there's a warm weight pressed against his front and a thinner one curled around his back. Yugi's hugging him. What.
Even two weeks ago he would've jerked back in horror, but given what they've shared right now, it might be warranted. Yugis gone through so much, and he's so down on himself today that Kaiba can muster a little compassion.
The hand that had been on Yugi's shoulder drifts around to circle both, while his other arm covers his back. . It's probably not the most comfortable hug Yugi's ever been given, but Kaiba's clearly trying. He snorts softly. ]
There was a maximum hug limit on that friendship contract I drew up. You've just used one.
[ look, after everything kaiba had faced he probably needed a hug too, so why not takes this opportunity to make them both feel better. hopefully. kaiba could just as easily shove him off, because hugs weren’t exactly his thing... but he’s glad when he feels his arm come up around him to return it. ]
I never signed anything, Kaiba, and I would never agree to a hug limit. [ he tips his head back and smirks up at him, restablishing space with a step back to avoid makin it awkward. ] But how many were you trying to cap it, huh, one? Two? [ he brings a hand to his mouth to stifle a laugh, which sounds much more like a giggle at this time. ] I guess I’ve used one up though, but it was definitely worth it. [ tugs on his robes a bit, because they’ve gotten pretty uncomfortable, but he expects that to change... eventually. ] Well you know you can always come to me if you’re interested in a hug. Or anything else, really.
[Of course he wouldn't. Kaiba sighs internally, but will grudgingly admit to himself that it felt nice. Maybe he should have allowed it from Mokuba more often.]
Not likely, but I'll keep that in mind.
[ More likely than you think, Kaiba. ]
Actually, I think I know how you'll repay me. How about another meal?
[ the fact that he'll keep it in mind is good enough for him! yugi smiles and gives kaiba a nod. ] Sure. [ he spins on his heels and starts heading towards the restaurant they'd drank and eaten at the one time. ] I think I might need a drink besides. [ he's not sure how hungry he is after drinking that horrible alchemic concoction, but he'll see. ]
[ the walk through town is down in relative silence, though yugi soon finds himself yanked backwards, sending him stumbling right into someone's arms. he blinks, feeling his face flush as it's some upperclassman he'd seen once or twice in the halls of the academy. ] H- Hi. [ he's quick to pull back, though the guy doesn't seem to realize that he's yugi and, instead, thinks of him as a new student. ]
Didn't you plan on introducing yourself? No? That's pretty rude. Why don't you make it up to me over dinner.
I, ah, no, that's ok. I'm not interested. [ oh god this was really weird. how come he never got hit on as is! ]
[ but the other student didn't seem to want to take no for an answer. ] Aw, come on. Don't tell me you're with that loser. [ his eyes flicker to kaiba. ] Why don't you lose the zero and get with the hero? [ and as he says that he's taking out his wand and casting a spell to knock kaiba further away from them. ]
[ What a lowlife. Kaiba is about to whip him upside the head when he finds himself flung back, slamming painfully into the dirt. And that's another session of cleaning-spell practice for this robe.
Kaiba pushes himself up onto his knees and draws a small glyph on the ground, hiding his wand arm under his robe so it's not quite so obvious what he's doing. He'd love to rip his tongue out...but that could get him expelled, probably, so he'll settle for disabling his voice for an hour or so.
Kaiba! [ he tries to go see if he's alright when he's grabbed. again. he frowns, tugged back into the upperclassman who looks like he's about to say something, but when his mouth moves nothing happens. yugi quirks his head, but whatever. he needs to say things to cast spells, so this is his chance. ]
[ he calls his wand in an instant, shoving the guy back and casting his own force push spell, but that's not going to be enough. he draws a few intricate sigils with his wand, chanting something under his breath before several chains appear to bind him. the kid struggles in vain and though yugi could probably call it quits he's pretty irritated, especially since he feels strangely vulnerable right now. though he's not the best in modification he uses it to encapsulate the kid in a bubble, which is then sent hurtling back to the school with another force push spell. ]
[ this is why he wanted to hide. he remembers when he'd been picked on at school and though he's come a long, long, long way he still can't stand that sort of thing. he grips his wand tightly, hand trembling as his gaze drops. ] ...
[ Kaiba is relieved when he hears the fool stop talking. That should keep him busy while he goes to kick his ass...but as he's rising to his feet, he gets to witness Yugi banishing him to the shadow realm. Well. Almost.
He walks over, about to congratulate him on those clever tricks...but when he gets closer he sees Yugi's reaction and his stomach drops. ]
Yugi.
[ He grasps his forearm, looking concerned. ]
He's gone. You proved you're not one to be messed with.
[ he forces himself to snap out of it so he gives kaiba a bright smile... or as bright as he can manage under the circumstances. ] Hopefully he remembers that! [ though he probably won't bother him anyway, since yugi gets the feeling he'd only bothered because he was more feminine. ] Let's get to the restaurant, alright! [ he grabs kaiba's wrist and tugs him along. ] I doubt we'll be bothered in there.
[ Kaiba's still worried, but he'll just keep a close eye during dinner. The staff members are different today, so when he says 'two please' there's a bright, knowing smile from the host.
They're given a cozy-looking table and a complimentary first glass. He lifts a brow. ]
Correct them about... [ he arches a brow and smiles at the glass. ] They're just being nice. [ maybe they could tell they'd been through enough today. ]
[ does he even want to know why they're referring to them as daring. yugi looks away when the waitress comes over, his cheeks still red with embarrassment. ] I get the feeling that even if we did tell them they wouldn't believe us. I'm sorry, Kaiba, ...so much for escaping this craziness. [ chews on his lip and slowly lifts his gaze to the food. ] What makes you say that? You think we, h- hah, [ cue nervous laugh. ] look good together?
[ he ducks his head at the 'associating with you' part. maybe he should give kaiba some space, so things aren't nearly as bad for him. ] Sorry. [ yugi says quietly, leaving kaiba to eat the complimentary appetizer given, because he doesn't have much of an appetite anymore. not that he'd really started with one, but still. he'll nurse his drink instead. ] I guess that's true, but they shouldn't make assumptions. We could just be... friends. You- what? Really? [ blushes. ] W- Well you could make anybody look good.
[ he didn't have to remind him! ] Y- You did, yeah. I guess, maybe, I don't know, I thought you were... kidding... [ he takes a moment to get a hold of himself, because he can't just stutter and stammer all night. ] I think you're attractive too, Kaiba. I don't really know of anybody that doesn't think so... [ though they'd all certainly argue that his personality is the perfect foil to his good looks. ]
... [ stares down the drink. ] Oh... [ my. ] No, never. [ he laughs along with kaiba, tugging the drink over and giving it a once over. ] Looks like some kind of milkshake! D- Did you want to split it? You can take the first sip if you liek.
[ yugi sits up a bit straighter, trying to appear more confident, though this situation, as kaiba had said, was definitely out there. ] No? [ he takes a sip and smiles. ] "Not bad?" It's delicious! [ don't mind him going to down on it. yugi is far too busy enjoying the milkshake and kaiba's company to realize they're being scrutinized by those around them. ]
Kaiba, do you want the rest? If not, I'm going to finish it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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P- Probably not. [ the only one that's experienced something like this. ] My professor did see me walk straight into the blue cloud, so he knows something's up already. [ so he'll have an excuse, maybe. ] If you wouldn't mind, thank you. I'll have to think of some way to repay you...
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I know you will. You're the hero between us, after all.
[ He waves off the concern. ]
I'm repaying a long-standing debt to you. But you'll probably have to rescue me again at some point, despite my best efforts. We don't have to rush it.
And I'll make sure you get your work.,
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Debt? Kaiba, you don't owe me anything. And you might not realize it, but you've helped me and my friends out of a lot of difficult situations. You helped us find Joey in Battle City when Marik had captured him. You helped free Tea during that same craziness. You gave Atem the courage to stand against Marik's puppet and Slifer. You even helped him defeat Marik by giving him Fiend's Sanctuary. Though you may think all of these things were inconsequential they weren't.
If not for you and Atem I really don't think I'd even be half the person I am today...
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But when put together like that...maybe he'd never been as cold-hearted as he pretended he was. Maybe some small part of him had been touched by their friendship even then. ]
Ugh. I really have gone soft. And that's largely because of you.
[ He makes a show of rolling his eyes, but gives Yugi's shoulder another squeeze. ]
You brought out the best in me, Yugi, and I don't mean by dueling. Don't sell yourself short.
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I think selling myself short is all I'm capable of. I'm not getting any taller, Kaiba. [ that was a terrible joke
and he should feel bad. ] ... [ since kaiba's hand is on his shoulder yugi decides to hesitantly step forward, pressing himself into kaiba and winding an arm around him for a hug. ] But I'm glad, Kaiba. I knew it was there all along, but I'm glad you've finally come to see it too.no subject
You're...heh. You're the worst.
[ It's all in good fun, but just when he's comfortable with where they are, there's a warm weight pressed against his front and a thinner one curled around his back. Yugi's hugging him. What.
Even two weeks ago he would've jerked back in horror, but given what they've shared right now, it might be warranted. Yugis gone through so much, and he's so down on himself today that Kaiba can muster a little compassion.
The hand that had been on Yugi's shoulder drifts around to circle both, while his other arm covers his back. . It's probably not the most comfortable hug Yugi's ever been given, but Kaiba's clearly trying. He snorts softly. ]
There was a maximum hug limit on that friendship contract I drew up. You've just used one.
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I never signed anything, Kaiba, and I would never agree to a hug limit. [ he tips his head back and smirks up at him, restablishing space with a step back to avoid makin it awkward. ] But how many were you trying to cap it, huh, one? Two? [ he brings a hand to his mouth to stifle a laugh, which sounds much more like a giggle at this time. ] I guess I’ve used one up though, but it was definitely worth it. [ tugs on his robes a bit, because they’ve gotten pretty uncomfortable, but he expects that to change... eventually. ] Well you know you can always come to me if you’re interested in a hug. Or anything else, really.
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Not likely, but I'll keep that in mind.
[ More likely than you think, Kaiba. ]
Actually, I think I know how you'll repay me. How about another meal?
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[ the walk through town is down in relative silence, though yugi soon finds himself yanked backwards, sending him stumbling right into someone's arms. he blinks, feeling his face flush as it's some upperclassman he'd seen once or twice in the halls of the academy. ] H- Hi. [ he's quick to pull back, though the guy doesn't seem to realize that he's yugi and, instead, thinks of him as a new student. ]
Didn't you plan on introducing yourself? No? That's pretty rude. Why don't you make it up to me over dinner.
I, ah, no, that's ok. I'm not interested. [ oh god this was really weird. how come he never got hit on as is! ]
[ but the other student didn't seem to want to take no for an answer. ] Aw, come on. Don't tell me you're with that loser. [ his eyes flicker to kaiba. ] Why don't you lose the zero and get with the hero? [ and as he says that he's taking out his wand and casting a spell to knock kaiba further away from them. ]
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Kaiba pushes himself up onto his knees and draws a small glyph on the ground, hiding his wand arm under his robe so it's not quite so obvious what he's doing. He'd love to rip his tongue out...but that could get him expelled, probably, so he'll settle for disabling his voice for an hour or so.
Give 'em hell, Yugi.]
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[ he calls his wand in an instant, shoving the guy back and casting his own force push spell, but that's not going to be enough. he draws a few intricate sigils with his wand, chanting something under his breath before several chains appear to bind him. the kid struggles in vain and though yugi could probably call it quits he's pretty irritated, especially since he feels strangely vulnerable right now. though he's not the best in modification he uses it to encapsulate the kid in a bubble, which is then sent hurtling back to the school with another force push spell. ]
[ this is why he wanted to hide. he remembers when he'd been picked on at school and though he's come a long, long, long way he still can't stand that sort of thing. he grips his wand tightly, hand trembling as his gaze drops. ] ...
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He walks over, about to congratulate him on those clever tricks...but when he gets closer he sees Yugi's reaction and his stomach drops. ]
Yugi.
[ He grasps his forearm, looking concerned. ]
He's gone. You proved you're not one to be messed with.
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[ Kaiba's still worried, but he'll just keep a close eye during dinner. The staff members are different today, so when he says 'two please' there's a bright, knowing smile from the host.
They're given a cozy-looking table and a complimentary first glass. He lifts a brow. ]
...I should correct them.
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[ go ahead, kaiba, correct him first. ]
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That isn't the reason. They think we're together.
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[ Another smiling server offers an appetizer 'for the darling couple'. At this point, he's too flustered to refuse it. ]
Sometimes it's easier not to fight a mass delusion. But I guess it's not surprising that they'd think so.
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[ He doesn't mind so much anymore, though. He has a drink in him now, and he's a little more relaxed. ]
It's more that people tend to assume a man and woman of the same age coming to dinner together would be a couple, but...mm. I think we do.
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[ Oh hell did he really say that. He's...really kind of embarrassed.
And then they're given another drink with two straws. What the hell. ]
...It's never a dull day, is it?
[ At this point the situation is so absurd that he just laughs. ]
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... [ stares down the drink. ] Oh... [ my. ] No, never. [ he laughs along with kaiba, tugging the drink over and giving it a once over. ] Looks like some kind of milkshake! D- Did you want to split it? You can take the first sip if you liek.
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[ He's loosened up enough to laugh about it now. Surely they're just speaking objectively again... ]
Let's do it.
[ He tugs it over, taking a sip before passing it back. ]
It's not bad.
[ People around them are watching with knowing smiles. He bristles from that a little, so he refocuses on Yugi...and smiles. ]
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Kaiba, do you want the rest? If not, I'm going to finish it.
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