On My Own

Chapter 7

Author Notes: It is time to get some uploads going. Last time Yusei helped a poor lady looking for her daughter only to get injured in the process. And of course Trudge called him out on it...so let's see where that goes. I do not own Yugioh.

3rd P.O.V

"There's a button on the driver's side that pops the hood. Open it up and look on the left side for a clear container, see if there's any liquid in it." Rally does as asked, carefully following his older brother's instructions.

A compromise was made between the two. As Trudge believed Yusei did indeed have a fracture in his leg, along with some nasty bruises. He needed to take it easy, doctor's orders. However..."Um it looks like it's empty. What do I do?"

Saint Martha's needed to stay open if they wanted to eat and have a home to live in. "Grab the canister labeled 'washer fluid' and fill it up." So Rally decided to work in his sibling's stead, with supervision of course.

The two of them were getting quite the perspective as they essentially traded jobs. "Why don't you two take a break after this? I got pasta from Zora!" And Crow had temporarily moved in, not wanting to leave when his friend was in such a rough spot.

"Pasta!? Awesome!" Yusei huffed with a small smile. Marking the papers down as the redhead closed the hood of the car. "That's it Rally. Great work." The teen flashed a triumphant pose. He was getting better with the maintenance stuff.

Though he preferred being a secretary a lot more. At least they'd only have to do this for two or so months so long as Yusei doesn't do anything stupid. "Take a breather buddy, you been on the phone and computer nonstop."

So much for taking it easy... "You guys go ahead, I'll come out once I call Ms. Izayoi about her car." Crow rolls his eyes as he shakes his head. "Seriously? She's supposed to come within an hour to check up on it anyways right? Chill out man." Rally with a glint in his eyes dives forward.

"Ah-hey!" Successfully taking the phone right from under the elder boy's nose. Perfect~ "Give it back!" He was outnumbered two to one. "Nice one Ral! Time to eat Yusei~" Though everyone wasn't too sure about the ginger's return, all of them came around.

Eventually..."Fine fine, give me a sec." Especially since he was actually able to-not push his friend around, but at least make sure he'd rest and not over do things. Crow had become quite the reliable individual since his departure.

Hell, the man could even pick up groceries without sneaking bites or going overbudget. "Remember to use the crutches! Doctor Anderson said that you can't put too much pressure on your leg." A groan escaped Yusei as he reached for the damn things. "Yeah, yeah I know."

He couldn't wait to get better. "Good!" Though he wasn't going to deny it was nice having his old friend back in his life. Their heart to heart chat though was long overdue...ended on a good note. At the very least Crow wasn't lovingly beaten black and blue.

"Yusei. I know this isn't a good time to talk about things, but I need to get this out. I'm sorry. For ages now i've wanted to say that." The mentioned mechanic was laying in the hospital room keeping his expression blank as Crow stood there.

He was fidgeting in place, forcing himself to look into tired, blue eyes. Whether his apology was dismissed or accepted it didn't matter. He was going to let his friend call the shots. It was the least he could do after fighting with everyone before ditching him. "I just have one question for you Crow...why?" At that, he blinked.

Not quite understanding the question. "Why for the apology or why I left?" It was a good thing they were the only two in the room. With the doctor doing all he can to cast up the fracture, Blitz and Tank had to unfortunately head home to get some rest themselves.

Meanwhile Nervin placed it upon himself to be Rally's keeper while Yusei was in the hospital. No clue where Trudge was, of course that was fine by them. It meant this little conversation could go on without disruption. "Why did you leave? Were you mad at me because I lost? Or was it something else?"

For the last several years Yusei had been thinking why everything turned out the way it did. He wanted answers and he wanted them from the sources themselves. He highly doubted he would ever see Jack or Kalim ever again.

But at least he could try to bury the hatchet with Crow. "I'm not gonna lie, I was upset that you lost. But I didn't leave just because of that." There were a few motivations behind his leave. For starters he wanted to find work.

A job at the factories throughout the Satellite was the best place you could find. Long hours, and low pay-but it helps keep people off the streets. However it just wasn't cutting it for Crow. His parents died when he was a kid, leaving him to take care of several siblings.

Though they lived with a relative it was hard times as there were several mouths to feed. When Yusei worked on the duel runner, entering the competition, it gave him hope. Maybe some of that money could be used to help his family get some better clothes and more food on the table.

But when Yusei was hospitalized, he allowed his temper to fly, fighting with Jack, yelling and even throwing punches at the people he considered dear friends, practically family. He felt ashamed for being so immature, for causing his loved ones pain.

So while he left to search for a decent paying job, he also did some self-reflecting. Of course when it came to both, he struggled. Eventually making his way into the underground rings. Going through the gambling charts, it didn't take long for him to succeed.

Making a decent name for himself as well as a nice load of cash. A nice load that he made good use of. At every chance he could, he would send his winnings to not only his brothers and sisters, but also to Martha who along with Yusei up till her death was still paying the hospital expenses.

Something that made Yusei sigh as he looked up at the ceiling. "I was wondering how she was able to acquire so much money in such a short amount of time. It was you. And now you're sending Lyndon cash to help out Zora?" Crow could only nod, taking a deep breath.

Watching to see when the ticking time bomb that was the injured male blew up. "You got it. I'm not saying I'm proud of the things I've done in the past, nor the fact that I'm still breaking the law by participating in the rings-but if it means I can help you all out even a little bit I'll do it."

Yusei could only sigh, allowing gravity to let him fully lay against the pillows. At least he had one part of the story. There was still a lot of things left unexplained, but at least, it was nice to know that there were actual good reasons for him abandoning ship.

"I'm not saying I'm ungrateful for everything you've done behind the scenes, but you shouldn't have gone to those lengths alone. All these years I thought you hated me." The pain in his heart was still there, painfully imbedded like a shard of glass.

Yet it wasn't as prevalent. A dull ache instead of a sharp throb. "I could never do that! I-I never meant for you to feel that way." Now that he knows the true reason for his friend's absence he felt a bit better. Still...he wasn't letting the birdbrain duelist off the hook so easily.

Or at least, that's what he told himself as he raised his hand out. "If you truly are sorry about all the shit in the past, you gotta earn that trust back. Starting with helping me up so I can go check on Rally." Crow almost fell for it, but he placed his hands on his hips with a small scowl.

Refusing to take Yusei's hand. "Nice try! No can do. The Doc didn't say you could be up and about. I'm not getting chewed out again!"

Shrill ringing brought Yusei back to reality as his fellow duelist gave a sheepish expression. "It's Lyn, gotta take this." All he got was a small grunt in response as the injured male had his mouth full. It's been so long since he's had pasta.

The fact that it was homemade made it all the better. Rally definitely agreed as he tilted the bowl up to his face, practically licking it clean. "Looks like I don't have to worry about doing dishes later." All he got was a pout, making the two of them chuckle.

A grin formed on Yusei's face as he went about wiping the sauce off his younger brother's cheek. "Since you refuse to hand me back my phone, can you message Mrs. Izayoi that she can pick up her car?"

He was determined to give it back to her. "You got it~" The red head ran back into the garage with the phone, needing to find her number in the paperwork she submitted. Leaving Yusei to sigh before twirling to small remains of his lunch.

Still not yet grasping the changes in his life...as well as the kindness being thrown his way.

"Honey, this is the young man I was telling you about." Mrs. Izayoi smiled as she lead a man wearing a business suit inside Yusei's hospital room. The injured individual tilted his head as he took in Setsuko's relaxed posture. "Yusei, this is my husband Hideo."

A small smile formed on his lips as he offered a hand towards the elder. Glad for the man's arrival, knowing Setsuko was in some desperate need of support after what she's dealt with within the last couple hours. Even with officer Trudge offering reassurances, Mrs. Izayoi looked skittish.

Still looking like she was on the verge of fainting from the stress of it all. "Pleasure to meet you sir." Hideo offered a kind, polite tilt of his lips as he shook hands. Already informed on the injured mechanic was sitting before him.

"Likewise, thank you so much for helping Setsuko." Hideo was beyond grateful for what this young man did for his wife. It was incredible knowing that even in this day and age, there was still kindness and compassion to be found.

Especially with the shady rumors going around in the slums known as the Satellite. "It was no trouble. I take it you'll be returning home soon then? What about the car? I can still work on it if you want me to." Hideo's wife frowned heavily at the question.

This was hardly the time to worry about that. "I'm more concerned about your health then the condition of my car." Right now that was the furthest thing from her mind. Her car was an object that could be fixed or replaced on any day.

It was nothing compared to the harm of a living being. Yusei got hurt protecting her, with wounds that will take a lot of time to heal, hindering his and his family's lifestyle. She's seen enough of the Satellite to know it's not an easy place to make a living. She owed him.

Yusei didn't see it that way. "I'm not the kind of guy to leave a job unfinished. I saw that the damage from the attack was more or so superficial, but the tires are long due for maintenance. At least let me change those." Both of them found themselves surprised.

Their eyes staring into clear blue as he tried sitting up. "I can get to work on it as soon as I'm deemed able to be released. It'll take a bit longer then I like, but I can get it done within a few days. Rally already promised on keeping me off my feet and aiding me in repairs."

Setsuko couldn't wish to impose on him any more than she already has and she makes sure to vocalize that. Right now his priority should be recovering. But sadly in this day and age, that couldn't be the priority.

"I can't afford to shut down Saint Martha's, besides don't think I didn't recognize your name. You and I both know your vehicle needs that maintenance check." Hideo furrowed his eyes as he took a glance at his wife. Noting her eyes widening slightly at the realization.

It took a moment for his silent question to be answered. "Saint Martha's was where I was going to take the car remember? Because Valon had gone on vacation for the month." A hum escaped him now that it was brought to his attention. Valon was the son of one of his close friends.

And a darn good mechanic that usually handled their cars. However he had gone off on vacation with his fiancée to celebrate their newfound engagement. Leaving Setsuko to go research for a temporary replacement for vehicle services.

It was by chance she stumbled upon Yusei's business. Though she had to unfortunately cancel her appointment due to an incident at work. Life had a strange way of working. As it was him who came to her rescue when she needed help.

"Well Yusei...frankly I agree with Setsuko that you should be more concerned with taking care of your injury, but I can respect your decision to keep busy and work to take care of your loved ones. If you truly want to work on the car, I won't stop you...however I insist that we pay your medical fees."

No matter how hard Yusei tried to persuade them, he had been forced to reluctantly accept his offer. Though the amount he would've charged for working on the car felt like chump change compared to horrible bill the hospital gave the Izayoi's to pay for.

Granted Dr. Anderson was a good man who didn't like charging people at all. But he had a family of his own to feed. Even he seemed to blink in shock as the elder couple told him that they would take the bill on the mechanic's behalf.

Able to easily pay the full amount so that Yusei got the much needed attention for recovering. The bluenette gave a wry smile as his husband went about handling the paperwork for Yusei's release. Giving a side glance to his patient.

"Didn't think I'd ever see the day I'd have rich folk here. Now Yusei you take good care of yourself ya hear? Rally's been tellin me and Jay nonstop that you've been running yourself ragged. I don't wanna be seeing you here for so much as a sniffle. Got it?"

Yusei muttered profanities at his brother for tattling but nodded all the same. He knew better then to argue with the Texan doctor. Though it's been several years, he knew Dr. Anderson was not someone to mess with.

Though he wasn't really conscious to see or hear it, Rally told him shortly after his mini coma that the usually sweet, polite man tore into his friends for their immature, disruptive behavior before they left without a trace. Not that Yusei wanted to test that.

"Now mossy on home. Remember to use them crutches I got you, try to keep the pressure off that leg and don't stress so much. If all goes well when I drop by in a couple weeks I can get that darn cast off, but that's only IF it's healing properly." Yusei couldn't thank him and the Izayoi's enough.

Words didn't seem to describe how he felt, so he could only do what he did best. Went to work, albeit with help and him not on his feet. It was hard for him to stop and rest the way everyone was forcing him, but he had no choice in the matter. He would have to make due with the cards given to him. One step at a time.

to be continued

Author Notes: We are done for now. And i got Jesse and to a lesser extent Jaden in this~ And it is so fun to write them, especially since I had done dark spirit shipping with my last yugioh story. We'll see how next chapter goes.

But ladies and gents that is all it for now. Thank you all so much for reading this story. If you like it so far, please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me knowing others like my series. Anyways I'll see you next time, tchao for now.