Chapter 27 shopping with a new neighbour.
Three weeks have passed since the trip to the beach with everyone pretty much back to their normal lives. Jack had just finished another duelling tournament as the king and winning the whole thing with Carly cheering him on in every duel from the stands. Leo and Luna were catching up in school work as well as visiting Yusei on their days off to have him help with homework and duelling skills. Yusei was also busy with not only helping the twins with their work but also looking for Akiza's new apartment. He had already asked Blister to help as well but so far nothing came up that seemed liveable for her. Akiza was at this moment getting dressed to go shopping with Martha and the twins. They all had decided to buy some new clothes for the winter that was soon to come as well as grabbing a few groceries for the house. While Akiza was just about to head downstairs to meet up with Martha who was already ready to go with the twins downstairs her cell rang Yusei's tone.
"Hey hun."
"Hey Akiza, what you doing?"
"About to go shopping with Martha and the twins. We need some fresh supplies and I also want to get a jump on my winter clothes."
"Makes sense. I'm actually just heading for my next job in the city right now so I thought I would call to see how you were doing."
"You know you really shouldn't talk and ride at the same time dear." She scolded him nicely.
"Yes I know that. That's why I'm pulled over right now on the side road." He giggled over the phone."
"Alright. So any luck yet on finding me a new place yet?" She asked him.
"No I'm afraid not. It looks like this could be a real problem to deal with. I never noticed before how hard it was to find a place when you were really looking for one." He sighed.
"Yes, I have noticed that too Yusei. But we will just have to keep looking until something comes up. I am going to keep at it until I find something because this is what I truly want." Yusei was happy to hear such confidence in Akiza's voice. She had truly grown into a strong and independent woman over the months she had been with him and Martha and he was truly happy about it. His thought were cut off as he heard Martha calling to her over the phone
"Akiza! We are ready to leave!"
"Ok! I'm coming! I got to go Yusei. Call you later!"
"Alright. Later." He then hung up and started to drive down the road again to his destination. Akiza then hung up and headed downstairs wearing her blue jeans and tight red tank top she also had the earrings that Yusei bought for her on as well as some new beige moccasin shoes.
"What took you so long?! We were waiting for you." Leo puffed as he was waiting impatiently.
"Yusei called me so I was telling him that we would be out today." She explained getting her jacket on.
"Oh, did he find you a place yet?" Martha asked grabbing her purse.
"No, but he is still trying very hard to find one for me." She smiled.
"Why are you moving again?" Luna asked somewhat sadly to Akiza who was just walking out the door.
"I just want to get a fresh start in a new place with a new life Luna. I can't rely on others forever you know? Just like how you two live alone yet have a happy life together, I wish now to try and live it independently."
"That makes sense I guess. We don't rely on anyone either since our parents are never around." Leo commented.
"Well I know that wherever you go you will always still be welcomed here at my house." Martha smiled as Akiza smiled back.
"Thanks Martha. That means a lot to me to hear that." Akiza said getting into the van. With everyone on board they headed for the mall with Leo singing wheels on the bus which made Luna sigh heavily.
"He is truly still a child." Luna said shaking her head.
"But he always manages to keep things fun and interesting for us." Akiza commented with a smile.
"That is true Akiza. He truly does." Luna smiled back.
"Well I know that I like Akiza grew up without any siblings so be happy you have someone to call family Luna." Martha mentioned driving the van.
"I am. I truly do love my brother. It\s just the way he is sometimes that can make him so hard to handle." Leo was singing with headphones on the whole time so he didn't hear a single word the ladies were saying about him. A few minutes later they reached the parking lot for the mall and parked the van. They all got out and proceeded to the doors. When they got close to the doors they all noticed a familiar face at the entrance.
"Carly!" Akiza called out causing Carly to turn quickly.
"Hey you guys! Shopping for some stuff today?" She asked curiously.
"Yep some food and winter clothes." Akiza replied.
"What about you?" Luna asked nicely.
"Well I need new film for my camera and I thought I would check out some new jeans as well. I have been busy with my job as of late so I desperately need film." They all smiled at Carly and decided to shop together. While heading for the photo section Martha thought it would be fun to ask Carly some questions.
"So are you the Carly that everyone told me was dating my Jack?" Martha asked Carly directly.
"Yes, that's me. I met him through my job and after trying for weeks to gather the courage I needed, I finally then a while ago got the strength I needed and I asked him and he said yes. We then began hanging out for a few weeks until we both agreed to become a couple.` She smiled happily. Martha smiled back at the thought that her foster's were finding love and good lives after she let them go off into the world. 'Now I just need Crow to find someone and that will be them all.' She chuckled in her mind.
"So how is Jack doing these days Carly?" Martha asked trying to make a conversation with her new friend.
"He's doing just great Martha. Carly said as they began to walk inside the photo section together. We try to hang out after his duels as often as we can and we have also gone to a couple of dinners together so I'm happy with the way things are." She smiled picking up the film she needed.
"I'm glad to hear that. Jack seems to be changing but in a good way. Must b because he has such a nice girlfriend." Martha smiled closing her eyes while nodding her head. Carly blushed at hearing the word girlfriend and tried to change the subject quickly before they started asking her personal questions.
"Thanks for the Martha. So how about that now that I'm finished in this section we go and head to the clothing area to get our other stuff?" She smiled happily.
"I agree." Akiza said smiling as well.
"Indeed." Both twins stated at once. As they walked by the clothing area Leo was starting to feel weird at seeing all the cute clothes they had on sale. He normally didn't accompany Luna when she shopped for clothes as he was usually in his own section. As they entering the women's section Leo started to get a very queasy inside his heart from seeing all the girl's clothes. 'What is wrong with me? These clothes are making me feel funny for some reason. They look so different than they used to. Why the heck do I even care about women's clothes?' He thought shaking his head.
"Hey, is it ok if I go check out the toys for a while? I can't stand this girly frilly stuff." He slightly gagged. Carly upon hearing his request sparked an idea and went over to Akiza.
"Hey, can we go alone? I want to have your opinion on something." She whispered to Akiza.
"Sure. Hey Martha, Can you take the kids to the toy section? Carly and I would like to discuss a few things…alone." She winked. Martha smiled knowing what was coming and decided to give the ladies their alone time.
"Ok then, let's go you two. We can leave these two alone for a bit while we look around the rest of the store for a while."
"Great! Anything to get me away from these girly outfits!" Leo exclaimed. Martha then proceeded to leave with the twins while Akiza was looking at Carly with a confused look.
"Alright, now what is it that you want? Since you told me to make the twins leave it must be something that isn't suited for children's eyes or ears." She stated tapping her foot.
"I actually wanted you to stay so you could help me find… A sexy outfit." She whispered that last part.
"Excuse me? Why do you need me for this? I wouldn't know what to get you for Jack. I have no idea what his tastes are in clothing at all expect that he likes white." Akiza muttered.
"Because I want another woman's opinion and you're the one I trust the most with intimate stuff like this. I really need your help with this so please Akiza?" She pleaded almost about to fall on her knees begging. Akiza looked at her and was reminded about how she was with Yusei when they first started getting closer to each other. If this was her back then she would have done the same thing as Carly was doing. She then smiled and turned Carly around.
"Alright. Then let's find something for you so you can really spice things up with Jack." Akiza said with a wink heading for the intimates section. They browsed for a few minutes not finding very much in Carly's favor. Everything Akiza found that she thought would work Carly would shut down with a blush.
"How about this then? Akiza asked holding a white teddy outfit that showed off a good section of her chest.
"I think that would make me seem sluttish." Carly said shaking her head.
"Well I'll tell you this then. You pick out three items and try them on and then I will choose one for you and you have to take it. Understand? I don't plan on helping you forever because once Martha returns with the twins this ends understand?" Akiza told her with a very demanding voice.
"Yes ok." Carly shuddered. Akiza then grabbed three random items that she knew would fit Carly and gave them to her to try on. Carly then blushed and headed to the fitting rooms to try them out. She tried the first two which were a garter belt design and the other was something similar to a dominatrix outfit. When she got to the final item it turned out to be a thin strapped plain see through wedding type gown with white lily patterned bra and panties set underneath it. She tried it on and it fit her breasts perfectly. This looked liked something for a honeymoon night which caused her to blush but deep down she knew this was something she had to do for herself and decided to get it. She came out wearing her normal attire with a smile across he face
"Did you chose one that worked for you?" Akiza asked turning to leave.
"Yes thank you. I know that this is what I need and I know that I will be able to do this if I just trust myself enough. She smiled. Now I have something to tell you before I forget."
"What is it?" Akiza turned back.
"In my apartment complex there is a room available for next week. If you want you could move in there. Then we would be neighbours." Carly offered grabbing her chosen clothes.
"That would be awesome! Thanks Carly!" Akiza said hugging her friend. Carly then returned the hug with a smile.
"Hey, what are friends for?" She smiled.
"Well I'll tell Martha and Yusei right away. Let's go find Martha and the twins and tell them the good news." Akiza said heading off with Carly right behind. They searched and found Martha with the twins in the winter sports section. Martha turned to see the coming and waved the to her. When they arrived Akiza told Martha right away about Carly's offer.
"So you are going to take it?' Martha asked heading for the grocery section.
"Yes. I wanted to tell you as soon as I could." Akiza admitted.
"Well I'm grateful you did. I'll still miss you if you decide to take it." Martha said with a smile.
"Can we come visit your new place?" Leo asked hysterically.
"Yes of course. Your all welcome anytime." Akiza assured them happily.
"Thanks." Leo said holding some milk and eggs in a basket.
"Aren't you going to call Yusei and tell him about this Akiza?" Luna asked grabbing some cereal from the shelf.
"No, I want to tell him this in person since I want to see his reaction. I will wait till the next time I see him."
"Alright then. Well let's finish this shopping quickly so we can celebrate Akiza's hope to be new home!" Martha declared with everyone smiling. They began to shop around again for a few minutes together until Carly looked at her watch and saw that she needed to get back to work.
"Well it seems I have work to do at home, so I got to go and catch my bus before I miss it. I will see you all later alright." She smiled giving a small wave goodbye.
"Yes it was very nice seeing you Carly. You are a smart woman and you have good eyes to be able to see past Jacks flaws" Martha smiled.
"Thanks for that Martha. And Akiza?" Carly said looking right at her.
"Yes?"
"Thanks for helping me in there. I really appreciate it."
"Anytime. I hope it all works out for you two." She smiled with a slight devil grin which caught the others attention.
"What exactly did you two do together while we were gone?" Leo asked confused.
"Girl stuff." Akiza laughed which made Leo groan.
"Well I don't need to know about that so let's continue." He said pushing the cart with all the supplies.
"Alright then, I'll see you all later!" Carly waved again leaving everyone with her cart heading for the registers. The others then picked up where they left off and continued to shop for the last bit of stuff they needed. While they finishing up Akiza was thinking about how the twins might have had a troubled time being different genders. 'It must be tough for them since they can't really talk about feelings or physical stuff since it would be tough for the other one to understand.' She thought to herself.
"It must be hard for you both sometimes." Akiza said out of the blue to Luna while Martha was helping Leo put stuff on the conveyor belt at the till.
"What are you talking about?" Luna looked at her confused.
"Having a male brother and being a female sister must make it hard to talk about certain things without the other one feeling awkward or grossed out." Akiza explained trying to clear things up.
"Yeah I admit that having no girls my age around sometimes can be annoying but we have always been together so I just grew to handle it. Leo and I know that we have different interests but that doesn't stop us from being as close as we can be." She explained.
"Yeah I know the feeling. I didn't grow up having the sibling bond though that you two do, so I must say I'm a little envious of you two." Akiza admitted.
"It's ok. I'm sorry that you had such a hard time growing up, that's why I hope this move works out for u." Luna smiled. Akiza bent down and hugged her friend for the kind words. Akiza knew that with everyone supporting her she could get by. They finished bagging up the supplies and headed back to the van and put everything in the back.
"So I will drop you two off at your place and then Akiza and I will head back home." Martha told the twins while getting in the front."Thanks for helping us shop today." Luna thanked them getting into the car.
"Your welcome." Martha said accepting the thanks.
"Yea it's hard for us to get back and forth all the time since we can't drive or carry all this on the bus." Leo stated from the back seat.
"I can see that. It's too bad you guys don't have a chauffeur or something or at least a reliable means of transportation." Martha sighed.
"Yeah that would help." Leo sighed. They drove for a while until they reached the doors to the twins home. They all then got out and helped the twins unload their groceries.
"Thanks for helping us today you two." Leo smiled holding some of the bags in hands.
"Indeed. We really are grateful to have such great friends like you guys." Luna smiled grabbing the rest.
"No problem. You kids really are great to be around. I wish you two were living with me as well but I can live with it." Martha chuckled at her own words.
"Well we shall be heading in now so see you both later." Luna and Leo waved as they headed inside. As Akiza and Martha waved good bye Akiza thought that now would be a good time to tell Yusei to meet her too discuss what Carly mentioned earlier.
"Hang on Martha. Before I want to see if Yusei is finished with his job." She said pulling out her cell.
"Why are you calling him now?" Martha asked confused.
"I just want to see if he is going to be at his place so I can tell him that I might have found a place to live." She said dialling his number.
"Hello?"
"Hey baby, it's me." Akiza smiled.
"Wow, you definitely are psychic." He chuckled.
"How so?" She asked bewildered.
"Cause I just finished work like ten minutes ago. I was just about to head home."
"Wow, freaky. Anyway, do you have any free time? I want to tell you something important face to face."
"Can't you just tell me now?" He asked bluntly.
"It's important. I might have found a place to live."
"Really?! That's great news! So where is this new place?" He asked in a upbeat voice.
"Believe it or not it's in the same building as Carly. It's her apartment building."
"Cool. That's great. Let's hope you get it." He smiled.
"Me too. I hope I do. I'm going to go check it out tomorrow and if I like it then I'll take it."
"But how will you afford it?"
"I can use financial aid until I get a job."
"That's true. Well go for it. I'll be hoping for you."
"Thanks Yusei. I love you bye."
"Bye love." They hung up with Akiza smiling and nodded to Martha as she started heading back to their home. They made it back and brought everything into the house. They put everything away and decided to just relax until Yusei showed up. Hours past and a knock came to the door. Akiza opened it to see her smiling boyfriend standing not two feet away from her. He then gave her a slight peck on the lips and proceeded inside with Akiza closing the door behind him.
"Hello my dear Yusei. You are looking quite well today." Martha noted noticing the smile on his face.
"Well work went really well today and I was able to do three different jobs today with plenty of ease. I also am happy at hearing that you might have found a place to live." He explained sitting himself down on the couch.
"Yes it's true. Carly said that one of her apartments in her building in for rent and she has told me before that it isn't a bad place to live at all. She started to explain to him sitting beside him. She also told me that she truly would love having me there since she doesn't talk to anyone else in her complex."
"Well it makes perfect sense to me. I would rather you moved into a place where you would feel comfortable and close to your friends. If Carly truly wants you to move in with her I will fully support it." He smiled at her holding her hand with Martha smiling in the kitchen at hearing the two of them talk so happily to each other.
"Thanks so much Yusei. You truly are the best man I could ever have found." She smiled happily hugging him gently.
"So what did you need to ask me face to face about?" He asked hugging her back.
"I was actually just wanting to ask you if you wouldn't mind coming with me to see the place?"
"Well I think I might have a job to do tomorrow so I don't know if I will be able too.: He scratched his head sadly.
"Please Yusei? I really want you there with me." She slightly sobbed. He looked at her teary eyes and knew he could never say no to them. `Akiza if we were alone right now I would be taking full advantage of it right now.` He thought to himself seeing her like this.
"Alright then. I will make sure I make the time tomorrow to go and see the apartment with you." H smiled hugging her again.
"Thanks so much Yusei. I truly love you for so many reasons." Akiza smiled at him with a warm smile.
"I feel the same way about you Akiza." He smiled.
"Well I hate to break you two lovebirds apart but you better keep it down tonight since you will need to be fresh for tomorrow." Martha coughed at them trying to get their attention while she came out of the kitchen. The young couple chuckled and then nodded at each other saying the same thing.
"Well then I'll be heading upstairs then since I already ate before I came here." Yusei stated before standing up off the couch.
"Oh wait Yusei! I need to talk to you about something else!" Akiza called to him before he could leave.
"What is it? Did we forget something important?" He asked her slightly confused.
"Well actually it is personal so I want to ask you alone if I may?" She blushed at her own words. Martha could see this was going to be something she wasn't a part of and decided to make herself invisible.
"Well I can see that this doesn't concern me so I will actually head upstairs to bed so you two can settle this yourself." Martha told them both before heading upstairs.
"Good night Martha." They said together. Once she was upstairs and out of sight Akiza turned to Yusei with a mixed emotion look on her face.
"What's wrong Akiza?" He asked her with his voice now worried.
"I didn't want to say this in front of Martha but, I think I am having second thoughts about moving. I honestly can't help but feel scared and worried about what might happen if I'm alone all the time. I know I said I had to do this which is why I can't understand why I feel this way now." She explained with her face now in her hands. Yusei sighed at her words knowing that this was going to happen sooner or later. He honestly had felt the same when he left Martha's and moved into where he is now so he could relate.
"I can honest understand what you are saying Akiza and it's ok. When I first left Martha's I felt te same way so I know that the feeling will disappear when you actually get into the new place and get settled in. Change is something is nervous or afraid of and it's completely understandable when you feel that way about it." He assured her with a smile.
"You sure about that Yusei?" She asked looking at him as she removed her face from her hands.
"Yep. I promise that if you get a good night's rest and relax you will be ready for tomorrow." H smiled pecking her cheek.
"Thanks Yusei. If that's the case then I better get to bed." She stated while she this time stood up.
"Indeed. We got a big day tomorrow and we should get a good's night rest." He agreed. The two lovers then kissed each other good night and headed for their respective bedrooms and went to sleep. The next day Akiza headed for Carly's apartment with Yusei on their duel runners. They both had a great night's sleep and were ready to see Akiza's hopefully new place.
"Thanks for coming with me today honey." She said over the sound of the engine.
"No problem. If you take this apartment, then it will mean that I am the first person to see it." He smiled.
"That's true I guess. But I will need help moving my stuff here if I take it since it will be upstairs." She warned stopping at a light.
"No problem at all. I called Crow before and he said that he would help if we ever needed it. He will just book the time off work to come and do it that's all." Yusei told her with confidence.
"Why do you always seem to save me regardless if I want it or not?" She teased with a slight giggle.
"Because I do. You just have to deal with it." He laughed as the light changed and they continued to drive. They drove a few more minutes and arrived at Carly's apartment with the manager waiting outside. They got off the runners and went to the door.
"Are you Akiza?" The manager asked extending is hand.
"Yes. I am Akiza Izinski and this is Yusei Fudo. He just wants to help me look over the apartment." She said introducing him.
"That's fine with me, come on in and take a look." The manager said opening the door. They went up to the third floor and headed for the room When the manager opened it and they went inside Akiza and Yusei were amazed. Inside was a full kitchen and living room with a small closet for storage. It also had a full bedroom with it's own half bath attached to it. It was already partly furnished with table and chairs as well as a nightstand and small dresser in the bedroom.
"Wow. This is very nice and bright." Akiza said admiring the room.
"It is indeed. I wouldn't mind taking it myself to be honest. Yusei agreeing checking out the bedroom.
"Well it's your choice if you want it cause no one else has asked about it yet." The manager assured them.
"Well I do like it and it is definitely good enough for me. I'm going to take it." Akiza smiled.
"Very well then. When you can give me a move in date we can go over everything else at that time." The manager said shaking her hand.
"Alright. Thanks so much for this. I think I will truly enjoy living here." She smiled happily knowing that she found a place.
"No problem. I hope you enjoy living here." The manager smiled back.
"I honestly think I will. Thanks for showing us all this. Good day sir." She said leaving the apartment with Yusei behind her smiling. They both left smiling while Akiza was jumping for joy in her mind that she found a place to live on her own. A place where she had a friend right by and with enough space to have everyone visit as well. She made it outside with Yusei and gave him a great hug from behind.
"I'm so happy Yusei! I can't believe I truly got it!" She lightly screamed.
"I can tell." Yusei chuckled.
"I found a place to live after all. Now I just need to get a job and I will be all set." She noted as she let go of Yusei.
"Well how about we go and celebrate by telling Martha and then you and I can go out somewhere." He smiled at her deeply.
"I would love that Yusei." She said gently kissing him on the cheek. The two of them then got on their runners and headed straight back to Martha's to tell her the good news. When they arrived Crow was just outside talking to Martha about something.
"Hey Martha! I got the apartment!" She said almost ecstatic.
"That's great Akiza! I'm so happy to hear that you actually got it!" Martha screamed running up and hugging Akiza with Yusei smiling beside them.
"So she got it eh?" Crow asked Yusei walking up to him.
"Yep. It's a great place too. I saw the inside as well and I honestly think she will be just fine living there."
"That's cool. Well just let me know when and I will help you guys out like I said." Crow assured him.
"Thanks man." Yusei said giving him a fist pound.
"Well I just came to give Martha some extra groceries that I got from someone I work with, so I will be seeing you guys later." He said getting on his runner.
"Thanks Crow. Later." Martha said waving bye.
"Later!" He said peeling out.
"So I guess we should get some of your stuff packed up so you can be ready." Martha said to Akiza.
"Yeah I still can't believe I got it." Akiza said shaking like a hyper school girl.
"Well you did and I couldn't be happier for you." Yusei assured her with his arm around her. Akiza smiled and laid her head in Yusei's chest thinking about all that's happened in the past few months. She now has a new home, new friends, and a new life. She had truly thought that nothing could ruin her life as it was now.
A/N: Great job Akiza! Now the story will change again. Next chapter everyone goes to Akiza's new place for a get together and then the final arc of my story begins. If you want to see it for yourself… R&R