If then simply let out 'steam', it's over between friends.

Isn't that how we grew up as children?

But obviously, he had different motives.

To 'win', to 'beat up', to 'subjugate' no matter what the cost.

It certainly wasn't self-defense, me having suggested

shot for shot and my attire prior.

He, I believe was looking ahead, having been in the channel prior.