Author's Note: Update time! Hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I did writing it! *cue evil smirk* Happy belated 4th of July! And just so you know I had this ready to post last week and seriously tried to but Doc Manager wouldn't let me upload new stuff. Thankfully I had To Be the Prince's Mates chapter 3 already loaded since I hadn't realized until after chapter 2 wasn't up. I'm really sorry though!

Disclaimer: Me no own Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's/ GX/ or DM! *starts crying*

Chapter 10: Nerves, Boredom, and Shopping

Yusei let out a sigh of disgust from his position in the floor next to his d-wheel after the sixth time rebuilding the engine. Yes, sixth. He had needed an outlet to get rid of the sting that being separated from his beloveds caused, as well as something to keep his mind from the thoughts of what the return of Jack, Crow, and Kiryu would bring. Just thinking about them made the young king wince. They had always been very protective, almost overly so, when they were kids, but if he'd thought that was bad it was nothing compared to now. They seemed to be trying to make amends for the breakup of Team Satisfaction (A/N: The Enforcers for the English translation) and were even worse now.

Needless to say, Yusei wasn't looking forward to the interrogation he knew that would occur when the trio returned to the garage. That stupid phone call…. If only Jack hadn't called so early then Yusei knew he would have been more conscious of his speech and known that being so careless with his words would turn out rather disastrously. So, armed with the knowledge that he was most assuredly going to be murdered, or locked in his room and only let out with an escort, it had led to the current predicament of trying to occupy himself with thoughts of something beside his imminent doom. Seeing his poor, innocent runner leaning oh so tauntingly next to the computers had been the perfect thing in his mind. He'd simply disassemble the engine and then recalibrate it in the patterns that he'd had saved to test out on the off chance that he'd ever have the time. Well, as they say there's no time like the present.

And so after several hours Yusei had run through a total of six simulations, filled with complex equations, formulas, and numerical values that would drive anyone, especially his trusted two, mad within minutes.

Stretching his taught muscles from being bent over the computer for so long he allowed his mind to take a break from all the calculations and revolve around the two who he trusted with his life and, most importantly, his heart. Shaking his head fondly he thought of all the many odd and random things the other two drug him into, introducing him to some of the most outrageous aspects of the world around him that in all honesty he'd never thought to give a second glance at, yet now every time he saw or heard something then he'd have to chuckle internally at Yugi and Jaden's antics. For example there had been a rather amusing shopping trip. Looking down at his traditional boots, jeans, and tank (he'd left his jacket and gloves in a pile on the couch since the day was growing rather hot and the garage wasn't air conditioned) he began chuckling out loud at the memory that it had been at his choice of wardrobe that had sparked his friend's little brain burst that had ended up one of his most embarrassing, and most treasured, memories.

Flashback

Yusei couldn't help but smile as he watched Yugi and Jaden run in circles around him, playing some sort of duel monsters version of tag that was actually making him dizzy just watching. At least, it was except for when he had to duck the flying cards zooming overhead as they tried to 'tag' the other with them by throwing them and seeing if the other caught it in time.

Ducking as another card, this time Elemental Hero Burstinatrix (any guesses on who threw it?), Yusei decided that the floor was a rather comfortable spot and just remained sitting there as Yugi did a rather nice leap in the air and caught the card, only to send one of his own, Celtic Guardian if Yusei wasn't mistaken, back in one swift movement. Unfortunately for Yusei as Yugi landed he managed to knock over a glass of milk that was sitting on the nearby table, dousing the younger in the sweet substance. With a good natured sigh as Yugi began apologizing over and over again, tears forming in the corners of those large, soulful eyes, Yusei stood and lightly tugged at one of the smaller's blonde bangs before stating calmly, "It's just clothes. Nothing a change can't fix". Shooting a small smile at the elder he turned on his heels and went upstairs, ducking in the shower real quick before pulling on an identical set of jeans, tank, boots, and gloves. His jacket was thankfully still safe and was folded neatly on his duel runner from where he'd taken it off in the growing heat.

As he came down the steps he heard the familiar bickering of the others as they teased about who had won their little match. Jaden was just insisting that it had been him seeing as Yugi had covered the 'bystander' in milk when the two caught sight of him, and promptly stopped talking since it was rather difficult to do so with your jaws unhinged. Afraid that maybe he had a hole somewhere that he didn't know of he quickly surveyed his clothing, not noticing anything unusual. Looking up confused he asked, "What's the matter?"

Yugi snapped out of it first and asked in return, "Do you own anything but that?"

At this Jaden suddenly bounded past him, undoubtedly going to Yusei's room as said teen facepalmed. Only his friends…

"Sei-Sei! Why?" Jaden came back down, a pout visible on his face as he turned to Yugi and, with a dramatic shake of his head declared sadly, "The entire dresser is filled with either that or another type of riding suit and it has the same basic design!"

That's when a shiver of apprehension slid up Yusei's spine, like some sort of celestial message that he wasn't going to like what was about to happen. When the two turned bright, excited eyes on him with identical expressions of glee on their faces, Yusei really wished he'd listed and ran for the hills. Then they spoke two words that Yusei dreaded worse than Jack's temper when they ran out of ramen.

"Shopping time!"

Please, Yusei begged any heavenly being listening in, save me form the coming insanity!

Of course all that Yusei heard was a pair of dark chuckles as the two demons approached. Gulping he knew there was no chance of escaping. Damn.

~O~OO~O~

Looking up at the towering building that was the mall he made one last, desperate bid at survival by stating a truth. "Guys, really, I don't think this is the best time. I really don't have money to waste on this."

Smirking the devilish angels hopped off their runners, hair currently rather strange colors as they had used some removable dye to conceal their identities. Jaden was currently sporting a mass of spiked red hair while Yugi had long violet locks that had been straightened thanks to a bunch of magic, cursing, and hair gel. He looked ridiculous in Yusei's opinion, but then again he couldn't really say anything as he flipped his currently shoulder length mass of silver hair out of his face, sending the spikes in the back waving madly. Muttering to himself about how the leader of Team Ragnarock would probably die of laughter at the sight Yusei got off his as well, wondering what they were going to say.

"We knew that you'd say something about that, we do know your money problems," Jaden told him with a small smile before looping one arm though Yusei's while Yugi came to his other side and did the same as he finished, "Which is why we're going to be the ones paying. We've both been saving up as well as taking on odd jobs so we've got quite a bit saved. Of course we'll stop by the card stores first to blow some money, but we have every intention of blowing it all on the three of us before our friends find out and inform the girls. So suck it up and no saying how you can't accept it. We're doing this thing rather we have to drag you in the stores and forcefully strip you in public to get you to try the things on if we must."

Gulping Yusei quickly shut his lips as the two made good on the first part of the threat, more concerned about the later then about escaping the coming horrors. This was going to be a looonnnggg day.

~O~O~O~

Yusei couldn't help the relieved sigh that escaped him as they finally left that terrifying store filled with all the horrifying leather. Cringing at just the memory he couldn't believe that the seemingly innocent little Yugi could frequent that place! There was leather everything, and when he said everything, he meant everything! There was things in there that had looked positively illegal, and some that turned his stomach just thinking about. Looking over at the other two as they practically glowed with happiness as they swung their already bag-laden arms, he couldn't help but shiver again as he looked down at the bags he was carrying, one of which bore the logo for the store they'd just left. Scrunching his face up in an unknowingly adorable expression he planned out where he could hide the dark blue leather vest and the matching pair of almost skintight leather pants. At least the boots were a decent pair of sensible black that was steel toed. Glancing at the other two he didn't even want to think about all the leather currently in their bags. Shaking his head once more he just couldn't understand what the big draw to wearing anything other than a leather jacket was.

Next thing Yusei knew his arm was seized by a very excited Jaden before he was being dragged once more into another shop. Not again….

~O~O~O~

Yusei was currently wondering if he'd been with them long enough that he could ditch when Yugi once more popped up, a mound of multi-colored garments draped over his arms. Shoulders slumped in defeat he allowed himself to be dragged over to the nearest dressing room before being uncerimonesaly shoved into a stall and having a ton of cloth shoved in after him. Glancing down Yusei couldn't help the sigh of relief. No leather, and it looked like he wouldn't need help getting into any of it. He still remembered how at a store about three previously there had been some sort of vest/shirt thing that had needed buckling in the back and the looks he'd received when he and Jaden stepped out of the dressing room had been rather uncomfortable. Deciding that it was best to get this load over and done with he began the long task of trying to try on all the countless clothes.

~O~O~O~

For the third time in that store he was being led to the dressing rooms, but this time there was one difference. This time he was point blank refusing to put on that ensemble! There was no way Yusei was letting any of that touch his body, thank you very much!

"Awww, come on Sei-Sei! Just this last thing and we can go!" Jaden pleaded, pouting slightly at the still determined look on Yusei's face. Yugi then took his turn at trying to per sway him by turning on his large, puppy dog eyes of doom, even adding in a little pout to make it more effective. Knowing that he'd eventually give in Yusei glanced to the side, only for his eyes to light upon something as a brilliant plan crossed his mind. Payback was such a fun concept.

Schooling his expression into one that hopefully wouldn't give away his plan he turned to the two still pouting and almost felt sorry for them. Almost. He'd lost his sympathy two stores back.

"No, I will not try on that monstrosity Ju-Ju, Yu-Yu, so you can quit pouting." This only caused them to pout even more, making Yusei let out a dramatic sigh before saying, "Well, maybe, on one condition."

Victorious looks crossed their faces as Yusei said this before Yugi exclaimed, "Anything!" Smirking Yusei replied, "Anything? Alright, then you have to try on something that I pick out for you!"

The two exchanged slightly wary looks before turning to him and simultaneously yelling, "Deal!"

Smirking Yusei strolled overt to the rack he'd seen earlier before pulling off two garments that he held out to them, his smirk growing larger at the horrified looks.

"Oh no way Sei-Sei!"

"Come on, that's just mean!"

Raising an eyebrow Yusei stated calmly, "And what have I been saying about half this stuff?" This shut them up before they grabbed their garment and stalking over to the dressing rooms, Yusei not to far behind as carrying his own monstrosity. People watching the exchange could only giggle at the three good-looking people and their antics. They couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

Oh, if only they knew…

~O~O~O~

Yusei was the first changed and left his respected changing room, heading for the tall set of mirrors and completely oblivious to the stunned and rather amorous looks he was receiving. One glance in the mirror was all it took for him to grown out loud. This so wasn't his idea of fun.

To his utmost shame, but to the watchers delight, he was in a pair of skin tight black jeans and a scoop neck black tank, equally as tight as the pants. A belt was attached to the jeans and was similar to Yugi's normal ones, silver studs included. Over this there was a vest jacket that was a bright crimson, cut in a way that made it look almost tailored to his lithe form. Two straps crisscrossed over his chest and where there met there was a strange clasp of silver wings. Snug black leather gloves topped off the outfit and came to just under his elbows where it was trimmed in a matching crimson. Black boots covered his feet, since when you had the leather police they were very thorough. Yep, all in all it was an outfit Yusei would rather die than to be seen in, and one the 'audience' would die to see on him again. Just then Yugi walked out, instantly drawing everyone's attention to the male and sending their jaws dropping to the floor at the outfit he was wearing.

Obviously the rack that Yusei had grabbed from was an assortment rack, because this was epic. Watching as Yugi stopped to look in the mirror and groan Yusei smirked and stated, "Now you know how I feel."

Turning the other scrunched up his nose and stated, "Yeah yeah, but that really does look good on you."

Replying honestly Yusei stated, "Surprisingly enough, so does that!"

Together they examined the outfit and couldn't help but laugh. Yugi was wearing a knee-length pale purple kimono with embroidered patterns of bright blue butterflies winging their ways across the fabric. The little buttons were shaped so that they would look like miniature butterflies when fastened even. Even though it was clearly designed for girls the kimono had a simple cinch a the waist on either side that made it look as if it had been made with the duelist king in mind. After one last sweeping observational glance Yusei was about to say something when the last member of their party emerged…in a skirt.

Jaden stood fiddling with said skirt as he repeatedly tugged at it, trying to maneuver it so it covered more. Needless to say it didn't exactly work. It was modeled after the Duel Academy Slifer Red girls uniform by the fact that it had an attached shirt and the main color schemes were red and white. The skirt was a brilliant shade of Slifer Red that had small pleats in the sides that let it flare out some, adding extra emphasis to Jaden's hips and legs. The formfitting white tank showed off his narrow waist to perfection while the red collar added a bit of flare to the outfit. Overall it looked beautiful on Jaden and Yusei and Yugi couldn't hold back the giggles at how girly he'd look if he'd had his hair its natural color. Just imagining it made them have hard time breathing. Jaden merely shot his friends a disgusted look before asking, "What's so funny?"

Exchanging looks they began laughing once more as they sent him the mental image they'd concocted, making the poor teen blush to match the skirt before finding the humor in the situation and joining in with the laughter. Still chuckling the three split up and returned to their dressing room to change back to normal and head home, something that all three were grateful for as they stepped out only to have to fight their way through the mob.

Yes, that had been a rather interesting day indeed.

Flashback End

Coming back to the present Yusei stretched once more before turning to the computer and pulling up another possible engine design to begin working on, mind still stuck on the leather accessories currently shoved in the back of his dresser. Before he could get further then unhooking the cables from the last test the garage door was sliding open as the sound of three very familiar d-wheels approached. Turning his head cautiously he couldn't suppress the wince at the sight of three pairs of glaring orbs, all of which were aimed in his direction.

"You've got quite a bit of explaining to do, Little Brother," Kiryu growled out, sounding much like he had as a Dark Signer. There was even the same notes of anger and dark promises that lurked just below the surface as the owner of the fierce golden orbs gracefully dismounted, closely followed by Jack and Crow. As one they all turned to Yusei right as the garage door closed with a finalizing snick.

Gulping Yusei knew that this was certainly not going to be fun.

~O~O~O~

Author's Note: *smirking evilly* See what happens when I hold off?

Yugi: *giggling* Yeah, Jaden ends up in a miniskirt!

Yusei: *too busy laughing*

Jaden: *pouts and blushes* That was cruel! And you can't say much Yu-Yu, that kimono was pretty much a dress!

Yugi: *blushes*

Yusei: *still laughing*

Magician: *joins Yusei on the floor clutching sides from laughing so hard*

Yugi & Jaden: *pouts before turning to readers* PLEASE REVIEW SO MAGICIAN DOESN'T HAVE AN EXCUSE TO TORTURE US LIKE THIS AGAIN!

Magician: *whistles innocently* Now would I ever do a thing like that?

Jaden, Yusei, & Yugi: YES!

Magician: Yeah, I guess you're right. At least I didn't tell them how you still bought the outfits, skirt and kimono included!

Yusei: *facepalms* You just did!

Magician: Oops?

Yusei: *sigh* Please review so we see how many ways Magician can kill us… *mutters* with embarrassment!

Yugi & Jaden: *waving* Bye! Hope you had a great 4th of July!