Aki yawned and stretched in her bed, trying to ignore the sun shining in through the window. She knew she had a lot to do today, but she was doing her best to sleep as much as possible. She had a lot going on.

Despite her desire to sleep, she got up from her bed and went to the bathroom. She took a quick shower and made sure she washed herself thoroughly. This was going to be a long day, after all. Getting out, she dried herself off and grabbed her brush, Brushing her hair down. It had grown in the past year, now reaching her shoulders again. That being said, her bangs were still long. It was her signature.

It had been a whole year since she'd moved back from Germany, and a year since Aki had faced Sayer for the first time. In the time since a lot had changed, which was the problem with today.

Getting her hair under control, Aki got out and went back to he room, throwing on a pair of jeans and a black shirt. She then went back down to the living room.

"Morning Luna," she said to her younger roommate. The green-haired girl smiled as she saw her.

"Good Morning," she said, "ready for today?"

"No," she replied. "I can only imagine how insane this is going to get. Not to mention I have stops to make."

Since she had returned to Neo Domino, Luna had joined her to study at Neo Domino University nearby, like she'd wanted too. Aki didn't ask her for rent or anything, but Luna still contributed by buying groceries and cooking a lot. It was a big help for her, considering she spent a lot of time working at the hospital. And after all the events recently, her help was even more appreciated.

"What time did Carly want us at the venue, again?" She asked absentmindedly as she dug in the fridge for a bagel.

"Before noon," Luna replied from the couch, "she wants to make sure everything is perfect, which well be a lot given who's getting married." Aki snorted. Wasn't that the truth.

After the events with Sayer a year ago, Jack announced his plan to move his permanent residence back to Neo Domino. Of course, that wasn't everything. A few weeks after that, Carly had spilled the secret to her that Jack had proposed to her. Aki was been caught off guard by that, given that she'd thought Jack wasn't the type to settle down. Still, she was happy for her friends. Since then the reporter had been a whirlwind of activity, making sure everything was perfect for her big day. Aki and Luna had been swept up in the mission, having been told they were to be bridesmaids. Neither objected to this, but it was Carly's desire to have them present for everything that tired them out. Aki had work and Luna had school, meaning that if they were ever present if was either on their days off, or after a long day. Aki couldn't wish for this ordeal to be over. She could only imagine how Yusei, Crow and Kiryu were being treated.

"Are you going to The Facility today?" Luna asked. Aki nodded as the toaster threw her bagel back up, nicely toasted.

"Yeah," she said. "I've got some time, so I figured I'd make the most of it. I owe him some time for last month when I was too busy."

"Don't be long, Carly will throw a fit if everything's not in position by lunchtime."

"I know, I know. Tell Bridezilla I'll be there."


Aki veered The Bloody Kiss into the parking lot of The Facility, taking her helmet off to breathe in the fresh air as she parked. This was going to have to be a short visit, but she owed him one since she'd missed the month prior to this. After all, a deal was a deal.

Walking inside and informing the officer at the desk why she was here, Aki leaned against the desk and waited for clearance. She pulled her phone out and played with it while she waited, getting a notification.

Yusei: I cannot wait for this wedding to be over.

She smirked to herself at the text message, opening her messages to reply.

Aki: Jack causing you that much trouble?

Yusei: You have no idea. We had to stop him buying a cape.

Aki laughed at this.

Aki: A cape?!

Yusei: Yeah. That was a battle and a half. Then he shows up with one anyway. We're fighting him over it right now.

Aki: That sounds accurate.

Yusei: You going to make it on time?

Yusei knew that she was stopping at The Facility today. It just so happened that the only time she had open this month was the day of the wedding. It would be a close call, but she just didn't have time until next month if she didn't come today.

Aki: Yeah, I'll make it quick. Keep my seat open.

Yusei: You are my date, of course I will.

"Ms. Izayoi," the officer said, "you've been cleared, he's waiting for you." Pocketing her phone, Aki walked to the elevator. She pressed the button for the fourth floor beneath them, and waited as she was taken to her destination. She'd memorised where they put the pair of them since this deal had started, so she didn't need to be taken there by an officer.

Once the elevator door opened, Aki walked through it and halfway down the hallway to the door she wanted. Not wasting any time, She walked through it and closed the door.

"Aki!" Sayer greeted, giving her a smile, "it's good to see you." She offered him a smile back. Sayer had not changed much psychically since he'd been locked up again. The Facility kept his hair short, and he always wore the same bright orange jumpsuit of a prisoner. The only thing that seemed different these days was his somewhat genuine smile.

"You too," she said, "Sorry I missed last month. I've been busy."

"I understand," he replied. "Working at the hospital must be difficult." Aki nodded along as she sat across from him.

"We'll have to be quick today as well," she said, "Jack and Carly are getting married today."

"Ah yes, Ushio mentioned that at some point," Sayer replied. "I assume he's already on his way there? I haven't seen him today." Aki nodded at this. She knew that both Ushio and Mikage had been invited, so they'd be on their way at that moment. She was the only one foolish enough to be here. "You'll be happy to know I've closed several more cases related to the Arcadia Movement."

"Really?" Aki asked, Sayer nodding. "I'm glad. Otherwise I wouldn't be here." Sayer chuckled.

"I know," he said, reaching beneath the desk. Aki watched as he pulled out a deck of Duel Monsters cards. "Care for a quick game?" He asked, "I know you brought your deck." Aki smiled and nodded, reaching down to her belt where she'd kept her desk 'holstered'.

"Sure," she said. "Why not?"


"I use Bloody Rose Dragon to attack for game," Aki said. Sayer growled in frustration and leaned back in his seat.

"What's the score now?" He asked.

"Twenty wins for me, ten for you," she answered. That was the amount of duels she'd had with Sayer since she started visiting him. He'd managed to squeak out ten wins from her, but for the most part she outclassed him when it came to duelling. Sayer was allowed to use his normal deck, but he was obviously under heavy surveillance to make sure he didn't try and bring any monsters to life.

"Do we have time for another?" He asked, "it'll be boring without a visit from you for a while." Aki hummed in thought as she pulled her phone out and checked curiously.

"No, we don't," she answered. "I have to get going. If I'm any later Carly with have a panic attack." Sayer let out a weak laugh. It was a nice sound.

"I understand," he said, leaning back. "You have commitments." Aki nodded along as she shuffled her cards back together and put them away.

"I do," she said, "but I have to make sure I keep my end of the bargain for this commitment, too." Sayer nodded quietly as she put her deck away, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I, uh," he started, "I appreciate that you've kept coming to visit me. It gets lonely in here." Aki watched him quietly for a moment before smiling.

"You're welcome," she said. "As long as you keep your end of the bargain, I'll keep coming."

"I know. I intent to do that." Aki watched him for a moment, wondering whether or not she should say something.

"It's easier to visit now that you've changed so much," she said. Sayer raised an eyebrow at her.

"What do you mean?" He asked. Aki smiled at him.

"You're not as angry anymore," she said. "Your attitude has changed since you got put back in here. It's nice." Sayer regarded her quietly for a moment, playing with his fingers.

"It's...nice," he said, "having someone to talk to. I suppose I had nearly forgotten."

"Well, it's nice to see you've remembered," she said. "I do need to get going, though." Standing from her seat, Aki made for the door. "I'll be sure to make it next month, okay? keep doing good work.

"Aki?" Sayer had called her before she left, so she stood by the door and turned to look at him.

"Yes?" She asked. She could tell he seemed conflicted about something, but he still opened his mouth to speak.

"I know we've been over this," he said, "but I simply must ask again. Why do you keep your end of the bargain? Why do you come here?" Aki blinked a few times in confusion, frowning.

"I promised you I would," she said.

"Yes, but I've hurt you in so many ways," he said. "I've done so many horrible things. I don't deserve the time you take out of your day to see me, so why? Why do you do it?"

"Are you asking why I haven't abandoned you?" Aki inquired, seeing him flinch.

"I wouldn't frame it that way," he said, "but I suppose it's the same thing. I deserve to be left to rot, and yet you don't let me anyway. Why?" Aki smiled at him softly.

"It's nice that you can admit as much without shouting at me," she said. He scoffed.

"The quack they have visiting must be wearing off on me." He excused. She nodded along with a smirk.

"I haven't left you to rot because you're holding up your end of the bargain," she said. "Not to be rude, Sayer, but I'm not exactly here because I really want to be, you know? I'm here because you're making the steps necessary to change. So long as you do that, I'll visit." He didn't seem satisfied with this answer, but he nodded along anyway and looked down at his lap.

"Will you keep visiting if I solve all those cases?" He asked.

"I said I would," she replied.

"I see." He was quiet for a moment, then, "I don't think you should." Aki made a face at this, slowly shutting the door again.

"Why?" She asked, "I thought you said it was nice having someone to talk to."

"It is," he said, still not looking at her, "but, I don't want you to waste so many hours of your life down here with me. I don't deserve that. Once I solve all the cases, I think you should stay away from here. From me."

Aki stared at Sayer in shock for a few seconds, struggling to comprehend what he was saying. Finally, another smile spread over her face.

"I knew it," she said, making him look up. "I knew I was right."

"Right about what?" He asked.

"That 'Divine' was a mask," she said. "That it was how you defended yourself. Now that it's been ripped away and you've been left bare, you're a much nicer person." Sayer scoffed.

"You sound like the quack," he said defensively.

"Well, I did take some courses in mental health in university," she said. "Tell your 'quack' next time they visit that you made this stride. Did they advise it?" Sayer looked uncomfortable, but nodded.

"I told them I felt that way," he said, "and they told me that it was me developing empathy. That I didn't want you to hurt anymore. And she said I should say that whenever I see you next." Aki giggled at his uncomfortable excuses.

"Well, you can tell her that I appreciate the gesture," she said, "but I'll be coming for as long as you'll have me." He went quiet again, examining her carefully. Finally, he sighed.

"I was worried you'd agree with me," he said. "The Doctor said that was normal."

"It is," she reassured, "but really, Sayer, I must get going. I'm going to be late."

"Of course, of course," he said. "Give Carly and Jack my well wishes. Well, maybe don't do that...But if you could work it into conversation..." Aki laughed as his uncertainty.

"I'll make sure I bring it up," she said, "I'll see you, Sayer." He smiled back at her. A genuine one.

"I'll see you, Aki."


After visiting Sayer, Aki revved The Bloody Kiss and sped towards the venue of the wedding.

That 'venue' being the Poppo Time garage.

Aki could hardly believe it when she heard that Jack and Carly had both agreed to hold the ceremony in the little square by the garage. She'd expected Jack to want everyone to fly out to England and have it in a medieval castle, befitting a 'King'. Suddenly it became more obvious to her how much the blonde had mellowed out over the years. He was still a boisterous prick, but he was easier to deal with now.

After getting there, Aki sped to the landlords apartment, found Luna, and quickly changed into her dress. Carly had said she wanted a colourful wedding, saying every one should look their best. Aki had gotten to wear a maroon coloured close-fitting dress, which matched her hair perfectly. She spared a thought to be glad she managed to fit in it still, and made to leave the building. She had only gotten to the door when she was stopped by running into her date.

"Where's the fire?" Yusei asked as he saw her speeding down the steps. He was dressed in a typical tuxedo, and Aki noted right away his tie was yellow, the same colour as the marks on his face from The Facility.

"Well," she said as she joined him, "don't you look dashing!" She reached forward and adjusted his tie for him, putting them in close proximity to each other.

"And you're looking beautiful as always," he noted. Aki smirked.

"Careful Romeo, you might sweep me off my fight," she said as she pulled the tie straight.

"Maybe that's the idea," he said. Aki felt his hands grip her hips, making her giggle. "This dress is a little too tight of my liking."

"Is it driving you mad?" She asked in a husky tone. He snorted.

"Perhaps," he said. "Will you be joining me tonight?"

"Why wouldn't I?" She asked back, sneaking even closer to him. "I'm sure Luna can spend the night on her own." He chuckled at this, pulling her closer to kiss her. Aki relished in the show of affection, as she hadn't had a lot of time to see him recently.

Since Sayer's arrest a year ago, Aki had finally gotten her wish. She and Yusei were in a relationship, one exactly as she imagined it would be. Gone was any teenage anxiety about affection or performance. They simply loved on other as they did before, only more intensely. She wouldn't replace him for anyone or thing.

"How did it go with Sayer?" Yusei asked as they pulled away. Aki shrugged at this.

"Good," she replied. "We played a game of Duel Monsters, he told me he was working hard on identifying more cold cases. It went well." Yusei nodded along, smiling.

"I'm proud of you," he said, making her head buzz. "Not a lot of people could find the strength to do what you're doing. You're incredibly resilient."

"Well," she replied with a smirk, "I had a good teacher." He chuckled at this before kissing her again, this one going deeper than the one before. Aki could feel her heartbeat begin to quicken as her hunger did.

"Careful you too," she heard someone say, "or else the talk of the day won't be about the wedding." Aki pulled away from Yusei to see Crow leaning up against the doorway, chewing on an apple as he watched them.

"Were you just going to stand there and watch?" Aki asked suspiciously. Crow nodded as he took a bite.

"I figured I'd need to pull you two off one another," he said, "or the wedding might be interrupted by moaning." Aki rolled her eyes, but she was used to the teasing. Every one on the team took every chance they got to tease the pair open their relationship.

"If you're jealous Crow, just say so," Aki replied as he pulled Yusei close dramatically, "we'll consider letting you watch."

"Gross," Crow replied as Aki laughed. Crow had the same coloured tie as Yusei, and Aki spared a thought to wonder if Jack had chosen a colour to match their markings on purpose. She also noted it's crookedness.

"Did you two ever tie a tie before?" She demanded as she walked over to the redhead, straightening it for him. "I mean honestly, you both look like a toddler did it."

"Well why would I do it myself when I can make you do it?" Crow asked, poking her teasingly. She bent his hand back gently with her powers, but Crow acted as though she was strangling him. "Ow! I give, I give!"

"Baby," she remarked, "shall I pull your ear as well?"

"Only if I get a juice box for behaving during the wedding," he replied. The trio shared a laugh, and Aki relished in it. The team had spent much more time in the city over the last year, and she'd loved every second of it. If they could only get Crow and Leo to have a place here, they'd all be together again.

"How's your best man speech going?" She asked Yusei as the conversation shifted, "you haven't shown me yet."

"It's a surprise," he replied.

"That's code for crap," Crow translated. "He's just embarrassed that it sucks."

"It doesn't suck," Yusei said confidently, "Crow just really wants to get spoiled on it."

"Of course I do!" Crow replied, "come on, I've earned it as a best man, don't you think?"

"It's good," Yusei said, ignoring him. "I think it'll be good, anyway."

"It'd be better if you had editors," Crow mumbled like an irritated child. "But you're keeping it so close to your chest, you'd think it was Stardust."

"Well that's been stolen before too, so..." Aki said, shrugging. This made Yusei chuckle.

"It'll be fine," he said. "I just can't wait for this to be over and Jack to get out of our hair."

"Has he been that bad?" Aki asked as Yusei wrapped an arm around her, and she leaned into him.

"Did Yusei mention the cape?" Crow asked.

"He did."

"Then you've good a idea," he said. "I knew he was dramatic, but good God..."

"We talked him out of a marching band too," Yusei said.

"Excuse me?" Aki asked. Neither corrected it. "A marching band?"

"You heard right," Crow said. "It's been a mess. He even wanted one of us to officiate!" Aki laughed in disbelief.

"You should have gone for it, Crow,"she told him. "You'd look fantastic dressed like a priest with that hair!"

"Right?" The redhead asked, "I couldn't believe he thought we'd do that. We'd look ridiculous."

"Thank God Carly's been tame by comparison then," Aki said. "She just wants everything to be perfect."

"Let's hope it is, or we'll never hear the end of it." Crow replied. The trio were interrupted as the front door opened, revealing Luna standing there.

"There you guys are," she said. "It's about to start, let's go!"


Aki soon found herself standing at the front on a gathering of people alongside Luna and Misty, who had also been invited to be a bridesmaid. Aki learned in their brief conversation before the ceremony that Carly frequently covered Misty's newest modelling gigs, so they had become friends.

"I heard Divine broke out of prison last year," Misty said under her breath as people filed to their seats.

"Yeah," Aki replied, "that was a lot to go through."

"I saw the footage of you fighting him," Misty replied, smiling at her. "You reminded me of the old days."

"Giant Duel Monsters do seem to be a little bit frequent in this city," Aki replied.

"Where is he now?" Misty asked, "locked up 'forever' again?" Aki nodded absentmindedly.

"He's helping close Arcadia cold cases, actually," she said. Misty gave her a look of surprise.

"Really?" She asked, Aki nodding. "That's surprising. I thought him the type to go to the grave with that information."

"If he was the same man we was before, I'd agree with you," she said. Misty gave her a curious look, but they spoke no further as the last of the attendees got into their seats. Aki spared a look across the hall towards Jack and his best men, smiling at how good they all looked together. Kiryu had joined Yusei and Crow as Jack's groomsmen, the same yellow tie as them. It had to be a joke, mocking their Facility markings. As for Jack, he wore the same dark suit as his friends, but with a blue tie instead. It reminded her of the highlights of his old coat. She also spared a thought to wonder if a cape would look good, and decided it would, if a bit extra.

Her attention was drawn to the back of the congregation, where Carly was standing with her father. Her veil was down, obviously, but Aki could tell she looked her best. She put on her best smile as her friend was walked down the aisle towards them, shared a brief loving hug with her father, before being 'handed' off to Jack and standing next to him. Aki turned with everyone else towards the Minister, who was standing ready.

"Good day everyone," he said, "we are gathered here today, on this lovely afternoon, to witness the marriage between Jack Atlas, and Carly Carmine. A union born of change, and of true love." He gestured to them both in turn, and then brought his hands together.

"Love," he said, "is a powerful force. It is the source of so much change in our world. Their are those all across the world who change for the better in order to chase love and find it for themselves. And who better, I ask, to show this then these two gathered before us? Jack Atlas, the man who thought he had it all, and Carly Carmine, the woman struggling to reach her goals?"

"It was love, you see, that instigated the changes we have witnessed over these years. Love, and a drive to improve for your family, is what has brought us together on this day. It is love that gives us our empathy, our strength, our life. Without love, without standing by those who matter most to you, why, what is life worth at all? The love of those you hold dear if a warmth akin to nothing else in this world, and you must cherish it always."

As the minister spoke, Aki felt her eyes gravitate over to Yusei. He seemed to catch her staring, and met her gaze. He smiled at her, which set her heart ablaze. They held each others eyes for a fair amount of time, but Aki eventually tore herself away, fearing she would rush him and ruin the ceremony. It could wait until later.

"I now ask Yusei Fudo to join me before you," The Minster said, "as he will give a reading for the couple." Aki watched him move from the line of groomsmen and stand before everyone, his hands connected at his waist.

"I won't take up too much of our time," Yusei said, "as I know we've got a lot to celebrate. But, it would not be appropriate to let this celebration of love go without mentioning how much Carly means to Jack. The Minister put it best when he said that he had become a better man because of her. That with her influence, he has grown from a boy into a real man."

Yusei looked directly at her as he spoke next, setting her veins on fire.

"His love for her has let him do great things," he said, "and I hope, one day, we all get to experience such life-changing bonds. I know I have." His gaze shifted away from her quickly, so no one but her noticed, but it was enough to ruffle her feathers a little. "This day belongs to them, and I hope they enjoy the start of their life together." Yusei stepped away, winking at her. She tried to ignore him as The Minister came forward again.

"I have been told the newlyweds have written their own vows," he said, "Jack Atlas, would you like to start us off?"

Aki listened as the pair recited their vows, trying to hold back a laugh when Jack made references to Carly being his Queen. It was corny, but it was somehow all Jack. Carly's were much tamer by comparison, which she had already heard when the reporter was rehearsing them. After this, on his cue, Leo came forward with the rings and handed one to Jack, and one to Carly. Jack grabbed his arm and shook it, a smile on his face. Leo gave it back and clapped him on the back as he walked away, taking his position a little further away. Jack and Carly put their rings on each other, keeping their hands locked together.

"I know announce the two of you to be wed!" The Minister shouted, "you may kiss the bride!" Jack flipped her veil up and kissed her immediately, resulting in a cheer from the crowd. Aki couldn't help but smirk when she saw passion get snubbed by them both, knowing they were in public. She clapped along with everyone else, happy for her friends union.

"New we feast!" Jack shouted, raising his hand, "and celebrate until we collapse!"


The party for the wedding was so much fun. Aki spent her time alternating between eating the delicious food prepared by professional chefs, dancing with Carly, the twins, and Misty.

During the dinner, Yusei stood up and gave his best man speech, which garnered laughs as he ragged on Jack's pride and told everyone that Jack had a history of stealing things, his Stardust Dragon, woman's hearts, among other things. He warned Carly to keep her hands on him tight lest he fly off somewhere again, but segued by saying that Jack was his closest friend and a brother, wishing him well and saying he hoped the first kid was named after him. Jack turned him down loudly, earning more laughs from the guests.

Leo told her at some point he was interested in finding an apartment for when he stayed in the city, which was exciting. This led Jack to demand if Leo would be entering the Eastern Duel scene, which led Leo to taunt him and as if he was scared. That went about as well as expected, with Leo fleeing the groom with a laugh.

Aki also found out at some point during the night that Crow had also been interested in having a permanent home in the city, as he wanted to settle back down eventually. This now meant that everyone was thinking of being in the city again. Even if they'd still be separated a little, things were certainly looking exciting. Almost perfect.

Sitting down and taking a deep breath, Aki chugged down the rest of her wine and exhaled loudly. This was certainly an excellent party. The only problem was that, after dancing with him a little, she'd lost track of Yusei. She scanned for him from her seat, but she didn't see him. She saw Leo pushing through the crowd near him, so she figured she'd ask.

"Leo!" she called to him, making him look over. "Have you see Yusei? I lost track of him."

"I think I saw him going towards the garage," Leo replied. "He's probably over there." Nodding and thanking him, Aki got up from her seat and navigated through the crowd, leaving the square and heading towards the garage. She opened the door to it and peered down the stairs, finding exactly who she was looking for.

Yusei was standing in the middle of the garage, his hands in his pockets.

"Knock knock," she said, making him look up at her in surprise.

"Aki," he said, "hey."

"What're you doing over here by yourself?" She asked, "everyone's looking for you."

"I just wanted to get away from the crowd for a bit," he said, "so I ended up here."

"Huh," Aki said as she walked down the stairs, joining him on the ground floor. "Feels like it's been forever since we were in here, huh?"

"It has been," he agreed. "Do you remember the last time we were here?"

Aki remembered.

"Yusei, I lo-!"

The last time she and Yusei had been alone in the garage was when she'd refused to admit her feelings for him. Just before they'd gone their separate ways for a decade.

"I do," she said. "It was when we put whatever we have on pause for ten years." Yusei snorted.

"That it was," he said. "Feels like forever ago now."

"It does," Aki agreed. There was a comfortable silence between them, the pair just relishing in each others presence. "Leo and Crow are looking for apartments to rent when they stay here."

"Are they?" Yusei asked, "that's nice to hear."

"Yep," she said. "We'll all be together again." This made him chuckle.

"Yeah," he said. "Together again." There was another silence. "We haven't been all together for more than a weekend in...I don't know how long."

"Too long," she said. "The Minister put it best. Being with the people you love is a warmth like no other."

"I agree with that," he said. "Chasing your dreams only goes so far when you don't share it with the people you love." Aki nodded along, agreeing completely.

"Do your psychic powers still work?" She asked him curiously. He reached out his hand and flicked his fingers. Aki watched an abandoned wrench scoot across the floor.

"It's weak compared to yours," he told her. "No adverse side effects as far as I can tell."

"That's good," she replied. "I was worried the Neuronic Impression would alter your brain state badly."

"Couldn't be that bad," he said. "It would've been nice, I think."

"How so?" She asked curiously.

"I'd have understood you better," he said, giving her a smile that melted her. "I'd never turn down that offer. Besides, it would be so bad, having a constant 'impression' of you with me." He gave her a knowing look, making her stomach churn happily.

"Well you don't need my power for that," she replied. "I'm here with you now, aren't I?" Yusei nodded and turned to face her, grabbing a hold of her waist. Lord, how she relished the feeling of his hands on her. She wrapped her hands around his neck, gazing into his eyes.

"You know," he said in a low voice, "maybe we should start this new story how it ended before."

"You think?" He asked, "that's mighty romantic of you."

"Love changes a person," he replied. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"I would," she said.

Another silence fell between them, this one charged with lust. Aki knew what she wanted to say, but she wanted to keep staring into his eyes first. They had all the time in the world. She wouldn't trade this for anything.

"Yusei?" She asked quietly.

"Hm?" he hummed, still staring at her. She gave him a little smile, pouring as much conviction as he could into her voice.

"I love you."

He didn't need to reply. She knew the answer.

She'd barely said the words when he pressed forward and kissed her, and she melted into his arms. The last thing she wanted was for anything to separate her from him in that moment. The world could've ended, and it would've been fine with her. The kiss deepened, and Aki knew this was getting dangerous, because she could feel the desire welling up in her stomach. She pushed herself off of him, taking a deep breath.

"We should go back to the party," she said breathlessly. "Or else someone will come looking."

"Right," Yusei agreed, voice hoarse. "Right, of course." She smirked at his clear irritation, reaching forward and straightening his tie again.

"Don't mope," she said, "we'll have all the time in the world when the celebration is over." He watched her hungrily, nodding.

"I know," he said. "But you're right. Let's go keep up appearances." He took her hand in his and together they left the garage, this time together. Aki couldn't help but recall how she'd left alone last time, ten years ago. Her eighteen year-old self would've never been able to guess all that had happened since, but honestly she wouldn't trade the last year for anything. She squeezed Yusei's hand, and he replied by squeezing her back.

It was perfect.


Sayer sat in his cell quietly, twiddling his thumbs. His visit with Aki had been fun today, and he appreciated that she had said she would still come to visit him once he closed every case.

But she was not his only meeting today.

Long after dinner, Sayer looked up as his cell was opened, and Jaeger walked in.

"Mr. Mayor," Sayer greeted him. The little clown man had avoided coming to see him since Sayer had used him to get to Yusei, but that was to be expected. As for Jaeger now, he looked uncomfortable, but Sayer knew he was here to deliver news he had been expecting.

"Sayer," Jaeger said after clearing his throat, "how are you feeling?"

"Good," he replied, "I assume you come bearing news relevant to me?"

"I do," Jaeger said. He paused, but soon took a deep breathe. "I just wanted you to know I got an advance notice regarding your inquiry."

"And?" He asked. He'd made an inquiry to the courts about his situation a few weeks earlier, as he'd been curious about something. Jaeger made a face at him, but continued.

"They say you'll most likely be executed once you close every file," he said. "You're too dangerous to be left alive."

Sayer watched the little man quietly for a moment, his expression vacant. After a few seconds, he chuckled and nodded.

"Thank you, Jaeger," he said. "That's just perfect."

Thank you all for joining me for this story! It's a bit open ended, but that's the way I want it. You can interpret that any way you want. I sincerely hope you enjoyed, please consider leaving me a review, or checking out my other work! See ya!