Pre-(A/N)- Greetings my awesome readers. It is I, Yudai Shintaku, and must I say it's been quite a long while since I've written! I apologize that I haven't been writing often because I just finished an Algebra 2 acceleration test (I passed… Yay (?) O.o) and I have to work (either as a waitress or at a volunteer area) often.

Overall this has been the busiest summer ever, and… wait for it… a fast one, too! It's rare for me to say that summer goes by fast. Usually I say it goes by slower than school. It'll be a while for me to write now because now I have band camp to juggle with, too. I'll try and continue to write because I love it when people read my stories. :D


(A/N)- The previous chapter, Prompt 28: Innocence, kind of had a little bit of:

Yuto x Ruri

Yuya x Yuzu

Yugo x Rin

Yuri x Serena

Don't get me wrong, I love all kinds of pairings (Hetero, Yuri, and Yaoi), but it doesn't mean they are my favorites. I don't think too highly of clichéd pairings because they don't seem… unique to me. I picture the pairings as friends, but that's where most of them get. So this prompt, Prompt 29: Bonds, is to show that they're just friends.

Get your game on guys (and girls) because I'm feelin' the flow. Now that the fun has just started, it's time to rev it up!

Yukon: Wait, so who is your OTP in Arc-V?

Yudai Shintaku: Um… *Whispers* Dartshipping (AKA Yuya x Shingo)

Shokan: … Seriously? Why?

Yudai Shintaku: Because they're goofy, yet they're also serious/nice at the right time.

Yudai: Hm. Interesting… Well, see you all in the next prompt!


Prompt 29: Bonds

Sakaki's House (7:38 pm)

The Sakaki Brothers dragged their lifeless bodies to the kitchen table, not caring if they woke up later than normal.

"Life couldn't get any worse," Yugo groaned, burying his head in his arms. Yuya sighed and nodded. That was a lot, considering that Yuya was the cheerful one out of all of them. Yuto placed a stack of papers on the table and said, "Yuri and I worked all night. This explains the possibilities, but doesn't explain why the Hiragi Sisters kissed us on the cheek." Yugo got up and threw the stack of papers across the room, and on the ground. "Isn't it obvious?! They love us!" Yugo yelled, kicking the thrown papers.

For Yuri's entertainment, Yuri placed another stack of papers on the table. "We made extras in case you did that, Yugo," Yuri explained. Yugo laid on the couch and yelled, "MOM! I DON'T FEEL LIKE GOING TO SCHOOL! CAN I GO TOMORROW?" Yuto smacked Yugo upside the head, and said, "We just can't play hooky because of yesterday!"

Yoko Sakaki came downstairs and said, "Well, you boys aren't going to school, anyways. There's no school today." Yuri walked down the stairs, adjusting his tie, and asked Yoko, "Can I enquire to why we don't have school today?" Yoko nodded and handed Yuri an opened envelope. The brothers crowded ear-to-ear and looked in the envelope. Yuto reached in and pulled out a letter[2]. After the brothers have read the letters, they all went to change. Five minutes later, they were wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants[1].

"I forgot that this is the last day before Jack and Crow leave" Yugo mumbled. The Sakaki brothers left the house and wheeled their bikes to the Leo Duel School.


Hiragi's House (7:40 pm)

"This is terrible!" Yuzu whined, banging her head on the kitchen table.

Serena asked Yuzu, "Which is? The fact that all four of us kissed our closest friends, or for the fact that we have to encounter them today?"

Rin sighed and replied, "Both."

Rin chewed her bottom lip and said, "Maybe the Sakaki Brothers just assume that we were comforting them. After all, that was the point of the peck on the cheek." Shun entered the living room, with a white shirt and black jeans, and said, "Just tell them. I'm positive they'll understand… minus Yugo." Serena chuckled and said, "Shun, this is a girl situation. We just can't bluntly tell them, 'Hey you know that kiss on the cheek yesterday? Well, don't fret about it! It's just a comfort kiss!'?

Shun shrugged and said, "That sounds pretty frank, but if you don't want to tell them that, then try something else. Now, shall we walk to LDS? I don't want to make Reiji wait." The Hiragi Sisters stood up and walked to Shun. The last thing anyone wants to do is be late to a time that Reiji scheduled [3].


Leo Duel School (7:53 am)

"I'm sorry, but Akaba Reiji had a meeting that abruptly came up, so he couldn't give you your roles personally. It's okay though, I'll give you your parts," Himika Akaba said, glancing at the clipboard. The Sakaki Brothers nodded, understanding Reiji's situation.

"Yuya, you're filling the balloons with helium. Shingo should already be in the back room, filling them up" Himika stated, pointing her finger at Yuya. Yuya nodded and ran to the back room. "Yugo and Yuto, you're in charge of setting up the banner at the LDS stadium. The one that the Miami Championship took place in. Once you're done with that, help wrap the strings of lights around the railings of the stadium." Yuto and Yugo ran to the LDS Stadium.

"Yuri, here are a list of food refreshments we need to get ready for the party. Dennis is already there, waiting." Yuri smiled and walked to the Kitchen.

Five minutes later, the Hiragi siblings arrived (Thankfully, exactly at 8 am) and Himika assigned Serena and Ruri to the Kitchen, Rin and Shun to hang strings of lights around the rails of the LDS stadium, and Yuzu to help fill up the balloons. They all went to their workstations without hesitation. What they didn't know was that the Sakaki Brothers were near or at their workstations.


Storage Room (8:03 am)

"Are you going to miss them Shingo?" Yuya asked, filling up an orange balloon with the helium tank. Shingo tied a string on a green balloon before answering, "I guess. They helped me improving my dueling, and they're worthy opponents. What about you?"

"Of course! It's because-"

Yuya's reason was cut off by Yuzu opening the door.

"Good morning! Sorry if I'm- Oh" Yuzu's voice faltered when she saw Yuya. They had a stare off for what seemed like forever (Actually for three minutes) until Shingo said to pull up a chair and help out. Yuzu pulled up a chair next to Yuya and started filling up a pink balloon. 'Well this is going to be awkward' Shingo thought to himself. Unfortunately, Shingo thought too long because the balloon suddenly popped in front of Shingo, nearly scaring him.


LDS Stadium (9:02am) [Yugo's Point of View]

"Maybe a little bit higher!" I yelled to Yuto, signaling the motion with my hands. Yuto rolled his eyes and yanked the banner a little bit, making it go higher. Nah. I think lowering it will be better. "Change of plans, Yuto! Lower it a hair down!" I yelled. Yuto nodded and lowered it a bit.

This banner is a troublesome one! It took ten minutes to take out of the box, eleven minutes to string it, twenty-eight minutes to set it up and now eleven minutes to adjust it! To top off the agony of this absurd 16 foot- banner, the sun kept flashing in my eyes when I'm trying to see if the banner is okay.

"AUGH! WHY IS THE SUN SHINING?!" Yugo yelled, causing everyone to stare at him.

"Probably because it's the morning!" someone yelled back. I turned towards the direction of the sound to see Shun and… Rin?! Surprised, I screamed and knocked the ladder behind me.


[Yuto's Point of View]

"AUGH!" Yugo screamed under me. Instinctively, I looked down to see Yugo stepping back and… bumping right into THE ladder that I was standing on! "Woah!" I said, trying to keep my balance on the ladder. Unfortunately, I learned from my circus act, I suck at balance. I let go of the banner once my feet are off the ladder step. Impulsively, I closed my eyes, so the impact with the stadium won't be too bad.

"OOF!"

That's weird. I thought the landing was a tad bit harder. I wonder why-oh that's why.

"Hi Yugo. How's the banner now?" I said, still laying on him. He stared at the banner above my head and gave me a thumbs up. "Perfect" he replied weakly[5]. "Now please get off."


[Rin's Point of View]

"Oops! I don't think I was suppose to let Yugo see me," I said, fumbling with the lights. Shun answered, "Well it can't be helped. Sooner or later you had to confront him."

That was true, but I didn't want to hurt my childhood friend. Not at all. After all he did to save me from the Dimensional War, the last thing I want to do is hurt him.

"H-hi Rin."

I turned to my left to see Yuto and Yugo walking towards us. "What are you two doing here?" I squeaked. Yuto nonchalantly told me and Shun, "Himika said after we hung up the banner, we were suppose to help wrap the strings of lights around the railings." "Oh okay. Well then feel free to help" Rin said, turning back to wrap the lights.


[No One's Point of View] With Yugo and Rin (10:38 am)

"So… um… Rin. Can I ask you something?" Yugo asked, eyes still focused on wrapping the string of lights around the railings. Rin noticed that Yugo didn't stutter. 'This must be serious' Rin thought. Yugo took a deep breath and asked Rin, "Tomorrow, After Crow and Jack leave, I was wondering if you want to go to the pastry shop again. This time like a real date." Rin stopped her progress and said, "Yugo… I'm sorry, but I have to turn it down. It's not the date, or you. It's me."

Yugo stopped and looked at her. "Eh? Come again?" Yugo said. Rin took a deep breath, and said, "The kiss was just to tell you that I had fun hanging out with you yesterday. I didn't expect you'd interpret the kiss that way. I'm sorry Yugo, but you're just a childhood friend to me. I can't see our relationship any further." There was a pause before Yugo created a large sigh of relieve, almost scaring Rin.

"I feel the exact same way! I asked you out, so I wouldn't hurt your feelings. I mean we are friends right?"

Rin nodded and said, "Best friends! From now on, let's keep it like that. Deal?" Rin held out her hand, which Yugo gladly shook it. "Deal. From now on, no secrets are kept from us. 'Kay?"

"'Kay!"


In the Kitchen (11:00 am)

"Done!" Dennis said, placing the hot tray of cupcakes on the counter. Yuri was currently making a bowl of frosting, and Rin was slicing up the fruits. Serena was pouring powdered mix in a punchbowl (filled with water), but she was stirring it rapidly to the point it created a five-inch tall froth.

"Serena, it looks like you're trying to create a potion. It makes me wonder if that punch is even safe to drink" Yuri teased. Serena channeled all her worries and anger to the wooden spoon used to stir the punch until it finally snapped. Through her gritted teeth, Serena said, "Yuri, can you please pass me the metal spoon right next to Dennis?" Yuri and Dennis looked at each other for a moment before Yuri passed the metal spoon to Serena. "Thanks" Serena said. "You're… welcome?" Yuri answered. 'That's weird. Serena usually never says pleases or thank you's. Not even to me!' Yuri thought. Dennis looked at Serena and Yuri before smirking. 'Oh! It's from yesterday, huh [4]? Well, guess it's time to fix this confusion.' Dennis thought.

"So Yuri. How long have you two been together?" Dennis asked. Yuri blinked at Dennis with confusion. "What do you mean? We aren't together," Yuri said sternly. "Well, yesterday, Serena called me yesterday, and she said, as I quote, 'Yuri and I had amazing date. Afterwards, I kissed him to show him my affections to him. Do you think it was too much?'" Dennis said, raising his voice to sound like a girl. Yuri's eyes widened as he stared at Ruri, and Ruri mouth was hanging wide open. As for Serena, she her hand was gripping the spoon to the point it bent with ease.

'Uh oh… I think said too much,' Dennis thought. Serena stared right into Dennis's Green eyes. 'Yep! I overdid it' Dennis thought, beads of sweat falling down his forehead.

"WHAT THE HEY, DENNIS! I SAID NO SUCH THING TO YOU! I NEVER LIKE YURI LIKE THAT! I KISSED HIM BECAUSE I WAS SHOWING MY APPRECIATION TO HIM FOR BUYING MY SLICE OF CAKE. DAMN IT, DENNIS! DON'T GO SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT!" Serena shouted.. To prove her point, she grabbed a pie, and threw it right at Dennis's face.

Yuri laughed and said, "Good to know were just friends." Serena calmed down and said, "Yeah." Ruri stared at Serena and said, "Serena, I would praise you for standing up to yourself, but… why?! I spent a long time making that pie!" Serena chuckled and said, "Sorry. It was an impulse." Ruri sighed and said, "I'll make another pie after I finish the fruits."

Dennis was already washing his face and clothes of the pie when Yuri asked Dennis, "You made everything up about the Serena part, weren't you?" Dennis smiled and said, with his perfect English, "Correct!"


Lunch (12:38 pm)

"And we promised we won't keep any secrets from each other!" Rin said, smiling.

"Yuri and I are pretty cool!" Serena said, popping another spoonful of soup in her mouth.

Yuzu, Shun, and Ruri smiled. "If your Sakaki counterparts were cool about it, maybe Yuto will be cool about it!" Ruri said with confidence. "Why don't you? The Sakaki Brothers are right over there," Shun said pointing his finger behind him. There, Ruri saw Yuto with his counterparts. "Wish me luck!" Ruri said, walking towards Yuto. "Good luck!" Serena, Rin, and Yuzu said.

Serena stared at Yuzu. "What? Is there some soup on my face" Yuzu asked. "Did you get your situation straightened out with Yuya?" Serena asked. Yuzu shook her head. "Why not? Didn't you tell us that you help fill balloons with Yuya and Shingo?" Shun asked. Yuzu nodded and said, "Yeah, but my situation is much different compared to Yugo, Yuri, and Yuto."

"What could be so different?" Rin asked.

"I left Yuya up a tree, forgot him in the rain, and he had to walk all the way to the pastry shop by himself with only his jacket to shield him from the heavy rain!" Yuzu explained.

"Oh" Serena and Rin both said.

"Well, you never know until you try, Yuzu. Who knows, Yuya may accept your apology. Besides, it wasn't entirely your fault," Shun said.

Ruri immediately came back and said, "Yuto accepted my apology, and also, he said he was okay about the misunderstanding!" Yuzu smiled and said, "Great job!"


(1:10 pm)

All the Lancers gathered around Himika for their next assignment. Turns out, all they have to do is move the balloons and refreshments to the LDS Stadium. Yuya, Dennis, and Gongenzaka were starting to move the balloons when Yuya asked Gongenzaka, "Gongenzaka, say I have a friend, but they show their affections to me. It leaves me speechless because I don't think of them that way. What should I do?" Gongenzaka stopped in his tracks and said, "You must stand tall and tell the person that you don't share those types of feelings towards them." Yuya stopped as well and said, "But what if it hurts them? I don't want to lose a friend." Gongenzaka placed his free hand on Yuya's shoulder. "If they are your friends, they should understand your feelings as well," Gongenzaka stated. Yuya smiled and said, "Thanks Gongenzaka."

Before Gongenzaka said you're welcome, Dennis yelled to them, "Yuya-kun! Gong-chan! Hurry up! I don't want to do all the work myself!" "Sorry Dennis!" Gongenzaka and Yuya yelled, running to catch up to Dennis.


(3:23 pm)

"Thank you everyone for helping. I shall see you all at the party tonight," Reiji said before he walked away. The Lancers all left, and the Hiragi sibling agreed to meet the Sakaki Brothers out the Leo Duel School Build. There Yuzu and Yuya stared at each other for what seemed like forever until both shun and Yuto asked both of them, "Well? Are you going to say something?" Yuzu and Yuya both took a breath before speaking at the same time.

Yuya: I'm sorry Yuzu, but I think of you as a childhood friend!

Yuzu: I'm sorry Yuya, but I think of you as a childhood friend!

They both looked at each other before smiling. "I guess we're okay then?" Yuya chuckled, scratching the back of his head. Yuzu nodded and added, "Sorry about leaving you up in the tree yesterday. I might have forgotten about you from the rush of getting out of the rain." Yuya waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about. I accept your apology!"

"So we're all friends?" Shun asked. The Hiragi Sisters and Sakaki Brothers both nodded. Shun smiled and said, "Very well. Then we'll see each other at the party?" Yuto nodded and said, "We'll see you there."

The two families both walked back to their house to wash up and do something until the party.


Footnotes:

[1]- Yuto- lavender T-Shirt and grey sweatpants

Yugo- yellow T-Shirt and blue sweatpants

Yuri- Fuchsia T-shirt and sweatpants

Yuya- Red T-shirt and green sweatpants

[2]- Lancers,

As most of the citizens from Miami City know, tomorrow, at 10:20 am, Jack and Crow will be leaving our Standard Dimension to go back to their Dimension, the Synchro Dimension. The Lancers have been chosen to set up the party that's occurring tonight at 8:30 pm. The Setting will be at Leo Duel School and all the Lancers must arrive to set up at 8:00 am. I'll schedule everyone's parts once you get there, and lunch shall be provided.

Don't worry about school. Your teachers know that you'll be with me for the rest of the day. We'll finish setting up approximately 3:20 pm, and the farewell party will start tonight at 8:50 pm. Wear your dueling attire because this will be a Dueling Farewell Party.

Tomorrow, we'll also say farewell to Jack and Crow before they leave. Afterwards, you'll resume your classes at 12:00 pm.

Signed,

あかば レいじ

(Akaba Reiji)

[3]- This is another headcanon. Reiji is very punctual, so if anyone is late, then he doesn't take it very lightly.

[4]- Yesterday, after the Sakaki and Hiragi's Date, Yuri called Dennis and told him what happened. Dennis was just as confused because Dennis expected Serena to punch Yuri after the kiss. The kiss didn't seem like Serena's style.

[5]- Yugo's weak because Yuto suddenly knocked the air out of him.