Hi, Good Evening or Good Morning to you or whatever :p (well, it is night time here, so Good Evening! XD)

Well, what I felt like sharing a something (rather a story) before I go writing... (lol, a story within a story)

This is just me being silly. XD I was like giving advice to a girl who's crying, so of course I was serious and totally focused on her. Then one of my friends beside me suddenly sang: "I whipped my Hair" by willow, then I sang along for fun (take note: with action XD but not like how Willow did in the MV that's just over) XD So, I just rocked my head a bit XD. (I know I was serious, and then suddenly I just did that as if someone wasn't pouring out her heart XD. Well, she was about to be done, and its like you know to have fun and make the atmosphere lighter. :p To make her smile! XD That's just me XD Of course, we've been talking for like 10-15 minutes, its about time to loosen up, take note she's okay now and her problem's solve to the point that she bought me and my friends lunch wahahahaha for the celebration of her overcoming the problem, and yes she really did it for that XD anyways...)

And my friend beside me was like, "What the hell?", as she raised a brow on me. I was like, "What?" I asked, raising a brow back on her. "I just sang along with you. Is there a problem?" I said, as I just shrugged. Then she said with a tinge of unbelief, "Didn't you notice? A guy just passed by trying to make himself look cute in front of you by whipping his hair, then you just mocked him." I was like, "Really? I didn't even notice any guy passing by." I said, feeling so naive. Then she said disappointingly, "What a waste, the guy even looks like Kevin." (the guy that happens to be my type during my frosh year). But of course, that didn't matter, I just laughed at my own naivety. XD Seriously, when it comes to stuff like that I find myself being stupid and naive. XD and I don't know why. I'm like: uhhhh, what? O.o

Then I just told B, about it and he was like "What the hell" too, then added, "You should have played along, flirted and yadda yadda." Then... "What a poor guy. I can't believe you just did that." But, I was like, "But, I didn't notice him. I was focused on the girl, and then just sang without thinking. Heck, I didn't even see him passed by." Then B just laughed and said, "How many guys have asked for you number FOR NON-ACADEMIC purposes?" "Do you even have to count stuff like that?" Swear I never knew that I have to. O.o "Nope, but just asking."

"This year none so far, but I had a few classmates last year, some texted me anonymously, while some called, but I just told them maybe you have the wrong number!" XD Yeah, I know I am just being weird. Those guys are lucky for sometimes I can be very obnoxious. XD Would it be text or call.

"Don't you want to experience it?" OF course, he didn't meant something beyond you-know-what, he just meant the feelings of love and infatuation. So, I siad, "Yeah." And he said, "You do know how it feels when a guy is chasing you." "I know, I experienced that already, and I think you're very well aware of my experience." I simply replied. (take note, no I didn't have any relationship with anybody YET, and I'm keeping that status until the right time, its just plainly complicated =.=)

"Then go play." =.= Of course, I will not follow that advice. But, yeah, admittedly I feel like experiencing that again, you know the thrill of this and that hahaha! I just can't allow myself to play, I'm afraid, and as a girl I can't do that. Girls are highly emotional no matter how indifferent you are. Even if you dictate your heart not to fall, you'll eventually fall, and when you do *shrugs*. If only I was a guy maybe I could have played around. XD (maybe that's why God didn't made me to be a boy XD)

Anyway, enough of the commercial! Moving on, like the usual I would like to thank all those who reviewed:

Crystal-Wolf-Guardian967

Miss-Shadow

DinosaursgoRawr101

1supergirl4

Cheese lovin' bear

And the rest to those who read, faved and subscribed!

Like the usual, you guys just made my day :p Anyways, for those who don't know and have been waiting for the Story From Scratch. Well, it's actually already posted, and the title is Love Written In The Stars. XD

That is all. (bow)

Anyways, don't mind my silliness or high state, and let's just get on with the freaking story.

Oh yeah, just a heads up, I've posted a poll on my profile that you might wanna see, because it's regarding my updates :) AND, anonymous reviews will be replied at the end of the chapter. That is all. (bow)

The Heart Of The Crimson Dragon: Autumn Tryst

-Chapter 16-

"I'm feeling scared." Hikari uttered, as she sat in front of Aki's dresser as she had her hair fixed by one of Aki's hairstylist.

"What's to be scared about?" Aki casually asked, as she laid on her bed, whilst reading a few magazines about the various, hot hairstyles of the year.

"You know," Hikari stated worriedly, seeing that she has relayed the story of her great escapade with Clyde, Aki is very well aware of what she meant just now.

"Hikari, it's tonight already. You promised Yusei that you'll be part of the WTGP." Aki stated in a as-a-matter-of-fact tone, as she finally placed away the magazine, and walked towards her best friend to see how her hair is doing. "You can't back out now; the tournament is already starting tomorrow. Plus, your dress will be such a waste, and I bet Yusei's been looking forward on how you'll look tonight."

"You're awfully supportive." Hikari joked, as she let out a smirk, which caused Aki to just state a "Whatever", as she punched the blond playfully, who just sighed. "But, I guess you are right. I can't back out, and I won't, and I hope that in the tournament, I'd be able to face you and Clyde there." Hikari uttered with a small smile escaping her lips, making Aki do likewise, as she placed her hand on her friend's shoulder.

"I promise you that, and we do face off each other, we'll make sure to give the both of you a challenge."

It was finally the time as the trio, Aki, Clyde and Hikari stood near the entrance of the hall, where the Gala night for the WTGP is to be held.

Aki was wearing a tube, red dress that almost matched her burgundy her. The dress totally emphasized all of her curves, as its skirt reached down up to five inches above her knee. To finish it all up, is her three-inched, red strapped, high heels that even made her look hot and sexy.

Clyde on the other hand just wore a simple black suite, and leather shoes. Indeed, it was simple, but it definitely made him look handsome, whilst Hikari on the other hand wore the dress she bought with Yusei, as she had her hair up in a ponytail, with the ends of her hair in curls, and her feet wearing a silver strepped, high heels.

"Know what, I feel highly nostalgic right now. Us being together like this. It's been long you know." Clyde stated. His lips forming a smile, as his eyes looked at the hall, as he reminisced the old peaceful days.

"I know. But, I don't think a certain someone isn't feeling the same way as us." Aki stated, as she eyed her friend worriedly, who has done nothing but stared at the media—horrified. Heck, Hikari barely notice the insinuation of Aki's statement, as her mind just traveled to certain thoughts, or rather questions, like:

'Oh my gosh, here they are. What should I do?'

'Should I talk, should I face them, or should I just shrug them off? Ugh'

Clyde just shook his head, and chuckled at the blonde's aghast face.

"What's so funny? There's nothing to be funny about this?" Hikari quickly exclaimed, with her balled fist at her sides.

"Since when were you afraid of the media, huh, Duel Prodigy?" Clyde stated mockingly at the young blond. Truly, during their academy days, Hikari was already booked for interviews by the media due to her status, and usually she would handle it as if it's like a part of her day-to-day basis, and seeing her like a freaking worry wart, is just plain odd.

"Yeah, Hikari. You used to deal with them professionally." Aki can't help but agree with Clyde, as she nodded her head.

"Ugh, cut it out! You know that his is different than the usual." She growled, as she puffed her cheeks. Truly, she had faced the public like these tons of times, and has handled it 'professionally'. However, as she has stated it herself, this is just different. It's not just about her anymore, it's also about her company, and her grand escapades. Truly, no matter how many times she would shrug them away, she'll never get enough of them. Heck, maybe the ones interested on the company would definitely use this to their own advantage, and for now, she wouldn't want to have herself face those pushy entrepreneurs into getting her to deal with them, and agree to share with each other's stocks.

"You guys haven't really changed at all, huh." Aki chuckled at the sight of the two. "You guys still argue like children. Wait, we still argue like children."

"Ugh, he started it." Hikari uttered with great annoyance, whilst she turned her back away from Clyde, and folded her arms in front of her in a very obnoxious manner, causing Clyde to stare at Hikari with great disbelief.

"i started it! You know that I'm just trying to help you out!" He quickly exclaimed.

"Yeah, help me feel more troubled. Thanks a lot, Clyde."

"Alright, already. I am sorry. It's my fault." Clyde sighed, as he tried to make Hikari look at him. "I was just really trying to help you feel comfortable, and you do know that Aki and I are just here to help you out if you need us to drag you out of there."

"Anyways, I think Yusei and the rest are here already. So, I think we should just get going." Aki stated, as she tried to tug on to Hikari's arm. Hikari on the other hand just can't help, but feel her heart beating in a more faster pace, as she felt small specs of sweat forming on her forehead. But, Clyde just carefully took her hand, clasping it securely within his palms.

"Let's go." He stated, as he his hazel eyes gazed on her sapphire ones. The same gaze he made, when he said he'll go with her in her grand escapade, as the gaze relayed to her the message stating: "I'll go with you, and no matter what, I'll be there for you and I'll help you and support you whenever I can." With that, even if there were no words stated, she clasped his hand tightly in return, making her feel assured, as her smile returned on her face.

So, without further ado, the trio finally made their way to the grand hall, that was organized and designed for the special event today. Though there weren't much decorations placed anywhere, prior to the buffet tables, the hall was just elegant as is, as it had chandeliers hanging on the ceiling, as the floor shone with bright beige. Other than that is the giant, circular screen hanging above the hall, as the stairs to the second floor, were carpeted red. When you go to the west part of the hall, you can see a giant window instead of a wall, showing a great view of Neo Domino City, and the starry, and velvet sky.

Yusei, Crow and Jack, along with Carly and the twins just stood in the midst of the crowd of various duelists of all kinds of ages. Ruka just wore a simple pink dress with her pig-tailed hair in curls, whilst Leo just wore his dark blue tux. Carly on the other hand just wore a simple silver gown that shimmered under the light, though her sleeves would often fall off her shoulders making her look sloppy, Jack definitely didn't mind at all, because to him as he sees her through his piercing amethyst eyes, she's just as beautiful. Heck, more beautiful than all the girls out there.

Jack was definitely up for this, as he went so far into dressing himself up in an all glossy-white get up, from a white long jacket, white pants, and even white shoes that is of course different from his usual get up. He even had a white bow tie to boot, and he's definitely proud of it, whilst he had his head up high and proud. Truly, Yusei and Crow couldn't help themselves from laughing, he just looked silly and overdressed. But, as they say it is better to be overdressed than under-dressed, or not?

Crow on the other hand was the exact opposite, as he just went with the usual black tux, and bow tie. Truly, it was an important event, and Crow didn't bother combing his spiky orange hair at all. However, Yusei was different, even if he was wearing a simple black suit; his handsome features was highlighted even more. Yes, it was simple, but it was definitely the best effort he could pull off, anything just to look his best for tonight, specifically for her, hoping to impress her.

And speaking of the devil:

"Oh my gosh, they're finally here!" Carly squealed in joy, with her mouth forming a wide, wild grin, as her hands slowly snaked towards her pouch hoping to get her digi-cam ready for the attack. But, Jack was quick as he quickly swiped away her pouch, causing Carly to grimace at him.

"Don't even think about doing that here." Jack simply uttered.

"Hmf, fine."

Yusei on the other hand just kept himself quiet as he allowed his azure orbs to follow where Carly was pointing, only to find himself taken aback, astonished, or rather awestruck the moment he got a whole view of the blond girl.

To him, with the way her hair is fixed, how she slowly walked towards them in his point of view didn't make him look at her as the young adolescent girl he met years back. But rather a woman, who is about to walk down the virgin road, as she had her brunette best friend escort her towards him, or rather escort her to hand her to him in place of her father.

Yusei quickly felt himself being embarrassed at the silly thought, as it caused his eyes to try to look away. But, even if it was silly, deep in his heart the thought actually felt so right.

The moment Clyde got a glimpse of the group; there was one thing that quickly caught his hazel eyes, as it caused his heart to ache with every step he took. To be specific, it was a certain pair of azure eyes, that's looking lovingly at the blond beside him.

Realization hit him in a struck of lightning, whilst it caused him to grasp his hold tightly on her as a thought quickly entered his mind. 'Am I really that selfless enough to let her go like this?'

"Hey!" Aki greeted, as it finally awoken him from his thoughts with the rest greeting back in return.

"Jeeze, what took you guys so long? The party's about to start!" Crow exclaimed.

"Well, if it wasn't for a certain kid here, we would have entered the hall already." Aki uttered with a slight hmf at the end, causing Hikari to puff her cheeks, and abruptly fold his arms in front of her chest.

"Well, I am sorry for being a kid." Yusei just smiled at her childishness, as he now slid his arm around the blonde's waist. Hoping that would soothe down her irritation, which oddly it did as it just caused Hikari to sigh and smile back at him, as she neared her lips on his ears.

"Know what you really look handsome tonight." She said, as she made a quick peck on his cheek, causing him to feel even more embarrassed than he already is from his silly thought that hasn't really left his mind.

But, before anybody can talk further and probe on whatever kept them, the event finally started as the familiar face of the clown-like man appeared on the screen, officially starting the commemorating night of the WTGP.

"As far as you all know, the event will be held on the combat lane. The tournament will start tomorrow with the elimination round, as the pairs would randomly battle other duelists until they have beaten five pairs. The first eight groups will find themselves battling off at the quarter-finals."

"What the hell! Five!" Crow uttered, totally surprised, but after a while his face quickly formed a smirk. "Heh, this will definitely be fun. Heck, it could have been fun if it were ten! But, anyway, Yusei, Clyde I hope that we see each other on either the semi-finals or even better, on the finals! Jack and I will be sure to kick your ass!"

"Hey, you may have an awesome blackwing deck there, but don't ever underestimate me. I may not be like a Duel Prodigy, but I can say that I am as equally strong as you." Clyde returned with great confidence, as his lips itself formed a smirk.

"The Semi-finals, and especially the finals! And the winner would definitely win a price money of two Billion DP! So, duelists, get ready, and DUEL!" With that the transmission finally ended, as the screen went blank, leaving all the duelists in the room to be even more pumped up for the upcoming day.

But, before Yusei and the gang can even enjoy themselves, a bunch of reporters already surrounded them.

"Hey, isn't that Hikari Yuki! Wasn't she rumored to be dead? So, it is true that she has been roaming around Neo Domino City, alive!"

"Not just that, there's Yusei Fudo too!"

"Look! There's even Senator Izayaoi's daughter!"

"Don't forget the former King Jack Atlas!"

"Here's Clyde Yagami too! Hey, wasn't it reported that he ran away from home?"

With that they all swarmed towards them with the microphone on hand, and the cameras already flickering non-stop, as they found themselves totally overwhelmed. It was just too sudden and too unexpected. Heck, it was as if they appeared out of nowhere the moment the opening speech ended.

'Oh no, this is what I am afraid of!' Hikari screamed horrifyingly on his mind.

"Hey, Yusei I think you and Hikari should leave. It would be best if she wasn't interrogated by the media right now, especially with the you-know-what." Cylde quickly whispered to Yusei's ears.

"But, what about you guys?" But, Clyde just shook his head.

"We'll be okay. Heck, Aki and I are used to stuff like this. So, get going once I get the media all on me. Okay?"

"Hey, Yeah I am Clyde Yagami. Is there something wrong?" He asked with his usual gentle smile plastered on his face, as he starts walking away from the gang a bit with the media now swarming towards him, as all the mics now pushed almost near his neck with the camera flashes now almost blinding his eyes. But, Yusei definitely didn't let Clyde's efforts to waste as he quickly dragged Hikari away towards the scene.

"So, is it really true that you ran away from home?"

"What was the cause?"

"Has Hikari Yuki anything to do with any of it?"

Aki just eyed him carefully; feeling highly amazed for it was really brave of him to put himself on the spot light. Yes, Hikari does need to run away, but it doesn't mean that Clyde doesn't. Heck, Clyde has all the reasons why he has to run away along with Hikari, and one of those reasons includes his father hunting him down.

It wasn't long as the media finally grew tired of him. and finally moved on to other people, specifically the famous duelists present at the moment. As it caused him to sigh, whilst hoping that his false, out-of-this-world answers would cause the media to think twice in publicizing his unstructured interview.

Truly, there were a lot of questions asked in the interview as it caused him to play with his mind as he tried constructing those lies, but that wasn't really enough to avert his thought from the pain aching on his chest, as he remembered Yusei and Hikari.

Why just now?

How come he hasn't felt it before?

Or maybe its the fact that he feels that he's already losing her, and Yusei will never let her go?

Whatever it was, it's definitely making him feel like hell right now.

'I feel so silly right now.' He laughed ironically at his thoughts, as his feet just led him away from the hall towards the stairs leading to another floor of function halls. He just sat there miserably with his hands making its way towards his neatly combed chocolate locks.

But, despite all of those, shouldn't he have just accepted all of it already? Or maybe the acceptance was just a mere delusion? That he's definitely not aware of.

Though he doesn't know the cause, he just can't help it as a tear trickled down on his face.

'I should be feeling happy right now that I was able to help her. That I was at least be able to be with her even if it was for a short time. But, why? I am her best friend, and I can't find myself being happy!'

"Clyde?" A feminine voice called out, causing him to wipe his face to hide the tears. "Hey, is there something wrong?" She asked, as she took a seat beside him.

"No, I am fine." He tried to smile at the burgundy-haired girl beside him, as his sad hazel eyes stared towards her caramel ones.

"Clyde, I know there's something wrong. Truly, you and Hikari were closer and has been together for a longer time, but that doesn't mean that I don't you well enough. I know that there's something wrong." She stated, her voice filled with concern as she placed her hands on her shoulder.

"I am just being silly." He simply uttered, "Aki, I should be feeling happy right now. I have helped her right?" His voice starting to break, as a tear started to trickle down his face once more. "But, I can't help it. I just love her so much, that it hurts. I feel so stupid for thinking that I have accepted it! I feel so stupid for making myself believe that everything was okay for me, but I just realized that No! Everything's not okay!" Aki definitely understands how he feels, as it also caused tears to roll down her face. She slowly placed her hand on top of his, hoping that it would calm him down.

"I understand, Clyde." She sobbed. "But, isn't that what we've wanted for her?" She bit her lip.

"It's just fair for her to be happy this time around."

I wonder if that was enough? o.O It felt as if it lacked something.

(if it does please tell me, because I'd highly appreciate it.)

Anyways, I feel really sick right now, so I just really have to stop there since tomorrow I have to go to school earlier than usual, due to something that has to be done.

So, yeah despite the grammatical, and what not errors, I hope that it was satisfying enough, and at the same time fun to read. XD

Whoops! I almost forgot, there's a new poll on my profile regarding what I should after first and faster, so you might wanna check that out.

Also, to those who have pmed me, I'll try and reply tomorrow. (Sorry, I no longer have the power to do so. Please do forgive me!)

Anyways, don't forget to review! Because, your thoughts are highly appreciated!

TC

-jory014

Anonymous Reply Section:

Miss-Shadow:

Thanks for the awesome review! And I am very happy to see that you're eager to read further into the fic! :p Anyways, though the chapter is kinda flawy and somehow a bit odd (for me that is don't know to you guys), I hope that I was still able to make you enjoy! :p

Anyways, I'll definitely try to update as fast as I can so do look forward to that!

And while waiting you might wanna check out my other Yusei X OC fics (if you want that is) for now to pass up the time ;p

So, yeah, once again thanks for reading and reviewing!

TC for now :D

-jory014