Chapter 18 the birthday of firsts
One month has passed since Akiza had gotten her licence and she was having no trouble using it. She had already faced Yusei, Crow, and Jack in turbo duels but only won against Crow. Jack and Yusei were truly in their own league which didn't surprise her at all. She woke up that morning in her room and noticed the date on her calendar which was on her nightstand. The date that caused her much of her grief during her childhood had came: Her birthday. She sighed wondering if it was going to be the same as it had been for years. The thought of Yusei finding out crossed her mind and she thought about how to go about it with him. 'I wonder if I should tell him about it? But if I did I KNOW he would go to far for me like he always does. I love Yusei for his kindness and sincerity and I know that he always tries his best for everyone, but sometimes I really do wish he would just be more forward and not so agreeable all the time. Martha truly did raise him well. Maybe TOO well if I may say so.' Akiza thought to herself pulling herself out of bed and heading for the shower. After cleaning and drying herself off she then got herself dressed in a light red thin see through top and loose blue shorts . She then proceeded downstairs and made herself some breakfast as Martha was out shopping and doing some errands around town. She had just finished eating when she heard a knock at the door. She sighed and went to open it to find Crow standing at the door.
"Hey there Akiza. Good morning to you. Is Martha around by any chance?" He asked looking past her inside.
"No she isn't actually. She's out until the evening today doing some running around so I was just planning on relaxing today by myself."
"Oh, so you don't have anything planed with your BOYFRIEND at all?" He stretched the last part. Akiza mentally knew that she did sometimes want to give Crow a good jolt sometimes or even hang him with her Rose Tentacles but knew that she had no intention on hurting people or letting them get to her with their words.
"Very funny Crow, but no. I haven't talked to him in three days since he has been busy with work." She sighed turning away.
"Well I'm sorry to hear that. I know that work can be a real time consumer at the best of times which makes relationships hard to keep together with it all. I was just passing by with these cookies that I got from a friend at work and I thought that Martha would want them since they are her favourite." Crow said holding a box of oatmeal cookies.
"Oh well that's thoughtful of you Crow. Thanks a lot for these. I'll make sure she gets them." Akiza said taking them from Crow and heading for the kitchen.
"So how are you doing this morning Akiza?" Crow asked her still in the doorway.
"I'm doing just fine Crow, thanks for asking. She replied happily. How about you? How's your life treating you?" She asked holding her hand out as to say come in.
"It's going just fine for me as well. I actually might have something better coming up in a few days that will give me better work." He explained while shaking his head to coming inside.
"Well that's certainly news to me. I hope if that's the case that you can get it without any troubles to deal with."
"Yeah I agree. But I now have some business to take care of and so I shall be off." He smiled leaving the door way and heading back to his runner.
"Take care Crow!" She called from the door.
"Alright later then!" Crow called back getting back on his runner and driving off.
"Later!" She said waving him off. As Crow was out of Akiza's sight he called Yusei up with a sneaky grin across his face.
"Hello?" Yusei answered sitting in his couch.
"Hey Yusei! It's Crow! I was just at the house and it seems she doesn't suspect a thing. Everything is a go for today it would appear."
"That's great to hear Crow. Let's hope everything stays the way it's supposed too until we get everything ready." He smile sitting up straight.
"So you got her present ready for her?"
"Yup, I already took care of that. Right now though if I'm right, Jack is busy and when he's done he will bring Carly with him and Martha is currently with the twins right now getting supplies for the party." Yusei explained as if he was going down a list.
"Cool! This is going to be a sweet surprise." Crow called out
"Yes it is. I really will have to thank you all for everything your doing later."
"Oh don't worry about that. And I will make sure we all leave early enough that you two can have some ALONE time." He laughed
"Crow…" Yusei's voice turned sour.
"Yeah, yeah I know. I just couldn't resist the urge to do that. Later man, see you tonight!" He hanged up. Back at the house Akiza was watching TV. She tried to call Yusei a few times but it was always busy or off so she decided to just relax the day away and not let anything bother her. However she found that very hard to do with it being so quiet around. 'I wish I could at least have someone to talk to today but no one is answering or I can't contact them. I know that this is usually how this day is for me but if feels different for some reason.' She sighed. She was just about to get up when her phone started ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey rose, it's me." A happy voice came on the other side.
"Yusei! I have been trying to call you for a while now!" She shouted happily.
"I'm sorry honey. I was busy with a quick job and I didn't want my phone bothering me while I was working." He lied.
"Ohh. Well I guess that makes sense. You are truly a busy man after all. It must be hard having a job and trying to make time for me and your friends." She muttered softly
"Well it can be but I don't see it that way. I see it as living life to the fullest." He smirked.
"Of course u would see it that way." She teased with him chuckling at her words
"So anyway, I'm calling to see if you wanted to go to a new movie that's playing? I'll pick u up at Martha's if you want." He asked sincerely. Akiza smiled now knowing that the day wouldn't be a total bore after all.
"I would love that baby. I have been SO bored alone with Martha gone. But I know I won't be with my cute boyfriend." She said slyly.
"Same if I'm with my lovely red rose." He said the same way back.
"So I'll see u soon?"
"Yep I will be there in an hour or so. Later." He hanged up. Akiza hanged up the ran upstairs looking for something different to wear. She decided that she would want something that would be in a summer taste as well as open one so she chose her new Light thin blue tank top and matching skirt. She waited until Yusei came to the front door wearing a newer green t shirt and his jean vest and beige cargo pants. She answered the door and kissed him first thing.
"Don't I even get the chance to say, Good morning?" He asked chuckling.
"You just did dearest." She winked hoping he would get the message.
"Fair enough. So Martha's out for the day?" He asked acting like he didn't know.
"Yeah, she just left a note saying that she was going to be gone for the day and didn't say where. It strange for her to do that." Akiza scratched her head.
"I agree with you there. But I'm sure that it must be important for her to do that." He assured her which made her crack back a smile.
"So shall we go out now or would you rather just stay here and HAVE FUN together?" She asked seductively hoping that it would change his mind. 'You have no idea how much I want to say yes to that Akiza. But if we don't leave now then your surprise will never happen.' He thought with half thoughts as he would definitely have already been all over her right now if he could.
"As much as I would LOVE to take you up on your offer my funny rose, if we don't get going we won't make the movie." He pointed out looking at his watch.
"Alright." She muttered somewhat disappointed.
"Maybe next time." He winked. She smiled at his gesture and grabbed her runner and headed off with Yusei beside her. Little did Akiza know that as soon as they left Martha and the twins went in through the back door with a whole bunch of decorations. They then all smiled at each other knowing that everything was working out.
"I bet Akiza is going to flip when she gets back." Leo said putting his boxes down.
"I agree but she does deserve what she's about to get." Luna replied.
"Yes and the fact that Yusei, Crow and even Jack are helping proves how good of a person she is and how much they respect her." Martha smiled.
"Yep. This is something that she truly does deserve." Luna said getting the scotch tape.
"So shall we get started kids? Asked Martha opening the box. If we don't hurry, they will return and we won't be ready."
"You bet!" They shouted together. Three hours had passed and Akiza and Yusei were coming out of the movie.
"Wow that had a sad ending." Said Akiza with a slight tear.
"Yeah I know. Romances always have either a happy or sad ending." Yusei replied handing her a tissue from his pocket.
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"Well they have to give it that emotional feeling." She sniffled.
"True, so since it's still bright out, how about going for a walk around the park for a while? It is a nice day today." Yusei noticed looking up at the bright sun.
"Sure. Thanks for this honey." She cooed hanging off his arm.
"No problem sweetheart. Now let's go." They both got on their runners again and drove off to the central park. As they were heading for the park Jack and Crow arrived at Martha's with Carly and their supplies. Martha opened the door and let them inside.
"Hey Martha, we are here and we have the goods." Crow grinned showing his bags.
"Great timing you two! We were just putting on the finishing touches on the décor." Martha explained inviting them all in.
"So who all are we waiting for?" Jack asked looking around noticing Leo and Luna blowing up balloons.
"Well if I'm right, you three were the last of the expected guests. Yusei and Akiza are still out on there arranged date." Martha giggled.
"Sweet so everyone is here except for the guests of honour." Crow said putting his bags. on the table.
"That just means more time to make this all worthwhile. Even small parties like this are worth joining at times." Jack agreed closing the door behind Carly.
"I'm glad you all invited me here today. I really am thankful." Carly said bowing to everyone.
"No problem! The more the merrier, right?" Leo announced.
"Right!" Everyone agreed back. After walking around the park once Akiza was feeling tired from sitting all day and now walking so much. She was starting to feel the effects of sitting down and walking around so much more than usual.
"Yusei, Can we go back to Martha's now? I'm sorry to cut this happy moment but my legs are starting to get sore from the walking around." She said with a sad expression. Yusei knew that her expression was because she didn't want to end it like this but he knew that something better was waiting for her at home. He looked at his watch quickly and saw that now should be good enough time to head back. 'Everyone should be done by now I hope. Let's see how well they did.' Yusei thought.
"Ok. It's fine. I wouldn't want you to strain or push yourself just to try and make me happy. Let's head back then and rest our legs." He smiled. Akiza smiled as always at Yusei's honesty and soon found herself walking with Yusei with her head on his shoulder and him walking at her pace to ease her stress. They got back to their runners and headed back to Martha's with Yusei hoping for everything to be finished. When they got back Akiza noticed Crow and Jack's duel runners around the corner of the house.
"I see Crow and Jack are here." Akiza pointed out.
"So it seems." 'Which means everything is done inside.'He smiled to himself. They went up to the door and Yusei opened it up to show Akiza a big banner hanging that said Happy Birthday Akiza!
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY AKIZA!" Everyone inside shouted.
"Wh-what the?!" She barely could speak in shock.
"This is your birthday party. I wanted to make it a surprise so I asked Martha and the others for help." Yusei admitted holding her hand guiding her inside like a princess.
"But how did you know? I never told you my birthday was today!" She spat back at him shocked and confused.
"I saw that you had that date circled on your calendar in your room when I was cleaning it one day." Martha admitted getting the cake from the kitchen. It was a plain white cake with red roses made of icing around the edge and her name written in red icing on the top. Akiza couldn't believe they went this far even with the cake. They truly left no part unchecked.
"That's right. So when she told us that it was soon we decided to help out since your Yusei's girl." Crow smirked grabbing the silverware from the kitchen.
"We wanted to show how much we care about our big sister! So we jumped in as well!" Shouted Leo sitting down at the table which had been prepared for everyone.
"I figured since you are Yusei's girlfriend and a friend to us all I should help as well." Said Jack taking his white coat off while he sat down..
"And I wanted to come because it meant I could be close to Jack and all his friends as well. Not to mention that you're my new best friend Akiza." Carly replied happily hugging Akiza quickly then went to sitting next to Jack. Akiza couldn't stop the tears flowing from her eyes. Never in her life had anyone done this for her or given her such a happy birthday. She ran into Yusei's arms crying as he embraced her with everyone smiling around them. A birthday with real friends and family is something she had wanted for years and now she had gotten it with people she hadn't even known for a year.
"Thank you so much everyone! This means so much to me!" She cried out covering her face with her hands.
"It's all been worth it if it's for u Akiza. I love u and everyone else here sees u as a true friend or family member. You will always be loved and welcomed with us for as long as we are all together and that's a promise." Yusei smiled hugging her tightly.
"Now then, if you two are done being lovey-dovey, shall we eat?" Jack muttered grabbing himself some cake. Yusei and Akiza blushed and broke up the hug in order to grab some cake as well. They all soon sat down at Martha's table with everyone singing Happy birthday to Akiza. She couldn't hold back her tears as she had never been so happy to be with others before. An hour had now gone by with everyone chatting and having fun when Martha sat up and began to leave the room.
"Where are you going Martha?" Asked Akiza drinking some punch.
"To get your presents. There are a few from some of us." She smiled.
"You guys! Why did you have to get me stuff as well?! Akiza asked bewildered. This has been more than enough for me!"
"Because it's your birthday, duh!" Crow shouted back like he was challenging her scream.
"Relax Akiza, we all weren't sure what to get you so it's just small stuff." Jack assured her talking quietly.
"And I'm sorry to have to say this but since it was such short notice I couldn't get anything for you. I also don't have much money right now. Sorry again." Carly apologized and bowed sadly.
"It's ok Carly. Thanks for the thought though." Akiza smiled assuring her friend that it was ok. Martha then brought in all the presents from everyone and placed them on the floor. Akiza smiled as she kneeled down and started to open them. The first one was Crow's which happened to be a red rose flower patterned comforter for her bed.
"Wow Crow, this is quite pretty! She smiled hugging the fabric. I love this feeling on my skin."
"No problem. I was just thinking that something like that would suit you better than Martha's plain while sheets you know."
"Well I'll be sure to put this on tonight before I go to sleep tonight." She thanked him. She then went over to Jack's present which was a small envelope that felt quite thick. She then tore into it to find a birthday card and a $50 gift card for New Domino Mall as well as a small red hair band. She smiled knowing that even Jack tried hard for her which truly showed that even he cared enough about her to make it worth while.
"Thanks Jack. I'll be sure to use these." She said to him softly.
"They were gifts that I bought personally so you had better use them." He huffed trying to put on the tough guy act. Everyone chuckled including Carly which made him simply turn his head and pout. Finally she opened the twins package which was a pair of stuffed animals, a black rose dragon and a rose tentacles. She smiled knowing they were children after all so she knew they were just being themselves.
"This is super sweet of you two. They are very cute and they fit me just right." She got up and hugged them both tightly.
"Not a problem Big sister!" Leo exclaimed with a big smile.
"This is your birthday Akiza. We truly wanted to show you that we care." Luna added much quieter. Akiza just nodded happily looking at all her gifts then back to everyone who were watching her.
"Thanks everyone. I wasn't expecting anything at all today because I never thought I would ever have a happy birthday again. But I'm very happy that I was proven wrong." She admitted hugging the twins and giving Jack and Crow a kind smile.
"No problem. But now I must be taking my leave. I have a major duel in the morning and I refuse to show up tired. Later Akiza, and again happy birthday." Jack told her grabbing his coat.
"Thanks Jack. Take care and good luck tomorrow." Akiza encouraged him. Jack just smiled at her and gave a slight wave before heading for the door.
"Well then I'll be leaving with Jack." Carly popped up smiling following him outside.
"Alright then. Thanks you two for being here and helping." Said Yusei.
"Your welcome, later." Said Carly walking out with Jack while Jack smiled at Yusei's comment without turning around. Once outside Carly ran up to Jack and saw the smile on his face that truly showed he truly had a great time tonight and that made it all worth the trip.
"We had better leave as well. We have a report to finish at school." Said Luna looking at the time.
"But I want to party more!" Leo complained.
"Would you rather fail the class?" Luna shot at him wit a serious look.
"No, but I don't want to leave my big sister's party either." He whined like a five year old. Akiza giggled and walked up beside Leo with a happy smile across her face.
"It's ok Leo. You have done enough for me already. I wouldn't want you to fail because of me." Akiza consoled him while putting her arm around him and smiling.
"Alright. I'll go then." Leo sighed.
"Leo, soon we will have another duelling day with Luna and Akiza ok?" Yusei said with a smile to perk him up.
"Really?! Thanks Yusei! Well we had better leave then." Leo jumped and left.
"Wow it really is easy to turn him around." Yusei said with a slight chuckle.
"You have no idea." Luna replied.
"Well goodbye Luna." Yusei and Akiza said together.
"Thanks bye!" She waved bye and left. As they said goodbye to the twins Crow who was in the washroom came downstairs and walked up to Yusei.
"What's up Crow?" Yusei asked somewhat confused.
"I was wondering what you guys had planned for the rest of the day?"
"Well since you all brought my birthday out into the open I was hoping I could spend some time alone with my Yusei." She said hugging Yusei's arm.
"Exactly. So we will be heading back to my place soon. What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to head out as well as soon as I finish cleaning up around here. It seems that I will have to take care of it all with Martha." He sighed looking around at all the mess.
"Well we could help you know." Yusei offered until Martha walked up with a stern look.
"Not a chance. It's Akiza's birthday and you two should have fun with it. Go out and have your time together. She pushed at them trying to get them to leave without helping.
"You sure?" Akiza asked knowing that this was all because of her.
"We are sure. Now out with you both!" Crow commanded pointing to the door.
"Exactly. You both go and have fun, and make sure you make it memorable." Martha said with a wink. Yusei and Akiza blushed at the comment they knew that Crow and Martha would never leave them alone about that stuff.
"Indeed. Even the moment is perfect. A happy birthday, a happy party, a happy family, might as well make it a happy night." Crow said laughing.
"You will never change Crow." Yusei sighed with his hand over his forehead.
"Nope so get used to it." He snapped back still laughing
"I never will. But it is what makes you who you are." Yusei submitted.
"Indeed, but you both go and me and Martha will finish here."
"Ok, well then good bye you two." Yusei said waving goodbye and heading outside to his runner.
"Thanks again for everything today. I'm very grateful." Akiza said hugging Martha.
"No worries. Now go Akiza." Martha said smiling and letting her go.
"Thanks See you later!" She headed outside to see Yusei on his runner.
"So are you going to use your runner or ride with me?" Yusei asked getting his started.
"I need the experience so I will take mine." Akiza said grabbing hers.
"Ok then, that's fine. I'll race you there." Yusei joked.
"Oh very funny. Akiza laughed. You just try and keep up." She winked at him.
"You think you could outrace me?" He scoffed like Jack would.
"I don't THINK, I KNOW." Hearing that caused Yusei to break down in laughter which made Akiza giggle back. She got on her runner and rode off to Yusei's place. As they were driving Akiza wondered why Yusei didn't have anything for her. 'I'm truly happy that everyone did so much for me today, however why didn't you get me anything Yusei? Did you forget or is it at your place? If it is. Why didn't you bring it with you?' She questioned herself. After a few minutes they arrived at his place and parked the runners and went inside. Yusei stretched from exhaustion from the day he just had. Akiza got inside and closed the door behind them and decided to just ask Yusei directly.
"Um, Yusei?"
"Yes? What's up?" He turned to her.
"I don't mean to sound rude but, I was wondering why you didn't get me anything?" Akiza asked looking him right in the eyes.
"Oh I did get you something for your birthday. It's right over here on the table. I would be devastated if I didn't get my own girlfriend a present on her birthday when everyone else did." He explained jokingly. He then went over to his table and got a small red box and handed it to Akiza. She opened it to see two rose shaped earrings and a small necklace with a iris at the end of it. She couldn't believe the beauty that was in front of her eyes. She had never seen a necklace like this before and almost lost all the strength in her knees from shock.
"Oh Yusei! It's so… beautiful!" She cried out began to tear up.
"I know that getting something from everyone else but me must have been a bit awkward for you. But I wanted to share this moment with you alone so I made sure to leave it here." He explained happily.
"Yusei! I love you so much!" She proclaimed as she hugged him tightly. He hugged her back with a big smile on his face seeing her so hyper and happy.
"Why don't you put them on and see how they look on you my rose?"
"Alright." She went into the bathroom to put on the earrings and the necklace. She came out with them on and smiled brightly with her jewellery. Yusei blushed at her beauty and almost forgot how to speak.
"So, how is it? Do they suit me?" She asked with her hands to her ears. Yusei then recovered his ability to speak.
"You look amazing!" Yusei assured her.
"Thank you baby. I love them!" She said with a tear.
"I'm glad you like them. I was able to save up enough to buy them thanks to the over nights I pulled."
"So you did all that for me?" Akiza asked worried that he pushed himself too hard for her.
"Not at first. I was just helping Blister like I said before. Then when I learned about your birthday from Martha. So I checked out my savings and saw that I had enough saved up to get you your present without dipping into my living costs." He explained to assure her that it was ok.
"Well I love them. But I love you more." She said slyly before kissing him. She then put the box down on the table and then proceeded to lay down on the couch with Yusei and began to watch a romance movie on TV. They cuddled close to each other and were both smiling at the fact that the day they just had been one of the best they could ever have asked for especially for Akiza. They looked at each other happily and slowly moved in kissing each other on contact. Akiza then looked at Yusei and smiled.
"You seem happy today baby." He smiled.
"Being with you has that effect dear." She smiled back.
"That's good to know. I would stay with you all the time if it would make you smile like that." Akiza then grinned at her boyfriend and pulled him in for a deeper kiss. She hugged him tightly with all her happiness flowing through her mouth and lips. After a few more second of kissing him Akiza pulled back with Yusei looking at her confused.
"Yusei?"
"Yes Akiza?"
"You are truly the greatest thin tat has ever happened to me. I never believed I would find anything worth living for in this world until I met you and your friends. You guys have given me everything I had once lost from my life and now it's time I truly returned the favour. Yusei was still confused at her words. He could tell by her tone and conviction that se was serious but still wasn't sure what she meant.
"Akiza, what are you trying to tell me?"
"I want to be together with you Yusei. I want to be closer to you than anyone ever has been. I have opened up to new tings and people. I even became a turbo duelist to show you that I want to understand you as much as possible. In the beginning I never thought I would ever be like this with another human but now I'm more sure than ever about what I want."
"And what would that be?" He asked her kindly. Akiza blushed as she was trying to figure out how to phrase the sentence properly. She knew that she was mentally and physically ready for what she was about to ask him.
"Make love to me tonight Yusei. I want to be with u tonight as your girlfriend. I want you as my one true birthday present."
A/n: Wow Akiza truly has blossomed into a woman. A great party, a great night and it's about to get even better for them. R&R