Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or Yugioh GX
1:00 a.m. January 1st, 2020. The start of a new year and a new decade. While some residents of New Domino City were up late celebrating the new year like it was their last that was not the case for one Jaden Yuki. The young man who had graduated as the number one duelist of Seto Kaiba's famed Duel Academy was lying wide awake in his suburban home next to his snoring pregnant wife. Jaden rolled gently over to gaze at her as he pondered whether he should go downstairs to the couch. While he was deep in thought he barely heard his wife mumble something untranslatable. He turned to look at her, and like he did everyday wondered what he had done to deserve such an amazing woman. He had met his wife while attending Duel Academy where she had held the unofficial title of the Queen of Obelisk Blue Alexis Rhodes. She had been and still was an extremely beautiful woman, and back in the day had been the object of several men, and even a few women's desire. Where most had only seen her beauty it had been her skills as a duelist that had drawn Jaden's attention.
Jaden smiled as he thought fondly of the night they had first duelled, and it was all thanks to a fake love letter. Jaden's dorm roommate at the time Syrus Truesdale had unfortunately found a fake love letter that had been meant for Jaden himself. The love letter had been written by their disgruntled teacher Doctor Vellian Crowler in hopes of setting Jaden up for expulsion. Back in those days Dr. Crowler had held a serious grudge against Jaden all because he'd beaten him at the Duel Academy entrance exam in front of the entire freshmen year. The doctor's pride had been severely wounded because of it giving birth to his personal vendetta. The fake love letter had been just the first scheme pulled by Crowler in hopes of getting Jaden expelled. The letter's instructions had detailed a late night rendezvous at the Obelisk girls dorm where Crowler would be hiding ready to snap a picture of Jaden trespassing after curfew. It would have worked if not for poor Syrus who had thought the letter was real, and meant for him. Syrus had gone over to the girls dorm only to be tied up as bait for Jaden by Alexis, and her friends Mindy, and Jasmine.
The duel itself was one neither Jaden or Alexis could forget. Jaden's life points had been knocked down to a measly 200 whereas Alexis still had 2400 with her ace monster Cyber Blader on the field. Jaden would have lost if not for drawing Monster Reborn with it he was able to bring back his Sparkman, and fuse him with his Clayman to form Thunder Giant. Using Thunder Giants special ability he was able to destroy Cyber Blader, and wipe out the last of Alexis's life points. That duel had cemented the start of an unlikely friendship between the two, and planted the very seeds that had grown into their romance.
Alexis mumbling brought Jaden's attention back to reality. Alexis being six almost seven months pregnant was having the best sleep she'd had in months. Jaden carefully took in her features as she laid propped up with the body pillow he had gotten for her. Her dirty blonde hair which usually flowed freely was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore a sleep mask over her eyes. Her mouth hung slightly open as she snored. Even like this there was no one more beautiful in Jaden's eyes. His focus then moved to her swollen stomach. It wasn't long now soon they'd be parents. No one had seen that coming, and the irony was not lost on Jaden. If Jaden was being honest with himself he had never seen himself settling down starting a family. It along with any form of romance was probably the farest thing from his mind during his youth. When he graduated 13 years ago he had been starting a nomadic journey across the globe to grow, and become strong enough to defeat his idol in a duel the one, and only King of Games Yugi Muto. Yet now not only had he settled down he, and Alexis were the first out of their friend group to marry, and they were the first starting a family. Wasn't it funny how people changed in the most unexpected ways, and Jaden owed a lot of who he was today to his soul partner Yubel.
Yubel had been a duel monster who in a past life had been charged as the guardian of the holder of a power known as the Gentle Darkness. That power now resided inside Jaden, which in itself was a very long and confusing story that would give Jaden a severe headache if he ever tried to explain it to anyone. Anyway Jaden had merged his soul with Yubel during his last year at Duel Academy, and she had been with him ever since. On their travels she had become like a mother, or at the very least a big sister to him. She only wanted what was best for Jaden, and had taught him a lot about life on their journey. It had been her suggestion that he reconnect with his friends the first being Alexis off of the sheer convenience.
Alexis at the time was studying abroad in America to become a teacher, and as luck would have it Jaden's journey had brought him to the neighboring state. Jaden had hitch hiked all the way to her school. When he arrived he waited under a tree outside the lector hall wearing his trademark Slifer red jacket. At some point he had fallen into one of his deep sleeps, one where he dreamt about beating Yugi spectacularly with his ace monster Elemental Hero Neos. Right as Neos was going to deliver the final attack Jaden was rudely awoken by someone pouring water on him. That person in question had been Alexis. Her classes had finished and were done for the day. The last thing she had expected to see was Jaden fast asleep under a tree, and she had to fight herself internally to keep down her emotions. To her knowledge nobody had seen or heard from Jaden in a year. She was beginning to think she'd never see him again.
After Jaden had come back to his senses she had stood over him, and flashed his signature pose he used after every duel win, and simply said "gotcha" not trusting herself to say more. Jaden had simply smiled at her which gave her butterflies. She invited him back to her apartment where they talked for hours deep into the night, and it was after Alexis noticed the time she invited Jaden to crash at her place. She had told him that he could sleep on the bed while she took the couch, but Jaden had insisted he'd take the couch as it was her apartment he was just a guest. It wasn't long beforeJaden realized that what was meant to be a couple of days had become an over two month stay. Alexis didn't mind in the slightest as she was often the one insisting that he stay as she had missed his company. Everyday no matter how hard her classes were Alexis always came back to the apartment with a smile on her face, because she knew he was there waiting for her. it was a nice feeling having someone to come home too. It wasn't like Jaden was dead weight either taking advantage of her hospitality. He went out while Alexis was at school doing odd jobs around the city, and picking up anything they may need like groceries. It was during the third month, after some consulting with Yubel, Jaden had asked Alexis what exactly the two of them were together. Alexis hadn't answered as she wasn't sure, but she knew what she wanted them to be. It was then to her surprise that Jaden had asked her out. In the months he spent living with her Jaden's feelings for her arose, much to Yubel's delight as she could only do so much for him. Alexis had stood there frozen in time the weight of his words crashing down on her. Jaden was about to take it back when she had flung herself into his arms. Taken aback by the sudden reaction Jaden was sent flying backwards. They laid there in each others arms for a moment before a crimson red faced Alexis sheepishly got off him, and helped him up off the floor. That was the start of their relationship.
A week into their relationship though Jaden received a call form Syrus that someone had stolen his most powerful card the Cyber End Dragon, and he had asked Jaden if he could help track him down. He had after talking with both Alexis, and Yubel agreed. Jaden hadn't wanted to leave, but Alexis had insisted. The search had led him to Venice where he had been sucked into an insane time travel adventure with a duelist from the future, and Yugi from the past. After succeeding in defeating the threat known as Paradox Jaden had rushed back to Alexis where he promised himself to make up for the lost time. Little did either of them know while they were "making up for lost time" Alexis's brother Atticus had decided to come drop by unannounced. He, like all their friends, was ignorant of Jaden, and Alexis's relationship. However when Atticus let himself in what he saw would scare him for life. He later guessed it was carma for all the times he had tried to set Alexis up with someone during their youth. After that massive embarrassment their secret was out, and they faced a little bit of scrutiny from those unhappy about their relationship. However that had not stopped them, and one thing lead to another till they eventually made it here. Now with a baby on the way Jaden was starting to feel more and more uneased with every passing day.
Jaden was excited to be having a child with Alexis, but underneath he couldn't help, but worry. He knew Alexis would make an amazing mother. She was kind, intelligent, and had a lot of experience working with children as a teacher. However he doubted himself, and his own ability in being a father. Jaden had not had the happiest childhood as both his parents were often too busy at work to spend a lot of time with him. This had resulted in him not having much of a relationship with his parents now that he was an adult. Other than the occasional awkward phone call he made every now, and then there was not much else. He knew his parents cared for him at least a little bit, or felt some sort of obligation towards him. After all they had helped cover the cost of his wedding. He could not however, say that the feelings they had for one another was love. He did not want his child to go through that, but he felt he was doomed to make the same mistakes. Jaden carefully got out of bed, and crept downstairs for a glass of water he needed to clear his head. As he poured himself a glass Yubel materialized behind him with a concerned look.
"Jaden… What's wrong?" Yubel asked, crossing her arms in front of her.
Jaden looked at her a moment before answering, "Yubel I'm worried as you of all people know I did not have the greatest of childhoods. What if I'm just like my parents. I'm scared I'll fail Alexis, and our kid."
Yubel let what he said sink in before responding, "have you thought about sharing this with Alexis? She has the right to know, and besides you can't go back now you're committed to see this through." Yubel shook her head.
"I don't want to worry her. She's going through enough with her mood swings, the morning sickness, and her sleep problems." Jaden put his glass in the sink before turning back to Yubel who only shook her head again.
"Jaden, can I ask you something?" Yubel placed her hands on her hips, and her left wing twitched slightly showing her irritation. "How many times have you saved the world? You rushed head first into danger without stopping, and thinking. Don't get me wrong that mentality has gotten you burned several times metaphorically and literally. However, you always were trying to do good… You'll make mistakes with this kid… No parents are perfect, but it will turn out right in the end, because you've got me, and you've got Alexis."
Jaden was about to respond when he heard a roar of thunder, and saw a flash of lightning through the thin window drapes. He heard Alexis called out his name in fear, and with that he was off running back upstairs to his wife. He threw open the bedroom door, and let out a sigh of relief. Alexis was fine; she had just been awoken by the sound of thunder. She looked at him with a deep blush on her face.
"Sorry" she said, "I was just jolted awake by the noise, and when I took off my sleep mask you weren't beside me… I panicked for no reason."
"You've got nothing to be sorry for Alexis. After everything we've been through I don't blame you for reacting the way that you did." Jaden said as he climbed back into bed cuddling up to his wife.
Another roar of thunder, and flash of lightning caused Alexis to cuddle even closer. Jaden chuckled, but reassured his wife there was nothing to fear py placing a kiss on her forehead. They sat there in comfortable silence as the storm went on outside.
"Why were you still up?" Alexis asked in between the thunder.
Jaden smiled at her, "I was just thinking."
"About what?" Alexis sat up.
"I was thinking about how loud my wife snores are." He teased as Alexis swatted him.
She pouted before responding, "You're playing a dangerous game there Jay, teasing your very pregnant wife. You should be careful you wouldn't want me to start withholding certain privileges from you?" She raised her eyebrow suggestively.
Jaden only smiled before responding, "Well I mean, we're already going to have one kid running around the house we should see how that one turns out before trying for another."
Alexis this time punched his chest a little harder than necessary before turning her back to him. Jaden not deterred wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close leaving a trail of kisses along Alexis's jawline. She let out a soft sigh as Jaden planted even more kisses on her cheek. It was after that Jaden finally spoke up.
"In all seriousness Lex I was thinking of how I'd be a terrible parent, and I'm scared I'll screw up." Jaden said sitting up and slightly away from his wife ashamed of what he had just said.
Alexis turned to him a serious expression on her face, and for a moment Jaden felt fear pull in the pit of his stomach worse than the time he had asked her out. Then much to his surprise Alexis began laughing. They were real genuine laughs. When she regained her composure she leaned in and placed a soft loving kiss on Jaden's lips. After what felt like forever she pulled back and stared into his eyes lovingly.
"Jaden, I'm glad you told me…" She spoke as she combed her hands through his hair. "I have the same worry about my own ability as a mother." She confessed.
Jaden's jaw had dropped to the floor after hearing her say that. Here was his wife the strongest most determined person he knew scared she'd be an awful mother. It did not seem possible. To think all this time she'd been having doubts that he hadn't been able to see. Instead of being there to reassure her that she had nothing to fear he had been too absorbed in his own doubts. He felt selfish. He felt like he was 17 again blind to how others around him were struggling while he put his own needs ahead of others letting them consume him. The thought angered him, as it brought all his past mistakes back into the light for him to see. Alexis sensing her husband's mood took his face into her hands as she pulled their foreheads together.
"It's ok Jayden, it's not your fault don't feel bad." Jaden looked at her unconvinced. "The past can't hurt you now you're more aware, and prepared then you were back then. Both our fears are completely normal, and I mean let's be real here when you think about it, we're walking into the unknown." She smiled at him. "We have a good idea of what this child is going to bring, but there is still a lot we don't know. The only way we'll learn is if we do this together, and as long as we lean on each other through the tough times our kid will turn out fine." She kissed him one more time before lying down. Alexis pulled up the covers as she got resettled.
"The fact that you're worried is a good sign… It means you care." She said as Jaden shuffled closer to her.
"Ok," Jaden said, "Can we talk more about this later?"
"Of course, my love," Alexis nodded while yawning.
They both closed their eyes, and it wasn't long before a peaceful sleep took both of them. Neither of them had noticed that the thunderstorm had stopped, and the clouds had parted giving way to the moon. Yubel watched the sleeping couple, and couldn't help but smile. There would be challenges that not even she could predict, but she knew Jaden would get through them as long as he stuck by Alexis. The future may have been mostly unknown, but that was no reason to fear it. Yubel had a feeling that Jaden, and Alexis would be fine, and their kid was going to be extremely lucky to have the both of them as parents.
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