I Still Love You (CSP AU Version)

by Crimson Priestess of Miracles

Genderbend AU. Estelle ends up in her favorite anime, but finds out the Signers are the opposite gender, meaning her crush Yusei is now a girl named Yusui. She still ends up falling in love with Yusui, but is hesitant to tell her. It gets worse when Akira tells Estelle he loves Yusui. Will Estelle fight for her love or move on by leaving the world? OC/Fem!Yusei, Male!Aki/Fem!Yusei

I got an interesting thought of a Genderbend AU fic with only the Signers switching their gender, and making an alternative version ending of CSP with Estelle still being a female. Would she and Fem!Yusei still end up being together? Let's find out.

The one-shot begins in Estelle's point of view.

XXXXXXXXXX

I got into Yu-Gi-Oh! shortly after I became 18 years old and started watching the season of 5D's with Synchro Monsters. I found the plot very interesting and could relate myself with certain characters. I also couldn't help myself growing a crush on the male protagonist; Fudo Yusei. He had everything I wanted in a man. Of course, he wasn't perfect and had some flaws, but I still liked him.

I started dreaming about him and wondering what kind of impact I would have in his and the Signers' life if I were involved in the anime. Would they accept me and my flaws that were part of my autism?

I collected cards for a couple of years before I came upon a Synchro Monster that caught my heart; Star Eater, the very first Level 11 Synchro Monster. I knew it was the card that was meant to be my ace Synchro, so I added it in my Deck whenever I could.

One day, I was on my way to my work with my Deck tucked in my bag when I suddenly began feeling dizzy. I could tell right away it wasn't one of my usual dizzy spells. It felt like someone had injected a strong dose of anesthesia.

The world began spinning around me, so I had no choice but to sit down on the hard concrete. I rubbed my forehead and took deep breathes while trying to stay awake and not lose consciousness.

"V-Vad är det här…? (W-What is this…?)" I mumbled to myself as the dizziness got worse.

I reached for my bag to open it and grab my phone to call for help, but before I could even touch the zip, I felt a bang in my head that forced me on my back and everything became black.

XXXXXXXXXX

I groaned softly as my consciousness was returning. I felt the headache was gone, so I slowly opened my eyes to be met by a blurry wooden ceiling. Did someone find me and bring them to their house?

I sat up, realizing I was resting on a couch with a blanket covering me. I looked to my left and spotted my glasses resting on a table. I quickly grabbed them and put them on my face before taking in the environment. I was in a small hut that looked worn. Even the different machine parts and computer in a corner looked old.

Even if I didn't know where I was, I couldn't help but feel like the place looked familiar.

I stood up from the couch just as I heard an engine noise from outside. I walked to the door that was covered by a drapery and stepped outside. I froze by the threshold in shock.

The dark tunnel… That red Runner… Those familiar clothes…

No way! It couldn't be!

I was in the universe of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's!

I held back my inward panic and tried to stay calm. This could just be an illusion, but everything I had touched so far felt very real, so… Did I end up being transported to another world, like in those isekai fanfics I read on the Internet?

Then… This meant…the figure who fixed the Duel Runner was Yusei!

But something was different with him. His body looked a little smaller and thinner than usual and his upside-down crab hair was long and straight instead. He had his back turned to me, so I couldn't see his front.

"Umm… Excuse me", I spoke up.

Yusei snapped his head up from the Duel Runner and turned around to face me. My eyes widened in shock now that I saw his face.

This Yusei wasn't a man! He was a girl!

Her eyes were in the same shape as the original Yusei and her facial expressions were also the same.

"Hey", the female Yusei spoke up in a soft voice I never once imagined to hear. "I see you're awake now."

"Y-Yeah…", I nodded, still a little stunned.

The female Yusei stood up from the crate she sat on and walked up to me. When we stood face to face, I realized we were around the same height. I was only a few centimeters taller than her.

"I found you unconscious just outside of this old subway station", the female Yusei explained. "I asked my friends to help me bring you down here. I checked for injuries, but found none, so I suspect you had a seizure."

"Y-Yeah… Thank you for your help", I nodded before I looked to the side and blushed. Even as a female, Yusei had an attractive voice.

"You're welcome", the female Yusei chuckled. "I don't think I've seen around these parts of Satellite before. I'm Fudo Yusui. What's your name?"

"Estelle… Estelle Malmström."

XXXXXXXXXX

After that, our friendship grew and I ended up in the same adventure as in the anime. I quickly figured out that only the Signers had switched their genders, so Jack, Crow, and Leo were females and Aki and Luna were males in this alternative universe.

I became involved because of an unofficial Mark that the Crimson Dragon had blessed me with; the Mark of the Crimson Star. That made me the Crimson Star Priestess whose duty was to aid the Signers when they were in need of help and guidance. There had been close calls, but we made it through and defeated the Dark Signers and Goodwin.

After the Dark Signers Arc, Yusui, Jacklyn (female Jack), Raven (female Crow), and I moved in together in Zora's rented place. Because there was limited space, Yusui and I ended up sharing the largest room with two beds. I thought it was going to be tough living with Jacklyn, since she had the same personality as her male self, but it was actually really nice. The four of us had such a blast living together and we would often laugh and smile.

Throughout the time I was in this universe, Yusui and I had grown close like sisters. She was the first person to accept my autistic side after I told her about some of my difficulties. She said she didn't care about my difficulties because I always tried to do my best. It felt nice to be accepted by someone who really cared for me.

I thought my feelings for Yusui would fade away because of her changed gender, but to my surprise they actually became bigger. I started loving her even though she was a female. I didn't care about the gender. I loved her for her, not just because she was a female version of Yusei.

XXXXXXXXXX

Months had now passed since the last events with the World Racing Grand Prix, the Ark Cradle, and Z-one. New Domino City had changed enormously since the citizens learned what would happen in the future if changes weren't made. Yusui made a big impact with the Fortune program she installed to keep all Ener-D Reactors safe from future meltdowns like Zero Reverse.

The Crimson Dragon had given me some time to think it through if I wanted to stay in this universe or go back home. My deadline was the day when Team 5D's would officially split up and everyone went their own way.

I thought it hard for a long time and I came to a conclusion. I wanted to stay. I felt so alive in this world and wanted to see how far I could go with not just my Dueling skills but also grow as a human being. There were so many possibilities and I wanted to challenge myself.

XXXXXXXXXX

Akira (male Aki) and I became good friends over the course of time and could understand each other because our pasts were extremely similar, except I didn't have psychic powers until I was given the Star Mark in this universe.

Akira said he had something to tell me, so we drove to the shore to talk. We sat on a bench and watched the waves splashing against the beach while seagulls shrieked above us.

"So, what is it you want to tell me, Akira?" I asked softly.

For a brief second, I couldn't help but wonder if he was going to confess to me. He had been acting a little weird lately whenever he visited the garage when both Yusui and I were there.

Akira exhaled deeply as he placed his intertwined hands on his lap. "Estelle… You know I'm leaving soon to study medicine in Germany and become a doctor, right?"

"Yeah", I nodded.

Akira looked up and turned to me, our eyes locking onto each other. "There's someone I'm interested in and I don't think I can leave before I tell her my feelings."

Oh dear, this really was a confession!

"I'm just…a little scared she might not like me in return and our friendship will break if I tell her", Akira said. "I don't want to make things awkward between us. She became a very important person in my life. She saved me from myself and helped me reunite with my parents and accept who I am."

I looked down on my lap as I realized who Akira was talking about. There was only one person who helped him in the way he described it and I had witnessed it.

"Who's the lucky girl…?" I asked, trying to hold back the feelings that were boiling inside me.

Akira took a deep breathe before saying the name. "Yusui."

My heart almost broke at the moment I heard Yusui's name. So, just like in the anime, Yusui and Akira were meant to be with each other. I guess it was destiny and no one could interfere them. Not even myself, even though I had come to love Yusui.

"I see…", I mumbled as I tried to make my throat stop shaking. "Y-You should try and confess."

"Really?" Akira asked.

I turned to him and nodded as I held back my tears. "You never know if your feelings are mutual unless you confess. Who knows… Perhaps you can be in a…long-distance relationship. But if the confession fails, I hope you and Yusui can still be good friends."

Akira looked a little confused, probably at my reaction, before he smiled and grabbed my right hand to give it a soft squeeze. "Thank you, Estelle. It felt so nice to get this off my chest. You're really like the big sister I never had."

A tiny tear ran down my cheek as I smiled to have control over my shaking lips. "I-I'm glad to hear that."

Akira smiled in return before giving me a big hug. I hugged him in return and patted his back. I stayed silent the whole time as my heart clenched harder for each second. It wouldn't be long before the gate opens and my tears would run down non-stop.

We let go of each other before Akira stood up with a determined expression. "I'll do it! I'll confess the night before I leave Japan."

"G-Good luck…", my voice shook. "I promise I won't tell Yusui a single thing."

"Thanks, Estelle!" Akira grinned before he hurried to his Duel Runner. "I've gotta go so I don't get late for cram school! I'll see you later!"

"See ya…", I mumbled as I watched the male Signer drive away.

As soon as he was gone, I removed my glasses and covered my face with my hands before I allowed my tears to escape their prison. My shoulders shook by my sobs as tears soaked my hands and dripped onto my pants.

I wished I could be happy for Yusui and Akira, but my heart protested and said I should be the one with Yusui. I tried to close the lid over my feelings and stop being selfish. I wanted Yusui to be happy, and if she was happy with Akira… Then I didn't want to be in the way.

Perhaps… It would be best to return to my world and ask the Crimson Dragon to erase my memories of the time I had been in this world.

XXXXXXXXXX – Raven's POV

I was busy in the kitchen making dinner for me. I had come home late due to a late shift at Sector Security that was soon going to be renamed New Domino Police Department, and I met a man who wanted to scout me for my Dueling skills. I took his card with me to consider whether I should join or not.

Jacklyn was staying over at Carly's place for the night. I couldn't help but giggle to myself as I imagined the two of them being romantic in bed. No one, not even my foster sisters, knew about it, but I was a huge yuri fan. I liked teasing Jacklyn about her and Carly being more than just friends and she would just decline it with a bright blush.

In all fairness, I hoped Jacklyn would find her happiness, just as I hoped for Yusui and Estelle.

Speaking of, Estelle was really late. It wasn't like her to be out after 8 p.m. The clock was over 9 p.m., and still no signs of her. Yusui got worried and tried contacting the brunette, but the only reply she got was a text that said Estelle was fine and needed to be alone. That had spooked up Yusui, so she left on her Runner to look for the Priestess.

It was as obvious as the daylight that those two were also dancing around each other with their feelings, but no one was brave enough to confess. I was considering acting as Cupid to get those two together.

I heard the engine of a Duel Runner from the garage before it got silent, so I assumed someone had come home. I looked at the stairs as Estelle walked up to the kitchen/living room.

"Hey", I called. "You've been out for a long time. Yusui even went out looking for you."

"I'm sorry…", Estelle mumbled with a hoarse voice.

I quickly noticed her weird behavior. Her face was down, but I could still see her red eyes and dried tears on her cheeks. Had she been crying?

"Are you okay?" I asked in concern.

"Yeah… Just tired…", Estelle walked past me while she removed her glasses to rub her left eye.

"You want anything to eat?" I asked.

"No thanks…", Estelle shook her head before reaching the ladder. "I'm too tired to eat… Good night…"

"Night", I waved hesitantly as the brunette climbed up the ladder to the bedrooms.

Something was definitely not right with her. She seemed too exhausted compared to the other times she had cried for different reasons. And that hollow look in her eyes…

I pushed the fried pan to the side and grabbed my cell phone to call Yusui and let her know Estelle had come home.

XXXXXXXXXX – Yusui's POV

I hurried back to the garage as soon as Raven had called and told me Estelle was back. I drove into the garage and parked my Runner before I got off and removed my helmet. I covered my Runner with a sheet before heading up the stairs to the living room. Raven sat on the couch with a plate of fried vegetables in her hands while watching TV.

"Hey! Welcome home!" Raven greeted as her mouth was stuffed with food.

"Hey", I nodded as I looked around. "Where's Estelle?"

Raven swallowed the food in her mouth before pointing upward with the fork. "Upstairs. I think she went direct to bed. She looked pretty exhausted and didn't even grab something to eat."

I climbed up the ladder and walked to the closed door of my shared bedroom. I slowly opened it to make very little noise in case my crush was sleeping. The window was covered with the curtain, but a little moonlight slipped through and shone upon Estelle's bed where she was sleeping. I walked inside and shut the door softly before walking over to her bed. She had her back turned to me as she slept peacefully.

I sighed softly as I sat down at the edge of the bed and looked at Estelle for a moment. Ever since she came into my life, she had done so much for me. She was there when I got scared to Duel Dark Kalin again and comforted me. She helped me with the Duel Runners and learned things fast that she managed to pinpoint a few errors. She reminded me when I needed to go to bed and not work several nights in a row, and more.

She hadn't just been selfless to me, but to everyone else. She always tried her best to help out, especially when it came to strong emotions like with Akira. I may have saved him from losing himself and the last chance to reunite with his family, but Estelle did the rest to make him to accept himself and have control of his emotions.

Sometime during the events with the Dark Signers, WRGP, and Iliaster, something had grown inside me that expanded each time I was with Estelle. I began seeing her in a different perspective that made me question myself.

One time, I visited Martha to talk about my feelings. It took a lot of courage to admit to myself I loved Estelle. Not as a friend or a sister, but as a girlfriend. I wanted to be in a romantic relationship with her. Thankfully, Martha said she was happy that I was honest with myself and found someone to love. That alone made me cry even more as she accepted my sexuality. It meant a lot to have her support.

I had planned to confess to Estelle after the World Racing Grand Prix, but then Ark Cradle happened and I had been busy with the Fortune program that I didn't have time to be alone with my crush and tell my feelings.

I spotted a tiny tear at the corner of Estelle's eye. I wiped it off softly before gently caressing her cheek with the back of my fingers.

"Estelle… I wish you could tell me what's bothering you…", I whispered. "You rarely tell us…tell me what ails you…"

Another thing I had learned about Estelle was she often kept her worries and problems to herself and rarely asked for help. It reminded me a lot of my old self before I slowly learned to open my heart and ask my friends for help.

I looked around for a second before I leaned over Estelle and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. She moved in her sleep, but she didn't wake up. I moved back and fixed the bed sheet on her before playing a little with her hair. She used to have long hair, but she cut it after the Dark Signers war and now she had let it grown to top of her chest.

"I hope you will tell me tomorrow…"

XXXXXXXXXX

Since that night, Estelle had been very distant. She drove off early in the morning and came home late without telling us where she was. She claimed it was work, but I doubted it was just that. The glow in her eyes had faded and now she was acting so apathetic.

Her old self temporary returned when we had a barbeque with the others. It was then many of us opened up with our plans for the future. Lucia and Lucas told us their parents had decided to move to London, so they were going to leave New Domino City. Akira was going to study in Germany to become a doctor. Raven decided to contact the man who wanted to scout her and bet on a career as a professional Duelist. Jacklyn confessed that she and Carly were in a relationship and they would leave to travel across the globe so she could train and one day reclaim her former title "Queen of Games" with her own efforts and not by someone who staged her career, like what Goodwin did before.

I told everyone I was going to stay and protect New Domino City and the future with the Fortune program. Estelle said she wasn't certain what she wanted to do yet, but hoped to find her answer soon.

Jacklyn suggested that she and I settled the score with one last Turbo Duel at dawn on the day everyone else would leave. I accepted the challenge and made sure to prepare myself for the Duel.

XXXXXXXXXX

The garage felt so empty now that Jacklyn and Raven had moved out. Jacklyn stayed at Carly's place while Raven was at a hotel with their bags and Runners ready for the overseas trip.

It was late and dark outside, but I wanted to finish up working on my Duel Runner to make sure it was good for tomorrow's Turbo Duel. I had very little left to do.

I looked up when I heard Estelle walk down the stairs to the garage. She was fully dressed to head out somewhere and she even had a purse with her. Her eyes looked a little better, but they still seemed lifeless.

"Where are you going, Estelle?" I asked.

"Out", she replied as she removed the sheet of her Duel Runner.

She was going out this late?

Not only that, but she had continually avoided me and I couldn't take it anymore. I dumped the wrench on the floor and quickly wiped my hands clean from the oil before straightening up. I hurried to Estelle as she got onto her Runner and grabbed her right wrist.

"Why have you been avoiding me?" I asked, trying to mask the desperation in my voice. "Did I do something to you? Have I hurt you?"

Estelle looked a little surprised at my actions, since it wasn't my usual behavior to be desperate. "Yusui…"

"If I've hurt you in any way, I'm sorry", I continued as I gently cupped her right hand with both hands. "Just… Can't you tell me what's bothering you? I want to help you because…you're precious to me."

Estelle's eyes widened for a second before she looked down at the dashboard of her Runner. "Okay…"

"Okay?" I repeated.

Estelle took a deep breathe before looking up at me with a sad smile. "I'll tell you everything…when I come back."

"Why not now?" I asked.

Estelle removed her hand from my grip before she put the helmet on and ignited her Duel Runner. "Because…someone is soon coming for you."

"What-"

Estelle drove off without letting me talk to the end. I was surprised by her behavior. And what did she meant that someone was coming for me?

My question was answered when the twin door to the garage opened with the bell making soft noise. I turned around and saw Akira had come.

"Hi, Yusui", he greeted with a soft wave. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Akira…"

XXXXXXXXXX – Estelle's POV

I had texted Akira earlier in the evening to tell him he could go to the garage and confess to Yusui. That was why I left in a hurry and drove to the lookout point on the forest mountain. The view of the lit city was a lovely but sad sight now.

It hurt my heart to leave Yusui after seeing her facial expression. I must have hurt her a lot for being so distant toward her for the last few weeks. Her desperate expression was still vivid in my mind as I looked at the city I now considered my second home.

I sighed deeply and couldn't help but feel tears in my eyes again. At this point, Akira had probably confessed to Yusui and those two were together… Or Akira chickened out as his anime self did.

No. I had spoken to Akira before and encouraged him to spill out the beans for Yusui. He was courageous and wouldn't back off.

I tightened my grip on the railing as a small tear ran down my cheek to the chin before it dripped to the ground. "Yusui… I promised I would tell you the truth, but now… My courage is slipping away. I don't think I can do it…"

My heart clenched in pain as I cried even more by the thoughts of Yusui never giving me her heart. My heart was hers, but hers wasn't mine.

I had enough of heartbreaking. I wanted to leave.

"C-Crimson Dragon…", I mumbled as I wiped off the tears.

"Yes, my Priestess?" the dragon God spoke in my head.

"I wish to return home now… And, please, erase my memories of my friends and the time I've spent in your world."

"Are you sure you wish to do it?"

"I… I think so…", I hesitated.

"That is not the correct answer. I can still sense hesitation within you."

He was right. Why was I being hesitant? Was it because I still had something to tell Yusui, and if I didn't tell her I would carry an invisible grief for the rest of my life?

My heart stopped being in pain as I thought of the whole situation in another point of view. Just what if… What if Yusui felt the same way I felt toward her and she wanted to be in a relationship with me?

I laughed to myself, feeling like a fool. I had been looking at just one point of view that I forgot there were other possible options. Just because something was meant to happen didn't mean it had to go in the original direction.

I had to go back and tell Yusui the truth. I valued her friendship a lot and I couldn't leave without telling her what was in my heart. If she didn't feel the same, then that was okay. At least, I got to tell her my feelings and I could move on without any regrets.

I turned around to head to my Duel Runner when another one braked next to mine. It was Yusui!

"Yusui?" I blinked confusedly as she got off the Runner and removed her helmet. "How did you know I was-"

I didn't get to finish my question when Yusui ran to me and pulled me into a tight hug. I got caught off guard by her sudden move, but relaxed as soon as the shock got over.

"Yusui…?" I mumbled against her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Estelle", Yusui spoke up. "I should've told you sooner how I felt about you."

I blinked confusedly. "Huh…?"

The Signer moved back, but she never let go of my waist. "Estelle… I love you."

My eyes widened in shock as I held back the gasp that got stuck in my throat. "Y-Yusui…"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner", Yusui apologized with a sad expression. "I was scared you wouldn't feel the same because we're both girls and be disgusted with me. I highly value our friendship, but I've wanted more with you. I accept it if you don't feel the same. I just…needed to get this out of my chest, especially after Akira confessed to me."

"He did…?" I mumbled softly.

Yusui nodded as she tightened her arms around my waist. "I felt honored to hear his confession, but I couldn't return his feelings because my heart already belonged to someone else…to you. He said he had a feeling about it, but accepted my choice. He was still happy that he got his feelings out of his chest and encouraged me to go find you and tell you before it was too late. I'm glad I listened to his advice."

I was in disbelief for a moment. Yusui rejected Akira because she…she loved me? So, was it possible for me to really be with her?

I looked down on her collarbone for a second before looking up with a teary smile. "Yusui… I love you too", I confessed. "I have for a long time, but I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same and treat me differently if I came out as bi."

Yusui's eyes softened before she caressed my left cheek. "Is that why you've been acting so distant and avoided me?"

"Yes…", I nodded. "Akira told me he was going to confess and that saddened me. I tried thinking it was the best for you two and move on, but it was hard to let go of my feelings. I didn't think I would be able to watch you and Akira being happy together, so I… I was going to ask the Crimson Dragon to send me back home and erase my memories of you all."

"What?!" Yusui exclaimed in shock.

"But I changed my mind", I continued. "I only saw one way of the situation that I forgot there were other options and outcomes if I were to confess. I was just about to head back to the garage and pour out my feelings to you when you showed up. I'm glad you did."

Yusui smiled as tears accumulated in her eyes. "Me too…" She leant a little close to my face so our noses were bumping each other. "So… Will you stay and protect the future with me, my Shining Star…?"

"Yes… My beloved Shooting Star…", I nodded with a happy smile before I shut my eyes and closed the gap between us.

We poured our powerful feelings into this one kiss as we embraced each other. Our grips on each other felt so strong that we didn't want to let go, fearing that we would fade away if we did.

I was prepared that we would face problems and discrimination with our relationship and maybe have some friends turn their backs on us, but I wasn't scared anymore. I would face the world head on with my lover and never let go of her.

XXXXXXXXXX

I randomly came up with Fem!Yusei's name and decided to look it up on Google Translation to see if Yusui actually means something. It says "yusui" in Japanese means "oil water". I was like "Wow, it actually fits since Yusei works with Runners and he would obviously be stained by the oil." xD