Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds
Through the Years
By Lucky_Ladybug
Notes: The characters are not mine and the story is! This is just a sweet exploration of 15 Years Later, as per the 5Ds Month prompt info for Day 28: Where Do We Go From Here? As always, Radley is a nice guy, the way I honestly see him. I quite love the sweetness and fluff here!
Kalin stood at the front window, looking out across the lawn and up and down the street. It was Summer again, almost Fall, and everything was lush and green. Satisfaction Town had truly blossomed as the rose over the last fifteen years, thanks in no small part to everything Kalin and others had done.
It still kept its Old West aesthetic. That was key to its charm. But it had also grown with such things as a two-story department store and a history museum. They needed ways to keep the town's economy going strong long after the mine ran dry. That hadn't happened yet, at least, and they were still one of the top suppliers in the Duel Runner industry.
Today was the town's annual rodeo, another of its big draws. Everyone was coming to town to watch it, especially West in the bucking bronco competition. He was 23 now and very good at what he did. Nico worried about his dangerous career choices, both that and being a professional Turbo Duelist, but she fully supported him.
23. . . . How could West be 23? It seemed like just yesterday that he had been 8. For him to be 23, that meant that Kalin had to be 35.
35. . . .
It was also hard for Kalin to grasp that was how old he was now. He had felt like he had lived a lifetime at 20, but coming here had given him a new lease on life in more ways than one. The last fifteen years had been amazing. He couldn't imagine living anywhere else, or wanting to.
Arms circled around his waist and hugged him close. "Good morning."
Kalin smiled, laying his hands over his affectionate friend's. "Good morning."
Fifteen years had gone by so fast living with his soulmate and dearest friend. People still talked, many of them certain they knew the nature of this unique relationship, but they were mostly wrong. The two never cared to put a label on it. It couldn't be understood with one little word. It was complex, beautiful, and for them alone to understand.
"It's West's big day today."
Kalin nodded. He loved the other's soft Spanish accent. Normally it was barely perceptible, but Kalin had learned to tune in and hear it more plainly.
"He's been looking forward to this for weeks," Kalin said.
"I think he's ready." The other man smiled, the motion accentuated by the deep lines around his mouth and under his eyes. He was 40 now and they were more prominent, but he'd had them even at age 25, brought on by the stress of trying to protect the people and the town from his cruel and sadistic rival. To Kalin, he still looked the same as he did then, rather than having aged.
"He thinks so too," Kalin remarked.
Radley walked around to see into his eyes. "You don't think he is?"
"I think he's as ready as one can be for a dangerous stunt," Kalin said. "But maybe your protectiveness is rubbing off on me." He smirked a bit.
A chuckle. "That's possible. Truthfully, I think it's completely loco to want to ride a rampaging animal that just wants to throw you off no matter what it has to do to accomplish that. But I'll support a loved one who's bent on doing it."
Kalin nodded. "I feel the same about supporting them. As for riding a bronco, part of me likes the idea of the danger. The other part doesn't like seeing West do it. He's still a kid to me."
"Ah, the complications of parenting or mentoring someone," Radley mused. "I suppose even a middle-aged man would seem like a kid to a parent."
"Probably," Kalin said. "I know Jordan's concerned too."
Radley patted his shoulder. "Well, shall we have breakfast before our morning ride with the Bunch?"
Kalin nodded. "Let's."
The Radley Bunch had grown in the last fifteen years too. Radley's dream had been for all of them to want to stay in town and help build it up rather than moving on, and that wish had come true. They were all still there, and those who had gotten married had brought their spouses into the Bunch as well. There were other new members too; his foreman's grandson Ben had joined the Bunch when he had been old enough, a dream he had held since he had met Radley at age eight.
In the kitchen, Radley started the same routine of practically every day in the past fifteen years, getting out ingredients for breakfast. Kalin went to help him. It was nice, working side by side as they always did. Their greatest happiness was in being together.
"Have you heard back from the others yet?" Radley asked.
"Yusei sent a text," Kalin said. "He and Akiza are bringing Bruno and the kids . . . and Monkey, of course."
"Of course," Radley smirked.
Ever since regaining the rest of his memories some years back, Bruno preferred to mostly appear as Bruno instead of Antinomy. Yusei had been overjoyed at the full return of his friend after not knowing if he would ever interact with him in that form again. Bruno still took on the Antinomy persona on occasion, and always, no matter which look he had, Monkey the beloved Siamese Cat went with him.
"Yusei arranged weeks in advance to have today off," Kalin recalled. "Akiza had to rearrange her schedule at the hospital too. West especially wants Yusei there as well as us."
"And Jack and Crow too, I'm sure," Radley said.
"Yeah. Jack and Carly are coming; I got a text from Carly too. Their schedules are busy with Jack Turbo Dueling and Carly writing about him, but she said she made sure they'd be available for this. And Crow's bringing Martha and the kids."
Radley smiled. He liked Martha. At first he had feared Martha might not like him and would blame him for the problems in town and for Kalin having been in danger upon his arrival. But she had been kind and understanding of the complicated situation and had loved that he had done so much for Kalin. Kalin had never been one of the children she had looked after, but she knew how much he meant to Yusei, Jack, and Crow. And she had liked Kalin when she had finally met him too.
"And the twins?" Radley asked.
"They wouldn't miss it," Kalin said. "Even though I think Leo's still unsure what to think of West's chosen activity."
Radley laughed. "Yeah, he doesn't seem the type who'd like it, even though he is a professional Turbo Duelist. A motorcycle is much less scary than a bronc."
His expression softened as he watched Kalin work on his part of breakfast. "It's like old home week, isn't it?" he mused.
Kalin nodded. "Even though we see Yusei and Akiza a lot, it's always exciting when they come. And we don't often have everyone together except at Thanksgiving and Christmas."
"I'm glad you wanted this life with me," Radley said quietly. "It probably would have been much more adventurous in the City."
"I don't know. We've had quite a lot of adventures too," Kalin said. "And anyway, I didn't stay for adventure. I stayed because I had a purpose here . . . multiple purposes. I stayed because I wanted to fix the town and look after it . . . and because I wanted to be with you."
"I would have gone to the City if you'd wanted it," Radley said. ". . . But probably not when we first met. I wanted to fix the town too."
"That shared dream helped build up an unbreakable bond," Kalin said.
"I think we would have grown as close regardless," Radley said. "Especially if we were meant to meet. After all, you said I'd started to get through to you all along. It was only when you got your mind clear that you realized that."
"Yeah, that's true," Kalin said. He smiled. "I stayed because I wanted to help you get better and to finally accept the friendship and love you offered. It wasn't just because of wanting to fix the town. The fact that we both wanted that was a bonus."
Radley nodded, pleased. "Of course, I am happy we've realized our dream together. The town looks amazing, I must say."
"Because of your vision for what it could be," Kalin said. "And our work on it, as well as everyone else's."
"The whole town has worked hard," Radley agreed. "By now it's one of the most desirable spots in the State, both as a tourist attraction and as a place to settle down and live."
"And Yusei has worked just as hard in the City," Kalin said. "It's amazing now too."
"All of our futures look bright," Radley smiled.
Kalin drew an arm around him and hugged him close. "They do."
xxxx
The day was happy and filled with fun and last minute preparations for the rodeo. People were arriving in town steadily and Radley assigned Scotch and Jimmy to take them on tours of the main attractions. They were all too happy to do so, and Scotch especially made gleefully proud comments about Radley and Kalin's work on the town.
All of their friends started to arrive in the early afternoon. Yusei smiled as he went over to greet Kalin and Radley and the rest. He had been around the most over the past fifteen years, but seeing him was always delightful.
"Hey, guys," he said. "Everything looks great."
"Thanks, Yusei," Kalin said. "The town really puts their all into these big events like the rodeo."
"It shows," Yusei said in approval.
"It most certainly does," Akiza said. "The town seems to grow more beautiful every time we come."
Radley looked proud. "That's the goal."
"Yusei! Akiza!" West bounded over to them. "You're all here to watch me?!"
"Of course," Yusei said. "We wouldn't miss it."
Radley chuckled at West's enthusiasm. "He reminds me of Scotch when Scotch was that age."
"Scotch hasn't changed much," Kalin noted.
That brought a smirk. "True."
When it was time, everyone settled into the bleachers to watch the events. West's ride was indeed terrifying, but he managed to stay on for a record length of time. He whooped, twirling his hat above his head. "Alright!"
Everyone applauded.
"West deserves an award," Nico had to admit.
And he got one, much to his delight. The judges all agreed that he was the first place winner for the bucking bronco contest. He bounded down with his trophy into the arms of his father, his sister, and his idols.
"I'm proud of you, son," Jordan said.
"So am I," said Nico.
"Congratulations," Kalin said with a sincere smile.
"You earned it," Radley added.
West beamed. "Knowing all of you were here watching made me even more determined to do the best I could!"
"And you did," Yusei said.
"We should have a party to celebrate!" Scotch grinned.
"Yeah, he's just the same," Radley chuckled to Kalin.
xxxx
It was a good idea. Everyone headed to the diner for dinner, dessert, karaoke, and video games. The festivities lasted late into the night, with plenty of bonding and happy times for all. After a while, Kalin just sat back and watched with a fond smile. All of his loved ones were here. He couldn't think of anything better for this or any other occasion.
"What are you thinking about?" Yusei asked as he sat down beside Kalin on another counter stool.
"How much things have changed . . . for the better . . . and how much we're all still the same . . . in good ways," Kalin said. He turned to look at his oldest friend. "None of this would have been possible without you, Yusei. And the kids. All of you brought me back to myself when I was drowning in depression and self-hatred. I would have let myself die, but you weren't willing to let me go like that. You saved me . . . and I helped save Radley . . . and I've been so happy with him ever since."
"You've both been happy," Yusei said with a smile. "And I'm honored to have had any part in that."
"You had a huge part in it," Kalin said.
Radley sat down on Kalin's other side. "I quite agree," he said.
Yusei smiled at him too. "You've made Kalin so happy, Radley. That's all I ever wanted for him."
"And I wanted his companionship," Radley said. "I have that, thanks to you."
"We all helped each other," Yusei said.
"And we've been good friends ever since," Radley said. "The town still considers you, Jack, and Crow honorary citizens."
"I'm honored," Yusei said. "I know they are too."
"Even though Jack isn't likely to ever say it," Kalin said with a bit of a smirk.
"Yeah, I doubt it," Radley smirked back. Although they were not especially close, he and Jack had at least grown used to each other and didn't tend to have more vicious misunderstandings instigated by Jack, which was a relief.
Crow soon wandered over. "So, have you two had any more hair-raising experiences lately?"
"Not lately," Radley said.
"But that doesn't mean there won't be more," Kalin said. "I'd be surprised if they stop entirely."
"With your luck? Yeah, not likely," Crow said.
"What about people in the City?" Kalin asked. "Has anything bizarre happened there?"
"Not for a while," Yusei said.
"It leaves us free to build it up more and explore everything it has to offer," Jack said as he came over. "Options which are increasing constantly, I might add."
"Thanks to all of you, I'm sure," Radley said.
"We've played our parts," Crow said.
"Oh, come on! It's more than just 'parts'!" Carly exclaimed. "You guys are the reason!"
"I have to agree with that," Akiza said with a fond smile.
"You're part of that too, Akiza," Luna said.
"All of you are!" Leo grinned.
"Including you," Jack said gruffly to Leo.
"Aww . . . I didn't do much," Leo protested with an awkward grin as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I wasn't even chosen as a Signer until everything was almost over!"
"You were a Signer in your heart all along," Yusei said.
"There was so much I couldn't have done without you," Luna said.
Leo beamed, clearly pleased by the praise. "Thanks, everyone. . . ."
"And you guys are still doing things! Crow paid for Martha and the kids to have the orphanage completely renovated!" Bruno grinned as he approached, Monkey on his shoulder. "Now it's almost as big as your villa!"
"Really," Radley said, impressed.
Crow blushed and looked away. "It was somethin' they needed," he said gruffly.
"And I'm sure they're all very grateful," Radley said.
"We are," Martha said. She smiled, watching the kids run around the room and play games with Scotch.
"Who'd ever think anyone from the Satellite would have that kind of money," Kalin mused. "And yet we're all well-off now."
"And the Satellite itself isn't even a dump anymore," Crow said. "It's been cleaned up into a nice place to live."
"Even the B.A.D. area?" Kalin asked.
". . . There's still restless spirits there," Yusei admitted. "I'm not sure they're ever going to be ready to move on. No one wants to live there because of it."
"There was actually an attempt by some construction company to start building a development there a couple of months ago, but they kept having so many weird accidents they had to throw in the towel," Crow said.
"We heard something about that," Radley said.
"What company was that?" Kalin grunted. "Not Kaiba's, I hope."
"Even Kaiba's wised up by this point," Crow said. "I think it was something like . . . Coulter Enterprises?"
Both Kalin and Radley started. "Coulter?!" After fifteen years, Lawton was still at large after escaping the Facility for the second time. They hadn't heard anything from him in ages, but since he hadn't tried to attack them again, they had considered it all well and good and had hoped he would stay away permanently.
"Trudge tried to find out who owned it, but they up and vamoosed," Crow said. "Now there's no record of them anywhere!"
Radley groaned. "It was probably Lawton."
Crow gave a devilish smirk. "At least if it was, you know his plans are still being thwarted, even by ghosts."
Radley smirked too. "It couldn't happen to a more deserving guy."
Kalin quite agreed.
Martha decided a change of subject was in order. "Scotch is such a natural with children," she remarked. He was entertaining the orphans and his friends' kids with his impressions, to their delight.
"He loves kids," Radley agreed. "He's still just a big kid himself."
"Does he ever plan to get married and have children of his own?" she wondered.
"He really doesn't know," Radley said. "He told me he's never felt any romantic feelings for anyone and he still doesn't feel ready for such a step."
"Maybe he never will be," Martha said. "That's fine. There are plenty of children already here who need love and care."
Radley nodded. "Scotch and Biff have been talking about the possibility of adopting a kid or two."
Martha was pleased. "I hope they do it."
"I think they might," Radley said. "Meanwhile, Scotch loves being the fun uncle to the kids of the Bunch."
"And they clearly love him too," Martha remarked, seeing the kids' glee at Scotch's game.
"Scotch spreads sunshine wherever he goes," Radley smiles.
"What about the two of you?" Martha wondered. "Do you ever think about adopting?"
Radley and Kalin exchanged a look.
"We wouldn't turn down kids in need," Radley said at last. "But we haven't thought about actively applying, no."
"We look after the whole town," Kalin said. "That's kind of a full-time job as it is."
"We've had elections, but the people keep voting for us instead of anyone new," Radley chuckled. "I can't deny that's what we want anyway."
"Well, you certainly do a worthy job," Martha said. "The town is wonderful."
"And safe for raising families," Radley said with a far-off look. "That was always part of my dream for it."
"We've all been really safe with you and Kalin in charge!" West said as he bounded over to them.
"We've done our best," Radley smiled.
Kalin smiled too, pleased. They definitely had. And seeing the fruits of their labors, it had all been worth it.
xxxx
The celebration lasted so long that most everyone decided to stay over for the night at the hotel. The highway between the City and Satisfaction Town had long ago been completed, but the majority of the visitors still felt they would rather stay over and go back in the morning due to the late hour. That was just fine with Kalin especially. He was happy for any extra time the others were in town.
Goodbyes were eventually said and everyone departed to their various homes or rooms for the night. Kalin kept his arm around Radley's waist as Radley unlocked their front door and turned on the living room light.
"That was nice," Radley smiled.
"It was," Kalin agreed. He shut the door behind them and locked it.
"Strange how the more things change, the more they stay the same," Radley mused. "Some of the Bunch are married, some are not, but they're all still here and their families are part of the Bunch now too."
Kalin nodded. "West and Nico both want to stay on, even though West will be traveling sometimes with his careers."
"Jordan is happy about that." Radley set the keys on the keyring rack on the wall and headed down the hall, taking off his leather jacket as he went.
Kalin watched him. "And Yusei has been coming around a lot."
Radley smiled. "Life has been pretty much perfect. And as long as we don't hear from Coulter Enterprises, it will likely stay that way."
"Do you think that's really Lawton?" Kalin frowned. "Would he be stupid enough to use his real name when he's still a wanted man?"
"He certainly committed murder in his heart several times over." Radley sighed. "I'm pretty sure the warrants are still active, but I'll double-check that tomorrow."
"Malcolm probably hasn't heard from him," Kalin said. "But you could ask."
Radley nodded. "I'll do that too." He started for the bathroom, but paused. "What do you think of Martha's question?"
"About adopting?" Kalin shook his head. "I don't know."
Radley lightly tapped the doorframe with his hand. "Yeah, I don't know either. I kind of feel like we're helping look after all the Bunch's kids as it is. That's pretty exhausting sometimes." He smiled. "But there's plenty of time to think about that or to change our minds."
Kalin smiled too. "Yeah."
"I do know we shouldn't even think of going into that unless we're both absolutely sure we want it," Radley said. "Well, I'm going to shower now. In case you're asleep when I'm done, I'll say Goodnight now."
"Goodnight," Kalin smiled.
He went downstairs to the other bathroom to shower. By the time he was done and coming back up drying at his hair, Radley was sound asleep hugging his pillow in his bed.
Kalin regarded him in amusement. "What was that about me going to sleep first?" He reached down, pulling the quilt up higher around Radley's shoulders. "I love you," he whispered low in Radley's ear.
Radley smiled in his sleep. "I love you too," he mumbled.
Yes, life was perfect.