Sometimes both are sure.
Both are ready.
Each rival having thought and even dreamed about the moment. The contrary pair each losing sleep in anticipation of their first and perhaps only engagement.
But when such is not the case, and neither rival is prepared for the electricity of their feud’s culmination: they together pause. Hitching after their first collision.
Once and then again.
Advancing in small spurts as their eyes ask: are we…? Can we…? Right now…?
Only for the eyes of their enemy to answer: yes.