Chapter 4

I'd like to start out apologizing for the long wait on this chapter. I'm sure all the readers who're in school or college know how busy the end of the year can be. Finals, sadly, kept me super busy. Thank goodness they're almost over lol.

The pair arrived at the skating rink and got their skates. Aki smiled as she remembered her first time at this place. 'He's always helping me. I wonder if I could do something for him some time.

The girl was snapped out of her thoughts when her date extended his hand to her to help her up. Smiling, she placed her hand in his. "Thanks."

The young man nodded as he led the way out onto the skate floor. The couple skated and went from racing each other into a couple's skate as a slow song began.

Yusei watched Aki as they skated. There were many times the young man wanted to speak, but his mouth just wouldn't work. Out of the corner of her eye, the amber eyed, young woman noticed her companion watching at her.

'I wonder what he's thinking about. He's been so quiet since we got here.' She looked down. 'Maybe I was right before. Maybe he doesn't want to waste his day with me.'

"Is something wrong, Aki?" The azure eyed signer had seen a frown flicker across her face.

"No, it's nothing. I'm fine."

"I saw you frown just now. Aren't you having fun?"

"I said I'm fine. Drop it, Yusei." The short tempered girl skated away from him.

'That's it.' Yusei skated after her and caught her arm. "Tell me what's bothering you right now." He ordered.

Aki stared at him and looked down again. "I … … I just don't understand."

"What don't you understand?"

She led Yusei off the skating rink and sat on a nearby bench. The stubborn, young woman

remained silent for a long moment. As she debated on how to word her thoughts, Aki absently played with her hair. Yusei sighed and took her hand gently.

"Aki, please, talk to me. I'll listen."

"I don't understand … … you."

"What about me?" The young man's azure eyes clouded in bewilderment.

Aki bit her lip, "How can you love me? After everything I put you through! I hurt you during the duels when you were trying to help me. If anyone has the right to call me a witch or a … monster, it's you." She managed before she began to cry.

Yusei sighed and wiped her tears away tenderly. "Is that really what's been worrying you? Did it ever occur to you that I did all of those things because I love you?"

"But why? I never thought anyone could see me as anything but a witch."

"Stop saying that. I never want to hear you say anything like that again. You aren't a witch or a monster. You're just a girl who's been mistreated and betrayed."

Before Aki could say anything, Yusei's looked at his phone as he received a text message. He

grinned a little and snapped it shut with a sigh.

"What was that?"

"Jack says he needs us to come to Rua and Ruka's for some reason. I guess the date's over." The young man smiled and reached a hand to her to help her up.

Aki stared at his hand and mumbled, "Do we have to leave now? I was … kind of enjoying the time alone with you."

Yusei stared at her and smiled shyly. "I don't think we need to rush. Let's go for a quick walk in the park first."

Leaving the skating rink, they walked leisurely towards the park. Yusei stopped walking and looked at Aki. "Wait right here, okay?"

"Sure." The young woman stood wondering what had caught Yusei's attention. When he returned, the young man handed her a beautiful, red rose. The girl smiled as she breathed in the sweet scent. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Yusei responded as he offered her his arm and led the way into the park.

As the couple reached the center of the park, they saw a pagoda. From it, they watched the sunset and admired the reds, golds, purples, and pinks. Yusei watched Aki's amber eyes light up as she watched. When Yusei noticed that Aki was trembling slightly, he put his arms around her.

The young woman stared at him and blushed. "What are you doing?"

"Your arms are like ice." Yusei whispered. "Why didn't you tell me you were cold?"

"I really hadn't noticed. I was enjoying being here with y, you too much."

The raven haired, young man blushed. "I'm glad. In that case, maybe we can go out again sometime."

"Do you mean like on a date?" Aki managed once she regained her ability to speak.

"Y, yeah. You never did tell me what you think about us. About being my girlfriend."

"Oh, I didn't. The truth is that I would really … ." Aki stopped as Yusei's cell phone rang.

"Hello." He growled, obviously frustrated at being interrupted. "Yes. We were on our way. We just decided to take a walk first. Okay, we'll be right there. Just keep everything calm for ten minutes."

Aki sighed. 'At this rate I'll never get to say it. I could kill Jack right now.'

"Aki? What's the matter?" Yusei asked when he noticed she hadn't moved.

"Oh, nothing. I just really hate Jack right now."

"Same here. He says that it's urgent and we need to get to the twins'."

Jack sighed and tried to think. 'I can't believe that dolt. They're over an hour late and he expects me to know what to say to everyone.'

"Jack, did you find out what was keeping them?" Carly asked.

"Yeah. The love birds decided to go for a walk. And that dolt Yusei didn't bother to keep an eye on the time. He says they'll be here soon."

"Did you ask how their date went?"

"Er, I kind of forgot." Jack replied with a shrug.

Yusei sent a message as they drew nearer. 'Get ready, Jack. We're almost there.'

Once they had reached their destination, Aki had made her decision. 'I'm going to tell him.'

"Yusei, wait for a minute before we go on." She said, grasping his arm.

So what will Aki's answer be? Find out next chapter, if Jack and Carly don't ruin the moment again. And, please, let me know what you think so far.