Okay so this chapter didn't go as planned but screw it. Tumblr has consumed my life and it sucks. Also college essays. I still haven't started those...
I don't own Yugioh 5ds.
"Remind me again why I'm ferrying you around?"Jack grumbled from the driver's seat. Yusei sat next to him typing an address down on his phone. "Last I checked I wasn't your personal driver."
"Never said you were Jack."Yusei was slightly flustered. "I needed a driver and Bruno's at Crow's place. Oh yeah, we have to go pick him up so lets head there after this stop."
Jack would be lying if he said he was particularly upset. In fact he was pleased. His heart was beating quickly which pissed him off. His irritation had mixed with his pleasure making a tight knotted ball in his sternum. God, Yusei was sitting right next to him. And in a good mood too! Internally he vowed to keep it that way until he registered Yusei's words.
Bruno?
The ball plummeted slightly.
The rounded a bend and drove onto the wide expanse of a highway. Below the highway were streets just opening up their shops. The sun had risen a mere 2 hours ago.
"You couldn't have picked a better time? Unlike you I actually sleep."
Yusei shrugged "You get the best deals early in the day."
"No you don't. Stores tend to be a little more lenient when its closing time."
"Not this place. In fact, this is their closing time. Has Fredrick never taken you here? Or any of your other mechanics?"
Jack shook his head.
"Hmm. Strange. Well you'll see. This is the only shop that lets people with brands purchase things. I had to have a few parts of Crow's runner custom made. As long as I provide something in return, I get them from here."
"I think I heard Kira talking about a place like that. Open all night, closed all day. Or perhaps it was Noah. Whatever, they all sound the same to me at least."
"You mean when you were with Tanner?" Yusei asked quietly.
Jack hadn't told anyone else about the attempt on the Senator's life. After the meeting they had gone to the police station. After giving a brief statement they returned with a myriad of security officers flanking them. Jack was detained and questioned for hours, voluntarily might he add. He wanted to be of use, if he could. "Yeah. Noah was another one of his little gang. And I guess you already know Kira from Crow."
"Actually I met her brother in the Facility. If she's as bad as him, I see why you left."
Jack nearly did a double take. Yusei usually didn't talk about his time at the Facility and hadn't mentioned it since that night in the garage.
Yusei was still talking. "Her brother was the only other person who was treated worse than me and as much as I hate to say it he kinda deserved it. I think he's still there. Or at least I hope." There was a faint worry in Yusei's voice, as though he was afraid of his release.
"So whats so important that you dragged me to godfuck nowhere to get at 8 in the morning?"
"Oh a little of this, a little of that. I would normally send Bruno or Crow to get this stuff but I guess you'll do."
Jack pulled into the back parking lot of a long store complex. One of the back shutters was open and a man milled around smoking. He wore a black tank top and a bright red beanie.
"Jack, there are a few, well, rules we have to follow here alright?" Yusei murmured while eyeing the man. "This is a neutral zone for riders. It doesn't matter if we have a bone to pick with them, one wrong move and we get kicked out. So don't get provoked."
Jack snorted. "You think I can't hold in my temper?"
Yusei gave him a meaningful look and Jack cringed. Right. His track record in that department wasn't that great.
"And another thing, whatever you see, don't get angry."
"Why would I do that?"
"You'll see." Yusei opened the door and braced himself by grabbing onto the interior door handle. Slowly he 'tossed' his dead leg onto the pavement, pulling himself up on the other. He grunted as his leg buckled under his weight but managed to stand up. He leaned forward and grabbed his crutch. Jack got out and made sure to lock the car afterwards. Although, he supposed, it wouldn't really matter. Mechanics had a nasty habit of getting into places and things they weren't supposed to. His plan was to just be silent and follow Yusei's lead. Plans weren't really his thing though.
Yusei limped slowly trying to keep his stare leveled and back straight. He hoped his was exuding confidence even as his leg betrayed him. He passed the man with the beanie without a word. Jack was tempted to have a smoke and so pulled one out of his pocket. As he put it in his mouth, the beanie man grabbed it. "No smokin' 'less you want to meet 'he maker." He laughed, a sound like cracking glass and popped it into his mouth to join the one he already had in there.
Jack recoiled but followed Yusei dutifully. What the fuck? Inside it was situated similar to Yusei's garage but somehow different. There were hooks and pulleys, pipes and vats, desks and toolboxes scattered about haphazardly. Then it hit him. Both figuratively and literally. He ran into something dangling from the ceiling the size of a runner and covered in white cloth. He could see them now, they were everywhere. Different parts from different runners. Normally it wouldn't have been an issue if it wasn't for the fact that these runners seemed like a hunters kill. They were wrapped like mummies, in white cloth and hung from the ceiling. He sidestepped in, wary now. If that wasn't ominous enough, there were a few candle holders and skulls arranged in a sort of altar on a table against the wall. It was dimly lit but Yusei had no problem navigating the messy floor. He's been here a lot, thought Jack, tripping over a taped down pipe on the ground. He bumped into Yusei's back.
The raven haired boy turned to him, his face inscrutable but his eyes betrayed his frustration. In front of him was a barrier, the type Security uses for road blocks. It was clearly stolen and spray painted an abhorrent shade of green. "I-I kinda...you know..."He was gritting his teeth.
Jack understood after a few seconds. "Oh.. O-of course." He stammered. He fumbled for a second not sure how to approach this. He grabbed Yusei awkwardly so that his arm was under his shoulder and legs almost bridal style. Yusei felt a little off balance and so he grabbed the back of Jack's jacket, his crutch held tightly to his chest.
He easily stepped over the barrier and onto the other side. Yusei's face was burning crimson with frustration and embarrassment. Jack stood holding Yusei until the younger man coughed. "Um..Jack? C-can you let me down?"
"Ah. Oh yeah. Sorry."Jack knelt slightly and stepped back not too far but within distance in case Yusei fell. Luckily he didn't. Yusei flashed a quick nod at Jack and turned. He was embarrassed beyond relief. He just hoped nobody saw that. A spike of anger shot through him. Dammit all. If his leg had been working he could have gotten over that measly 4 foot barrier. Hell, he wouldn't even have needed Jack in the first place.
Yusei pushed his feelings aside. There were a few people milling about all of which were out of eyeshot. He waved over one boy who looked to be about high school age. "Where's Don? Tell him I'm here for my delivery."
The boy raised his eyebrow. "You know I could make that really quick if I had something in my pocket."
Yusei rolled his eyes and ruffled the boy's hair. "Playing the tough guy doesn't suit you and besides Don pays you to do your job. So do your job."
The boy rolled his eyes and stalked off. Yusei sat down on a stool and Jack pulled one up besides him. He sat up almost as suddenly as he sat down. He had spotted something in the corner of the room half covered by a sheet but he recognized it instantly. It was a red runner with white decal. Almost in a trance he tried walking towards it but Yusei grabbed his arm.
"Jack..."He said warningly.
"Yusei, that's your runner! How the hell does this guys have it?"
"It was stolen from the Facility a few months ago and Don bought it. He's using it for spare parts."
Jack stared at Yusei."How the fuck are you not upset about this? That's your runner! You worked your fucking ass off to build it! And now some bitch-ass mechanic is using it for bloody parts?"
"Jack!" Yusei hissed. "Lower your voice and calm yourself! There is nothing I can do to get it back! You hear me nothing! I sold him the opening code sequences and the blueprints to pay off Crow's bail. I can't get it back and anyway I can't even use it!"
"How could you say that Yusei? You sold your runner?"
Yusei's irate response was interrupted by a loud booming voice. "Ain't that cute. A lover's spat. As if you couldn't sink any lower, boy." Jack looked up. He assumed this was 'Don'. He was a heavy set dark skinned man with muscles that peaked through his tight black shirt. He was bald but that just added to the scary look. He was missing one too many teeth and his face was covered in brands. "Who's the blond? Don't look like he's from around here with the way he was yelling."
"This is Jack."Yusei said quickly, glaring at Jack, silently telling him to shut up. "I need some stuff along with my delivery."
Don waved one meaty palm. His eyes raked over Jack then to where Jack was pointing and gesturing towards moments earlier. He grinned widely, almost animalistic. "I see boy… Your upset I took his runner aint ya?It was a fair deal and your little buddy got a nice sum for the codes. He doesn't seem to be upset so why are you?"
Jack's fists trembled with anger. Why was he upset? Because he of all people knew how hard Yusei worked for everything in his life. They had taken job after job, skipping school, missing meals, forgoing sleep to be able to get the parts for their runners. Crow and Jack had both given up at school and had the extra time. Yusei didn't. He stuck to school, became the top of the class, ran afterschool programs, took test after test in an effort to better their lives. He had taken night jobs in shady places and garages, enduried the torment of his classmates and coworkers and finally managed to get enough money to be able to build his runner. It was a symbol of their dreams. The runner built from sweat and scrap. It was priceless to him.
And, selfishly, Jack was ashamed. This was another result of his actions. It was one thing for it to be taken, but for it to be given away? Sold, even? If Jack hadn't let his temper and pride get the hold of him, Yusei's dream would never have been shattered. It was as though Jack was stepping barefoot on to broken glass, each step a reminder of the memories that haunted him.
Yusei was watching him with wary trepidation. If Jack decided to throw hands with Don, he wasn't sure he could stop Jack from an early death. He held his breath.
Jack sighed and turned up his nose. "Look I simply don't agree with the decor of this place. It's like a runner graveyard. I think I spotted some incense back there. The sooner I'm out of here the better. I think the stench of oil is starting to linger."
They had a silent staredown for a few seconds before Don cracked a grin and roared with laughter. "Look 'er fella's. I think we've got a little princeling here. You've got a bit of a mouth on you don't ya. Want me to tell you a secret?"He leaned in almost conspiratorially. "That runner there, the one your buddy owned, do you want to know where its engine is?"
"I don't care."
"Ya know Tanner don't ya? I modified his runner with it. Purrs like a bitch in his arms. Or his legs. Nice fat sum that day. Bought myself a new radio with it." He leaned back. Secrets over. "Darren, go grab that box, the one labeled 7 and while you're at it grab some shoe shine and bows for the little princess 'ere." The workers around them hooted and hollered.
Jack just stood. His eyes trained straight ahead, not saying a word.
Darren returned with the box and dropped it at Yusei's feet. "Thanks."Yusei responded. He attempted to grab it and hefted himself up at the same time but almost lost his balance. Jack swept in and grabbed it out of his hands and also grabbed a plastic bag next to it.
They turned to leave but Don called out after them, the jeers and hollered chorusing behind him. "Hey princess! How about I see you tonight? I promise I could be real gentlemanly when persuaded. Hell I'd even be a little extra nice for you."
Jack stiffened but kept his mouth clamped shut. The awkward three-step dance of Yusei's limp stopped. "Don. I'm warning you. You say one more word about him and I swear you'll regret it."There was a frigid ice in Yusei's voice that honestly scared Jack to his core. He turned and looked at Yusei who was staring at Don. "I know everything about you Don. And when I say everything I truly mean it. I could ruin you. Cast you so far you'll be begging with the dogs. You don't want me as an enemy. "
Don guffawed. "You and what army, crippled freak?"
Before he could finish his sentence Yusei had swung his crutch into Don's leg causing the older man to fall.. When Don was at the facility, that was his punishment. One of his legs was broken repeatedly until it was never able to heal properly. Of course he had found clever ways to disguise it but from a blow like that he was weak. Yusei used his good leg to kick the side of his head.
"Don't. Call. Me. That."He said quietly. "You will never be the man Jack is. Unlike you he treats people like they're worth something. He respects people. He's always trying to fix his mistakes. Unlike you he hasn't given up on life yet. He's a king and you, Don, aren't fit to lick his boots!" He spat in Don's direction and stomped out.
He managed to reach the car before Jack caught up with him. "Yusei!"
He didn't say a word, collapsing in the front seat.
Jack dropped the stuff in the trunk and took his place next to Yusei. He rested his hands on the steering wheel and for a few moments nobody said anything. Then Jack started trembling and another second later he was shuddering with laughter.
"I haven't seen you get that angry in a while.I just got to see the 8th wonder of the world!" Jack was clutching his stomach trying to suck in air.
Yusei was flustered. He buried his face in his hands. "I didn't mean to! I just got really angry all of a sudden! My mind went blank!"
"The look on everyone's face! My god wait till I tell Crow!"
"Oh no… He's not going to let me live this down!" He moaned. "Dammit Jack. You should have defended yourself! What the hell? This isn't like you."
Jack sobered up. "It was because of my damn pride you lost your dream. I'm not letting that happen again."
Yusei shook his head. "After what he said about you, you should have defended yourself. I know you were angry about my runner and the fact that I wasn't angry about it but you held yourself back for my sake. He took it too far." He grabbed Jack's hand and turned it palm up. Thin red crescents dotted its surface. "Thank you."
Please let me know what you guys think! I'll be honest I'm better at writing angst and torture than fluff and romance. (Don't ask me why I started this then. I don't know!) I think perhaps my style of writing isn't suited for telling a story like this so I'm on the fence about most of the decisions I take in this story.
Also Yusei is still super OOC here but as he's shown in the show he would take on the world for those closest to him. Its a work in progress!
Per Aspera ad Astra