A/N: Still enjoying writing as Jaden's POV more than Esme, I'll try to write more on Esme's behalf. I really think Jaden is just such a doll when it comes to love! He doesn't know what to do or how to act but he still somehow comes out on top! As of now, I'm writing this story and working on another for the Original YuGiOh series. For the new story I am certain who I'll ship my character with, Seto of course duh! I'm still unsure who I'll ship Esme with, I'm stuck on Jaden and her! But really want it to be Zane, I'll have to add Zane x Esme moments in the next chapter. Thanks for reading, cheers!

Chapter 5: Blossom In Bloom

As the sun arose creeping through the blinds of my room I began to shuffle to the side, moving my head further into the pillow. I sheepishly opened my eyes to notice the pillow was Jaden's chest and the blankets I thought I had was his arms. So close and pressed up against one another I looked up finding the brunettes face. His eyes were shut tight trying to savor the darkness that was hidden behind the lids of his eyes. Jaden groaned mumbling a few of his duel cards as he broke from his slumber and opened his eyes. He cautiously eases up his grip from my waist and looks down to meet my gaze. I lay there in silence not sure what to say or even do at this point; stuck in the moment.

"Morning Es." He said stretching as he extended his arms above his head. "You sleep good? I slept like a baby! Man, I haven't slept that good in so long." Jaden brushed my bangs to the side as he rose up, sitting in bed.

"I slept good but I'm still so exhausted. Yesterday was a busy day for everyone." I sat up in bed looking at the blanket both me and Jaden were in.

"I don't mind staying here and getting some more sleep Esme." He fluffed up a pillow and grabbed the blanket throwing it above his head. "So how bout' it? We can skip class and get some more Zzz's?"

"Jaden" I began, "I can't I mean, we can't. We have to go to class and study for our test. Plus, if we don't show up and people notice we're not there they're gonna think something is up."

And that was the last thing I wanted, for rumors to start and people to question my relationship with Jaden. I wasn't even sure what was going on between us but I didn't want to mess up our friendship we took so long to build. We're so close and I loved it but commitment is the one thing that scares me the most. Heartache and sorrow is the main reason why I back out of anything that has to do with emotions. I rolled out of bed looking at the time, we had a solid hour to get ready before class started.

"I'm going to shower real quick and when I'm done feel free to hop in after." I waved off as I walked into the restroom, closing the door.

Behind closed doors of the shower I pressed my back against the wall and allowed the water to continue its course. I pulled my hair out of my face sighing, I had to end whatever was going on with Jaden and I. Just for my own sake and mentality I would have to call it all a quits. Jaden is a good guy, he is kind and sweet he doesn't deserve someone who's as selfish as me. I know that one day he'll find the right girl and it wasn't going to be me, not until I can overcome my fear. I'm sorry Jaden.

JADEN'S - POV

I went to class feeling guilty for wanting Esme to stay locked up in her dorm with me. I felt as though I shouldn't have asked let alone express my feelings for her. We both went to class and I tried to make things less awkward but Esme was all short worded. It was like she was hiding something or simply just avoiding me. One way or another I would have to ask her what was up and if it was my fault why she acted so strangely towards me.

Through the whole day in Crowlers class I focused more on Esme and her actions than learning what was in front of me. She sat at the top of the class with Alexis, Zane and Atticus going over some notes. I knew she was a huge bookworm but not once did she look down in my direction. Even if I made a smart comment to Crowler for attention she never looked over to see what was going on. It was like I was completely invisible and to be honest it bothered me so much. Rather than make a scene I sucked it up and decided to wait until after class to confront her.

"Hey Jay, you alright?" Syrus asked poking me with his pencil.

I turned to face my good ol' buddy, turning my frown easily into a grin. "Yeah, I'm great! Just zoning out like always you know?"

Syrus returned the smile looking up as his lips quivered. He looked like he was dying to say something and was going to bust any minute, so I asked him, "What's up Sy?"

"I never thought you would ask! Yesterday I got my first kiss! It was from Dark Magician Girl, I told you she was real Jay. I mean, sure it was just a kiss on the cheek but it's all the same! It was amazing."

I looked down at Syrus's paper chuckling softly, "Well that explains the hearts all over your paper. Hah! That's totally sweet Sy!" I gave him a thumbs up, grabbing his paper and reading all of the side notes. "Dear Dark Magician Girl I love you."

"Hey Jay! Give it back, quit before someone hears and we get in trouble."

"No way, not until I read all that you wrote." I replied holding the paper up high continuing to read his note, "You're so magical and beautiful-"

"Give it back!" He flailed his hands and launched himself over, pushing me out of the chair. I bursted out laughing switching hands to avoid Syrus. I continued to do so until he snatched it out of my hands, his cheeks basking in red. Forgetting we were in class I got up noticing Crowler and the whole class glaring at my direction. Quickly I took my seat and waved.

"Heyah everyone! Nice lesson huh?"

"Jaden. Syrus." Crowler called, "Detention, the both of you after class."

Syrus and I groaned, "Aw man!"

We were thirty minutes into detention and Syrus and I were forced to write : "I will not disturb Crowler's class again" on a long paper, both front and back. Talk about torture! I really wasn't looking forward to spending my day stuck with Crowler, this is the last place I would like to be at. Instead, I rather be talking to Esme clearing the smoke up. Which reminds me! I needed to find her before it was too late.

I poked Syrus with my pencil and whispered, "Hey Sy."

"Yeah Jay?" He asked in a low tone.

"No talking!" Crowler yelled as he looked up from his book then to the clock. "Oh my, I almost forgot, I have to make copies." He rose from his desk closing the book. "Don't you dare think about leaving this classroom you two! I will be back I have to run some errands and when I return I better have my note you two wrote for me at the front of my desk."

Crowler walked out of the class and I resumed talking. Whatever he said went in one ear and out the other.

"You think you can cover for me? I need to sneak out for a bit."

"Uhh, sure but why? Where are you going?"

I rubbed the back of my neck not sure if I should tell the truth or not. After thinking it over I decided to tell Sy the real reason behind it all. He was my best friend after all and I knew I could trust him with this type of information. Since the first year at Duel Academy Syrus and I have built a strong and unforgettable bond.

"I got to go see Esme. She's been acting weird towards me and I want to make sure she is okay. I'll explain the rest to you later alright?"

"Wait, is that the reason why you weren't at the dorm last night? Were you with Es?"

I nodded setting the pencil down and got up from my seat, "Yep! After the festival I went to find Esme because she wasn't there. Could you also finish the paper Crowler wanted us to do? Alright, thanks!" I didn't really give Syrus a choice, I just rushed out of the classroom needing to find Esme.

I walked out of the school searching for Esme but not entirely sure where to start. I knew she liked books but the library was too small, she couldn't possibly show a liking there. Quickly I walked across campus and found Zane standing outside the Blue Obelisks Dormitory. I noticed him look over spotting my bright red jacket, I waved as I approached him with my usual grin.

"Hey Zane, how's it going?"

"It's going alright. Aren't you suppose to be in-"

"Yeah, yeah, save the lectures for now. I'll get back there but first I got to find Esme, have you seen her?"

"At this time of day she's usually by the shore. That would be my best bet." Zane responded. "Is she in some sort of danger about her spirit key?"

"No, I just wanted to speak with her is all, anyway thanks for the help Zane!"

I turned back around and walked into the direction where the land and water met. I never knew Esme was so moved by the ocean, if I known that I would have started there. Boy I hoped that she wasn't mad at me. The scenery had finally switched up as I took my first few steps on the sand, noticing Esme sitting down with a book in her lap. She looked over the view taking deep breathes, I watched as her chest rose then back down to her regular level. The breeze caught her dark locks of hair blowing it across her face, that familiar scent passing right by me.

I walked over keeping quiet and stood right beside Esme sliding my hands into my pockets. Esme jumped by surprise, getting up from her spot; her book falling face first and open to the sand. She pulled her hair that flew freely into the wind behind her hair, pursing her lips together.

"Jaden!" She gasped looking quickly towards me then down at her book.

I bent over to grab her book that was nearly swept away from the waves. I shook the sand from the pages and returned it to her with a genuine smile. I even managed to let out a soft chuckle knowing it would get a positive reaction from her. Instead, Esme carefully grabbed the book trembling as she did so, her lips would quiver; tears streaming down her face. Her hands clamped down on the book as she brought it closely to her chest, her head falling looking down at the ground.

This was the exact opposite of what I wanted! I flailed my hands trying to reassure her but wasn't truly sure what to say or do. "Hey Es! Don't cry! I'm here or if you like I can go! Just don't cry, whatever you do don't cry." I stood there only a couple feet from Esme chewing the inner sides of my mouth. Every fiber in my body told me to get closer but I didn't want to upset her anymore than she was. She dropped her book once more this time the waves seeping through the pages dragging the book into the ocean.

"What is it Esme?" I took a step at a time until I could grab her hand and hold them tightly. I squeezed one of her hands and then began to wipe away her hot tears that trailed down her cheeks. Esme avoided contact before I asked her to look directly at me, for just a few seconds the tears ceased and she called out my name.

"Jaden." She said, "I know I set myself up for this but it's best you don't dedicate so much time to me. I can't give you what you want."

"What are you talking about Es? You're my friend!"

"You know what I'm talking about."

"I do?" I asked.

"I can't be with you Jaden, if you're looking for a relationship I can't give it to you. Don't take it personal, it's not you it's me. I just can't be with anyone."

I stood there unsure with what she was saying, I wasn't entirely sure with what I actually wanted. All I knew was I was looking for her and had to find out why she'd been avoiding me. But when she said she couldn't be with anyone I knew she just wasn't talking about me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and asked, "Esme, why can't you be with anyone?"

"It's a stupid reason. .you're going to laugh."

"Try me, I promise I won't."

Esme looked down at her hand that I held tightly, stroking her knuckles in the process. I gave her a few squeezes before I would assure her to speak her mind knowing it would be tough. I was fully aware of Esme and her times of freezing when was she put on the spot. So, I gave her some time to think it out before I would ask again.

She bit the lower half of her lip, averting eye contact as she spoke. "It's because I am afraid. I'm afraid to love and open my heart to someone Jaden. I cannot afford to have someone hold and break my fragile heart. I've seen what the cons of love can do and they don't look too pleasant. ." She pulled her hand out of mine taking a step back. "That's why I can't be with you or anyone. .I can give you a unforgettable friendship but nothing more."

I didn't fully understand what she was talking about but one thing I did know was Esme had some trust issues. She was so afraid to the point where she was hurting herself and I wouldn't stand for it. I wouldn't allow anyone to hurt my friends, not even themselves. "Listen Es, so what you're afraid to show emotion or have people show you interest. .but just hiding and ignoring the ones who care for you won't make it any better. You're a victim of fear and that's fine we all our in some way. But there will come a time when you will need to break free from those shackles and move on. Once you do that you won't feel that pain you're feeling right now. Yes it is scary but hey, you trust your friends don't you? We back you up whenever things go down and the same will happen when you decide to open up more to your feelings. Maybe it's not me you'll open up to. . but if it was, I promise to never hurt you and I would be more than honored to prove it to you. All that I would need is your trust, just as I trust to draw the right cards I need when I duel."

I knew it was cheesy to add the last statement about the cards but I felt it needed to be said! I wasn't sure if I got my point across but it all came from the heart. I wasn't sure with the feeling that grew more passionate by the day but I knew that those feelings were dedicated to one person; to the woman in front of me. We both stood there quietly and I examined her face all the while. Despite her tears and suffering I found her just as beautiful the night before. when she laid there so peacefully. Esme could be angry, happy, sick and I would still find her so radiant and humble.

"I know, I know but, I don't want to risk our friendship in exchange of something more. I just. . ." her sentence drifts off.

I cupped Esme's face forcing her hues on mine again, my hand underneath her chin and the other on the side of her face. My brown orbs stay locked with hers then move to her succulent lips. She stayed quiet and breathless trying to read my next move. I didn't know what I was going to do either but what I wanted was to kiss her pain away. Due to my inexperience I knew that in most movies after the guy kisses the girl she usually feels better. So maybe this was the same thing?

My palms grew sweaty as I took a deep breath and dropped the hand that held her chin. However, I kept the other one on her face, brushing the remainder of her tears away; pressing my hot lips against her forehead. She gasped by my sudden moves of affection, closing my eyes as I planted a deep kiss on her skin. My heart was pounding, I felt embarrassed wondering if she could hear the beats my heart was creating. All these reactions and feelings I have because of Esme. Though I waited for her to say something she never did, instead she closed her eyes too and fell into my chest; hugging my form tightly. Instantly, my arms dropped around her physique, pulling her closer on my chest. I was certain now that she could hear the roaring of my heart rage against her ear.

Esme pressed her hand over the monstrous beat of my heart, lightly tracing her fingers against it. I chuckled softly finding it a bit ticklish but didn't want to ruin the moment. I did my best to mask the laughter that seeped through my lips, squirming around; letting out a snort.

"My bad! I'm just ticklish is all. I really tried to hold it in but leave it to me to ruin a moment." Shyly I looked down to Esme, scratching my reddened cheek.

"So I've noticed." She replied, "I'm sorry for ignoring you Jay. . I hope you can forgive me. Just give me some time to figure out all this stuff. . I'm so happy to have such an amazing friend beside me. For years I've kept this pent up and it's finally coming out. It's like a hundred pounds have been lifted off my shoulders."

"Well I was worried about you, like you said, I don't want our friendship to be at risk. I'm just happy to have cleared the smoke with you."

Esme pulled back from our hug and in doing so her Obelisk jacket fell off her shoulders. Her tattoo showing from her sudden movement, she pulls up her jacket when my eyes shift to her shoulder.

Curiously I ask, "Why do you hide it? I noticed it last night and thought it looked pretty sweet on you."

"I just don't want to be judged for it. So I keep it hidden all the time."

There was so much I wanted to know about Esme now that she opened up a little more to me. It was like I had just picked up a book and I couldn't let it down, I had to read more and more until I fully understood everything. Even though she wasn't a book I felt as though I could understand why Esme was so fond of reading.

"Esme," I said "Who are you?"

Esme cocked her head to the left, her lips pulling into a snug grin upon my question. "Come to my dorm tonight and I'll tell you." She said as she began to take steps backward and turning away. "You better hurry back to Crowler's class before you get another day of detention."

"Oh crap! You're right! I'll see you later tonight then!"

"Where you going this time Jay?"

"I'm going to go visit Es" I said as I finished stuffing my bag of a spare red coat and tooth brush. Syrus stood beside me grumbling under his breathe knowing I was most likely going to stay the night there. Judging by his expression, I was guessing he missed having me around and I missed my pal too. "Oh come on Sy, don't make that face." I nudged him.

"I just miss having you around. It gets kinda lonely without you Jay. Plus, you said you were gonna explain what happened between you and Esme last night."

He was right about that. I slung my bag over my back, the satchel over my chest hanging low. In haste I began to explain myself as I grabbed my shoes, sliding them on. "I went to see Esme after the festival. I was worried about her since she didn't watch my duel with Dark Magican Girl and when I went to see her, I ended up falling asleep there. You see Sy, I never felt this feeling before." I crouched down to tie my shoes, occasionally looking up. "At her dorm I got a chance to look at her and I mean really look at her. She's beautiful and talented, I couldn't help but want to stay for the whole night. I even held her hand and got to share the bed with her. At first I was scared but eventually I eased up. And now? Well I'm headed there to find out who she is."

Syrus listened and blushed at the thought of Jaden and Esme. "What do you mean find out who she is? I never knew Esme was like that Jay. So you must have a crush on her then right?"

"I mean, truthfully I don't know much about Esme. I want to know her background story and why she is the way she is. I never noticed but she even has a tattoo on her right shoulder. She's like a mystery waiting to be solved and I want to be the one to do that." I returned to my regular height looking at the door. "I don't know if its a crush, It's too early to say but, what I do know is Esme makes my heart beat ten times as fast as it should!"

"Well then duh! You obviously do have a crush on her, or maybe you even love her."

"Ahhh Sy! Don't go jumping to conclusions yet! I don't even know myself how I feel or what to call it but if you need to call it something I guess it's a crush. I'll see you tomorrow okay? If anyone asks where I am tell them. . " I tapped my chin, what exactly would Syrus tell them? "Well you're smart! You figure out what to say. Later pal!"

I gave him a quick peace sign as I walked out of the door and rushed over to the Blue Obelisks dormitory. I was careful to avoid any other girls that were outside of their dorm. I stayed hidden by the bushes hoping my red jacket wouldn't give my position away. I don't know what was worse, me being a Slifer or the fact that I'm a boy? I'm sure Zane doesn't have these issues if he ever tried to sneak over. In fact, I'm sure the girls would want him to come into their dorms. I rolled my eyes at the thought and made another dash into the next bush. When I stood underneath Esme's window I threw my bag up first then began to make my way up to her.

"Aw man, this wasn't as hard last time!" I complained as I grabbed the ledge lifting myself up and over.

I saw Esme sitting at her table, a book open as always with a pencil in her hand. I knocked on the window to catch her attention grinning widely as I opened the window. Before I crawled inside I kicked my shoes off and grabbed my bag from the ground. She rose from her seat greeting me with a welcoming smile. She wore a black tank top with one of her straps hanging off her shoulder and a pair of sweatpants. Her hair was in a tight bun and still as always I found her stunning.

"Sorry it took so long I got busy with Sy." I apologize walking over to the coat rack to hang up the red jacket. "So what are you up to?"

"I was just reading a book and taking some notes." She replied, "Anyway, you want answers right?"

I was surprised that she got straight to the point, not wanting to waste any time. She sat on the bed, crossing her legs together patting an open spot for me. I walked over sitting where she pointed at ready to give her all my attention. Esme rubbed her shoulder biting her lower lip.

"Alright, so I guess I'll start off with my family. I don't remember much so bare with me okay?"

"I'm all ears!"

"I only remember bits and pieces of my father. Most of these books are from him that's why I always carry one. In a way it feels like he is with me when I do. You see, I remember my father being very loving and protective of me but one day, my father disappeared. He didn't show up from work and from that day on everything changed. I don't know the reason why he went never returned home, my mother never told me." Esme sighed.

"My mother broke down and fell into a deep depression. She turned to alcohol at the time becoming a heavy drinker, I guess the pain was too much so she decided to drink it away. However, it helped her with the pain but me? It made my life a living hell. I hated seeing her so broken and not even able to care for herself. So, even though my mother wasn't the same woman she was before I promised to make things better. I often entered duel contests and at most times I won getting money and bringing it home for her. I hoped she used it for food or for bills but she would often put it to her addiction. After trying so hard to hold us together I decided what I was doing wasn't enough. At the time I found a flyer promoting Duel Academy, I thought this would be the next step for my journey. I remember I would study hard and long to pass the entrance exam and when I did I was surprised. In a way It was a relief! I was going to be free of seeing an alcoholic woman for the rest of my days." Esme paused rubbing her nose.

"You see, before I left for Duel Academy I got my tattoo. I wanted it because it reminded me of home. There's a set of yellow blossoms outside our yard and as each year passes I get another flower added to the vines. To be reminded that I do have a family even though I may not like it but also to remember there is beauty in everything we do. Getting accepted into Duel Academy was a big step for me. The last day before I left my mother she was sober. She signed me off and told me how proud she was of me. I remember her genuine smile she had plastered on her face as she adjusted my uniform. .but because of my mother and father's past events I'm afraid to fall in love. You aren't the first I've pushed away Jaden, Atticus was. For my first year at Duel Academy he became my best friend and eventually we both ended up falling for eachother but like always, I pushed him away and distance myself."

Everything Esme said was so raw and emotional I didn't know how she kept this all to herself. No wonder why she avoided me, after all who could blame her? She saw first hand the cons of loving someone but, what she didn't see was the pros. The good things that could happen when a couple is in a love. Like holding hands and taking on the world together.

"I'm just so afraid, I don't want to get hurt. . not like that. I don't want to go home to see my mother drowning herself in misery. I want to get her the help she needs. I don't know how but I thought coming here would point me into the right direction." Esme took a deep breath playing with her hands. I took those hands into mine and held them tightly into her lap.

"No one is going to hurt you Es, relax. You coming here was the right thing but maybe your reasons are backwards. Maybe instead of shielding yourself from all that may come you should learn how to open up and trust your companions. It's just a thought anyways but, you should overcome your fears Es."

She frowned upon my words, closing her eyes. "But how? For years I've taken time to build these walls I can't simply take them down."

"I'll help you. Whether you chance it with me or anyone else. I'll help ease you tension and anxiety one step at a time. .all I ask for you to do is just trust me Esme. ."

"Okay fine, I'll trust you."

"There you go. See was it that hard?" I asked pinching her cheek, laying down. "You ready to get some sleep?"

She rolled her eyes and rubbed the red spot that appeared on her face from my pinch. "Why? You're tired already lazy bum?"

"Hey, don't start the name calling Es!" I said in a playful tone. "I just had a long day, I didn't fall asleep in class today." Teasingly I grabbed Esme by her waist and pulled her down into the bed, laying her down. She did her best to escape from my grasp but I wouldn't let up on her; keeping her still in my chest. Eventually she gives up and lays still, a peaceful smile on her face.

"Alright we'll sleep Jay." she closed her eyes and pressed closer against my body. "I just want to say thank you for everything you've done for me Jaden. ."