Yusei stretched out as far he could from his spot on the couch, glancing out the window into the backyard to watch all the kids playing. Martha had shifted from running an orphanage in the Satellite to running a daycare instead once Satellite's orphans were pooled into the overall, Neo Domino system. It seemed less stressful to her, but he knew she missed having the kids around all the time.
What warmed his heart now though was watching Judai outside playing right along with them. The excitable brunette had quickly become their favorite person in the entire world shortly after he'd moved in. Judai was always willing to follow along with their games or just help them come up with new scenarios or things to play.
He never quite got their attention. He was too quiet and disinteresting for them he figured. With a shake of his head, he turned back to his computer and the homework he had displayed across the screen, or rather the 20 tabs and several windows he was working with all for one assignment. It was a bit overwhelming, staring at it and then the notebook beside him which detailed everything else he had to get done that day. It almost seemed like he'd never finish.
And that was where he spent his day. Curled up on the couch with his laptop, several papers and a calculator and pencil. He'd started the semester with so many, but now all he had was one from the floor of his engineering classroom. It was actually far nicer than his other ones, so he felt it was a worthy trade. Many of them for only one of this one.
He wasn't sure when he dozed off, only that when he stirred, it was dark out. He groaned and straightened up a bit, surprised to find something slip off his shoulders. It seemed Martha had draped it over him. Glancing over to check the time, all his mind registered in the dark was a light source from the hall and a dark shadow standing over him.
He immediately tried to scramble away from it, unable to even draw breath. He wasn't sure if it was him screaming or something else. His mind only registered that he had to get away from the shadow and that whatever it was, was a threat. It lunged towards him, grabbing his shoulders and this time he heard himself shriek. Yusei shook his head and grabbed the wrists of the shadow, trying to pry them off himself.
"NO! Let me go!" He yelled, thrashing beneath it and trying to kick or punch it away.
"Yusei! Hey, listen! It's me! Knock it off, you're going to hurt yourself!" A distorted voice yelled back.
The shadow let go of him and suddenly light filled the room, blinding him. Yusei cringed and stayed pressed as far into the couch as he could while his eyes adjusted. The dark shape faded away and replaced itself with Judai, and Martha stood in the doorway to the hallway, looking about half as alarmed as Yusei felt.
He looked away from her and focused instead on Judai. The other met his gaze with a calm, serious expression and seemed to be waiting for him to make the first move. Something about seeing the other drop his normal, bubbly demeanor brought Yusei back into his own body when he wasn't even sure when he'd left it.
"J-Judai?" he gasped out.
Judai smiled softly in relief and nodded, "Hey, Yusei, it's okay. Breathe."
It was only when he said that that Yusei became hyper aware of how quickly he was breathing. Each breath was shallow and jagged and it only got worse the more he tried to fix it. He struggled to find a rhythm again, fear still dominating majority of his thoughts. He started to glance around the room and wanted to run, but his visible exits were all blocked.
A hand over his made him jump, and his eyes refocused on it before following the arm back up to Judai. He was still there with that patient, calm look.
"Eyes on me, okay? Breathe with me. You're safe." Judai smiled a little and waited for the other's eyes to lose a little of that panic before he continued. "You're at home, on the couch. You fell asleep working on your assignment, so I brought you your blanket from your room. Martha is here. I'm here. That's it."
Yusei stared at him and nodded, not letting his eyes wander this time. He followed Judai's pattern until he started to feel like himself again. Pieces started to fall into place one at a time as Judai explained them until he could finally breathe again.
"There you go," Judai praised, rubbing his hand with his thumb. "You're okay."
Yusei closed his eyes and took a deep breath before sitting up completely and looking around himself again. The living room didn't look or feel anywhere near as daunting as it had just moments ago. His things were now scattered across the floor from his earlier scrambling, but at least his laptop was still tucked safely up against the back of the couch. He wasn't quite sure when Martha left, but she wasn't in the doorway anymore. It was just him and Judai now.
"Heh, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you like that. I was just trying to bring you a blanket, I swear." Judai confessed, sitting down on the ground now and laughing in relief once he noticed Yusei looking more like himself.
Yusei could feel his cheeks heat up in embarrassment. He was still a little breathless, but he did feel much better. "It's okay. I don't what came over me."
"Is there anything I can get you?" Judai offered, tilting his head a little.
"No, no, I'm okay." Yusei shook his head, starting to reach over to grab his things so he could clean them up when he realized he was tightly holding Judai's hand. He looked to his hand like it wasn't his before letting go and pulling it close to himself. "I-I'm sorry."
Judai himself blushed and drew his hand back, chuckling nervously. "It's fine,"
They both avoided looking at one another, Yusei clearing his throat in attempts to dispel some of the awkward air and Judai trying to help by standing up.
"Both of you look like you could use a cup of tea," Martha spoke up, holding a tray with a pot and three cups.
The tea was gone all too quickly, and Yusei started to doze again in his seat. Martha's lavender blend always helped sooth his nerves and lull him into security.
"Hey, Yusei, don't fall asleep out here again," Judai teased. "I'd hate to accidentally scare you again."
"He's right. Come on." Martha added in, getting up and walking over to him. She brushed back his bangs and rested her hand on his head for a moment. "Off to bed with you."
"Yes, Martha," Yusei hummed, tilting his head up to her hand.
He stood up and went through the motions of getting ready for bed, almost in a zombie state. Judai and Martha shared an amused look and came to a silent agreement.
"I'll make sure he makes it to his bed," Judai assured, laughing softly.
Soon enough, everyone was settled back down and Judai found himself lying in bed, staring at Yusei again. The other had fallen asleep long before his head hit the pillow, and now he was curled up and hugging his pillow tightly. He was still a little ashamed he'd startled Yusei so badly. He was just trying to be nice, but that had backfired. Then there was the way Yusei gripped onto his hand afterward.
'So, are you going to ask him?' Yubel interrupted, sitting at the edge of his bed and looking at him thoughtfully. 'I mean, he is on your mind a lot.'
Ask him what? Yubel. There's nothing to ask him. Judai turned to face the wall instead, forcing himself not to stare at the other. It was probably creepy to watch him while he slept anyway. Even if he was worried about him. He wished he knew what Yusei had seen that had freaked him out so badly. If Haou hadn't taken over when he did, he might have gotten kicked in the face or punched.
Yubel only shook their head and folded their arms. 'There's everything to ask, Judai. For example, what are you both?'
Judai huffed and curled up tighter, trying to ignore the being he shared a soul with, but the more he thought about it, the more he started to wonder. Yusei was on his mind a lot. Okay, a little more than a lot. His heart skipped a beat whenever the other smiled, and he couldn't help trying to make him do it as often as he could. Maybe he was getting too attached because Yusei was practically the only other human he spent time with lately, aside from the kids and Martha of course. But what did the other think about him? Did he think of him?
Judai fell asleep mid-thought, waking up when he heard Yusei moving around the room again. He groaned and lifted his head, opening his eyes slowly. It was bright in the room, so it must have been morning.
"Judai. You're awake. Good." Yusei picked up a bag and started putting papers in it.
Judai sat up and rubbed his eyes, tilting his head at him. "What's up? Are you feeling better than last night?"
Yusei tensed a little and kept his back to him. "I-Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry I reacted like that. I guess my mind was just playing tricks on me."
"Most likely, you were muttering. Maybe you didn't know you were awake yet. It's fine though. Don't worry about it." Judai assured, getting up and going to his bag to get a change of clothes. "What are you up to today?"
"About that. I just have to turn in these papers and then I'm done for the day." He answered, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "I was thinking of visiting the local fair. Jack should be dueling, and I haven't seen him in awhile."
Judai nodded along and smiled, "That sounds pretty cool. Are you going to duel him?"
Yusei shook his head, "No. I took a step off the dueling stage, so I could study. If I duel him, I'll get dragged back in by the annoying media and it already took forever for Carly to help get them off my back before."
"I see. That makes sense." The brunette nodded along, following him out to the kitchen.
He watched Yusei put in two bagels into the toaster, presumably one for himself and then one for him. It seemed he had something on his mind though. He was biting his lip and glaring at the toaster like it offended him.
"Did you want to come with me?"
"Did I- yeah of course!" Judai cried excitedly only to yell when the toaster went off.
Yusei laughed and shook his head, putting the bagels down and spreading cream cheese on them. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Judai laughed, reaching over to pick up one of the bagels only to get his hand smacked. "H-Hey!"
"I never said that was yours," Yusei retorted, raising his eyebrow at him.
"Then…who's it for? You normally only eat one if not only one half." Judai grumbled, folding his arms.
"Martha." He replied bluntly, staring at him as if he was daring him to contradict him before a grin spread across his face. "I'm kidding, here."
Judai pouted at him and begrudgingly took the bagel from him, biting into it before the other could change his mind. "That was mean."
Yusei just continued to smile at him as he ate his.
They set off soon after, Judai holding onto Yusei as he drove them down to the college campus, so he could turn in his papers. Neo Domino University was much smaller than Judai expected. Then again, Duel Academy basically took up an entire island, so anything would be small compared to it.
"So, how are you going to get close to Jack without the media noticing you?" Judai asked as they started heading towards the fairgrounds.
"I have my ways," was the only answer he got. It didn't nod towards much confidence, but then again, Yusei seemed to be pretty adept at getting around without being noticed.
It was bright and sunny at the grounds, but thankfully it wasn't unbearably hot. Yusei parked his bike in the shade a road or two away to keep it out of sight and locked it up.
"Let's get moving," he called, nodding his head towards the grounds.
There were rides all over, and Judai could smell all sorts of different foods. Instead of leading him through the front gates; however, Yusei instead went off to the side towards the back where the dueling arena was.
"Yusei!" An excited voice called, waving happily from the private entrance.
She had long black hair and large glasses, a reporter's badge hanging from a lanyard on her neck. Judai immediately stepped between them, trying to give Yusei a chance to get out of there. They were supposed to be avoiding the media.
"Carly, it's good to see you," Yusei greeted, putting a hand on Judai's shoulder and squeezing just a little as he whispered in his ear. "Carly's a friend."
"Who's your friend?" Carly asked as she got closer, raising an eyebrow at what looked to be a body guard, maybe. "He is a friend, right?"
"Yes, he's a friend, Carly." Yusei assured her, stepping out from behind Judai so he could introduce them. "This is Judai. I met him during the Paradox incident."
She adjusted her glasses and immediately leaned in close to get a better look at him. "Hi! Nice to meet you, I'm Carly!" She offered her hand. "I have so many questions about the Paradox incident. Yusei won't say a word about it."
Judai shook her hand and happily said hello, looking to Yusei at the remark of his silence. He wasn't too surprised the other would keep quiet about something like that. Paradox wasn't exactly an enjoyable topic for him either. Aside from meeting Yusei and seeing his idol again, the entire ordeal was rather stressful and frightening.
"Maybe some other time," Judai offered, shrugging.
"Thank you!" She chimed happily. "Jack's this way. He's a little grumpy you're not dueling, Yusei. He's still complaining about not being the true King because you still beat him last time."
"It's his title, not mine. Even if I did win, I'm no King." Yusei sighed, smiling a little as he started to follow the excitable girl in through the doors.
Judai wasn't sure what he expected from meeting Jack as they walked through the hallways to the prep room, but it certainly wasn't what he got. They stepped into a rather lavish room once Carly had announced their presence, and seated, or rather, lounging in the couch sat a very regal and pompous looking man. He reminded Judai of Manjoume or Bastian…maybe a weird cross between the two.
"Yusei," the blond greeted, and judging from the large A earrings, Judai pieced together that he was Jack Atlas. He stood up and walked over, offering his hand to the raven beside him.
"It's been awhile, Jack," Yusei's entire demeanor had changed. He was rather relaxed and didn't even hesitate to take the hand offered, allowing the other to pull him into a short hug.
"When will you come back?" Jack asked, gesturing out the large window to the massive track bellow. "You know everyone would love a rematch between us, and this time, my deck will destroy you."
Yusei only laughed and shook his head. "You know I left so I could focus on school, Jack."
"Tch, you're just scared you'll lose this time in front of everyone," Jack retorted, folding his arms. He glanced over at the newcomer as though he was just now aware there was someone he didn't know in the room. He almost seemed to be looking down on Judai, narrowing his eyes a bit at him. "Who are you?"
"Jack, this is Judai. He's the one I told you about that's been staying with Martha and I at the house."
Judai rubbed the back of his neck subconsciously as he felt Jack looking him up and down and sizing him up as though he were determining whether or not he was a threat. It was unnerving to say the very least.
"It's nice to meet you, Judai. Yusei's said a lot about you." Jack finally greeted, offering his hand. "I am Jack. The current King."
"Hi," Judai shook his hand as well.
"Jack's the undefeated champion of the dueling circuits here in Neo Domino, so his title is King." Carly filled in. "Well, practically undefeated. Yusei's the only one to have defeated him."
"And this coward has refused to face me ever since," Jack grumbled, frowning at his friend.
Yusei just chuckled and shook his head.
"That's pretty impressive. I've seen a few riding duels on TV before, a few of yours even." Judai admitted, stepping back a little to stand next to Yusei once more. "I have to say, you're pretty good. I really like your deck. It's clear you and it share a pretty good bond. I mean, I could probably beat you easily if Yusei's defeated you, but who knows."
"Judai," Yusei warned, glancing to him with slightly narrowed eyes. He didn't look like he approved of the other's boasting or challenge.
"Beat me?" Jack only laughed and grinned happily. "By all means, I'd love to take you up on that challenge. Why don't we duel. Right here. Right now. Do you have your deck?"
"Always," Judai answered, reaching down to grab it.
"Actually, your match starts in 20 minutes," Carly interjected, walking up and hugging Jack's arm. "You need to get ready."
"I could beat him in 5."
"I'd like to see you try," Judai retorted, excited at the prospect of dueling.
"If Judai and I are going to watch or get seats, we'd need to leave now actually." Yusei countered, shooting Carly a relieved look.
"Exactly," the girl looked up at Jack with a smile until he huffed in defeat and folded his arms again.
"I suppose we'll just have to wait on that," he grumbled.
"Alright, that works for me," Judai agreed. "I'd hate to throw you off your game before your match."
"Good luck," Yusei said, nodding to Jack.
"Like I need it," Jack threw back, though he was smiling again. "Maybe I'll stop by Martha's sometime for that duel."
"I'll be ready," Judai assured, waving before he turned to follow Yusei out the door. "He seems nice."
Yusei chuckled and nodded, "he can be a little much sometimes, but he's a good friend."
"So, how are we going to go get seats and no be seen?" Judai asked, honestly confused why they couldn't just watch from the prep room. It seemed to have a great view of the arena and they might be able to use the tv to get audio up there.
"We're not, but it should be fine from here. We can just slip into the crows of everyone trying to get in, and so long as they don't notice us coming from the prep side of the building, they won't suspect much other than I'm coming to see Jack's match." Yusei explained with a shrug.
It went down just about exactly as Yusei had said, though they did get stopped by a couple reporters who Yusei blatantly ignored and walked around, or through in one case. Riding duels were far more intense to watch in person. Hearing the engines rev and seeing the strange duel runners and the monster holograms in action was exhilarating. Judai also thought it was endearing to feel Yusei shift this way or that when Jack would take turns or mutter potential strategies Jack could use under his breath. Judai's favorite part though was probably watching Jack summon his ace, Red Dragon Archfiend. He could feel the fierce, close bond between him and that particular monster.
"That was incredible," Judai exclaimed shortly after the duel was over. "I can't believe he barely lost any life points."
Yusei nodded, leaning back in his chair to wait for most of the crowds to leave. "Yeah, Jack's pretty good. Still think you can beat him?"
Judai was practically beaming. "My elemental heroes have my back. I'll beat him no problem."
Yusei smiled at him in amusement and stood up. "If you say so. Anyway, let's get going."
"What? But all we did was watch the duel. Don't you want to go explore? Play games? Go on Rides, or eat food?" Judai protested, baffled Yusei would want to leave already.
"Why would I do that?" Yusei asked, tilting his head. "Let the kids enjoy the fair. We're too old anyway."
". . .Yusei Fudo, I can not believe you just said that to me." Judai glared at him, causing the other to step back. "Have you ever even been to a fair before? Like, not just watched the duel, but done anything at one?"
"No," Yusei answered nervously and glanced around himself. Judai knew he was looking for an escape route.
"Oh no you don't," he moved forward quickly and grabbed him firmly by his wrist. "You're coming with me."
"Judai-!" Yusei barely had any time to protest before he was being dragged out of the little stadium and into the crowds and throngs of people milling about and going about their business. Judai took him to the ticket booth and bought them both a long strip of tickets with the money Martha gave him for doing chores and helping with the kids.
"Judai, what are you doing? Why-"
"Nope. I don't want to hear it. You said you had the rest of the day off now that those papers were turned in. We're going to spend it here." Judai insisted, flashing a wide smile as he brought him to a quieter area of the fair. He figured that the other was probably getting pretty overwhelmed with how quickly he was dragging him around, not to mention the large amount of people around them. "I can't believe you've never been to one before. This is going to be great!"
Yusei shook his head and looked around, grateful for a chance to catch his breath. "I'm not sure our definitions of great align." He remarked hesitantly, eyeing everything around him suspiciously. Of course, when he was younger, he and the others would dream of doing something like this, but he'd always assumed fairs and things like that were for younger kids.
Looking around though, he could clearly see he was wrong. Still, it didn't stop him from feeling just a bit self-conscious. He didn't know what to do or where to even start with this. All his childhood what-ifs or dreams were just to get here. Never what to do after.
"Come on, don't sweat it. I think it's time I got to show you something." Judai assured, offering his hand.
Yusei frowned a little at him and seemed to be thinking everything over. Judai really hoped he would agree. Exploring a fair was one of his favorite things to do. They were always a blast and he wanted Yusei to enjoy one, especially since he'd never been before.
It seemed like forever, but finally Yusei's shoulders dropped and Judai knew he'd won.
"Alright," Yusei conceded and accepted his hand, albeit hesitantly. "Where to first?"
Kitana: Finally, the writing gods have blessed me with the ability to finish this chapter. I've been working on it since the semester ended back in the beginning of May.
At least we have a fun fair to look forward to next chapter though, right? I hope I can write that one a little faster than this one now that I have a better idea of where I'm going.
Thanks to all who've read, favorited/followed and left reviews! You guys make my day (especially the reviewers)
See you next chapter!
Favs, follows and reviews greatly appreciated!