Heartaches

Chapter 86

By KellyQ

Yusei steered his red motorcycle off the racetrack to the back to look it over one more time. He pulled into a shake and started to tighten screws when a familiar voice rang out.

"He's in here, Tanner!"

Before Yusei turned to see who it was, familiar bony arms wrapped around his shoulders and gray strands of hair tickled his cheek.

"Hey, Yangi," Yusei greeted softly.

The old man giggled. "How's my bestest kiwi friend?"

"Yangi ... give him personal space," came Tanner's gruff voice.

Yangi groaned and stepped back. It didn't take long before Bolt Tanner walked in, looking buff as ever, but there something different from the last time he saw him.

When they first met, Yusei was fixing his own motorcycle until Yangi came in. At first, Yusei wasn't aware that someone had entered the back of the racetrack until an old man leaned in and watched over Yusei's shoulder. Yusei paused and glanced over his shoulder and took a good look at the old man. He had light gray hair that feathered out on each side of his head. His eyes held awe in them. The outfit the old man was wearing was just a plain dark gray kimono, and a yellow vest. Yusei tried to ignore him after that, but with Yagni's persistent flirting, Yusei gave in and introduced himself. Yangi did too, but the stool (on wheels) rolled out from underneath him. Yanagi landed on his chest, as the stool went flying and denting another motorcycle across the room. Yusei went over to help the old men, but Yangi lost his balance and they both fell back. The old man ended up on top of Yusei straddling his hips. Unfortunately, the owner of the motorcycle just happened to walk in. He went straight after Yangi first, but Yusei said that he would fix whatever damage. Mainly to make sure that no one got hurt. The owner of the motorcycle allowed this, and Yusei went to work.

Yangi decided to focus on Tanner after watching Yusei work away and asked him questions like: How does your body feel when you're riding on your motorcycle. Both Yusei and Tanner knew that Yangi was trying to hit on Tanner. Especially when Tanner introduced himself as Bolt Tanner. Yangi had a feeling that the new stranger who walked in looked familiar. He also stated that was a fan and a crush on Tanner. At first, Tanner thought it was odd. But he decided to give it a try after Yusei suggested they become friends.

It seemed to have worked since Yusei could tell things were casual among them.

"What's up?" Yusei asked casually.

"I was hoping I'd find you," Tanner said.

Yusei frowned. "You need help with your motorcycle?"

Tanner shook his head. "You're going to race against Team New World, right?"

Yusei nodded his head. "Yeah. But you guys don't have to worry about me. We know things are not going to be easy for us."

"See? I told you not to worry," Yangi pointed out. He turned to face Yusei. "He thinks Team New World is out to hurt you and your friends. I keep telling him that Jack will protect you ..."

Tanner shook his head and Yusei rolled his eyes. He was about to ask what the two wanted when Yusie's cell chimed. He pulled it out to see that it was a text from Akiza. Both Tanner and Yangi waited anxiously. After a moment Yangi couldn't take it anymore.

"Is everything all right?" It was hard for Yangi to understand Yusei's expression when he read the text.

"I'm fine," Yusei finally spoke up, after he replying to Akiza's text message. "But I need to go and help an old friend of mine to move into a new home."

Yusei wanted to share more, but that would stall time and he wanted to get to the hospital and help Martha into her new home that was finally ready. So Yangi and Tanner watched their friend go.

The hospital door opened and Yusei was greeted by the others except for Crow, Brave, and the kids. He expected that, knowing that kids were taking it a little harder than anyone else. Having to move out of the house and moving into a new place.

"Yusei …?" Akiza called out, noticing that he was beside himself with guilt. "The kids are going to be okay. Crow and Brave are with them right now, making sure things okay with them."

To Be Continued …