Secondshipping (Pegasus x Ryuzaki)
Dinosaur Ryuzaki hated losing. He hated it so much that whenever it happened, he wanted to hit and throw things, especially breakable things that would shatter with a pleasing sound. But while losing was bad, it was almost better to lose towards the middle of a tournament, because absolutely nothing was worse than being second place. No one remembered second place – well, no one remembered anyone under that, either, but that wasn't the point. The point was second place meant being this close to being the champion, to being the best, to being remembered. Second place was too close, and yet too far from the place that Ryuzaki wanted to be.
So he scowled from the shadows as a beaming Haga accepted the trophy Pegasus J. Crawford. It wasn't fair. That bug-loving shrimp with the stupid laugh was getting the special treatment, actually getting to talk to Ryuzaki's hero, Pegasus. Ryuzaki had worked his butt off getting ready for this tournament – and it was mostly because he wanted to meet Pegasus. The creator of Duel Monsters, possibly the best games player on the face of the Earth stood only a few feet away from him, and Haga was standing in the spotlight that Ryuzaki had wanted.
The crowd shouted and screamed as Pegasus straightened and waved out to the audience. Ryuzaki grumbled under his breath. Haga sent Ryuzaki a wicked grin, and then turned with his trophy and disappeared down the side corridor. Ryuzaki grumbled again, and started to do the same down his own side.
Then a hand tapped his shoulder. He turned around with a scowl, expecting a gloating Haga, but the look on his face froze into one of disbelief when he saw Pegasus' beaming face.
"Wait, don't go yet," Pegasus said. "That was a marvelous duel you had out there. Simply marvelous."
Ryuzaki's mouth flapped open and closed, unable to speak. That didn't seem to matter, because Pegasus filled the gap.
"Despite Haga's win, you show a great amount of potential!" Pegasus said, moving his hands animatedly as he talked. "I'd like to give you the same offer I gave to young Haga. I'm hosting a new tournament, Duelist Kingdom. A duelist of your caliber should certainly attend – there will be a great prize to the winner, as well."
Ryuzaki swallowed, still unable to talk. Pegasus was talking to him!Pegasus was inviting him to a special tournament! Even though Ryuzaki had lost, Pegasus was still right here, talking to him!
"So, what do you say?" Pegasus said. "I would be very pleased to see you there."
Ryuzaki finally found his voice.
"I – yes!" he said. "That sounds – awesome!"
Awesome? Really? That was all he was able to say? Pegasus must think he was stupid, now.
But Pegasus didn't act like he thought so. Instead, he clapped Ryuzaki on the shoulder, smiling broadly.
"Good man, Ryuzaki!" he said. "You'll be receiving your official invitation in the mail shortly. I'm truly glad to have you, truly. This will be quite an exciting tournament!"
Ryuzaki could only nod dumbly as Pegasus smiled again and sauntered away. Ryuzaki stood frozen for a long moment. Then he shook his head, whipped around, and ran back home to wait for the mail.
A/N: Aw, Ryuzaki's actually pretty adorable right now. :3 I know what it's like to meet your idol for the first time; I once met my favorite author at a book signing and I was so terribly tongue-tied at first! I think I may actually be gaining a bit of respect for Ryuzaki now. Next is Searchshipping (Yami no Marik x Marik x Rishid x Ishizu).
