They packed their bags silently. There was a muttering in the other room and they both froze. They heard feet patter across the landing. Jack put his finger to his lips, motioning for Aki to pick up her suitcase and follow him to the balcony. They both walked quickly, Aki like she was on hot coals, and Jack slumping, clearly worried and anxious. Jack smoothed back his hair. Aki watched him, both confused and excited.
"Are we really ready for this?" she squeaked. Jack regarded her slowly, before nodding. The pair had been best friends for a long time, and Jack had been doing some careful planning.
"As a psychic, you should know when I am serious, Aki." She rolled her eyes.
"For the record, Jack, psychic or not, you're ALWAYS serious." Jack couldn't help but smile. Aki was acting so elated and giddy. It made him think of... No! Don't think about her! Just follow through, would you?
"Will this really work?" Aki's tone was one of wonder. She had never seen Jack so earnest. She stared up at the crescent moon, turned like the sharp blade of a knife into a leering smile. The stars twinkled at her. It was dead on midnight.
"Are you willing you give up every thing?" Jack asked softly. Aki nodded.
"Let's go."
He carried both their suitcases, muscled arms pulling them across his back as they strolled across the dirty streets of Domino City. He offered to carry Aki, who was in a trance like state, but she refused, not wanting to seem weak and needy. If any thing, Aki was a strong feminist. There was no way she would let any one control her. Especially after every thing with the Arcadia Movement.
"Yo, Aki?" Jack nudged her. "Please don't fall asleep..."
Aki shook him violently. "I'm wide awake!" she argued. Jack looked down at his feet as he trudged along slowly. He couldn't help but think of her, constantly, night and day. He needed to get away, before he said some thing...
"You're thinking about Carly."
Jack gazed at her. Could she really read his mind? "I know because I have the same problem." Jack didn't have to say the word Yusei. He just mouthed it. But he said quietly, "Carly..." Aki smiled back knowingly, but it was a sad sort of grin, sorrowful. Pitying him, because the girl he loved was so close, yet so far out of reach. Jack didn't like that, not one bit. He didn't like people feeling sorry for him. He elbowed Aki, hard. She elbowed him back, harder. They collapsed in a giggling fit. Then they shared a look. A friendly, kind look which said clearly, "We're out of this hell hole."
If only running away were that simple.