A Lifelong Rivalry [closed]

Sweat dripped onto the soft rugs beneath his shoes. His fingers ached and begged for mercy from overuse. His hands were clammy as his grip tightened but refused to slip under his iron grasp. He would not lose this battle.

He couldn't tell how long he had been stationed here. Minutes seemed to fade into the void, hours passed in the blink of an eye. He couldn't even be sure that days had not passed. The only thing he knew for certain was that he was going to beat Shepard Herman in Smash Bros. today.

They both sat with one stock left, the two Foxs taunting and weaving across the screen as buttons were mashed vigorously. The familiar yet ever-lasting tune of Final Destination, Melee version, of course, filled the room. The curious passerby occasionally peeked in to watch the two duel on the iconic game, choosing a team to root for before the tediousness bored them and they were swept away by their own games. Yet for Nicholas, this game was the most engrossing moment of his life.

It wasn't the first time they sat together, battling out their hate and anger through the timeless game. The two were tied overall, over the course of their 146 times playing this exact set-up. No Items, Fox Only, Final Destination. The true showdown of mastery. Nick was a Fox main himself since birth, so it only made things simpler for the dark-haired boy. Yet Shep seemed equally adept at the Star Fox hero, posing an actual challenge, unlike most others.

"Why don't you just give up already," he hissed, wiping sweat from his brow quickly before returning to attempt a smash attack on the enemy Fox. Of course it missed. How could he assume otherwise? He knew the blond beside him wasn't an idiot despite what he repeated daily. "We both know who's the better player." The boy spoke with a confidence that didn't exist as strongly in his head.

Shepard was sure he was going to have permanent wrinkles between his brows with how long they've been almost connected. His face of concentration was almost like he was in pain, eyes scrunched up as much as possible, body hunched over the remote as if it was a lifeline. Nimble fingers flying over the buttons with shocking speed that was only matched by Nick himself. He was barely aware of the others choosing a side, then vanishing to play their own games.

It had been going like this for a long time, single stock, fox, no items--the ultimate test of skill. Shepard had started playing as Pit but quickly grew to dislike the hero, opting for Fox pretty fast. He instantly liked him better and practiced often to work on his skills. After all, there was no way he was going to let Nick break the tie. "You are right, Nick." Shepard growled, leaning to the side as if to avoid an attack, the character leaping over it, landing on the base level and returning the favor in a similar string of buttons. "And since the case is that I'm the better player--save yourself the humiliation" Shepard, on the other hand, oozed confidence. Maybe it was his upbringing or the friends he made easily. Maybe in Nick's case mortal enemy, but that was beside the point. The confidence was also the downfall of his pride, no way would he let Nick win.

His eyes twitched momentarily. There was no way he was going to lose here and now. His tongue unconsciously lopped out while he bit down hard. Nick squinted his eyes and tilted his head down so he could see just through the top of his glasses. It always helped him focus.

With a quick motion, he slammed his fingers on a few buttons to replicate the dodge Shepard had made moments ago. As he tapped furiously, attempting to land a solid combo on the enemy, the screen flashed and turned black, and the sound of a system shutting down filled the room. Beside the TV stood the owner of the shop, a stern look filled his wrinkled face.

"I said it's closing time. I've said this too many times. If I have to kick you two out one more time, I'm going to ban you from this place."

Without a word from the boys, they were shoved out of the building.

Shepard knew the combo was coming, but couldn't do much to dodge. Eyes widening, he did his best to avoid the damage, pattering the buttons on the controller. Only to meet the combo with a black screen. Mouth ajar, Shepard looked up at the aged man who owned the place. He had been about to be taken out by Nick, so he was grateful for the intervention. But also...

They were outside. "God damn it Nick. This is your fault." Shepard kicked at the rocks on the sidewalk, strolling back towards campus "You are the kinda person who folds his toilet paper and wipes." He scowled, launching the rock down the path, hands in his pockets.