Chapter 1

Okay this is the Jack x Carly one I promised. I am sorry for the wait, but I was debating which way to go with this story.

Jack stared at Carly out of the corner of his eye. The young woman smiled at him and looked out the window. She flipped on the radio and smiled as one of her favorite songs filled the air.

"You're being really quiet, is something wrong?" Jack inquired.

"I feel terrible about what happened to Aki."

"That wasn't your fault! Now quit saying that!" The young man snapped at her, then softened his voice at her startled expression. "I'm sure she'll be fine. Just try not to worry."

"Okay. I'm sorry to have annoyed you. I'm sure you're right." Carly replied softly.

Dammit, why'd I have to snap at her again? If she worries about Aki all day, it'll spoil my surprise. Darn girl has to get sick now. He sighed and parked near the planetarium.

"Are you ready to walk around?" The journalist asked as she stared at him.

The stubborn, duelist nodded and got out to open the car door for his date. "Th, thank you." The girl blushed at the gesture.

"Sure." Jack stammered as he noticed how adorable she was while blushing.

They explored the building in silence as they waited for the main show in the planetarium. After about an hour, the tourists were taken into a theater. As the lights went out, Carly grasped Jack's arm. He reluctantly put his arm around her after debating with himself.

"Oh, how beautiful." The girl gasped as stars lit up the screen.

Jack stared at her and smiled as she relaxed against his chest. I'm kinda glad Yusei and Aki couldn't make it. He grinned at the thought and his luck. Guess I should call or something to see how she's holding up.

After the show ended, the couple went to a nearby diner for lunch. Jack scowled at the people who stared at them as they entered. Nosy bastards.

Before he could tell the onlookers off, Carly spoke up. "Let's sit over here, okay?"

"Yeah, fine. I don't really care where we sit." The youth replied testily.

She smiled at him and Jack felt his heart skip a beat. He averted his gaze and tried to find something out the window to watch. Carly watched him. He seems so nervous. I wonder what's up.

"Is something wrong, Jack?" She finally asked.

"Huh? It's nothing."

As the waiter approached, Jack glanced over the menu. "What would you like to drink?"

Jack waited until Carly ordered her milk before saying, "I'll have tea."

"You still look kind of tense. Are you worried about Aki?"

"She's got Yusei to fret over her. Why would I spend my time and energy worrying about something I can't change?"

"Because she's our friend. It's only natural to be concerned about her when she's sick or hurt. After everything we've been through together, I kinda wish you would open up to me a little bit. I mean, it's okay if you don't want to. Just forget I mentioned anything." Carly stammered.

Jack stared into her deep, blue eyes and took her hand. "I can give it a try, if you really want me to. As long as it's for you, I guess it wouldn't kill me." He blushed as he answered.

Carly smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to do that. I love you just the way you are. Awkwardness and all."

Jack's blush got a shade darker and he looked away. "Fine then."

The waiter returned abruptly and took out a notepad. "Have we decided what we're having?"

"I'll just have the chicken chow mein." Jack replied shortly.

Carly smiled at the waiter and told him. "I'd like the sesame chicken, please."

I wonder what we should do next. Maybe a carriage ride through the park or a walk on the beach. Something so I can ask her. His hand drifted to the small box in his coat pocket.

"Jack?" Carly stared at him with a small smile tracing across her lips.

"What? Did I do something wrong?" The young man's attention snapped back to his date.

"No. I just don't like seeing that frown on your face. You know, you can tell me, if there's something bothering you."

"It's nothing. I'll be right back." Jack replied and headed to the restroom.

Carly stared after him and bit her lip. He's hiding something. I hope it's nothing bad. Oh, what if he's trying to dump me? Maybe that's it. I wonder what I did. As her anxiety grew, the food arrived.

When her date returned, Carly bent her head and tried to eat. Jack stared at her in bewilderment as he tried to calm down. What's wrong with her?

After they'd finished Jack paid and led Carly out to the beach. As they walked, his eyes kept drifting over to the girl's forlorn expression. His stomach knotted up as he pondered the possible causes for her mood swing.

So, am I doing okay? I was a bit nervous about this story. Let me know what you think. And find out if Jack will be able to tell Carly what's distracting him, if you don't already know, next chapter.