Duel at the Colosseum

[allthecards]

Who: Atem, Kaiba and EVERYONE
What: Giant holographic monsters appearing over the colosseum while Atem and Kaiba finally get their rematch duel. See the OOC post for full explanation.
Where: Colosseum, plus a thread for network posts.
When: July 5. Afternoon
Warnings: A lot of nerd boy posturing and probably swearing.

Comments

LP: 100

[puzzlingly]

「Atem merely waits for the dust of cloud to dissipate, his heart beating hard in his chest. Only so few duelist could make him feel this way... But of course, it couldn't be that easy, could it? No, not with Seto Kaiba. Atem had practically delivered half of his deck to his hand for free, of course he would have something, anything to make things difficult for him.

The Pharaoh actually startles, letting out a small grunt as two of his beloved Gods fade with a blast, it couldn't possibly hurt him, but a phantom sensation settles down his chest; his lips part in awe when he can finally see the mighty dragon in the way. Then, he just smirks.

Ra attacks, but he remains in the field afterwards.」

I didn't think I would be needing this... but I'm glad I activated it during the Egyptian Gods' attack.

「In Atem's side of the field, just the single remaining set card Atem had on the field had been flipped, activating its effect.」

Reduction Barrier... You thought I would underestimate you?

「For a moment he just lets the silence in between set in, his eyes locked on Kaiba's for as long as he can. His expression, prideful, but modest at the same time, he's honored, truly honored.」

I won... Kaiba.

[allthecards]

[100 points.

He'd lost by 100 points.

Kaiba had often wondered what would have happened if he had been there at the ceremonial duel. Would he have been able to defeat the 3 God cards there? If he couldn't, how did Yugi? Did Atem throw that match?

He finally had his rematch, but he didn't have any more answers than he had before. 100 points.

There was a difference in this defeat. He didn't feel angry. It was a new sensation after a loss. Maybe it would come later. He looked across the field for mockery or pity, but didn't find it. This was new territory. His confusion of what to do next was quickly replaced by a haughty sneer.]

Hn. It seems I underestimated you. I'll allow you to keep the title awhile longer.

[puzzlingly]

「The simple fact that Kaiba didn't turn on his heels and left him talking alone, was enough for Atem. He could feel the recognition given, and not only in those uttered words — not that listening to them didn't make him swell with pride — but there was something different in his whole demeanor, it was something more akin to the last time he saw him before him taking off to America, after Battle City.

Was this something inherent to the fact that he was somewhat a different person to the one he knew? Or was it something else? He cannot tell, but he also doesn't want to think about it much, he doesn't want to ruin it.

That sneer is, yet again, a little more familiar, to which Atem just shakes his head with a good amounts of amusement. That's... that's classic Kaiba, he might as well stop thinking of him as a different person.」

Heh, I won't let you get it back so easily next time either.

「Not after all he had done to get it back. For sure, it had never been Atem's aim to get the title the first time, he had told him so in the less kind way possible, his goal had always been an entirely different one, one that maybe this Kaiba wouldn't still believe in. But now, it held another meaning all together, and it was his and he was going to wear it proudly and fight for it if necessary.

Hmm, what do they do now? Usually this is where his friends intervene and tell him how awesome he is. But for now, he just stares at his rival-slash-friend.」

[allthecards]

[Kaiba stared back. It wasn't anything as juvenile as a staring contest; there was nothing more to win or lose here. There was always somewhere else to be after a duel. Just enough time for a 'I'll get you next time', before they were both off to their own spheres.

No one was dragging them away. Atem wasn't being replaced by Yugi. There was no important business for him to run off to. There was actually nothing he had to do that couldn't wait. Oh!

He'd almost forgotten the phone. Who knows how long it had been pointed at the two of them just staring at each other. He walked over to the phone and shut it off without a word.]

[puzzlingly]

「Who knows indeed. But it is not Atem who breaks the silence either, though, when Kaiba finally turns away it is him who approaches, his duel disk has been deactivated and his deck kept away to the safety of his belt. And he just seems to be waiting for the other.」

[allthecards]

[Kaiba isn't surprised that Atem is waiting for him. There's a moment, when he thinks he should be, but it passes. The brief distraction of collecting the phone wasn't long enough for him to figure out what to do now.

More comfortable in silence and action than words, he doesn't break it either. Just gives a curt nod of acknowledgement and starts to walk away. It could be taken as a goodbye, or a let's go. Whether Atem decided to leave, or follow him Kaiba could pretend he knew which it would be before it happened.]

[puzzlingly]

「Atem follows, he has nowhere else to go at the moment, not that he'd want to go if he did, it doesn't occur to him that he's sticking to what is familiar. Kaiba is familiar.

And they really don't have anywhere to go, walking aimlessly around the island is not quite a plan, he also... doesn't want to let go yet. Celebrating alone is not fun. At last, it is him who takes the reigns and finally breaks the silence.」

You owe me a drink.

[allthecards]

[Kaiba shortens his steps to match Atem's even before the silence is broken. He's still not sure where he's headed, but he doesn't have to decide until they come to some kind of cross-road.]

Do I? When was that wagered?

[puzzlingly]

It wasn't, but I won. Getting back that title deserves a to be celebrated, Kaiba.

「He says with a little smirk.」

Actually, make that two.

「He won twice, didn't he?

[allthecards]

[Kaiba tries to glare at that taunt, but it's clear his heart isn't in it. Where is the anger? He just lost the rematch he should be storming off, to replay the duel until he's ready to try again. Instead he's relieved that Atem cares about the title again. And just happy satisfied that the rematch had happened at all.]

Tceh.

[The glare turns into a smirk as he looks forward again.]

Fine. Do you have boat to get to the speakeasy? I'll concede the drink, but I'm not rowing you anywhere.

[puzzlingly]

「Wait, did he... did he actually say yes!? How's that such little agreement makes the Pharaoh smile all the way through, he's not sure, but he doesn't even think about it.」

Hmm!

「The Speakeasy is now quite far, sounds like a huge chore.」

I don't. But, I got some stuff at home, if you don't mind going there instead. It's also way closer.

「It would lack of people being around which Atem would miss, but he's not inviting them all a drink, he's inviting Kaiba, and maybe the CEO would appreciate it a little bit. He's actually not quite sure.」

[allthecards]

[Kaiba was prepared to put up with a crowd if he had to, but the less people the better. It did feel odd to go from a duel to the other's home, but he'd already agreed to the drinks and it would be easier than getting to the other island.

That doesn't mean he was going to be agreeable about it.]

Of course you do. It'll make getting you home after you're too drunk to stand easier.

[He'd only seen Atem drink once at Hope's feast, and had been less than impressed. But his tone isn't harsh, by his standards.]

[puzzlingly]

Aw, would you have carried me home, Kaiba?

「There is no reason to get angry about it. He knows he made an ass of himself that day.」

I knew you cared. But hey, I have more resistance than you think.

「He had drank... way too much that day.」