Chapter 22 Jack and Carly's day.

The first day of the trip passed by with everyone waking up in their rooms. Carly woke up in her pyjamas and noticed the sun just coming out outside of the window. She yawned while stretching and then sat up and went over to the window. She looked outside wondering if during this trip she had truly gotten any closer to Jack or if she came for no reason at all. While she was happy to be invited by Jack to come, she noticed that he wasn't taking any interest in being there with her even though they were dating. Or were they? What could he see in a normal every day girl like her? 'Jack, why did you even agree to go out with me in the first place? Were you just wanting to kill time or maybe use me as a fan girl shield? Why is it that I can't help be feel insecure and weak right now even though I'm in this beautiful place with you and your friends?' Carly thought with small tears forming under her eyes. Akiza then moaned and turned her head to see Carly by the window staring into space.

"Carly, What's wrong? You don't look happy at all right now. " Akiza noticed waking up and rubbing her eyes.

"Oh hey Akiza. Good morning. I'm just thinking about some personal stuff, that's all." She sighed looking back outside.

"You ok? Something wrong with anything?" Akiza asked sitting up. Carly sighed and went back to the bed and sat beside Akiza.

"I'm just wondering what Jack really thinks of me you know? I know that we are supposed to be going out and everything, but ever since we got here we haven't done much at all except talk about duels and stuff. He hasn't even made any moves or even tried to be romantic one bit." She sighed heavily with her head hanging. Akiza couldn't believe what she just heard after what she thought she saw last night between the two.

"But what about last night? Yusei and I saw you two together and you looked very happy talking together, so we decided to give you two some time alone to let that happen."

"I know you did and I do thank you both for doing that for me. But all we did yesterday was talk a little about his next tournament that he plans on entering and how long he will be gone and then he laid back down to continue tanning. All he talked about the whole time was about his career and how this place suits him because it's high class. He never once brought me up or asked me anything expect if I was having fun."

"What did you say when he asked you that?" Akiza asked now curious.

"I replied: yes of course I am. He then just smiled and said that's good and laid back down." Akiza could tell that Carly was truly at lost of what to do or think. She herself had felt this feeling many times in her life so she was quite used to the feeling. She decided to try and be Yusei and give some hopefully good advice.

"That's just the way he is though. I know that I felt the same when I first met him too. He truly hard to understand him when you first hang around him. But after hanging with him for a while I saw that he does have a nice side to him. Yusei and I agree that u just have to be yourself and he will open up in time. I will promise you that as your best friend." Akiza explained trying to reassure Carly who was cracking a smile.

"Thanks Akiza. I'm truly happy to have a friend like you" She said with a full smile. Akiza smiled back and suddenly had an idea to both help Carly and hopefully help their relationship.

"So how about we do this then? You and Jack can go into town for the day and have a private date together with no one else around. Yusei and I will hang with the twins here and u too can have fun together." Akiza suggested getting out of bed in her nightgown.

"Really?! You serious?!" Carly asked ecstatic.

"Yep. I'll fun with my boyfriend and you have fun with yours." Akiza smiled brushing her hair.

"Thank you." Carly said hugging her new best friend squeezing Akiza's breasts in the process. Akiza slightly gasped at the sudden touch while Carly lightly pouted realizing the difference between them.

"Wow Akiza, I wish I had your figure." Carly pouted with her hands still studying Akiza's body.

"H-Hey! Carly, c-cut it out." Akiza gasped pulling herself away from Carly's grasp.

"Well it's true. I bet many girls would die to have your looks and body. As a reporter I have seen many different people and many of them have told me they wish for a body like yours." Carly explained sitting down and checking her face and hair out.

"I honestly didn't ask for this body and I don't know why people would want a body that would make men drool over you like young dogs." Akiza sighed changing into her old uniform from the arcadia movement.

"You still have that old clothing?" Carly asked finishing her hair.

"Yeah. I can't seem to part with it since it carries so many memories with it. I met Yusei and the twins with this on and it is also a part of my black rose past so I can't seem to throw it away." She sighed before smiling slightly.

"Sorry if I was being too forward by asking."

"No problem Carly. Now let's get today started." She smiled. As the girls finished dressing up and headed downstairs they saw Leo and Luna eating breakfast alone.

"Hey you two. Good morning!" Akiza called to them. The twins looked up and saw the girls waving to them and waved back happily.

"Hey Akiza! Want to join us for breakfast? There is still plenty here." Luna asked buttering some toast.

"Sure. Where are Yusei and Jack?" She asked looking around.

"I went to their rooms and knocked but I got no answer. SO we figured we would let them sleep in and miss breakfast for it." Leo said eating cereal.

"You mean YOU thought that, not me Leo." Luna sighed munching on her toast.

"Well what should we do about this Akiza?" Carly asked coming back from the counter with a bowl of cereal.

"Well we should go and wake them up or else those two will never wake up. It wouldn't be fair to have them sleep their vacation away." Akiza said heading back for the stairs.

"Yeah tell them I'll eat all their breakfast if they don't hurry." Leo called out then laughed.

"Oh boy" Luna sighed shaking her head. Akiza headed back upstairs to the boys room when she saw Jack coming out fully dressed and looking spiffy.

"Wow don't u look nice your highness." She joked with a giggle.

"Very funny. I'm getting dressed up for going into town to check things out later. If I'm going out I might as well look good." He said standing proudly acting high and mighty. 'Same old Jack.' Akiza thought to herself. She quickly then realized that this was perfect for Carly.

"Really? Well Carly told me that she was hoping to do the same thing with you today." She mentioned trying not to sound to enthusiastic.

"Well then, I'll take her with me. It would be nice to have some company around the town. See you all later and don't chomp on Yusei too much today." He teased as he then walked by Akiza who had a slight blush at hearing his words. 'If I wasn't so happy for Carly I would have scolded you for that one your HIGHNESS. But I hope this helps you out Carly!' She thought heading for the room. 'Oh! I forgot to ask if Yusei was ready. Oh well if he isn't then I'll just wake him up.' She smiled to herself. She knocked on the door and Yusei answered in black shorts and a long white sleep shirt while rubbing his eyes.

"Oh, your awake are you? Sleepy head." She giggled.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I was really relaxed in my bed and didn't want to get up. But when Jack reminded me that everyone was waiting for us downstairs I got up and was about to get dressed when you knocked."

"Well I am here to tell you that it will just be you , me, and the twins today. Jack and Carly are going into town on a date so we can do whatever today."

"That's nice to hear. I hope it goes well for them and I just hope Jack doesn't screw it up by doing something stupid." He laughed.

"Don't say that. You will jinx them." She scolded elbowing him gently.

"Don't worry about. It will all work out in the end. It has so far hasn't it?" He smiled kissing her cheek.

"Yes it has. Now let's get downstairs and eat breakfast together." She smiled grabbing his hand. As they headed downstairs they saw Jack talking with Carly on one of the lobby sofas.

"So I was planning on going into town right now and wanted to know if you wanted to join me? There are a few places that have peaked my interests and I wouldn't mind some company?" Jack asked Carly. Carly's heart jumped as she heard the very words she wanted to hear. Jack was asking her out for a whole day by themselves.

"I would love too Jack. Can we call it a date?" She asked smiling.

"Sure." He replied cracking one back. Carly wasn't sure how to take that quick response but she didn't want to argue since she was going to be all alone with him and hoped that it would be a great day.

"Alright let's go. Luna's parents gave us a rental car to use so we can drive." Carly mentioned looking outside.

"Very well. Hey Luna! Give me the keys for the car!" He called to the twins who were still at the same table. Luna went into her pocket and pulled them out and threw them to Jack."Then if it's ok with you Jack, can I drive?" Carly asked holding her hand out.

"Sure go ahead. I don't mind." He handed her the keys and began to walk to the car. Carly followed behind and got in as well with Yusei, and the others watching them.

"I hope this goes well." Luna whispered finishing her breakfast.

"Me too. I know Carly deserves a happy life and I bet Jack could use some female companionship too." Akiza said grabbing a bagel and some butter.

"We can't get too deep into another's relationship. Let's just wait and see what happens when they get back." Yusei said joining everyone at the table with a oatmeal bar. As they ate their breakfast together Jack and Carly were entering the downtown area.

"So, is there anything you want to see Jack?" Carly asked at a red light.

"I have a few places but right now I'll go wherever you want to go. You decide what we do right now." He said staring out the window.

"Oh ok. Then let's head to the Duel monsters Museum they have here. I hear some of the exhibits are quite interesting."

"Sounds good to me. I won't mind knowing how they got by without turbo duels." Carly chuckled as the light turned green and she headed to the museum. They arrived a few minutes later and got out of the car. Carly noticed that Jack was smiling a bit as he checked out the outside.

"You happy we came?" She asked looking him in the face.

"Let's see how the inside is before I answer that."He said starting to walk inside. Carly followed him inside and caught up to him at the front doors. They went in and looked around all the exhibits in every room. Some were on the creator of the game Pegasus while others were on the great duelists of the past like Yugi Mutou and Seto Kaiba. Jack looked at all the exhibits quite closely while Carly looked at Jack with amazement at how deep he was getting into the exhibits.

"Wow Jack, You seem to be into this." She said looking at him in awe.

"Of course. It's about duelling and duelists. Whether it's the past, present, or future duelling will always be the true king. He smiled. It seems there are many duelists that I would have had fun duelling back in the old days." Carly watched and noticed a glow around Jack that she only noticed when he was duelling and realized that duelling was his true first love.

'It seems that nothing can replace duelling in Jack's life. I would just hope that you could make some room in it for me.' Carly smiled happily. They continued until they went through the entire museum and came back to front doors. Jack had a somewhat amused look on his face as he had learned some things about the game he had no idea of before.

"Guess even I can learn some good new things every now and then. I was quite surprised that the original king of games was just a child still in school." Jack said opening the doors for himself and Carly.

"Indeed, but isn't it fun to learn some new stuff about something you love?" She asked with a smile.

"Of course. I will never know too much about duelling and the pleasure it brings to my life." Jack said looking up at the sky with a determined smile.

"Jack, you look so awesome right now. I can just feel your confidence coming off you and I'm starting to feel down." Carly said turning her head away. Jack looked over at Carly and walked up to her putting her face in his hands causing her to blush.

"J-Jack?" She asked blushing deeply.

"Carly, You shouldn't feel bad just cause your life isn't where you want it to be. You will in time find that chance to grab your destiny and change your life for the better. If you never stop chasing it and keep pressing forward you can't fail even if you don't find it." He said right at her face. Carly blushed as she smiled at Jack's words. This was the first time he had done such a thing for her and she finally thought she had seen a glimpse of the real Jack just like Yusei and Akiza said.

"Thanks Jack. I will keep pressing on just like you and someday I will become a great reporter that the world can be proud to have in it." She said proudly causing Jack to smile.

"Well now that that's covered let's go eat cause I'm starving." He said rubbing his stomach.

"Alright. Let's go get some food." They walked down the road till they reached a Japanese style restaurant . They made their way inside and sat down at a table while looking around at the décor of the restaurant.

"This place is quite nice." Carly said looking around.

"It's not my style, but it works for the theme of the place so I won't complain." Jack said grabbing a menu. As they sat for about 5 minutes the waiter came by and took their order. Jack had a sushi platter while Carly had a sukiyaki plate with both of them drinking water.

"This is good." Carly said digging in.

"It's ok. So do you like this type of food?" Jack asked out of the blue which caught Carly by surprise.

"Well I do like all types of foods. I don't really have a favourite type of food though. Do you have one Jack?"

"Italian food. But I'll eat pretty much anything that's made well." He said continuing to eat his platter.

"That's good to hear. So do you plan on staying in New Domino City forever as the duel king?" Carly asked slowing eating.

"No. I plan after a bit more to go into the world and challenge the best from around the world and to show the world that I am a true duelling king. I will expand my streak and become a true king of duelling like the ones I just read about." He explained with great determination. Carly was filling up with mixed emotions after hearing those words. She was happy to see Jack happy but if he did that then they would be separated from each other for who knows how long.

"So when you go on this worldwide trip are you planning on going alone?" She asked him bluntly as she finished eating.

"What are you implying? Jack asked her seriously. Did you want to come with me or something?"

"Well I honestly don't know. You truly are a strong person to be able to make your own decisions so easily and I would just slow you down probably if I went." She stated sadly.

"I don't believe that for a second! Carly, this is one thing you have to do for yourself. You have to build up your confidence in yourself. You can't seem to look past your own insecurities and that's one thing that truly does annoy me. But I truly do wish to help u get over it and find some true confidence in your life and if you could do that then I would have no problem bringing you with me!" He huffed after giving that long speech. Carly's heart was at a loss at what to feeling hearing Jack speak so honestly. She knew that she wasn't the most honest person around with herself but she know knew that that's the reason Jack went out with her. To build her confidence so she could be a stronger person in the world. Carly started to slightly grow tears in her eyes now knowing Jack's true feelings and soon let all her worries flow out of her.

"Thanks Jack." She slightly wept.

"Forget about it. Just remember what I just said and you'll be just fine. So, do you know our next stop after this?" Jack asked finishing his meal.

"Well to be honest I was hoping to go check out the local card shops and see if we can find any cards that we couldn't before. They may have some here that even you might like Jack."

"Interesting. But my deck is perfect the way it is so I highly doubt it." He declared. Carly gave a slight laugh hearing that as Jack turned his head away.

"Well let's go and see if we can't make that perfect deck better." She smiled at him. They paid for their meal and left the restaurant. As they made their way to the card shop Carly looked at Jack's hand. She wanted to try walking while holding hands but was too nervous to ask him.

"You look nervous Carly. What's wrong?" Jack asked noticing her fidgeting.

"Well, I was just wondering… Can we hold hands while we walk?" She asked blushing. He stopped walking and stared at her. He took off her glasses causing a slight blush across her face He then noticed the beauty in her deep sea blue eyes as this was the first time he saw her without them on.

"Can you see well without these glasses?" He asked looking at her in her eyes.

"Y-yes. Wh-why?" She asked stuttering confused at his actions.

"Then we can walk holding hands, if you walk without your glasses on."

"Why?" She asked confused.

"You will understand. I promise it's a good thing." He smiled holding out his hand.

"Ok." She smiled back taking his hand. Carly felt happy that she could walk with Jack like this in public. She did wonder in the back of her mind as to why Jack had asked her to take off her glasses but she didn't want to spoil the mood they had going between them. They soon made their way to the card shop a few blocks from the restaurant and went inside. Jack and Carly looked around at the different sets and noticed that there were a few that had some interesting cards.

"This set is quite powerful. It has some cards I haven't seen before." Jack noticed looking at a pack that said Destiny Breaker.

"Are you going to get it?" Carly asked looking over his shoulder.

"I might after I check the rest of the store." He said putting it back and continued to peek around.

"I'm actually looking for a Astral Path pack. They always have the type of cards I like to use in my deck but they are hard to find." She sighed sifting through the packs.

"If I find one, I'll tell u." As Jack went down a few more aisles he saw a pack that had a familiar creature on it.

'My Red Dragon Archfiend?!' He shouted in his head picking up the pack. 'A pack of power cards that can make you the next king. Well now I've seen everything!' He read to himself.

"Jack! I found my pack! They actually have a fair amount of them here." Carly called out holding up two packs of cards in her hands.

"Good job. Guess coming here paid off." He called back smiling. He then went up to the till and bought both that pack and the one he found before while Carly bought her two packs.

"Thanks for shopping! Come again." Said the shopkeeper as they walked out the door. Carly was ecstatic at how good of a day she was having so far. She was out with the man she loved and had a great meal and found some great cards all while learning more about Jack's personality. 'Thank you Jack for this great day. I truly have had the time of my life on this trip thanks to you.' She thought smiling to herself

"So shall we head back to the hotel now? Asked Jack. I want to get back before it gets dark so we don't get lost on the road."

"That's a good idea. I am wondering how the others are doing as well." Carly said grabbing his hand again hoping that she could get used to the feeling of holding it.

"I can answer that for you. Yusei and Akiza are being as sexually intimate as two dogs in heat while Leo is acting completely nuts with Luna watching shaking her head." He said sarcastically with Carly chuckling.

"You really think that?" She asked laughing.

"Am I wrong about them?" He asked looking her in the eyes.

"No, not exactly. But I would hope that Yusei and Akiza aren't always at each other like that."

"Well Yusei and Akiza seem to know the meaning of control but when your alone in a room and on a vacation like this you may as well get into it in the bedroom. Carly blushed hearing Jack's direct comments and tried to not picture the idea of Yusei doing that with Akiza. Now let's head back so I can see my theory is correct." They headed back to their parked car hand in hand and headed back to the hotel. Carly realized that this was the time to ask while they were still alone together.

"Hey Jack?" She asked looking down.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for today. I had a lot of fun. I have just one question I want to ask you." She now had her eyes meeting his.

"No problem. What's the question?" He asked crossing his arms.

"Why did you want me to go around without my glasses today while we were walking?" Jack paused for a moment and scratched the back of his head. He knew that she was going to ask that sooner or later so he knew what to tell her.

"Because I wanted to go out with the real you. You're a beautiful woman inside and out and a better person than me at heart. So I wanted you to see that for yourself by removing that glass mask off your face."

"J-Jack?" She blushed hard.

"It's true, trust me." He said sincerely."

"Th-thank you." She smiled with a slight blush still on her face.

"Your welcome. Now watch the road cause I don't want to crash and get hurt before my next duel." Carly laughed at his words knowing that this was the real Jack Atlas.

"Alright. Let's head back." She said getting in the car and driving off. As they got back to the hotel and went inside they noticed Leo duelling Yusei on one of the tables while Akiza was talking to Luna.

"So much for your theory Jack." She smirked as he just shrugged it off.

"Oh well. I'm not always right you know." He sighed slightly.

"Hey you guys! We're back from our day out in the city!" Carly called out making everyone stop and wave back.

"So you two have fun out there?" Akiza asked walking over with Luna.

"Yep. We sure did Akiza. We went around a museum, had dinner, and got some new cards while we were walking around town." Carly explained to the ladies.

"Indeed. Hey Yusei!" Jack called out getting Yusei to turn around.

"Yeah?"

"You and me will duel once I change my deck up with these new cards." He declared pointing at Yusei.

"Sure thing. I look forward to it." He smiled back.

"Hey Yusei. You still haven't finished our duel!" Leo said waving his hand behind Yusei.

"Actually, I just did Leo. He told him turning back around. I play Junk Barrage and equip it to my Junk Warrior. Now I will attack your Boomboxen and bring your life points to zero."

"Darn it! I lost again!" Leo said hanging his head.

"Your getting better at this though Leo." Luna said consoling him.

"Yeah I guess so. He sighed. But I still have never beaten Yusei."

"You might someday Leo. Just keep it up and you will get me good someday." Yusei smiled at the young duelist.

"Thanks Yusei." He smiled back.

"Well Carly and I are heading back to our room now to relax and talk about girl stuff. See you boys later." Akiza said going upstairs with Carly.

"Later ladies." Jack said back. Carly looked back at Jack and smiled. She now knew that she was indeed happy that she came on this trip. Akiza and Yusei were right about Jack. And now that she knew that she was going to try and be the best person she could be. Once the ladies were back in their rooms Akiza knew that she wanted to know the whole story with Carly's day with Jack but didn't want to sound to eager.

"So Carly, what all DID you do with Jack today while you too were out together?" She asked sitting on her bed going through the T.V channels.

"Well I'll tell you the truth Akiza. Even though we did everyday stuff I felt more happy and inspired than I ever have before. When we went to the museum I saw Jack act totally different than he usually does. He was so absorbed into everything and he sounded so pure with everything he said about what he knew and what he was learning." Carly started to explain removing her glasses and her shirt.

"Wow. That does sound different for the Jack we all have seen before." Akiza admitted quite shocked at hearing Carly's words.

"I know what you mean. I was in awe and shock at seeing him like that but I knew that I was seeing the real Jack and that made me more happy than when we first got here. The real shock was when we went to a restaurant to grab something to eat where Jack told me that he was going to be leaving for a out of town duel tournament soon. Akiza froze then immediately turned to her friend worried about what she was going to hear next. I was sore and shocked at what he said cause I knew that meant we would be apart but then he shocked me again by saying he wouldn't mind me joining him on his trip."

"And what did you say?!" Akiza spat out not realizing that her voice level had spiked.

"Well I told him that I would love too and he just smiled and he told me that he wants me to be more open and honest with myself since that is something I always have trouble with. Deep down he truly cares and want to help me." Carly finished explaining with a happy smile while she was now only in her white bra and panties. Akiza was now smiling herself in full delight at what she had just heard. The date was a great success! 'I knew you could do it Carly! I'm so happy for you and I hope that you and Jack can have thee same happiness I have with Yusei.' Akiza thought to herself turning back to the television. After a few minutes of Carly getting into her night time white and red cotton night pyjamas and cleaning her up in the bathroom she was considering Jack's proposal at going with him very carefully. 'As much as I would love to be by his side could I really do that? Could I leave my home and everything I have just to follow to who knows where whenever he has too? I do love him and I know that won't change but can I truly choose him over everything else right now?' She thought letting out a heavy sigh which Akiza heard.

You alright Carly? You just tired from everything that happened today?" Akiza wondered noticing her friend's change in expression.

"Just thinking about some stuff. I'll figure it all out in time but right now I just want to enjoy this time I have been given with everyone." She went back into a smile.

"That's the attitude to have Carly! We should just enjoy this time we have been given and worry about the future when it comes. I assure u that if something happens me, Jack and everyone else will be happy to help you if we can."

"Thanks Akiza. But I think I'm just going to relax in here the rest of the night and be well rested for tomorrow. Good night Akiza." Carly yawned before crawling into bed.

"Good night Carly."

A/n: Well that was a very happy Jack/Carly chapter that I'm sure some people wanted to see happen. I promise that they will have more moments to come so no one panic. As for what I got planned for the rest of the trip.. R&R :P