Title: Tenacity
Written: date published, Word count: 170
"You need to get your head on right, Kaiba."
Jounouchi retorted, having noted the other man's demeanor change to cocky.
Despite his wariness, Kaiba found himself dueling the blonde duelist more often times than he'd ever thought he would to date.
It was cold out with a December flurry wrapping around the old bookstore where they'd happened to run into each other today.
At first, approach, comments of the intelligence mocking variety ensued but even Kaiba was impressed with Jounouchi's tenacity in choosing to pursue a degree in mathematics, I surprising strength of the man.
They found themselves falling into an easy pattern, but without the heat of old insecurities and life-threatening competition. The barbs were less sharp now and the old mannerisms dulled with experience and age. There early thirties, as Yugi not long ago mused, had done well for Jounouchi. And apparently Kaiba as they found themselves seating across from one another.
"Fair enough" said Kaiba, but don't think it's over yet.
Jounouchi smiled happily, "I hope not!"
And Kaiba found himself smiling too. The tinge of his cheeks matched his red scarf in the cool December weather. The boy's optimism reminding him the barest hint of Mokuba but also the joy of a fight well earned. Sure Yugi was his preferred opponent, everyone knew that, but Jounouchi had held his own during the Battle City tournament and that earned him some respect in Kaiba's book.
"If not I'll bet, I'll get you next time, Kaiba!" Jou exclaimed hopefully.
And Kaiba thought, he'd like to find out.
Author's Notes: I love JouKai. As friends, as romantic interests and any other variation. However, I don't always think they'd work this lifetime, but perhaps more so the next. They're fun to read and I think they have the potential to help each other grow while immersed in the ride.