Disclaimer: bruh srsly

Quick AN: Since I had some free time with a mini-vacay for Thanksgiving here's a surprisingly long update~! Hope you guys enjoyed Turkey Day as much as I did! On with the showwwwww!

My first reaction consists of a chuckle. It was mostly confusion that spurred it, not from how strangely accurate the card is to what I wanted, and I do send Annie praise for her choice. But it is the outlandish character itself that puzzles me. Anything to make money, I guess.

Horseytail. Attribute: Wind. Level 2. Plant.

I whisk Annie away to my room, the one place I know for certain will give us the privacy we'll need.

Now that I know the process of summoning a duel spirit from its card, I doubt that the second time around will be any more difficult. What is, however, is the process of getting to that process.

I am inexplicably antsy, so much that I can't keep still. Hands through my hair, feet pounding against the floor, heart speeding up with every second. Should I do it now…what about now? Is it like swimming; do I have to wait thirty minutes after eating?

"You're being an idiot. What's the worst that can happen? I summon you and you curse me with an endless bout of kidney stones?" I cringe and grab hold of my stomach at the thought of the amount of pain that would induce. "In case you can hear me, Horseytail, forget I said that."

"Where'd you get this, anyway?" I address the feline, eyeing her skeptically. "Steal it from the kids? Find it in the trash?"

I ask her as if she'll give an answer, which to no surprise, she doesn't. But it puts me at ease to have something to voice my concern with. And truth be told, I'm relieved it's not a someone.

Ruka was a great help, don't get me wrong, but I can't help but feel as if it was too much too soon. I don't want to drag her down into this when every action I take is a step in the dark. I don't want any of the others around just yet either; whether they've realized it or not, all their questions and concerns overwhelm me. Just a glimpse of their faces is enough to throw me off.

But I have to get over that, too.

I had hoped avoiding them would cause this feeling to ebb, but it's the one thing that has remained constant. Being with or without friends changed nothing. Things won't change unless I do it myself.

…waiting around like this is the same as pretending things haven't changed when you know they have…

"Things have changed and I need to know where they're headed." My hold on the card's edges tighten. "I need to know where I'm going."

I rest cross-legged on the floor and take in a heavy breath. One glance in front of me alerts my senses of Annie's focused stare. That's right. This will be her first time seeing me in action.

"Hope I can give you a good show," I mumble. I blow out another breath and close my eyes.

If I want this to work I need peace and concentration, just like before. I even out my breathing till it's slow and steady. What did I think of last time? What triggered the switch?

They believe in you, Maria. Don't let them down. Everyone's waiting. Will you be prepared?

The dull thumping comes immediately, both in my head and chest. Stay calm, don't be nervous now. For a few moments longer I let the pounding reverberate without interruption of thoughts on the card between my fingers. The buzzing almost causes me to forget my initial motive and I squint open an eyelid after what seems like eternity of just sitting here.

With the sight of my glowing hands, I begin. Can you hear me, Horseytail? I hope so. Please answer. I wish to meet you. I want to see your spirit.

I feel the expansive radiance of light before I open my eyes and see it. Seconds pass in order for it to dim completely and give way to the duel monster summoned from its card. Looking slightly above the top of the card lies a pair of beady black eyes. They blink at me and I at them.

Before I have the chance to make any significant gesture, the bitty figure makes a terrified expression and darts under my bed. Annie dives for it too late and, seeing as she's gotten too big to fit soundly under my bed anymore, paws at Horseytail from the outskirts.

"Hey, hey," I tug her away with one hand, "I thought you were friendly. Leave the little guy alone. He or she will come out soon enough on their own." I can't blame it for being frightened. I'm its size times ten thousand.

Annie submits, albeit begrudgingly, to stay in my grasp while we wait. In the meantime I examine her for any new changes. Finding no further development besides the darkening patches of orange around her legs and stomach, I turn to the card. The cartoon holds little, if not any, difference to what I spotted from the small moment I saw Horseytail. The one possible flaw I can find is that this depiction shows the plant monster to be flamboyant, but if I'm to go by first impression I'd say this one might be on the shy side.

Annie's increase in squirming breaks my attention away and back to the floor beneath my bed. Horseytail had moved closer, just enough to see its ghostly form peeking out from the shadows.

"Don't worry, I've got her. See?"

I turn somewhat to show my firm lock on Annie. There's no telling if it can understand me or not, or if what Horseytail fears more is me than the clawed beast in my grasp. If it was like Kuribon, then it was aware Annie could see it. But according to Ruka there aren't many humans capable of seeing spirits. It's a probable bet that this is Horseytail's first experience with one.

My uneasiness subsided a while ago. What's left now is an abundance of curiosity and hope that Horseytail will show it's face. I sigh, deciding to take an intuitive action. I get up and with the wiggle room I have to grab the doorknob, open it and set Annie down on the floor.

"You can watch next time, and only if you can behave yourself," I say, flinching at Annie's downcast look afterward. I almost swear she's pouting!

I go back to the center of the room after closing the door, although this time farther from my bed than I initially was. I glance at my hand to ensure that the card is still indeed glowing, then wait. I try my best not to peer at the clock but I know it does take some time, half an hour at least. I can feel myself growing weary as time continues to pass.

Maybe I should… No, I want to meet it. That was the point of this—to interact with another duel spirit. Get used to the idea that I'm able to do so, I struggle internally. Though it has been some time. What if it decides to never come out?

I raise my knees and bury my head between them, still holding onto Horseytail's card. I resolve the issue by settling on a five minute opening, either it showed itself or I would release the card. I count off the seconds in my head and when coming up on the three minute mark, I feel the sensation of being watched.

I lift my head the slightest, just enough to peek over my kneecaps and see Horseytail in the exact same position, staring straight at me. I maintain the eye contact but nothing more. Horseytail proved to be resistant until thus far and I don't want to do anything that would dwindle this bit of progress.

If it's feeling curious enough—outgoing enough, then it will come to me.

Very, incredibly slowly that is what happens. Horseytail eventually stands by my feet, stemmed arms rubbing together much like I do when nervous. That that springs a smile to my lips.

I raise a hand gradually, so as not to alarm the monster, and let it descend until it's before the little fellow, my index finger pointed out. Horseytail takes a few steps back as expected, but ultimately gets lost staring at the digit. As I hoped it would, Horseytail wraps a stem around the finger and I wiggle it as an attempt at a miniature handshake.

"Nice to meet you," I whisper. "My name's Maria."

Horseytail rests with a leafy hand over its mouth, obviously taking in the greeting. Then it sends me a wide smile and wiggles my finger again. I laugh and drop my legs back into a cross-legged position. I hold the card before it's teeny body.

"This is you, see? I summoned you here."

Horseytail's eyes widen and mouth forms an 'o'. I chuckle at the Macaulay Culkin-esque expression.

"I wanted to meet you. Not for any particular reason, just… hm." My mouth flattens into a line. Horseytail turns its gaze up to me. I don't have a solidified reason for this other than experimentation, but I can't very well admit to that, even if Horseytail couldn't understand me. I decide on another route. "Do you think we could be friends? Would that be okay with you?"

Horseytail blinks a couple times, but doesn't seem to hesitate, giving me a confident bob of its head.

"Good. I'm glad." I smile and lean down low so that we're nose to body. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to release you. But I'll call for you again. Be sure of that, okay?"

Horseytail puts out a sprouted hand and I suspect it wants me to take it. We handshake one last time as a goodbye, for now at least. I place the card on the floor, and watch the glimmer of Horseytail's body fade into the air.

I had been thinking about them all day. Mostly, my thoughts seemed to hover around the claims I made after discovering I was a Star Child rather than how I've been feeling lately. The gang wasn't the cause of this stint of fretful stress—it was all me. Me in my own head, what a surprise.

Though I want them to be sure that I knew this, I can't will myself to bring it up. "Hey guys. Know I haven't been around much these days because the pressures of being a Star Child that you guys definitely did not cause have freaked me out but no worries. I'm back. Whaddup?"

Could work. But the plan I had enacted while at work seems better, more casual. I shift the cardboard box in my arms.

I don't want to pretend that a rift hasn't come between us but I also don't want to weigh on it too much. We're all still friends and I want to keep it that way. This would be a step forward in their direction, just like summoning Horseytail was a step toward accepting my role as a Star Child.

This past week has made me feel much like I used to: alone. And I knew as soon as I felt it that it hadn't been missed. What had were my friends. So no matter how confusing and stressful this Star Child thing will undoubtedly get, I want to feel my friends at my sides rather than empty air.

A few feet away from Poppo Time's door and I can already hear the ruckus inside, presumably Jack and Crow. I roll my eyes, contemplate waiting their argument out behind this door, but just go for it. Maybe my entrance would hold their attentions long enough to forget about what started the quarrel to begin with.

I grab the doorknob without much thought and frown when I find it to be unlocked.

"…TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO DRINK THE COFFEE WE HAVE HERE?"

"And like I've told you twenty times over, it's not good enough. Get a better job if you're so worried about money."

"MAYBE YOU SHOULD… OH, HERE'S A NEW THOUGHT… GET A JOB YOURSELF AND BUY YOUR OWN DAMNED OVERPRICED COFFEE."

I missed being here while I was away, but there is only so many time I can hear this same argument over and over again. It goes unnoticed by the two hotheads but I glare them down with the evil eye.

And in doing so, my eyes sneak past those two to the third musketeer. I notice his eyes widen, lips part, then settle back into a small smile. I return it and wave halfheartedly. Jack and Crow register my presence when I'm halfway down the stairs.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Crow comments playfully.

I raise the box. "Cupcakes."

"No, I meant—wait, really?" He snatches it from my palms and peels back the lid. His grey eyes sparkle to life. "Bless your soul."

That cracks me up. Had he never seen cupcakes before? "Sure, no biggie."

It takes all of three seconds for the blonde and redhead to bicker over which cupcake will be staked as their claim. I let them have at it; at least they weren't ear-splittingly loud like when I first walked in. I almost have the opening to give Yusei a proper greeting. Almost being the key word. The twins fly down the stairs and crash into me before I have the chance to turn around.

"Maria!" they exclaim together. "We thought it was you!"

"Oh! Hi!" I stumble but catch my footing, placing my hand on both their shoulders for support. Akiza follows down the stairs, although walking. "Hey, Akiza."

Her round eyes fold into crescents and her lips spread into a grin. I hadn't noticed until this instant how much a simple action could amplify her beauty. After the twins are done grabbing at my waist Akiza pulls me in briefly, which is a pleasant surprise. I wouldn't think she'd be up for hugs with me, since we aren't that close. But we're on hugging level, so that's a good sign.

"What are these?" Ruka asks as she and her brother peer inside the open box. The two voice their excitement, "Cupcakes!"

It seems the older pair had resolved their differences enough to finish their cupcakes without biting off each other's heads. Soon after, Crow announces his departure for work. I involuntarily make a remark about his work schedule aloud, to which he replies, nonchalant grin pushing his cheeks, that with the Grand Prix closing in they needed enough money to get parts and other equipment before the big day rolls around.

"Someone's gotta make the bacon," he shrugs and slaps down his helmet. Giving a salute-like wave, he jets off.

Nothing eventful ensues, but I'm happy for that nothing. All this spirit drama really wears a girl out.

"So how's everything been for you three?" I sit back in the couch cushions and eye the current Duel Academy students. "Anything exciting happen recently?"

"Oooh, oooh! I got a new pack of cards the other day! We gotta duel so I can try them out on you," Rua bounces.

I glance at the two cupcake wrappers on the coffee table and ready myself for the possibility of an oncoming sugar high. "Sure. Maybe this time I'll give you a run for your money."

He runs his thumb under his nose, an arrogant pose I have to roll my eyes at. "We'll see about that. You're aware that you'll be up against one of the greatest duelists of all time, right?"

"Really now? I thought I'd be dueling you."

Rua flushes dark red and the other two laugh, his sister saying, "You make it too easy sometimes."

"Speaking of dueling," Ruka pipes up, a new thought on her brain other than her sibling's embarrassment. "Have you prepared a deck for your practice duel tomorrow?"

"Ugh, don't even remind me!" he groans back.

"I thought you liked the practice duels." Rua could be dispirited afterward, if he'd lost, but in the wake of a duel he was usually pumped.

"It's not dueling," he corrects. "It's the person I have to duel that I don't like."

Akiza clarifies my confused look. "It's this boy, Lucciano. He's new at Duel Academy; he transferred into Ruka and Rua's class just a few days ago."

"Don't forget the part about him being a complete tool," Rua grumbles.

If there is ever a time for a spit take, it would be now. I choke on the sip of water in my throat and put my glass on the table. I'm laughing under the coughing fit but Rua's face tells me it isn't noticeable.

I'm careful not to tell him he's wrong because I don't know the kid and, let's face it, some people are just tools out of the womb. "That's not very nice to say, Rua."

I make a mental note to ask where he learned the term. Akiza's obliviousness shows she's not the culprit, and I can't picture sweet little Ruka going around calling people "tools".

Said girl's offended glare proves it well. "Take that back, Rua!"

"Sorry," he says, clearly not sorry, "but everyone in class knows it, even Sensei."

"Enough, you two," I say as firmly as possible. "There's enough bickering going on in here with Jack and Crow around. I don't want you guys joining in on the fun."

It grows quiet between us. Uncomfortable, yes, but better than heated shouting.

"Though I wouldn't call this exciting," Akiza begins, itching to start on a new topic, "did you hear that Jack was in the hospital? We were going to call you, in case you didn't know, but…"

But what? I blink, waiting for her hanging words to lift up and continue, but it doesn't happen. Not only she, but the twins also look shamefaced. The unmentioned reason puzzles me and their guilt alone is contagious, causing a frown to come to my face.

Is it because they didn't tell me Jack was in trouble? "You guys don't have to make the long faces. I did hear about it, and I heard he was fine. Which, is crystal clear from what I've seen today."

Rua shakes his head, the high ponytail swinging behind him, "That's not it. The guys said we shouldn't bother you, so we thought that if we called you, you might get mad at us."

The guys intended to give me some space because that's kind of what we agreed on when we spoke last—I would come to them, not vice versa. I figured they would convey some version of that to these three, but I didn't expect them to take it so literally.

"You misunderstand," I say finally. "Yes, I did want some time to myself in order to think things through, but that didn't mean I wanted to cut off all ties with you guys. We're friends; I can't just turn on and off how much I care about you all."

And the hugging spree continues for Round 2.

—

"Okay. Thanks."

I hang up the phone. I'd give it back to Ruka but for fear of waking her I place it back on the table without much noise. I check that the twins are both comfortably rested into their spots and head for the stairs.

Now we wait.

I take the steps slowly, since the creaking gets pretty loud when in a hurry, and descend to the apartment's first floor. It's no surprise to see a certain raven-haired duelist still at work on his computer against the far wall. I try not to disturb him as I move to the window, scooting the curtains open a smidge to let a stream of moonlight seep in.

Hm. No stars tonight.

"Are the twins asleep?"

I blink, startled out of gazing, and straighten up. Yusei's face and upper torso are bathed in the bluish light of the monitor when I face him. "Um, yeah. They fell asleep a while ago."

The wheels on his chair roll back as he stands. "I'll take you home, then."

"T-that's not necessary," I decline. "I called a taxi for the twins and I'll be leaving with them so… But, uh, thanks anyway."

He nods, but doesn't sit and instead goes to the kitchen. Was that it? Were we done talking? It doesn't feel like it. Perhaps that's why I find myself shuffling down the path to the kitchen as well. Although, I get panicked along the way when he stops and turns in my direction, so I end up tracing the table edges with immense concentration.

"Do you want milk?"

I stare at the raised carton in his hand. Why did it seem like such a difficult question to answer?

Yes or no, yes or no. Say one! "Yes!"

The exclamation seems to go unnoticed, or at least receives such little reaction that it's undetectable in the dimly lit room. Grabbing the green box from the table top, I walk into the kitchen beside him as he pours the white liquid into another glass.

"Should throw this away," I mutter to myself.

Then a muffled sliding sound comes from within the box. I open it and uncover a single, untouched cupcake. Strange. I'd brought a couple extra in case anyone wanted another, but as I count off the numbers in my head from what I'd witness everyone take, they don't add up.

I turn to the man behind me, who's already half done with his glass of milk. "Did you get a cupcake?"

He shakes his head. "I don't like sweets much."

I nod, backtrack to the counter, and place the box atop it. Yusei passes me the glass and I thank him wordlessly. "Have you ever tried a cupcake?" I ask slowly. "Their miniature size ensures that they'll be pretty tasty."

That smirkish-smile appears for a hint of a second. "I'm not an expert, but I don't think it works that way."

"How would you know? You're not an expert," I counter, unable to fight a growing smile. Yusei concedes with a subtle shrug.

I pull the cupcake from the container; a once-over reveals it to be vanilla with strawberry frosting. There's a boldness bubbling inside me, encouraging a sudden idea that I would never think I'd be about to ask Yusei in a million years.

"Share it with me," I say quickly. The leftover bit of courage drives me to look him in the eye, even if briefly. "I won't be able to eat it on my own... And...and it shouldn't be too sweet, and you'll have milk to wash it down at least."

He stares at me a moment longer, then turns his gaze on the small treat. "Why not."

I peel off the wrapping, then reach inside a nearby drawer for a knife. Splitting it as evenly as I can, I grab my piece first, then he grabs his. I always eat cupcakes the same exact way—icing first, the actual cake last. That's the way they're supposed to be eaten; it's an unstated rule.

I glance over to see Yusei take a tentative bite from one end.

"What are you doing?" I comment, which wasn't meant to be said aloud. I redden instantly while Yusei quirks a brow. "I-it's just…everyone knows you eat the icing first. Unless, you know…unless it's bad icing."

"I didn't know these came with a rulebook." He eyes the dessert in his fingers and comes back to me.

"They don't. It's just assumed everyone knows how to eat a cupcake properly."

"So," his eyes glimmer with amusement, "what do I do now that I've broken a rule?"

"Still have to eat it."

"What if I don't want to?"

I lean forward. "You have to. You just took a bite out of it! If you don't…" I pause. "If you don't, then the cupcake fairies will curse you!"

He looks as if he's about to laugh, the smile on his face expanding and the arch in his brow raising. "Cupcake fairies?"

I nod shamelessly. "You heard right. If you don't eat your cupcake, they'll come in the night while you're asleep and put frosting in your hand, then tickle your cheek so you smear it all over your face."

By the end of it I'm in a fit of laughter because all the while I'd been imagining it really happening to him. But when I glance at him again, the look he's giving me isn't the same as before. Intent, but not hard and calculating like I've seen when he's working or dueling. There is still warmth within it, one contrary to his eyes' cool, sapphire hue.

The stare makes me nervous, but curious all the same. What was he trying to find? And is it there, or is it a lost cause?

I manage to finish my half of the cupcake and down my cup of milk before looking at him again. Still staring, that hadn't changed, but the quality of the look had. Just normal ol' eyes, directed at normal ol' me.

I shift my weight to one foot. "Is there something on my face?"

"Yeah."

That shocks me. I had only asked to passively bring his staring to light. I sweep the corners of my mouth; he shakes his head. I rub my cheeks and chin; still didn't get it. I breathe inwardly—maybe I'll just leave it there. If it's not too big, maybe no one other than him will notice it.

"Here."

The curt sound seizes my attention and turns my head to him. A matter of seconds is all it takes to position my chin between his thumb and finger. Yusei's other thumb brushes over the area beneath my nose, just above my top lip.

"Got it," he says when releasing me.

My eyes remain wide as golf balls, my mind completely dumbfounded. What…what just happened? The spot he just touched is burning—scratch that, my whole face is ablaze. My throat goes dry. My mouth starts and stops, continuously short of forming words.

I duck my head, the only defense I have for the onslaught of reactions. Why would he do that why would he do that why would he do that?

"Maria."

"What!"

Yusei hesitates, possibly waiting for me to look up, and when I don't continues to say, "I think the taxi's here."

So if you recommended me a duel monster I really want to thank you! Though they weren't used this chapter, there's still a chance they'll appear since this won't be the last time Maria's going to experiment with her powers.

Wowie! Is it just me or is it getting hot in this fanfic? If you answered "It's just you" then you're correct! The last scene is pretty fluffy though (I LIVE FOR FLUFF MAN WE WERE IN DIRE NEED OF SOME FLUFF) and I hope it delivered enough for the time being. Yusei just isn't one of those dudes who falls for girls immediately so it works in my favor to write the romance at a slow pace. But at the same time I just wanna be like "You two are gonna kiss and you're gonna like it and even if you don't it doesn't matter you're fictional."

Now that I'm thinking about it, do you guys have any ship names for YuseixMaria? I think we're also in dire need of that. Maybe Marisei? I don't know. Anywho, thanks for reading and drop a review if you'd be so kind, lovelies.

TTFN