Chapter 4
Thanks for your comments and your patience. I really am glad that everyone kept reading after the extended wait on the last chapter.
Aki woke in a daze. What's going on? Oh, right I'm at Yusei's. She yawned and looked around. "Yusei?" She stood up and went downstairs.
Finding herself alone, the amber eyed girl decided to explore. I should try to help clean up around here. Yusei's been focusing on taking care of me recently.
As much as she didn't want to admit it, she was happy that Yusei insisted upon her staying. It made her feel somehow grateful and relieved to know that he enjoyed having her there. As she washed clothes and vacuumed, Aki found herself humming a song from the movie they'd watched. The sweet, romantic song calmed her and made her think of Yusei.
Yusei sighed as he pushed a shopping cart through a store. I wonder why I get the feeling that I've forgotten something?
"So how's Aki doing?" Jack asked from behind him.
"She seems to be getting better now. Her fever was down when I left."
"Good. So what are you gonna do when she recovers?"
"I figured we could go skating or to a movie. You and Carly wanna come along?"
"Yeah. I suppose she'd enjoy that. Hey, I need to ask you for a favor." Jack announced, reluctantly.
"What is it?" Yusei replied.
"I was wondering if you'd be my best man."
The azure eyed duelist grinned and clapped his shoulder. "Sure. Congratulations, man. I was wondering why you were acting so weird."
"Yeah. Carly's gonna ask Aki to be maid of honor."
"Nice. When's the big day?"
The young man's violet eyes showed the smile he refused to. "Next May. It's her favorite season. And I don't care as long as she wants to."
"Why wouldn't she? The girl adores you. Actually, I think she's about the only one who can take that act of yours."
"What do you mean by that?" He growled.
"Just that you act all bad boyish, like you don't care about anyone." His friend replied.
"You're a smart ass, you know that, right?"
"So what brings you here today?"
Jack looked less than thrilled when he answered. "I'd rather not say."
Yusei stared at him with a bewildered expression until he looked in the prideful, young man's shopping cart. He doubled over with laughter at what he saw. There were feminine products of all kinds in it. "She sent you shopping for her? Never thought I'd see the day."
"Shut up. She had to work late today and I was out anyway." Jack snapped as his phone rang.
"Carly, what's up? You need what? Ugh … okay, yeah. I'll see you tonight. I … love you too, dear."
His best man grinned as he hung up. "Aww, how cute."
"Say another word and Aki will need a new nurse."
"Okay, okay. I can take a hint. So, what'd she tell you to get?"
"Something no man should have to get. She needs … me to bring her tampons."
Yusei stared at him and had to choke down his laughter. "Man, I feel for you. See you later."
"You tell anyone and I'll murder you. You got that?"
"Dude, I won't say a word. I'm not that cruel."
Aki was washing dishes when Yusei walked in. "Why are you doing that? You're supposed to be resting."
"But with having to take care of me, you must be tired. I don't want you to have too much to do. It was the least I could do."
"I'm fine really. I don't mind taking care of you at all." He smiled as he wrapped his arms around the girl and kissed her neck.
"I'm not going to be a burden to anyone and I'm hardly helpless." Aki replied as she tried to continue with her chore.
Yusei grinned and continued to attempt to distract her. He went up her neck and along her jawline until he reached her ear. Aki giggled as the young man nibbled at the side of her ear.
"You're making this very difficult." Aki informed him as she stifled a moan.
"That's the idea, love." Yusei grinned as the stubborn, young girl dropped the plate she was washing back in the dish water.
"You're such a cheater." She smiled and turned to kiss him.
"Have you taken your medicine?"
Her eyes widened as she realized she'd forgotten. "Oh, I forgot all about that."
Yusei scowled at her. "That won't do. It's bad enough that you're doing dishes. Go take your medicine and relax. I'll fix us something to eat."
Aki frowned as he released her and went to take the fowl tasting medicine. "This stuff tastes awful enough, why does it have to be cherry flavored?"
"Sorry. I should've thought about that when I called Martha. I would've told her you hate cherries."
Aki looked at him and quickly shook her head. "No, no, it's fine. It doesn't taste that bad."
"You really aren't very good at lying. I know for a fact that you hate anything cherry flavored."
"Well, the stuff isn't supposed to taste good."
"Go sit down. I'll bring you a plate when the spaghetti's done." Yusei smiled at her attempt to make him feel better.
"I'm fine. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Nah, I'll take care of it. You shouldn't strain yourself. Your fever just started to go away."
"If I managed to do laundry and vacuum, I think I can handle helping with dinner." Aki retorted.
Yusei turned and glared at her. "You did what?"
"I cleaned up some around here. It's not a big deal."
Yusei walked over to her and gathered her in his arms. He carried her bridal-style to the couch and kissed her after setting her on the couch. "No more chores for you today."
"I'm not going to agree to that."
"Please, baby?" He captured her eyes and smiled sweetly.
"You seriously don't play fair." Aki grumbled as she gave in.
Yusei smiled as he went to finish preparing their dinner. When he returned, Aki was watching A Walk to Remember. She smiled and took her plate from him. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. So you like this movie?"
"It's one of my favorites." The amber eyed girl replied after taking a bite. "This is really good."
"I try. I decided to help Martha with as many household chores as I could to thank her for taking care of me when I needed it."
"I'm sure she appreciates your thoughtfulness."
"Jack said he and Carly would come skating with us when you get better."
"I'm glad. I feel bad for ruining that double date we were planning on."
"Don't. Your health is way more important than any silly date. We have time for plenty of those before next May."
"Wait. What happens next May?" Aki inquired.
"Oops, I can't believe I said that. Sorry, it's a surprise."
"But why? Tell me what it is."
"I promised that I wouldn't say anything." Yusei protested.
Aki pursed her lips as she got up. "Tell me or I'll do more housework."
"That's low. Okay, you win. Jack asked Carly to marry him."
"Oh, how adorable! I'm so happy for them!"
"Yeah, just act surprised when Carly tells you."
As they finished eating, Yusei took there plates to the sink. "Want some desert?"
"I'm way too full for anything else." The girl replied.
"Well, what should we do now?"
Aki stared at him as he approached her. "It doesn't really matter. I'm fine with just cuddling here on the couch."
The young man's azure eyes lit up. "That sounds like a plan."
As they were about to follow through with that plan, Aki felt a sudden weakness overtake her. As her head began to pound, she fell over with a pain filled groan. What the …? The girl wondered.
"Aki? Aki, are you all right?" Yusei rushed to her sighed. "Come on, let's get you to bed."
"I don't want to move. I feel so weak all of a sudden." She replied.
The young duelist carried his girlfriend back upstairs, and placed her in his bed. Her fever's gone up.
Well, how am I doing? Please let me know.
