Rokutagrl: Decided to make a version with Sho's point of view, only because it doesn't seem complete without it. My computer wasn't working right before or else this would have been up a lot sooner .

(Sho's POV)

...I was supposed to be helping Judai with today's lesson (which we both slept through), but here I am - once again - playing duel monsters.

For perhaps the millionth time just today J's conned me into doing something against my original plans. Not that I'm really angry with him. He's only being my friend and just truly Judai. But I fall for it every time! What's wrong with me!

All right, so I know what's wrong with me. I'm a fool, an idiot, and a worthless dueler - at least my brother and I agree on that, along with most of the school. J hasn't given up on me, though. You'd think my negativity would have brought him down but I'm glad it hasn't.

Judai's the only one who's believed me, probably ever in my entire life. He's refused to give up, too.

I remember, just before the tag team match, how I tried to run away. I thought Judai would be happier without me around and then have some chance of making it. I still can't believe we won! Judai had faith the whole time though, even when I was messing up really badly. I wonder if we had lost (and we came pretty close, too), if Judai would ever talk to me again. Would he be angry or just shove it off like he always seems to do?

I'm so lucky to have someone like Judai around in my life. He's always pushing me to do my best. No matter how many times I screw up he always laughs it off and shows me how to do better and just encourages me.

I mess up a lot, too. Ryou's told me a thousand times.

Judai never gets mad. Not at me, at least. The only time he yells or looses his cool is when I tell him something like that. Then he really lets me have it. I don't understand it, either. He's a lot better off if I wasn't around yet he always came to me, no matter how much of a loser I am. Now being around J is just like breathing - you don't have to think about and you're always dependent on it. Just like how dependent I am on him. I know, it's almost sick.

The time I built that raft to try and get away, Judai did whatever it took to get to me in time. He even jumped a distance that would put an athlete to shame. Unfortunately the raft broke when he landed on it and we both fell into the water. I rally couldn't swim and had to depend on Judai for support (as always) and almost ended up drowning him in the process. J was mad when we emerged, but he never said anything about drowning or suffocation. On the contrary, he lectured me about not believing in myself and having little faith. He was more concerned about my lack of faith than what could have been his death.

I suppose Judai's just like that with everyone, though. I only attract trouble. I can barely standup for myself and I'm always around him. It must annoy him to have to constantly stand up for me, or have to bare me clinging to him. But I just feel safe with J around.

I'm pathetic most of all.

For Almost an entire year I've been secretly in love with my best friend. Alright, so according to Hayato it's not so secret - but I'm pretty sure Judai doesn't know. At least he hasn't said anything about it. Maybe he'll never notice! Then I won't have to embarrass myself. It's not that I like to think Judai would hate me if he knew, but I don't want him to pity me or treat me any differently either. How would anyone react if his or her best friend - of the same gender - just came out and told you they secretly liked you? Especially if said best friend made a habit of hanging off you and hugging after almost every match.

I don't want anything to change between.

For the worst that is.

So here J and I are, still dueling when we should be studying for next week's exam. We only have a couple more classes and knowing us we'll probably be asleep again. I guess this is sort of studying.

I look around for Hayato to ask if he wants to play next (when I lose) only to find he left. It must have been at least a couple minutes ago. Judai jokes that he probably went to the cafeteria for an early dinner and I laugh. It sounds just like something Hayato would do.

We play on for about another hour. By the time we're about to start our rematch duel (for the seventh time), Judai gets that weird grin again. I wonder why he keeps smiling like that. I don't know if it creeps me out a little or if I like it. He's staring at me while getting his deck together again. If I didn't know him that well I'd say this was normal. I know him better than that.

He puts his deck down and blinks at me. He's having some kind of internal conversation. J's famous for 'em. Lately it's not so odd anymore; I've gotten used to him getting lost in thought and sometimes speaking out loud to himself. I don't mind it I guess.

He's still starring.

And starring.

It's really unnerving! Not that I mind it at all, just that I'm starting to squirm a bit. I try to concentrate on my deck instead of his gaze but I can't. My hands are fumbling I swear I dropped one on the floor. I just can't seem to remember to bend down and pick it up. Oh well, it's probably just a spell card or something. Man, now I'm starting to blush. I always blush.

'Don't let him see you blush,' I repeat over and over in my head like a chant. Too bad it only serves to make me blush harder. Finally I have my deck in order ( without that one blasted card I keep forgetting). I put it down on the desk and look up tentatively.

He's still starring. I really like his eyes.

I blink at him as if this is natural and try to say something. "Erm, is t-there s-s-something on my face?" 'Smooth Sho,' I internally kick myself.

His weird grin only gets wider as he shakes his head, "nope!"

I look back down at my deck and fiddle with my hands. Yeah, I like that smile - but it's still a little creepy. My face heats up again and I try to look at him evenly.

"H-hey, Sho?" He asks, and for once in his life he's being the shy one. (Hey, wait! That's my territory!)

"Yeah?" I try. YAY! No stutter!

Again Judai seems to have another internal battle. His eyes move down a second to the side as he continues to think. Finally he sighs, as if giving up to his opponent. He looks at me again and offers a half smile.

"Can I tell you something, Sho?"

"Of course!" I answer quickly. Judai smiles at my enthusiasm which makes me smile back. And then his fades.

"First, though.Can you promise me something?"

I blink, "yeah. What is it?"

Judai's nervous for some reason. It only serves to make me nervous too. I think it's habit now from watching him duel so much. He's my pillar, also. When he falls apart, so do I. Not that I'm all-together in the first place.

"You have to promise me that no matter what I say, you'll still be my friend, alright?" He pleads me with his eyes and lowers his head as if bowing to me. I can't help but blink and loose all thought of concentration. What's so bad that I have to promise-

Oh no. I think I know what it is. I once told Judai I had a crush on Asuka. It was Hayato's fault, too! He told me to tell Judai, but I chickened out. So I said the first thing that came to mind..

So what if that's it? Then maybe he's going to tell me he likes her, too, and to the victor goes the spoil! (If he only he knew.). Or worse. He's going to say he and Asuka talked it out and now their an item! That's so unfair.

I nod my head when I realize Judai's waiting for an answer.

'Please don't say it, please don't say it,' I plead mentally with him. I don't think anyone's listening to me today.

Judai puts his hand on my shoulder almost as a comfort. I can feel my face heat up and my stomach starts to ache, not in that sick way but that weird butterfly feeling. I'm not sure if I'm just nervous or if it's because he's touching my shoulder. Is he trying to comfort me? I can hear it now:

"I'm really sorry Sho. but you see, I ran into Asuka the other day after class. She told me that she liked me and, well, I like her, too, a lot! I know you like her, too, so I just wanted your blessing before anything else."

I could almost whimper it seemed so real. Was I going to lose Judai now? After everything?

Judai gulps and edges a little closer to my chair. I can almost feel my heart thumping. Traitor.

He opens his mouth to say something and only comes out with an 'erm.' Well, at least he's still as intelligent as ever. When nothing else happens I wondered if Judai didn't understand or was waiting for some encouragement. Before I could do or say anything though, Judai stopped me.

My eyes opened wide (well, wider than usual!). I think I squeaked in surprise at the sudden motion until falling silent. It was so weird, different...right...

Judai was kissing me... Not exactly a real kiss, more like two lips pressing against each other. However, it still felt great. The small gestured was enough to make the heat rise to cheeks again and my heart to beat rapidly - more than I ever remember before.

Judai's lips were on mine!

Too soon it was over. I gasped for the air that I had forgotten I needed. I was almost completely breathless. I could feel the small presure from Judai's hand start to leave my shoulder. When I looked up at Judai he seemed ashamed of what he had done, while still trying to shrug it off with a laugh.

"I should really start thinking before I act... " He laughed lightheartedly. Even someone as dense as me could tell he was waiting for some sort of response.

My forefinger and thumb pinched my pale skin in a moment of contemplation; wondering if all of this was a dream. I jumped at the sudden jolt of pain and all but squealed. It hurt! It wasn't a dream! Judai kissed me! Me! I could even taste him still. Cinnamon definitely...it sort of fit in an odd way. J was spirited and strong, just like the taste.

Oh...

I blinked once, then twice. It was suddenly dawning on me... Judai was afraid that I would turn him down... He didn't want to break up our friendship incase I didn't feel the same way.

Oh...

There was a giddy feeling in my chest. Tears pricked my eyes lightly as I tried to keep back a sob. I always cry when I'm happy, Judai even says so. I used to think he'd be annoyed by them but every time something's happened he always tells me to let it out. I still try not to...

" You know, J, " I start slowly, still trying to keep back the tears that were threatening. He looked up at me, both surprised and ashamed. "This changes everything!" And before he had time to react I threw myself over him with a large smile. A few tears fell down my face but I tried to ignore them. I guess I don't know my own strength and we both fell to the wooden floor. I couldn't help but laugh, I was happy. Judai soon followed me as it all slowly crept on him.

"I like you a lot, Sho... " He murmured to me and I could feel the all familiar heat rise at those words.

"I-I like you a lot, too... " I was sure of those words, even if my voice was too weak.

Judai placed an arm around my waist from our spot on the floor and gave me a chaste kiss on the lips, again! I smiled, still fighting a loosing battle with my tears.

" It'sI know you cry when your happy Sho, so it's aright to let it out," he gives me an encouraging smile. I like to think that Judai will always be here for me like this...

But not always on the floor in compromising positions like this one (sometimes, but not always).

And then we heard the door open and the heavy footsteps of our other roommate, Hayato.

" Hey guys, you missed dinner it was -"

Rokutagrl: Wah! So what do you think? Sorry for the horrible romance scene! It was my first guy/guy ;; (I've only done one other but it's hetero for Codename: Kids Next Door under my other penname: Demon Angels). I think it's done .;;.