#14 Smile

Yusei typed on his computer, D-Wheel accompanying him at his side as I watched him work away. Bored, my mind seemed to wander as I kept my palm underneath my chin.

"There he is working away on his D-Wheel again... always so serious. Always so patient with everything. I could never stay on one task for that long... how long has it been anyways?" I lifted my head slightly to look up at the clock mounted on the wall. "Two hours... no wonder I'm bored. I suppose I could just come back another day and ask for a duel... but surely he can't be that much longer can he?" I sighed as I removed the palm of my hand away from my chin. I then laid my head on the table placing my arms underneath. I tilted my head to the side looking up at the stairs hoping anyone would walk through the door which lead outside. After a few minutes of hopeful waiting I gave up and disembarked from the table. Carefully and quietly I walked up behind Yusei.

"Uh Yusei...?" I spoke trying to get his attention. I waited but to no avail he kept typing. Lifting my head slightly I peered over his shoulder to see what was on the computer screen. All sorts of equations were displayed along with wires that traveled from the computer to the Duel Runner. I had no idea what he was doing but it was obviously something that required a great amount of concentration and brain power. I started to head for the stairs giving up on the idea that I would be having a duel with Yusei today when I finally heard some movement behind me. I stopped mid movement with one foot on the bottom stair and the other on the ground along with my hand on the stair's railing. Tilting my head to the side I saw Yusei standing over by his D-Wheel adjusting wires with that same stoic face. Though I hadn't known Yusei for long I knew about some of his past life and I knew it was rough. I know I no where near knew the whole story of Yusei Fudo but I could wait until he decided to tell me that story himself. Come to think of it though... I don't believe I've seen the duelist smile ever.

"I wonder..." thinking; what would it be like to see Yusei with a smile on his face? I shook my head imagining the thought of a goofy grinned Yusei. That would be far too strange. Though what would it look like? Did Yusei ever smile? Surely he had to around his friends such as Crow, Jack or Aki. What would the natural smile of Yusei Fudo look like? I would love to see that...

I walked over once more to Yusei. They say smiling is contagious so maybe if I smile... he'll smile back right? Yusei was still fiddling with the wires that were attached to the D-Wheel. I walked up and rested my hands on the seating area of the Runner. Looking up at the man's face I gave a small warm smile. However he didn't seem to notice as he then finished jiggling the loose wires and went back to the computer, sitting down and typing again once more.

Trying again I snuck behind the laptop which was sitting on the table Yusei was working at. Crawling on the floor, I then jumped up, placing my hands on the top of the laptop I looked directly into the duelist's face and grinned baring all teeth. I sighed as he continued to type and I walked away from the computer back to the table. Sitting down I sighed and grumbled in defeat. I heard some movement yet again but I couldn't be bothered to look.

"Judai?"

I heard a voice say. I looked up to see where it had come from to see Yusei staring at me from his chair.

"Huh? Oh what did you want Yusei?" I asked.

"Are you okay? You've been acting pretty strange today."

"Strange?" does that mean he saw? I wondered.

"Well you... I don't know your facial expressions towards me just this last little while. Maybe you should go and get some fresh air."

So he did see it. I felt my cheeks warm. Now I felt just silly for even trying such a ludicrous theory. If I told the truth... how would he even react? I think my whole face would turn about the same color as my jacket if I was honest.

"Judai?"

I jumped back in my chair realizing now that he had come over to the table and was now looking straight into my eyes from across the table. I hated it when he looked at me so intensely like that. It was like he had me trapped. Every time he looks at me like that I can't look anywhere else but those eyes and I always feel so nervous while my body goes all fidgety. I don't understand why but it just happens and I really wish it would stop.

"Judai are you sure your alright? You look a little flushed."

Shit did I? I don't understand why I would. Oh right I'm embarrassed about my theory but I didn't think I was that embarrassed. Perhaps I am ill?

"I... uh- I really... I really don't know Yusei..." I admitted sheepishly as my hands continued to have a mind of their own tapping on the table while my legs fidgeted underneath the table. I then felt my hand stop moving and the weird sensation of something tracing along the palm of my hand.

"Your hands are clammy..." Yusei said his face going from it's usual matter to a more anxious one.

"No no I'm fine!" I quickly said as I took my hand back waving both arms in front of my face in defense. I hated that face even more. I've seen his face like that before I don't want him to worry about me. Frowning he looked at me;

"Never the less I'll get you some water to drink. Stay sitting I'll be right back." He said as he got up releasing me from that stare of his.

Instantly I let out a huge sigh releasing built up air from my body that I hadn't even realized had been held in. I heard footsteps tipping over on the floor once more as a bottle of water was set in front of me. I took it, unscrewed the cap and smiled at Yusei.

"Thanks Yusei." I said and then took a swig. "Did you want some?" I offered as I held the bottle out in front of him.

"No thank you." he said as he stared off into the distance. "So if your still up for it... I know you wanted to have a duel. I'm done with my D-Wheel calibrations for today if you still wanted to." He said as he then turned to me waiting for my reply.

I set down the water bottle. And looked up at him grinning; "You bet I do!"

"Heh." Yusei smiled. "You're really something you know that Judai?"

I felt my body fidget again. I cursed inside. But there it was. The natural smile of Yusei Fudo and it was just another thing that could get you trapped if you weren't careful.