Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX or any of the songs used

Epilogue

Beginnings

The applause had silenced and the room was quiet, filled with tension as the audience and band members alike all held their breath, waiting impatiently to hear the response of the bluenette who just had to feeling embarrassed at such a dramatic confession of love from Jaden Yuki.

The brunette bit the inside of his cheek nervously, realising that what he had just done was, without a doubt, the boldest thing he had ever done in all his life. For once he was genuinely worried about the outcome – and he was usually so confident in his own abilities. He watched as Jesse's facial expression changed from completely in shock to being much softer, tender in a way but also not giving too much away.

Perhaps he felt pity for the brunette whom he didn't love like that or perhaps he was just not one for dramatic public confessions. Nobody in the room knew the answer and they all waited in impatient, eager anticipation. The tension in the room was sharp enough that it could have cut through diamond.

Finally, Jesse reached up and his hand closed around the brunette's, standing up and pulling Jaden off the table and onto his feet in one swift motion. He said not a word as he walked quickly out the door, eager to get away from the eyes of everyone on him but pulling Jaden with him as he did.

Everyone in the room was frozen, knowing that, as the doors to the hall closed, the two boys were standing just outside. They waited for their reappearance – for of course they all knew it would come – and for the news of Jesse's response.

Outside the door, Jaden looked questioningly at his now-not-so-secret love, his eyes vaguely confused, worried but still loving. Jesse stared at him for a minute and then his face broke out into a broad smile and he struggled with himself not to double over with the force of his laughter.

Jaden, meanwhile, raised one eyebrow, now at an utter loss.

"You shouldn't have done that, Jay" the bluenette laughed, leaning against the wall for support. "You ain't ever gonna live that down!"

Jaden felt himself blushing a little but frowned all the same.

"Yeah, well, I didn't know how to tell you, and it's the last year, so if people laugh, what the hell?" Jaden shrugged, making it seem like he was wholly indifferent to the situation.

There was an uncomfortable silence that hung over them for a few seconds, and then, with a quiet sigh, Jesse smiled at him, managing to stop himself from laughing at last.

"Jay, you didn't need to go through with all that" the bluenette grinned. "You could've just told me, I would've listened. And besides," he winked at the other, "it's not like the feelings not returned."

Jaden blinked and then grinned himself.

"Though I'm kinda glad you did" Jesse added. "Else I might've had to do something like that first."

Jaden frowned but then laughed quietly to himself; he had been mad, hadn't he?

"So you like me too?" he smirked, folding his arms.

"Like you?" Jesse smirked back, reaching forward with one hand to let it rest on Jaden's shoulder. "I love you, partner."

Jaden felt an unfamiliar tightening in his chest, right where his heart was, but it wasn't an unpleasant sensation. In fact, it was rather nice, to just know that Jesse did love him back. He had never been completely certain that his feelings would be returned. To know that they were ... well, it was a weight off his mind.

"Thanks Jess" he murmured.

"For what?"

"For, y'know, loving me?"

Jaden himself laughed at his reply: he could save the world and play the hero with no problem, but he had to admit that he really sucked at this romance stuff.

"It's all good, Jaden" Jesse laughed, and he stood up a little straighter before standing entirely too close to the brunette, and leaning forward a little in order to brush his lips over Jaden's cheek. "Baby steps, okay?"

Jaden nodded in agreement.

And with that, the two folded their hands together and walked back into the main hall, resigned to their fate of being congratulated by all present as the cheers went up and their relationship as more than friends began.

Thank you for reading. Please R&R