The Kingdom BeComes

by NineInchNailed

Months after the Arc Cradle incident a new evil is threatening to destroy the city and it's up to Team 5D's to save the day. Will the new adventure bring Yusei and Aki together or tear them apart? And what's the deal with a mysterious Egyptian God card?

14. Chapter 13: In pleasure and in pain

Author's Note:

I present to you the Chapter 13 of "The Kingdom [be]Comes"!

I really have to apologize for falling off the radar and not updating the chapter after promising to update it within a day. For some reason it was more difficult to write than I thought it would. Additionally, university coupled with part-time work have been really exhausting me these two weeks.

But here is the end result: it's 38 pages (single-spaced) so I'm quite glad that I ended up splitting up this chapter in two...

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for your reviews, thoughts, alerts, subscriptions and favourites...you guys make me so happy :). And now that this chapter is done I'll be able to reply to some questions posed by you.

So thank you for reading and for being patient, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

NineInchNailed.

Warning: I think that it's quite obvious but this fanfiction is rated M for a reason – in case all the swearing, sexual innuendos and some violence didn't make it clear earlier, this chapter does. So don't read the end of the chapter if you're offended by sex or if you're underage...or you can read it but just not tell your parents. Because seriously...why would you tell your parents? O.o

UPDATE 3/12/2017: because I have issues, I have also made some revisions to this chapter, grammatically and stylistically. I think it's a little better now but I dunno. I think I'll be leaving it alone now.

UPDATE 3/10/2025: Added a few new lines of dialogue here and there, made it a little more playful. It plays out exactly the same though. Told you, I have issues.

---

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

~Anonymous.

---

Seven months earlier...

Sherry sighed and absently combed her long hair with her fingers. It was no use because the heavy wind continued tangling it up mercilessly. In a minute she heard the approaching sound of a D-Wheel and she didn't look like she cared anymore: she looked in its direction and grinned, removing her sunglasses.

Yusei approached her in a hurry after parking the D-Wheel. "Sherry, is it true? Are you leaving?" he called out.

"Yes, it is true," she nodded and turned to look towards the magnitude of warm colours played by the setting sun on the horizon, "Why wouldn't it be, Yusei? It's been a couple of months since the Arc Cradle and I've come to terms with my parents' murder...my mission is complete, wouldn't you say? And I don't even have a reason to stick around since there are no new tournaments coming up any time soon."

"Yes, but..." he started.

"It's time that I go back home," Sherry interrupted, "It's where I belong...unless..." she turned and faced him now, "Unless you give me a reason to stay."

Yusei was startled by her question. He stared at her, completely taken back. What does she want me to say? he was thinking, It's obvious that I don't want to lose a friend...not now or ever.

"Sherry," he began, "We might have had our differences earlier on but you've become one of my friends. I value our friendship and-"

Yusei didn't get to finish his sentence because his voice got hushed by Sherry's kiss. His eyes widened and his gasp, inexplicably, became consent for Sherry to dip her velvety tongue into his mouth.

Yusei had no idea what to do. He couldn't even really think because, inexplicably, all he could think about was the taste of Sherry's lipgloss. Is that strawberry, he was guessing, No, it's peach. Definitely peach. Although perhaps mixed with strawberry. Doesn't Aki have that strawberry-scented perfume or something? She wears it often as of recently.

Somehow thinking about that brought his common sense flooding in. He quickly broke the kiss and pulled back. "I don't think that's a good idea, Sherry," he mumbled. It wasn't like he didn't find Sherry attractive because he did and it wasn't like the kiss wasn't good – no, it was great, in fact – but...kissing Sherry just felt really weird.

"I actually think it's one of my better ideas," she purred, her voice low and seductive. She reached out to grab his face and to go for another kiss but he stepped back and silently shook his head.

This time Sherry stared at him, unhappy. She pulled her hands to herself, instantly breaking away from his grasp. "What's wrong, Yusei? Is it because I'm too forward and you like to make the first move? Is that it?"

"No, it's just that I don't think about you that way," Yusei confessed, truthfully. He felt bad for saying this but he wanted to be honest: pretty or not, he had never really thought about Sherry in any other way than his friend. And, to be fair, he wasn't completely platonic about her either...like, he never considered her to be "one of the guys," or felt like asking her for advice on women... But there was no explaining it, it was simply different.

Sherry winced, visibly stung by his words, and quickly looked away. But then, for whatever bizarre reason, she smirked.

"Yusei, I want you to leave with me," she suddenly said.

Once again, Yusei was taken aback. "Leave?"

"Yes, leave. With me," her magnetic green eyes pierced into him, "You've never been outside of Japan, have you? It's a whole different world out there, Yusei, full of wonders and adventures... The metropolis of the Big Apple, the sunny Hawaiian beaches, the snowy Caucasus mountains, the ancient ruins of the Aztec empire, the majestic Egyptian pyramids...all those places to see, to experience..." Sherry paused and took advantage of his bewilderment by reaching out and touching his face. "Yusei, if you come with me, you will see and experience life like never before. I will show you the magical and sensual France, my home, and then the neighbouring Austria...we could go anywhere in the world, anywhere we'd like."

Yusei found himself at the total loss of words. His mind was racing.

"I know it's a lot to ask. And that's okay, you don't have to make up your mind now. I'm going to come back to Japan in a couple of months...I'm going to come back for you. And you better have made up your mind by then. About leaving with me. And about me. Because..." she leaned closer and began murmuring into his ear, quietly and seductively. Her hot breath and her alluring tone of voice sent goosebumps down his spine. "Because I know you find me attractive, Yusei," Sherry whispered, "I've seen you looking at me. But since you've always had a lot on your plate I don't think you know yet what you want. So you have some time to think over my words...and to decide on what it is you really desire, Yusei."

Sherry took advantage of his stunned silence and planted a quick peck on his lips before making her way towards her D-Wheel.

"You better wait for me, you stud," she uttered her last words and gave him one of her trademark smirks. She then blew him a kiss and sped off towards the airport.

About an hour later, when Yusei finished telling Crow and Jack what happened, Crow asked him, concerned, "How difficult was it to resist that offer, Yusei?"

Yusei shook his head, "I belong here, Crow, in Neo Domino – and I always will. I don't think my opinion will change with time."

"Yeah, but...dude...traveling around the world and banging Sherry...I mean, she couldn't have been any more straightforward about her intentions." Crow was unable to believe his indifference.

Yusei just smiled, his whole attention directed to the group of people at the distance. It was all their friends and, among them, Aki. Yusei waved and began making his way towards them.

"So he's gay, right?" Jack muttered once Yusei was too far away to hear.

"No, I don't think so," Crow thoughtfully responded. "I think that it's all just a matter of simple preference. You see, I don't think he prefers blondes as much as he prefers, say, redheads..." He cleared his throat and inconspicuously motioned to Aki on the distance. She was laughing as the twins tickled her, and Yusei was watching her with a smile.

"Oh," Jack rolled his eyes, "Of course."

"Yeah...it's okay, man," Crow said, chuckling as he patted Jack's shoulder, "I know you're just upset for striking out with him..." He then immediately ducked, avoiding the former King's swift punch to the face.

---

Present day...

It was closer to 9pm of that same day that the tired group of friends finished moving (what little they had left) into a small but blissful sanctuary of their late teen years. Zora, the superintendent of Poppo Time, welcomed them back with open arms and excited squeals.

"Yusei-chan, I knew you would come back!" Zora was exclaiming, "I've heard about the unfortunate fires breaking out in the city this morning...it's so horrible that it had to happen to you, Yusei-chan!"

Yusei smiled, gratefully, while Crow coughed delicately and expectantly looked at Zora as he awaited to hear the same heartfelt greeting for himself.

Zora looked at Crow as if noticing him for the first time and her smile faded. "Oh, it's you," was all she said and then walked away.

"Ugh, she's always been like that to me! Even after I helped her reconcile with her son!" Crow complained.

"It's okay, you'll forget all about it in five seconds," Jack estimated.

"You know what could help me get over it? A cup of Ramen noodles..." Crow suggested.

"No, fuck you!" Jack snapped, "They're my noodles!"

"If we have to be living together again you're going to have to share!" Crow yelled.

"No, they're my noodles!" Jack repeated.

"Okay, break it up you two," Carly sighed, rolling her eyes. Aki just laughed, utterly amused.

Rua and Ruka yawned, exhausted after such an eventful day. "Can we go to sleep early today?" Rua pleaded.

"How unheard of! You usually do everything in your power to stay up all night!" Ruka giggled, "But yeah, I agree."

There were going to be the eight of them living at Poppo Time for an indeterminate amount of time: Yusei, Jack, Crow and Bruno – the original four occupants – and then Carly, Rua and Ruka, and Aki. Rua and Ruka were believed to be in a vulnerable situation as well, being the youngest and having no supervision, and thus they agreed to move in until the whole thing blows over. And Aki...well, technically she didn't have to move in – being that she still had her house and that she was in Mokuba's favour – but she still insisted. "Guys, you never know what might happen – what if my father decides to overturn the dueling prohibition?" Aki was saying, hoping to put up a nice case. Living with all her friends was something she always wanted to do - even if this had happened as a result of unfortunate circumstances – and sleeping, every day, in a room across from Yusei's...who knows what could happen after a couple of days? Nervous or not, a single thought of what could happen made Aki so excited that she didn't know how she could keep herself from jumping up and down and clapping her hands together.

Yusei, himself, wasn't actually excited to live with roommates again – even if they were his best friends – especially after all the privacy he had when he'd started living alone. But things had to be and he had to make the best of them. That's why he was more than glad to accept Aki living there – she would be so close everyday...every night...and, perhaps, eventually progress to even closer... – but the other guys were a bit more reluctant.

"Dude, our bachelor atmosphere will be ruined with Carly and Aki," Crow complained.

"You mean the total sausage fest," Jack smirked.

"I don't really care," Bruno admitted.

"But...hot chicks..." Crow continued, ignoring both of them, "So now it's like we're going to be on college residence...hmm...Okay, never mind! This is a great idea! Let's go buy some booze and party all night long, every night! As long as Rua and Ruka are asleep, of course."

Yusei gave him a thumbs up and all of them helped carry Aki's stuff into the room: Aki was going to share room with Rua and Ruka, the room which was previously Crow's; Jack and Carly got Jack's old room ("Don't forget to put a sock on the door knob," Crow laughed and Jack smacked him); Yusei got his old room back and he didn't have to share it with anyone – and nobody questioned it; and Bruno and Crow would crash on two mattresses in the basement/garage.

So at nine in the evening the eight of them were all sitting inside the basement-turned-garage and sipping some hot chocolate with the exception of Jack who was eating some Ramen noodles.

"Okay, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to sleep," Rua mumbled after having yawned at least twenty times in the past five minutes.

"Me too," Ruka yawned. Carly agreed to do the same after all the contagious yawning.

And then there were five left: Yusei, Bruno, Jack, Crow and Aki. Some tension hung in the air. Aki felt awkward being the only girl left – they were all friends and harmless of course but they were all also horny young adults (herself included).

"So what now?" Jack grumbled, looking bored. "Is TV set up yet?"

"I don't know," Crow flopped on the mattress and stretched his arms.

"Do we want to play a game or something?" she asked, nervously drumming her fingers on her cup of chocolate. She caught Yusei's eyes on her and quickly looked away. Because as their make-out sessions got heavier and steamier with every day, her mind played out all these erotic scenarios which generally included him sweeping her off her feet, throwing her on some bed and then making love to her for hours on-end. When she imagined it there was also convenient candlelight, wind blowing through his hair, oceanwaves in the background and it usually rained outside. These fantasies were so embarrassing and she was afraid that he'd actually see them if they were to eyeball each other long enough.

"How about Spin the Bottle," Crow suggested, grinning at her.

Aki snapped out of her dirty thoughts and blushed so hard that her face blended in with her hair. But…was it kind of bad if she actually really wanted to play this? Especially since it was just her…and all these guys...

"Great plan, Crow, considering we only have one girl," Jack muttered, "Also, we don't have a bottle. Also, I'm not kissing dudes. And also, I'm not cheating on Carly."

"I was going to test my odds for one girl..." Crow explained and winked playfully at her. "I can tolerate the rest of y'all if I have to."

Yusei rolled his eyes. He wondered if he should just ask to see Aki alone and then proceed from there... after all, Crow knew everything already and obviously didn't care. But...did Jack? Yusei was about eighty percent sure that Jack knew since Crow loved telling Jack everything. Bruno? Actually, it didn't really matter what Bruno knew or didn't about that.

Maybe he could even just go and sit next to her right now. Not like they were explicitly trying to keep anything a secret?

"Gosh, this might be kind of weird," Bruno commented.

"You think?" Jack sighed.

"Okay, okay, I have a better idea! Are you ready, are you ready – TRUTH OR DARE!" Crow shouted. He even jumped up to his feet in excitement.

Wow, that's an amazing idea, Aki thought, I'll get to find out some dirty secrets about all of them! And, especially, Yusei...I do wonder some things, after all.

Unbeknownst to her Yusei was coming to a similar conclusion, in regard to her.

Unfortunately, nobody got to find out juicy gossip about anyone or to do anything spicy because there was a sudden knock on the front door and then Sherry made an entrance.

Ugh! Aki thought.

"So, guys, how was the move-in?" she asked, bringing out a big bag of donuts, cookies and other goodies.

Crow instantly jumped at the delicious provisions. "It wasn't too bad," he replied, mouthful, "But oh my god, you're here at the best time ever, Sherry! We're about to play a sexy game! You must join us!"

Fuck no! Aki thought.

Sherry looked around the room and laughed, "What a terrible ratio! Just what were you thinking of doing if I didn't get here? Not that I'd judge."

"Why are you here, Sherry?" Aki asked bluntly and her annoyed expression betrayed the casualness in her voice.

Sherry glanced at her and her amused smile changed to a mocking smirk. "What, I can't stop by and see my friends, Izayoi Aki? But to be honest, I did come here for a purpose: I need to talk to Yusei about something private," she answered and smiled sweetly at him.

There is no way, Aki thought, You're not going anywhere private with him!

I knew this was coming even though I really wanted to avoid it, Yusei thought. But Sherry deserves to know, having waited so long. My decision will likely be a disappointment to her but this has to be done.

"Sure," Yusei responded and was about to get up when all of a sudden Aki jumped up and yelled: "Sherry, I want to talk to you first. It is very important!"

Sherry stared at her, appearing calm, but Aki was perceptible enough to women to notice her angry eyes. "Fine," the French woman agreed.

Aki made her way outside, motioning Sherry to follow her which she promptly did. They closed the door behind them leaving the four guys by themselves.

"Why do I get a feeling that those girls don't like each other? Were they always like this?" Bruno asked and scratched his head.

"Yeah, what's up with that? I have absolutely no idea why they could dislike each other!" Crow exclaimed and turned to Yusei, asking innocently: "Would you have any idea?"

Now Jack and Bruno joined in to staring at him.

Yusei sighed. "You all know exactly why, so stop with the act."

"You're right, I know everything," Jack admitted and popped open a new cup of instant ramen.

"But...I don't know anything…what's going on, again?" Bruno asked timidly.

"See? Bruno doesn't know! So now you have to tell the whole thing – and you have to start from the beginning!" Crow said, amused and very pleased with his own shenanigans.

Crow could be such a dick sometimes and right now Yusei's fist kind of ached to punch him. His brash friend knew well that he didn't like talking about his personal life (or talking much in general), and yet he always insisted!

"Okay, fine," Yusei consented but he was very annoyed, "I guess the whole story starts with Aki…"

Meanwhile, Sherry and Aki stood outside and hissed at each other like a pair of pissed off cats.

"Could you stop wasting my time, Izayoi Aki?" Sherry asked.

"Maybe you should take your own advice and stop wasting your own time!" Aki retorted.

"Oh please!" Sherry said and let out a melodious laugh, flipping her luscious blonde hair. Aki imagined herself pulling out all that stupid yellow hair and it was beyond satisfying.

"Yes, please – I feel bad for you because you're coming off as really desperate," Aki responded.

"Oh, I'm desperate? At least I know what I want and I go for it instead of just hanging around for years and hoping that he'd notice me!" Sherry responded, then stared at Aki's chest and laughed even louder, "Oh my god, is that why your boobs are always falling out of your top? Are you just trying to get him to notice you? Come on, could you be trying any harder?"

Aki gasped, shocked. "At least I'm his age and not, like, thirty! Talking about being desperate…it's creepy!" she screamed, instinctually crossing her arms to hide her cleavage, feeling embarrassed by her adversary's words.

Sherry's laughing seized like it was never there and she looked beyond angry. "I'm twenty three, you stupid cow!"

Aki was taken aback by the simplicity and anger of Sherry's response. Sherry always came off so calm and never seemed the type to resort to petty insults or be irked by them. Apparently this was the side of Sherry none of them had yet a chance to witness.

"No, you're a stupid cow!" Aki screamed in response, unable to think of anything better.

"No, you are!" Sherry screamed.

"Duel me and we'll see who is!" Aki shouted.

"This just proves that you are because it's illegal!" Sherry blurted out.

"Sounds like you're just afraid that your stupid knights-in-armour-whatever-the-hell-it-is deck will get destroyed by my deck!"

"You think your weak plants can take on my Fleur Knight deck? Oh, you're on!" Sherry growled.

The two girls jumped as far away from each other as possible and activated their duel disks, right then and there, in the open plaza right outside of Poppo Time. Thankfully and conveniently they still carried their duel disks with them due to the usual routine before the prohibition.

"Duel!" both of them declared and their Life Points stats showed up.

"You can take the first turn: you should probably take any advantage you can if you want to last longer than two turns against me," Aki said.

"Clever but we all know that it's strategically better to go second and to counterattack knowing what the opponent has on the field!" Sherry said.

"You're just afraid that I'll be able to read through your strategy on your first turn!" Aki said.

"And you're just afraid that if you go first that you'll end up losing on that first turn!" Sherry said.

"Then take the first turn, I don't want it!" Aki screamed at this irritating blonde.

"No, you take it! I don't want it either!" Sherry screamed.

"You take it!"

"No, you take it!"

"No, you take it!"

"No way, you take it!"

"Okay, FINE, I'll take it!" Aki screamed, "Watashi no turn!"

[Aki Izayoi]

[Beginning of Turn One: 0 Monsters; 0 Cards on Field; 6 Cards in hand; LP4000]

"I summon Rose Fairy to Defence Mode," Aki said and a tiny fairy monster (Level 3) appeared on the field, its attack at 300 and defence 1200 points.

"I then place two cards face down on the field and end my turn," she concluded and two cards appeared.

[Aki Izayoi]

[End of Turn One: Rose Fairy (Lvl.3) ATK300/DEF1200 in Defence Mode; 2 Face down Cards; 3 Cards in hand; LP4000]

Sherry faked a yawn, "How boring!"

Aki grimaced at her.

Sherry rolled her eyes, "Watashi no turn!" and drew a card.

[Sherry LeBlanc]

[Beginning of Turn One: 0 Monsters; 0 Cards on Field; 6 Cards in hand; LP4000]

Sherry stared at the card she just drew and smirked.

"I summon Sacred Knight Jeanne into attack mode!" she said and a knight monster (Level 4) appeared, its attack at 1900 and defence at 1300 points, "Sacred Knight Jeanne will now obliterate your monster! Sacred Knight, attack!"

Aki quickly flipped up once of her face down cards, "I activate my trap card, Rose Blizzard – when my monster is selected as an attack target I can switch the attacking monster to defence mode."

The knight-monster stopped its attack and switched to defence mode showing its slightly inferior 1300 points compared to 1900 attack points.

"Then set down two face down cards and now I end my turn," Sherry said.

[Sherry LeBlanc]

[End of Turn One: Sacred Knight Jeanne (Lvl.4) ATK1900/DEF1300 in Defence Mode; 2 Face down Cards; 3 Cards in hand; LP4000]

"That's it? You try attacking my defence monster, you fail, and that's it?" Aki asked, incredulous, "And you call me boring?"

"You just wasted a useful trap card to protect a weak monster," Sherry answered angrily.

"No, I did that because I have a strategy! I'm not stupid," Aki retorted.

"Or you're stupid and you only think you have a strategy," Sherry chuckled.

"Okay, would you shut up? Your stupid low voice is driving me up the wall!"

"Oh yeah, god forbid I don't sound like a whiny chipmunk like you do!"

"Shut up! It's my turn and I draw a card!" Aki snapped and declared the next turn.

Inside Poppo Time, Yusei finally finished telling them everything.

"What a great story," Crow said as he picked out another cookie from the bag, "It was kind of funny too."

"How was it in any way funny?" Yusei was baffled and irritated.

"You know, you obsessing about all the bad things that could come out of dating Aki – I mean come on!" Crow said, "You know what's the one thing that should have trumped all your doubts and thoughts about consequences – sex. Lots of sex. And with not just anyone but Aki, one of the hottest girls ever."

Yusei sighed, "Of course, that's all there is to it." Especially considering nothing like that's happened yet (which was okay).

"Well, of course it's not all there is but it's one of the most important things ever! Struggling with a decision? Wait – there is possibility of sex? Decision made."

"He does have a point there..." Jack mumbled.

"Dude, I always have a point when I'm around Aki if you know what I mean!" Crow laughed.

"Too much info..." Bruno whispered.

"Watch it, Crow," Yusei warned him, feeling jabs of anger.

"Yeah yeah," Crow waved him off. "But yeah, sex can solve everything sometimes – I mean look at your other problem: the whole picking between Sherry and Aki, right? Dude...dude...I have one word for you. Are you ready? It's THREESOME."

Yusei rolled his eyes.

"That'd be...quite hot," Jack pondered aloud.

"Interesting," Bruno considered.

I'm surrounded by idiots, Yusei thought with disbelief and closed his eyes, rubbing his temples.

[Aki Izayoi]

[Beginning of Turn Two: Rose Fairy (Lvl.3) ATK300/DEF1200 in Defence Mode; 1 Face down Card; 4 Cards in hand; LP4000]

Aki looked at the card she drew and smiled.

"First I play a continuous magic card, Ivy Shackles – all of your monsters are now Plant-type monsters!" Aki said and watched as ivy vines appeared and consumed Sherry's Sacred Knight Jeanne.

"Okay..." Sherry mumbled.

"And now I release my Rose Fairy to Advance Summon Rose Tentacles in attack mode!" she exclaimed and a monster (Level 6) in a shape of a colossal rose appeared on the field, its attack 2200 and its defence 1200 points.

"And now, Rose Tentacles attack Sacred Knight Jeanne!" Aki said, "Thorn whip attack!"

But before her monster was able to destroy Sherry's monster, Sherry flipped up one of her face down cards. "I activate my trap card, Floral Shield! This card allows me to negate your monster's attack – so Sacred Knight Jeanne is safe. I also get to draw one card," and Sherry promptly drew her card.

"Wait, not so fast!" Aki said and grinned, "Rose Tentacles gain an additional attack for each Plant-type monster that my opponent controls – Sacred Knight Jeanne is now Plant-Type. And once Rose Tentacles destroy a Plant-type monster you get 300 points of damage!"

"Not too bad," Sherry admitted, watching as her Sacred Knight Jeanne was destroyed by Rose Tentacles.

"And now for 300 points of damage," Aki said, "Thorn whip attack!"

Rose Tentacles monster extended its thorns and suddenly smacked Sherry across the face, having momentarily materialized.

"What the fuck?" Sherry screamed out, grabbing to her cheek where there was now a bleeding cut. Her Life Points went down to 3700 points.

"Oh...oops! Did that attack just manifest?" Aki asked innocently, faking cluelessness, "My bad...But I'm still learning to control my psychic powers and all, so sorry for that. I hope that doesn't leave a scar... And now I end my turn."

[Aki Izayoi]

[End of Turn Two: Rose Tentacles (Lvl.6) ATK2200/DEF1200 in Attack Mode; 1 Face down Card; 2 Cards in hand; LP4000]

"You bitch, you did that on purpose!" Sherry shouted.

"Maybe I did or maybe I didn't..."

Sherry gritted her teeth in anger.

At the same time as the illegal duel between Aki and Sherry was going on just metres outside of their house, the clueless guys still sat around talking. Somehow, Crow found a bottle of Jack Daniels and had already drunk a nice chunk of it.

"I miss my place," Crow said and sniffled, wiping at his nose, "It was so nice. The downpayment for it was 17,000 US dollars, can you believe it? That was almost all of our individual WRPG winnings! And now it's all down the drain…"

"Yeah, that's about how much I've spent on mine and Carly's place as well," Jack sighed, "And now...who knows how soon we're going to get a chance to participate in another tournament in order to make some money?"

"Don't talk like that, there is always hope!" Bruno said, trying to cheer everybody up, "They might lift the duelling ban any day! Oh, by the way, what do you think is taking Sherry-san and Aki-san so long?"

"Dude, knowing girls, they're probably already BFFs and have gone to the mall to buy shoes and to gossip and stuff," Crow ventured a ridiculous guess.

Yusei didn't say anything. He figured that Crow's answer probably couldn't have been any further from the truth but he wasn't worried. Instead, he walked up to his D-Wheel, hooked up the engine to the computer and watched as the computer began scanning it.

"Yusei, what are you doing? We can't Riding Duel anymore, remember? The only thing we can do is normal duel in the boring privacy of this place," Jack reminded him.

Yusei turned. "The way I see it, is that it is not a crime if you don't get caught," he smiled mischievously. "So... what do you think about increasing our speed power and using side streets in Satellite districts rather than main highways and allocated duel lanes? It's going to be just like old times."

The three of them stared back at him. Crow looked really confused for a second but then he seemed to get it. "Oh my god," he exclaimed, "It's so true! We could still Riding Duel! Just like old times of escaping cops and everything...God, it all came back to me, I'm so nostalgic now..."

"Yes!" Jack proclaimed excitedly.

"I say we start working right now!" Bruno joined in.

"It's a plan then. But we must keep this a secret from Ushio and Mikage – we can't expect them to cover up for our crimes, it's not fair," Yusei decided.

Much to the guys' obliviousness to what was going on there was now a little crowd gathered around Sherry's and Aki's duel. Everybody was excited to watch a real duel unfolding, a duel devoid of all those blood circles and suicides that everyone's been hearing about. Even though it was illegal everybody loved it. There were whistling and cheers all around them but the two girls neither cared nor particularly noticed.

"Okay, I'm not playing around anymore," Sherry growled. "It's my turn!" and drew a card.

[Sherry LeBlanc]

[Beginning of Turn Two: 0 Monsters on Field; 1 Face down Card; 5 Cards in hand; LP3700]

"I play a continuous magic card, Herculean Power – when my opponent controls a monster and I control none I can special summon a level 4 or lower monster from my hand. So I summon King's Knight in attack mode," Sherry said and another knight-monster (Level 4) appeared on her side of the field, its attack 1600 and defence 1400 points. "I now normal summon Fleur Synchron from my hand," Sherry continued and a Tuner-Monster (Level 2) with attack of 400 and defence of 200 points appeared. "But I'm not done yet! When my opponent controls a monster and I have a Tuner monster on my field, I can special summon D.D. Unicorn Knight!" and a third knight-monster (Level 4) appeared on Sherry's side of the field, its attack at 1800 and defence at 900 points.

"Ivy Shackles continuous magic activates," Aki interrupted Sherry's monster party, "Now all your monsters are Plant Type monsters."

"It doesn't matter," Sherry said and grinned, "I now tune my Fleur Synchron to King's Knight and to D.D. Unicorn Knight to Synchro Summon my ace monster, Fleur De Cavalier!"

A magnificent and immense knight (Level 8) appeared on her side of the field, its attack points at 2700 and defence points at 2300.

"Now, Fleur De Cavalier, attack her Rose Tentacles!" Sherry ordered.

"I activate my trap card, Ground Capture!" Aki shouted and flipped up the one face down card on her field, "Ground Capture allows me to halve the battle damage."

Sherry's monster destroyed her Rose Tentacles and Aki's Life Points went down to 3750. Aki was still in the lead.

"I place one more card face down and end my turn," Sherry concluded.

[Sherry LeBlanc]

[End of Turn Two: Fleur De Cavalier (Level 8) ATK2700/DEF2300 in Attack mode; 2 Face down Cards; 1 Card in hand; LP3700]

"Hey, while you're getting prepared to lose, Izayoi, have you ever considered not showing off your boobs when you wear, like, anything? Other styles of clothing exist you know," Sherry mocked her.

"Oh right okay. Like that chain mail outfit you used to wear to match the theme of your cards? I'm actually glad that you've stopped wearing that ridiculous costume - it really made you look like you've undergone lobotomy!"

Sherry's face turned a little red. "At least I don't need to rely on outfits with garters and showing off my cleavage to get attention of the men I like."

"I wear this because I like it!" Aki shouted. "Like I get it – I dress sexy sometimes. So what! Can't you come up with something new? And besides," she smiled proudly. "I'm not trying to get anyone's attention anymore – because Yusei and I are together now. Guess you missed that, huh? So seriously, just go away once I win this duel, okay?"

Sherry stared at her for a few moments of silence and then burst out laughing.

Aki was taken aback by such a reaction. She expected insults instead. "What's funny?"

"I think I need to tell you something, Izayoi Aki," Sherry laughed. "There are some guys that are unattainable: they're these good-looking bad boys with hearts of gold and they know it. Hard to resist. However, they know that lots of people want them and so they pretend like they don't want anyone. They like to be chased. They like the feeling of having someone fight for them, try to win their attention. Yusei is one of those guys and I'm naturally drawn to guys like that, you see. It is such a thrill for me to chase one like that and there is no greater satisfaction for me than to get one, even for a short period of time. So tell me, Izayoi Aki…how exactly are you and Yusei together? Did he come after you or did you do most of the coming on? Did he fight for you or did you fight for him – which is, by the way, exactly what you're doing right now? Did he ask you out? Did you guys go out and did he tell everyone about the two of you?"

Aki's mouth fell open. She suddenly found herself unable to articulate a good response or rebuttal, feeling completely dumbfounded. "Uh...well...I mean..."

"Oh? Then you must have opened your legs for him by now? Right? So that's how you're together?" Sherry continued, faking sympathy.

"Um..." Aki began to feel sick and self-conscious. She didn't know if it was because of Sherry's painful (and potentially true?) insight on Yusei (and the hot, cold games he'd played with her for two years) or the mention of sex, or sex with Yusei, or Sherry's rude and yet seemingly reasonable questions.

"So wait...you're not going out with him...and you haven't even had sex with him..." Sherry pondered outloud, tone of voice genuinely sceptical. "So all you've done was kiss him a couple of times and that's it? Izayoi Aki…you can't be fighting me just over that, can you? Come on now?"

Aki had to look away, her mind racing.

"Wow...you know what, if you weren't such a bitch I'd actually feel bad for you. You stupid, stupid and naïve girl: you know nothing about men or what men want. You know nothing at all."

"Shut up!" Aki suddenly screamed. She felt tears stinging her eyes. Sherry didn't know anything! None of this was true! Well, some of what she said was maybe kind of true, but she still didn't know anything! When Yusei looked at her, spoke to her, held her, kissed her...all those things, they were more indicative of his affection than any of the stereotypical things Sherry just mentioned. Especially since Yusei was never a stereotypical guy! And he definitely wasn't this caricature that Sherry figured out - especially since her description sounded more like it was about someone like Jack.

But then again...didn't Sherry say that she'd kissed Yusei too? What if he held her and kissed her the same way? What if Aki's whole relationship was just an illusion she had painted for herself after Yusei made a little move on her? Aki just didn't know what to believe anymore.

"So...are the two of you going to continue the duel or what?" they heard voices from the bored and confused spectators around them. It was as if the girls only now realized that they weren't in private for this conversation. But at this point neither of them really cared.

"Yes, are we continuing the duel or what, Izayoi? It's your turn after all," Sherry smiled.

Aki realized that she had been staring at the ground for the past minute or so. She slowly looked up, still in her sad daze. "Yes, we are continuing," she said quietly and drew a card.

[Aki Izayoi]

[Beginning of Turn Three: 0 Monsters; 0 Cards on Field; 3 Cards in hand; LP3750]

"First, I will play a magic card, Magic Planter – by releasing a continuous magic card I can draw two cards. I choose to release my Ivy Shackles," Aki said and drew two cards.

Better, she thought as she looked at her hand now.

"I normal summon Twilight Rose Knight in attack mode," Aki said and a small knight, tuner monster (Level 3), made an appearance, its attack and defence points both at 1000. "Twilight Rose Knight special effect activates – when this monster is successfully normal summoned I can special summon a level 4 monster from my hand. So I special summon Lord Poison in attack mode!" she said. She knew that Sherry knew what was about to happen.

"Ah, now this is getting interesting," Sherry smiled.

"Now I tune my level three Twilight Rose Knight to my level four Lord Poison to summon my Black Rose Dragon!" Aki exclaimed and slapped a silver Synchro card onto her duel disk, "Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!"

"Your chant is terrible. What does it even mean, "chilling flames engulf the world"? Is that supposed to make me afraid or to make me laugh?" Sherry sighed, looking unimpressed as Aki's ace monster, the beautiful Black Rose Dragon appeared.

Aki ignored her as she, instead, removed the metallic hair pin holding her front bangs – the Arcadia pin which, somewhat, held her psychic powers in check. She could of course control her powers without the need of the pin now but removing this device allowed her to perform at the absolute maximum power. She was so sick of Sherry and everything she'd said to her that she just wanted to hurt her. She really wanted to hurt her.

Aki drew in a deep breath and concentrated on Black Rose Dragon. As the dragon finally became visible, it flapped its wings - which sent surges of heavy wind all around them - and unleashed an ear-splitting cry. The crowd of curious spectators instantly scattered in different directions, screaming in fear from her manifested powers.

Inside the Poppo Time, all the guys looked up worriedly from their work when they heard a sudden rush of wind and an inhumane screech sending all the windows in their house trembling.

"What's...going on?" Crow asked slowly, very much drunk.

"That sounded like...a monster," Bruno whispered.

"A duel monster," Jack corrected him.

You can't be serious, Yusei thought and sprinted out of the basement. The moment he was outside he was stopped dead in his tracks. He saw the duel in progress between Sherry and Aki which, evidently, had been going on for quite awhile now.

"Yusei!" Sherry exclaimed and waved at him happily.

Yusei completely ignored her. Instead, he stared at Aki who stood tiny under the enormous shadow of her Black Rose Dragon. He noticed her loose hair and felt alarmed, and rightfully so: all the other times he had seen her like this she was using her psychic powers.

"Just what are you doing, Aki?" he asked with apprehension.

Aki noticed him and, immediately, all her anger, frustration and pain with Sherry began to evaporate. She began to feel strange and unpleasant, quickly recognizing that as guilt. "Yusei..." was all she could master.

Yusei then glanced at Sherry and at her Fleur de Cavalier, noticed the fresh cut on her face, and connected the dots.

Bruno, Jack and Crow also ran out to see what the commotion was all about and stood, dumbfounded, at the sight of an actual duel.

"How did we miss this?" Jack asked, "Is that basement sound-proof?"

Crow stared at the two girls in a duel in his drunken stupor. And then he mumbled, "We also missed a catfight...god damn..." And whistled.

A distant sound of police sirens carried to them. It was quickly approaching. Apparently somebody had called on an illegal duel, after all. Aki guessed that it was the materialized Black Rose Dragon that caused this.

"Stop this duel," Yusei ordered.

"Oh come on, we've only just warmed up," Sherry protested, "I could finish this before the police gets here. You know how I duel, Yusei."

Aki also had to admit that she wanted to finish and to see Sherry swallow all her nasty words.

Yusei was unwilling to hear any of it. "No, this is over," he demanded and walked across the duelling field to Aki, grabbed the duel disk on her arm and simply switched it off. Aki began protesting but flinched when she saw the look he was giving her – it was disappointment.

"Yusei..." was all she could say, once again. She wanted to start explaining what happened but her heart sank when he moved away from her, turning to look at Sherry instead.

"Sherry, are you hurt?" he asked.

"No, it's just a scratch – a minor duel glitch," Sherry replied, smiling at him, and deactivated her own duel disk.

Yusei shook his head.

Aki was staring at his back with wide eyes. She felt betrayed, like he was judging just her for duelling and like he was choosing Sherry over her. Stupid Sherry's stupid words returned to ring in her ears.

"Hey, Aki," she heard Crow's voice and a second later his arm was draped across both her shoulders. "I saw that you were totally kicking her ass. Good job! Seriously, fuck this prohibition, man. I don't care that duels are illegal either!"

She smelled heavy alcohol on his breath. She nodded to his words, rigidly, while still watching Yusei talking with Sherry. No… was all she was thinking, angry and hurt.

"Oh, Aki, you should just hear what we decided to do – we're still going to duel on motorcycles!" Crow continued, completely oblivious to the fact that she was barely listening to him, "But shhh, you can't tell anybody else, especially not Ushio or Mikage. Oh, here they are! Hi, guys!"

The police and the Investigation Bureau finally arrived and Ushio and Mikage made their way towards them.

"There were some reports that a duel has been happening around here. Would you, guys, happen to know anything about it?" Ushio asked, staring suspiciously at Aki and Sherry and their duel disks.

"Ushio! Did you find anything that can tie Kaiba Mokuba to our burnt-up houses?" Crow inquired instead while still leaning on Aki. Aki was tempted to shrug him off because the smell of alcohol was making her kind of nauseous.

Ushio reluctantly peeled his eyes off Aki's duel disk. "Unfortunately, no. There was no evidence found which could connect Kaiba Mokuba to what happened, and we cannot go just by suspicious alone, no matter how justifiable. Sorry, guys. At the very least, it was reported that he'd left Japan this morning so you won't have to worry about him anymore."

"Great," Jack mumbled having just neared them and eavesdropped on the conversation.

"So, about the duel that had reportedly happened here," Mikage said, bringing attention back to the real reason they were here, "Aki-san and Sherry-san...you're wearing your duel disks. I hope that you weren't the ones duelling but there are no witnesses left to confirm. So what is your explanation?"

Yusei moved and now stood between Aki and Crow and Ushio and Mikage. "They're wearing their duel disks because it is still a force of habit, Mikage-san: this is a city of duellists and we are not the only ones," he said firmly, flat out telling them that there was nothing here to discuss.

Ushio and Mikage sighed in unison. Yusei could tell they knew he wasn't telling them the truth but they were still good friends enough not to persist. And he was immensely grateful for that.

"Well alright... if you say so, Yusei," Ushio submitted and Mikage nodded. They then left to notify other officers that there was no point of investigating anything because nobody was talking, there were no witnesses and that their hunch was anonymous as it is. They were gone in ten minutes leaving the group of friends standing silently by the entrance of Poppo Time.

"Thank you for saying that, Yusei," Sherry said, breaking the silence. She grinned at him and routinely ran her fingers through her hair.

But Yusei turned to Aki now. He wanted to talk to her, alone. "Aki-" he began.

Aki turned away from him: she was so sickened by this whole thing between him and that woman. She couldn't do this right now. Not in front of everyone!

Without uttering a single word she span around and ran inside the garage to get her D-Wheel. A moment later she'd started it, put on her helmet, and sped off. She wasn't even wearing her motorcycle suit.

Yusei was frowning.

"What's eating her?" Bruno asked after they all watched Aki ride away.

"I think the bigger question is...who's eating her..." drunk Crow giggled. "You know...um...wait...not eating her, I mean, hahahaha. Not eating? Get it?"

Yusei would have really punched Crow for that comment had Crow not been as wobbly as he was already. Jack fought hard from laughing out loud. Sherry looked irritated. And Bruno looked like he didn't get it.

"Why were you duelling anyway?" Jack asked Sherry once he composed himself, "Outside for the world to see?"

"Wasn't my idea," Sherry shrugged.

"But you still agreed to duel Aki-san, didn't you?" Bruno asked.

Sherry glared angrily at the clueless mechanic.

Yusei didn't really care about this nonsense. Without sparing another word he retreated to the garage and started his own motorcycle.

Sherry hurried after. "Yusei, we still need to talk about something," she anxiously reminded.

"I'm sorry but not today, Sherry," Yusei said as he fastened the helmet, "Thank you for stopping by." He then revved up and sped off.

Sherry watched him ride away and stomped her foot angrily.

"I'd offer you some cookies that you brought but we've finished them all," Crow said as he stumbled into the garage slash basement and stopped next to her, "Would you like some Jack Daniels though?"

"No thanks, I'm driving," she answered bitterly and made her leave, visibly upset.

Aki drove her D-Wheel as far as she could and stopped off at the tower where the Old and Neo Domino City had begun their immense change. It was quiet and nobody ever came here and so it was perfect.

She sat down on the cement ground and embraced her knees, watching the night sky. There was a heavy smell of impending rain in the air. The sky rumbled dangerously in the distance. She felt lonely and yet serene.

Aki had less than five minutes of silence and solitude before she heard an approaching sound of a very recognizable D-Wheel. Oh god, she thought. She didn't want to see him. Furthermore, how did he find her? She concealed her face in her lap, hiding behind her hair, muttering, "Go away."

Yusei parked right next to her D-Wheel. But instead of sitting down next to her he stopped by the railing and leaned on it, looking out towards the breathtaking view of the city.

"I came here once before. In this exact same spot," he said, "When I had a crisis of my own: about the inability to use Synchro Summoning. Jack and Crow found me here."

Aki refused to look at him. She didn't want to talk to him right now.

"So I wondered if you'd come here too and this was the first place I checked. And here you are," Yusei said and turned away from the city to look at her.

"So what?" she mumbled under her breath.

"So, it means that you and I are the same."

Aki winced and looked up at him, seeing him standing over her and his face not hiding his concern. Before she could speak he asked first: "Then, what is your crisis?"

"I don't have a crisis," she quickly retorted and, once again, hid her face in her lap.

Yusei crouched next to her and gently pushed a strand of hair from her forehead, silently asking her to look at him. And when she finally willed herself, he asked, "Aki, tell me what's wrong."

"How can you ask me this? You know what's wrong!" Aki exclaimed, suddenly feeling quite verbal: "For starters, I wasn't the only one duelling today but you made it seem like I was! That look of disappointment almost killed me – and all you cared about was that stupid scratch on Sherry's face!"

"It's because I trust you to be responsible," Yusei responded, "I don't care what Sherry does or does not, but I care about what you do. You should aim to use your powers for good, not to hurt others."

"What does that even mean?" Aki snapped. "Was I irresponsible for having a duel in broad daylight? Okay…fine! And was it kind of bad that I tried to hurt her with my powers? Well…yes, true! But that doesn't change the fact that she asked for it – yes, she also wanted to duel me or else she would have refused. And also, after everything she'd told me, I'm surprised I didn't go further! You say that I shouldn't use my powers to hurt others? Well, I don't and you know that! But I do use my powers when somebody hurts me, Yusei. Is it not justifiable?"

"What exactly had she told you then? How had she hurt you?" Yusei asked, troubled by distress in her voice.

Aki stared at him with a pained look on her face and broke their eye contact. "Don't pretend like you don't know," she muttered. "She told me...that...you and her had a...thing and...that the two of you are going to continue where you left off."

Yusei was appalled. "No, Sherry and I never had any "thing," Aki. I saw her before she was about to leave all those months ago. She kissed me goodbye. That's all."

That confession didn't make Aki feel better. She wished to have heard that nothing happened instead of that they had actually kissed. "Was it good? Did you kiss her in return?"

"I don't like Sherry like that, Aki," he said, softly, "She thought I liked her and that I would leave with her to France. But I would never want that. That's what her and I were going to talk about before you decided to duel. I was going to tell her that I'm not going anywhere and that I don't feel the same."

Aki looked at him, her eyes wet. She wasn't done. She had other issues eating away at her; in particular, Sherry's reflection on Yusei. She just needed to get it off her chest and to have him respond to her, face-to-face... "I fought her for you, Yusei," Aki confessed, "She made me so jealous. And...she gave me some doubts."

"What doubts?"

Aki took a deep breath. "Yusei...could you just answer one question for me? Please, I really need to know," she asked.

"Anything," he agreed.

"Yusei...do you actually want to be with me? Do you...really?" Aki asked timidly, feeling really stupid but knowing that she needed to know the truth once and for all.

Yusei stared in disbelief. Why is she asking me this? Does she...really not know the answer? How could she not? How could she harbour such doubts?

He paused briefly, considering. Then he tried: "You don't need to fight for me, Aki," he said, "And you don't need to be jealous or hurt. Because...Aki, don't you remember what I've told you a few days ago? Just how much you mean to me?" With that he shook his head, sadly: "So why do you harbour such doubts? What does it matter what Sherry says or thinks? Shouldn't what I say and do be more indicative of what I want? That..." he paused. Anxiety spread through his chest, freezing his courage. He swallowed against it, then finished: "That...I want you?"

Aki's bottom lip quivered and she quickly looked away. She felt even stupider now: for having taken Sherry's words to heart, for having believed them and for having doubted him. "Thank you," she finally tried. "I had never forgotten your words, Yusei. But it's just that I've never really...heard things like these…before. From anyone. And...it's hard getting used to. I question what I think or what I should believe."

"Think for yourself, trust your instincts. Believe in all of us and believe in me. And do know that I would never lie to you," Yusei spoke with conviction.

Aki nodded, drinking in his words. "I'm learning quickly," she said, managing a light smile, and then decided to explain further: "Also...um...it's probably because sometimes I really don't know what to do or say around you, Yusei. You frequently make me kind of...nervous." She glanced at him after that confession, profoundly embarrassed. She commonly felt like a bubbling idiot around him and this was one of those times. It just seemed to her like he always knew exactly what to do or say and she was the opposite of that – how they were "the same," according to him, was beyond her.

Yusei stared and, regardless of all the sentimentality in this conversation, the corners of his mouth twitched from amusement. Sometimes she was just too cute for words…

"You make it sound like I always think one step ahead when it comes to being with you. It couldn't be further from the truth. I really am making it up as I go," he admitted and got up to his feet, pulling her up with him, "I don't expect anything, from you, Aki. Just be yourself. That's all. And, truthfully...you often make me kind of nervous too."

Aki smiled brightly. He always knew exactly what to say to her. Even if she wasn't buying that last part. After all, what in his behaviour ever betrayed his confidence? Aki didn't think she'd ever seen Yusei jittery about anything.

Yusei looked out towards the rumbling sky and then back at her and added, quietly, "We'd better get going now, it's going to rain any minute."

"Okay," Aki echoed.

Yusei studied her in silence. And then simply threw his arms around her and kissed her – with no reluctance on his part and much to her surprise (and delight).

A roaring thunder broke out behind them and then a whispering noise sounded all around as it began drizzling. The sound of the rain was an aphrodisiac.

Yusei was out of breath and lightheaded when he'd decided to break away from their passionate making out. It was maybe a minute after they'd started but it felt like hours. He realized that the light drizzle had turned into a heavy downpour.

"We have to go Aki," he whispered but quite hesitantly; for he wanted nothing else but to stay here and to keep kissing her.

"Yes," she breathed in a daze.

"Let's go," he said. He was not moving.

"Yes," Aki repeated, noticing the rain outside for the first time. She forced herself to abide: hesitantly peeled her eyes off him and made her way to her D-Wheel. He did the same.

We're going home, a strange thought occurred to Yusei. Home? Because all of us are living together. Talk about convenience and inconvenience rolled into one.

"Race you home?" Aki suddenly asked, smiling deviously as she fastened her helmet and straddled her D-Wheel.

He felt a jolt of excitement. Oh you want to play? "You're on," he grinned.

Aki couldn't keep her smile from growing bigger and revved up her engine. "Catch me if you can, Fudo Yusei," she teased and sped off.

Watch me, Yusei mused, started his own motorcycle and chased after her.

They probably couldn't have picked a worse time to race: the wind was like a physical blow amplified by a tenfold due to the accelerating motorcycle speed, threatening to unbalance the two riders. In seconds, Aki's face was as wet as if she had dipped it in a tub of water, and the ends of hair protruding from under her helmet lay limp and clinging to her cheeks. Additionally the raindrops fogged up the glass of her helmet.

She took a turn onto the highway ramp and, checking her mirrors, saw that he was trailing right behind her.

Yusei began accelerating to pass her but Aki saw it coming and quickly accelerated as well, not letting him and moving over to his lane to block him. He instantly had to brake and to fall behind lest he crash into her.

"Oops, is it illegal to do that?" she called out to him, laughing, "My bad...they didn't really teach me that in licensing school."

Instead of being upset, Yusei had almost laughed, pleased with her tactics. Alright, so you really want to play, he thought. He sped up again and kept it fast and steady right behind her as he awaited the first curve on the road.

Aki felt such exhilaration doing this. She had to fight herself from closing her eyes and relishing in the sensation of the rain and wind on her skin, the adrenaline rush of the speed, the sound of the D-Wheel, Yusei... What she wouldn't give to duel him right now. It'd be such a thrill. She'd probably win too...

Then Aki saw the curve ahead and braced herself. She disliked bends on the road because they always brought back all the times she practiced Riding Duelling and miserably failed turning and fell off...And although she was quite good at driving now and always passed curves without any problems, sharp turns remained her only weak spot. And not even in technique but in her reaction – she'd always be at her most careful and avoidant in compromising safety.

She decelerated and began taking a wide turn.

That was when Yusei accelerated past her, turning sharply on the inside of the bend.

For a split second in time they were on the same level, their eyes met, and Yusei puckered his lips into a kiss. And then, in a moment, he cut her off and took the lead.

"No!" Aki cried out with frustration.

Yusei looked over his shoulder and grinned at her. "Come on," he urged her to try taking the lead again. He then sped up and went almost twice as fast as they were going initially. Aki frantically tried remembering what the speed limit was on highways...but she couldn't let Yusei win, not when they were almost home. She revved up, accelerating, and soon caught up, watching him and the road ahead, knowing that her best bet to pass him would be on a straight road.

Yusei saw her catching up to him and contemplated letting her win this round. But then he'd changed his mind: instead, he watched her in his mirrors and predicted her every move before she'd begin making it – he moved into the next lane when she attempted changing lanes to pass him or accelerated further if she tried cutting him off.

By the time they arrived at Poppo Time – and the whole trip back really didn't last longer than ten minutes – Aki was beyond frustrated. It still rained like out of the bucket but she neither cared nor noticed.

Yusei pulled up to the garage, dismounted his D-Wheel, removed his helmet and turned to look at her with a very smug smile on his face. Letting the downpour of the rain wash over him; enjoying it.

"That wasn't fair, Yusei!" Aki whined as she jumped off her motorcycle, "I want a rematch! With a longer trip, less road glare and less rain! Also with a road that you don't know inside and out!"

"As you wish," he complied, still grinning.

"Fine!" Aki exclaimed and groaned, checking herself out. She was soaked to the skin and now her hair clung limp to her face and clothes, especially her long front bangs. She then glanced at him and groaned, further frustrated, "Okay, seriously? Is that some kind of industrial hair gel you're using? How does your hair always stay the same?"

Yusei shrugged and began wheeling the bike into the garage. Aki followed his example, tired of standing under the rain, and as they opened the garage they were mindful of Crow and Bruno cohabiting there and tried to be as quiet as possible. They found Crow passed out and snoring in his corner while Bruno sat on his mattress on the opposite side of the garage and was busy typing something on a laptop. He looked up and greeted them with a distracted smile before putting all of his attention back to his work. Aki found herself relieved not to see Sherry sitting somewhere and waiting for them especially since she half expected her to.

They quietly left their D-Wheels in their designated spots, kicked off their shoes, and carefully made their way upstairs where the rest of the population lived. There was only silence coming from Aki's, Rua's and Ruka's room but there were some suspicious squeaking noises coming from Jack's and Carly's. Aki didn't hear them because she was too busy fussing with her hair and her clammy clothing but Yusei heard and had a good speculation as to their source.

"Ugh!" Aki complained while trying to roll up her soggy front bangs with the metallic Arcadia pin. She was shaking all over from the cold.

Yusei's own damp clothes didn't bother him – he usually felt hot so this was rather refreshing, actually – but he didn't fail to notice her visible discomfort. "If you didn't have the time to unpack I have towels in my room I could give you," he suggested.

"Okay," Aki agreed and finished curling up her hair.

They walked into his room and Yusei closed the door behind them.

Aki looked around with unbidden curiosity.

So this was Yusei's room. She noticed that there were already a few tools and gadgets gathering dust on various surfaces. The decor was primarily black or blue – as evident by the matched covers on his queen-sized bed. She also noticed a laptop on the desk and the WRPG poster hanging on the wall over it, the tournament they had won less than a year ago. Finally, the last thing she took in about this room was that everything was quite tidy, as if he didn't just move in this morning.

"So this is where you used to bring anyone lucky," she blurted out and gasped, clapping her hand over her mouth, mortified by the words that just escaped her. "…Sorry I…I'm sorry. I can't believe I just said that."

Yusei studied her with an unreadable expression. Then he walked past her to the bathroom and at the door he answered: "I've never brought anyone here before."

"Oh," was all she could say, heart skipping a beat. She didn't know what it meant or what it was she was feeling: so she was the first one he'd ever brought into this room? But Aki remembered seeing hickeys on his neck that one horrible time and hearing stories from Crow and Jack... so she was certain that Yusei wasn't a virgin. Did that mean he'd done it only once he moved out of here? Or before he lived here?

Regardless, Aki didn't know why but she felt oddly touched: like there was a special privilege to be in his room and she'd earned it. Just as fast, another realization donned on her: Yusei and her were going to be alone. In his room. But…it's not like anything had to happen right now, right? He was not expecting anything either and he always seemed like he'd be a gentleman in these matters as well. So the two of them would just casually hang out here or something or watch TV...

Even though she noticed that he didn't have TV…

To ease her anxiety and to stop fidgeting she walked over to his desk and studied the WRPG poster. Memories of the event, painful and delightful, momentarily flooded her. She specifically thought back to the time she duelled against Team Unicorn and when Yusei entrusted her his Stardust Dragon. She remembered being dumbfounded then…and still by both his trust and his decision.

Yusei had wiped off some of the moisture from himself then finally picked out the fluffiest towel he had and returned to her. "Here," he said, handing it. He saw that she was looking at the poster and his own gaze lingered on the image.

"Thank you," Aki accepted the cloth from his hands, noticing that he'd removed his motorcycle gloves (obviously since there was no need for them now). "I'm sorry again for…what I've said," she mumbled.

"Don't worry about it."

She nodded and towelled at her hair in front of him. Dabbed a little at her clothes, feeling increasingly awkward with this situation and trying not to dwell on the horrible thing she'd said.

Yusei remarked, still looking at the poster: "That was an interesting time, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, it was," Aki said. "I just wish I'd duelled more with you three during the tournament. Helped you more."

"I wished for the same, you know," he uttered.

"Really?"

"You're a remarkable duelist. One of the strongest. I wish that tournament enforced a team of four."

"Yeah, well…" she lowered the towel, feeling like she'd done all she could with it. "Too bad about that, I guess. I cheered you on a bunch. Um, thanks for trusting me with Stardust that one time."

"Thank you. You secured a win in that duel for us."

She laughed nervously. This conversation was starting to make her feel awkward. It felt a little bit like talking to Yusei prior to all that's happened; the polite, detached captain of 5D's who only talked about card games.

Yusei returned his gaze to her.

Aki flashed him a quick smile but when he remained silent and just continued staring at her, she quickly found something fascinating on the floor. Why is he looking at me like that? Did my make-up run? Does my hair look like a wet mop? A jittery feeling returned to her no matter how much she tried to keep it under control and it had nothing to do with her low body temperature. Since she couldn't get her awful appearance out of her head, she blurted out: "Sorry but can I use your bathroom real quick?"

He motioned to it courteously and she bolted towards it. There, turning on the lights and locking the door she studied herself in the mirror. Actually, not too bad. Small mascara smudge on the side of her right eye which was easy to fix (and thank god for waterproof makeup). Hair was messy but since she'd curled her bangs up it's been looking acceptable. Her clothes were still kind of wet though and that was uncomfortable.

Okay, well, let's go back in there, she told herself, checked her reflection one more time and walked out.

He was still standing pensively in front of his desk but holding a picture frame, appearing lost in thoughts. She approached him. The storm outside was still in full swing; the raindrops were whispering against the roof, and it was a calming sound.

"This one is better," he showed her. It was the special picture that all of them got a copy of, but Yusei was the smart one to print it and frame it: the team 5D's celebrating their WRPGs win, laughing, shaking the champagne, holding the winning cup.

She laughed. "Oh, this one! Yes!" She traced her fingers over the image, lingering over him. "That was a good day…"

"Good until Arc Cradle showed up."

She shivered. "Yes, we didn't get to celebrate for too long. It's too bad. You looked really happy here, Yusei."

"Don't I usually look happy?" he teased.

"Shut up," she blushed and handed him back the picture.

He reached to take it and his hand lightly grazed hers in the process. But that was enough for him to realize that she was cold as ice. "Aki, you're freezing," he remarked with astonishment.

"Oh," she timidly met the concerned blue gaze. "Not really," she lied. She didn't want to be of any additional nuisance to him. Besides, it was damp clothing that made her uncomfortable. The only thing that could be done about that was a change of clothes …and thinking about anything concerning 'clothes' and 'undressing' while alone with him did wonders to ease the tension.

Yusei put the picture frame away and scooped up a small wool blanket folded by the foot of his bed. She'd begun protesting some more but became quiet when he unfolded it.

"Oh, thanks," she mumbled, moving to take it.

"No, let me," he insisted and draped it over her shoulders.

She nodded and nervously ran her hand through her hair (multiple times) while he fixed it over her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize." He felt bad.

"N-no, it's okay," she studied her new favourite carpet pattern again and shifted her weight from side to side, pulling the blanket further over herself, concealing her chest especially. The cloth was very cozy. She was already beginning to feel warmer. "Aren't you cold?"

"Not at all."

She looked up again. "Yeah okay. Weren't you caught in the same rain as me?"

"Calling me a liar?" he smiled.

"Am I?" she retorted, enjoying the more playful banter.

Yusei simply reached out and touched the back of his hand to her cheek. She gaped at him, shocked by the sudden influx of warmth. Apparently he was a walking furnace even though they were just out in the rain. And she began wondering if the rest of his body was as warm as his hands…

"Believe me now?"

"Um…" was all she could squeak out. In her mind she had some rather brazen alternatives to say but she wasn't brave enough to utter a word of those. After all, they were in his room. Just the two of them. Alone. In his room. With his bed what seemed like less than two feet away.

He moved his hand back and she thought wistfully how she wished he'd continue touching her. "Do you want anything else? We can go downstairs and I'll make you tea?"

"Um…" She couldn't say anything else. Why am I such an idiot? I can't even hold a conversation with him!?

"Are you okay, Aki? You seem…flustered."

"Um…it's nothing," Aki shuffled her feet, extremely uncomfortable with herself. "You're just making me nervous…I told you how that happens often."

"I'm sorry, I'll try to stop."

For a moment Aki stared at him. She wasn't quite used to him displaying a sense of humour. Then she laughed, relaxing a bit. "No, I'm sorry, Yusei…it's me, I'm just being silly."

He returned a smile. "Is there anything I can do?" he offered. "To make you more comfortable? I was serious with getting you a beverage. We can go downstairs or I can bring it for you?"

Aki looked away. "No, that's okay, it's just…" she paused. Considered. And then decided – screw it: she could try getting out of her head, being less scared and talking to him for once. Telling him the truth. Because it was Yusei, after all, and she could tell him everything…right? He'd always listen and never judge…right?

"It's just…it's your room, Yusei. I've never…uh…you know? Been to a guy's room like this before? Been brought to a room where maybe…uh… Never…uh…" her voice became small and trailed off alongside with the rest of her bravery. She didn't know how to finish, feeling deeply ashamed. I've never been in a guy's bedroom, stood next to his bed, been as close with someone as with you. Doesn't him bringing her here mean what he might want from her?

Yusei almost asked, What about my room, when he suddenly realized what she meant or what this may have looked like. "Oh. Oh, Aki. I didn't mean…I just wanted to give you a towel," he explained, quickly beginning to feel mortified.

Aki immediately felt terrible and avoided looking at him. She didn't mean to make him feel bad. So it was just her – while he had pure intentions. She never should've said anything. I've just gone ahead and made this weird for everyone. I just had to go ahead and ruin everything.

"I wouldn't bring you here…for that," Yusei managed to say, in disbelief that he was even able to force that sentence out of his mouth. He had to reassure her that he didn't mean to put her in this awkward situation. He never wanted to make her feel uncomfortable or like he was expecting something from her. He felt like he screwed up majorly and was borderline in panic mode. "I would never think that. I'm sorry if... Here, let's go. Maybe there is dinner or something we can grab downstairs." Unable to face her, he quickly started walking away when suddenly her hands darted out, latched onto his and held him back.

Gripping his hand tightly in both of hers now, Aki drew in a deep breath. "You weren't…thinking about that?"

He met her eyes and was starting to feel more petrified than he'd ever felt before. "No, of course not," he responded quickly. Immediately looking away.

"And, you've…never thought about it?" she asked blatantly, voice barely above a whisper, as she suddenly gathered courage she never thought she possessed.

Yusei stopped breathing. "Um...well…" he looked elsewhere, anywhere but her, his face burning hot. He wished there was a way to hide how tense he was. He couldn't believe what he was about to admit out loud. "Aki, of course I've…thought about it."

What did you think? What did you imagine? "But…"

Yusei shifted uncomfortably and ran his free hand through his hair. "We've only just now began going out…so I thought…"

"We've known each other for a long time…" Aki whispered. We've been through so much, together. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would break through her rib cage.

Yusei flinched and locked his surprised eyes on hers. It was a while before he finally managed: "Yes...we have."

For a couple of excruciating seconds they stared at one another before anxiously looking away.

Aki had no idea what to say or do now. She just stood there silently like the world's dumbest person, all while holding his hand. Maybe she could start by…nuzzling to his hand or something? Would kissing him be a good way to break the ice? But if she were to kiss him, wouldn't he interpret it like she was coming on to him? But wasn't that actually the point? Well, it was...but now she was terrified and unsure of what she truly wanted to do now that she was faced with the actual possibility of it. It. Of doing it. Of sleeping together. And he was right, they did only start going out just now…and they've never even gone out together or had a first date of sorts!

Importantly, he also wasn't making it any easier for her by just standing there, doing nothing.

Aki frantically tried figuring out what to do but her thoughts were scattered in a nervous turmoil. "Um...so…it's getting late," was what she finally said, quite hesitantly.

Yusei studied her a long moment. But he didn't dare. It had to be her decision. "Yes, it is," he echoed.

She was still holding his hand. Slowly, very slowly…she unhooked her fingers and he let it fall.

"I'm gonna go," Aki said and pulled the blanket and the towel off her shoulders, handing them to him. "Thank you for the things..."

"Sure," he made a small smile.

She gradually walked towards the exit, desperately thinking: If you ask me to stay I will, Yusei. If only you'd ask me. Why don't you ask me? She turned the doorknob and pulled the door open, turning to look at him. He had followed her without a word.

"Good…night…?" she managed.

Yusei let his gaze linger on her as he contemplated… But he wouldn't say it. It was too early, too soon. He didn't want to pressure her into anything. "Goodnight."

Is he going to kiss me? Or maybe hug me? Or should I? she thought, slowly walking out into the hallway. She couldn't resist looking back again, seeing him watching her. Maybe he would…say it?

"I'll see you tomorrow, Aki," he said and slowly closed the door. Then he slumped his back against it and placed a hand over his face. Trying to calm down.

Aki made another nod and just stood there. Would he change his mind? Would he invite her back?

She waited for ten more seconds and, when nothing happened, she hesitantly walked into her room.

Since Rua and Ruka were already sleeping she quietly made her way to her bed. But without undressing or going to the bathroom or taking out pyjamas, like a ghost she just sat down on the edge of the bed. Absently, she touched her fingertips to her lips. No longer cold, she was burning up, fever the likes of which she's never felt before. How could she possibly go to sleep now? Knowing that Yusei was just paces away, that he was right THERE across the hallway.

She just didn't understand him. She knew that he had a secret impulsive side to him. It was a side that seldom appeared and only when it came to her, it seemed. He was the one that, ultimately and spontaneously, made the first move on her. He was the first to hug her, to kiss her…and when he kissed her his passion was unrivalled. So why was this different? Why wouldn't he let his passion run its course this time?

Unless…maybe because this was bigger than that. He never pressured her into anything - and especially not for something as major as this. He wouldn't let that impulsive side surface and influence his decision-making this time. It was all up to her.

What do I want? Aki asked herself. Am I…ready? Do I want to wait? Do I leave it all to happen with time? Or do I go over there and ask him myself?

Yusei was the one she'd always wanted. The one she had been looking for and waiting for. She was drawn to him since the day she first lay her eyes upon him. But he was so much more than just an object of her fantasies. He was the one that taught her to be herself, to think for herself...he was her first friend, he was her supporter, he was her protector... And...she loved him...she truly, honestly and hopelessly loved him...and she wanted nothing more than to tell him that one day. But for now…maybe she could show him…maybe she could express her feelings like that…maybe he'd be able to tell from that.

Why am I here? What am I doing here? she thought and stood up. Sometimes you had to seize the moment. To take a plunge. And she couldn't spend another day, another hour, being uncertain of what she wanted or for somebody else to take that step for her.

With her heart racing, Aki hurried out of that room. She ran up to his door and, after a final split second of hesitation, she knocked. Please.

Yusei opened up instantly. He had stayed by the entrance. He couldn't move.

"You didn't kiss me goodnight, Yusei," she whispered heatedly. "How could you not?"

"I don't know…" he shook his head. "I don't know what I was thinking."

"Then don't think," she moved in closer, hand reaching up to his face, grazing over the criminal mark.

"I can't," he murmured, reaching out and tucking a stray hair behind her ear, leaving his hand on her cheek. "I can't stop thinking. Because you're all I think about, Aki."

Her breath caught in her throat. Oh god, she thought. It was more of a love confession that Aki had ever dared to hope for from Yusei Fudo. "Is that true?"

"Yes."

"Well. Then…then don't stop."

"I won't. I can't." I had fought it so long and it was all futile. "All I do is think about you. Sometimes there is simply nothing else," he finished and then leaned forward, kissing her. Very lightly, not much more than a touch of his lips against hers. But nonetheless it was an electric charge between them. Aki closed her eyes and drew in a soft breath, parting her lips and deepening the kiss as she took a small step forward.

They kissed slowly and deliberately, savouring one another and holding back the lust in its purest, most incinerating form.

When he broke for air, panting, not moving back from her, hands in the tresses of her soft hair and on the back of her neck, she whispered in the space between their lips: "Yusei, let me stay with you." Then, barely able to continue, she buried her face in his chest, feeling the heat of the body underneath the damp shirt, smelling the faint scent of cologne. "I want to be with you. Let's be together…tonight."

His arm moved around the small of her back and he stepped into his room, pulling her inside with him. Closing the door. Stroking her hair, beckoning her to look at him, saying nothing until she did.

"Aki."

And when she met the fiery blue of his eyes an abrupt understanding passed between them. If tonight were to happen then things would never be the same again. They could never go back to the way they were before: to being just fighters on the same path, to being just Signers, to being just friends... This experience would change them. Everything would be different. And there would be no turning back.

"Aki, if you're sure…if that's what you want."

"What do you want?"

"You. Only you."

"Then I'm sure. Then it's what I want." It. No, you. I want you. I've always wanted you.

He took the lead and kissed her again. Gently, shyly. And she responded immediately, deepening the kiss and getting him to match her passion. Her hands trembled as they framed his face. A kiss was the way to start. She knew this and how to do this, at least.

Yusei reached around her waist and locked the door behind her and Aki gulped at the audible click. It's going to happen, she thought, It's really going to happen.

He pulled back then, breath heavy, meeting her gaze. He was enamoured with her.

Aki blinked slowly, feeling drunk. If this was what his kiss was like, how much better could the real thing be?

To her surprise, his next move was to reach up and to tug the Arcadia pin holding her hair.

"Why? Don't. My hair will be a mess," she protested feebly.

"No." He removed the pin entirely. Her bangs fell unrestricted and framed her face and he had become transfixed. The sepia glow of the single lamp illuminated the room, touching her with warm, corporeal radiance. She stood here, free, all Aki. The contrast of pale skin, honey-brown eyes and red hair... She was stunning.

He breathed out. "Aki. You are so beautiful."

Her breath had hindered and she blinked slowly under intensity of his passion, words failing her. To hear something like that coming from him, out of all the people. She wanted him. Oh god, how she wanted him. Right then, maybe even right here by the door, virginity, anxiety and logistics be damned. She stepped in close, arms reaching to embrace him, trying to kiss him but, instead, he'd lowered down to one knee and looked up at her, hands hovering at the bottom line of her skirt. "May I?"

She wasn't exactly sure what he was asking but nodded her consent. She wanted him to touch her…anywhere…and there.

Slowly, tentatively, his hands slipped under her skirt and she drew in a sharp breath, heart somersaulting. Disbelieving how forward he suddenly was. But what he did was unclasp the hooks holding her garters and then unhurriedly rolled down the stocking off one leg. Then he raised her foot and delicately peeled off the garment. After, he moved on to the second leg. Repeating it at the same unhurried pace.

At the end of that exercise Aki was left winded and lightheaded. The sensual beginning already seemed like too much to take in. So when he finally stood up and kissed her, following the same slow and deliberate momentum, she latched onto him and opened her lips, deepening the kiss. His hands were at her waist, then moving lower, squeezing her butt then her thighs then back to her waist; he was constantly caressing her. It all felt so good already that she thought she may have whimpered into his mouth, pressing her back against the door and arching to plaster her hips against his, desperate to feel more of him.

And for a brief moment she did. He was pressed against her fully and she felt it, the evidence of his excitement tight against his jeans, and even through the clothes the heat of it, the hardness, the size of it, and it wasn't frightening but the most rousing thing she's ever felt.

He moved back then, just enough to break the kiss and to take away that feeling, and she glared at him, objecting with glazed-over eyes. Why!?

He surprised her by lowering himself a little again and then lifting her up, effortlessly as if she weighed nothing. Aki immediately wrapped her legs around him and grabbed his face, kissing him hard. She couldn't believe the hotness of this pose nor his strength. It surpassed her wildest fantasies.

Yusei carried her to his bed and laid her down, covering her body with his. There he began trailing open-mouthed kisses down her neck, gently sucking on her skin. Aki turned her head to the side, feeling nearly paralyzed with pleasure (and fear). She didn't hear a soft moan escaping her but he heard it and his heart rate spiked through the roof and, with that, anxiety came flooding in. Aside from the fact that he didn't really have a whole lot of experience in this, it was also with whom this may be happening with. This was surreal. And would he be able to meet her expectations? Could he even make it feel good for her? And if it was her first time?

With that train of thought something nudged him in the back of his head. The important and responsible thing to do.

Yusei sat up. Aki's eyes quickly opened from the lack of warmth and searched for his, wondering what was wrong.

"Aki. If… Well. We need a condom," he managed.

Aki sat up. "Oh..." she said. She didn't really give too much thought about that and just assumed that he'd have some. Her pulse skipped a beat. Did this mean that he hadn't done it with anyone in awhile?

"It's okay," he reassured her, standing up, "I'll be right back. I'll go get one from Crow or Jack."

"Yusei, wait," she grabbed his hand, "It's alright, we...don't actually need one. I'm on a pill."

No condom? He was gripped by a flood of nervousness. He studied her. "Aki, it's not a big deal," he said, "I'll be right back, okay?" He moved back, trying to go, but she suddenly had a steel grip on him and yanked him back towards her.

"Don't go," she said.

He studied her again. "Are…are you sure?" He was ready to go. Even if he didn't especially feel like going to his friends and begging for condoms from them – and especially not after finding out Crow's variety preference and not after guessing that Jack was probably busy – he would in a heartbeat.

"Yes, I'm sure," Aki answered. "Please… please don't go." She pulled at his hand again.

Yusei was still hesitating.

Aki insisted silently, pulling him down to her until he was within her reach and then when he was close enough, she grabbed his neck and kissed him. "Don't go," she repeated again against his lips, still pulling him down to her with all her strength until he'd placed a knee on the bed to catch his balance and then until she'd fallen back on the bed and dragged him down with her.

And there, with the weight of his body on top of her, the passionate lip lock, trembling from the shock of excitement that spread warmth all over her body and especially down, between her legs… She trembled not only from desire but fear, borderline hyperventilating into his mouth.

He propped up above her again and waited until she met his gaze.

"Aki..." Yusei said softly, "Don't be scared. It'll be okay."

Aki drew in a shaky breath and nodded lightly. "Yusei, I know but it's just... it's just that I've never really..." she paused and averted her eyes, feeling embarrassed.

He waited.

"I-I've never done this before..." she stuttered, revealing it like a shameful secret. "And I don't really know what…to do…and…" Her voice failed. I don't know if it will hurt and how much. And what are you expecting of me? What if I'm terrible at this? I don't know how or where or when to touch you. What if I disappoint you?

"Certainly you know what to do," he smiled lightly.

Blood rushed to her face although she'd wondered if it wasn't a permanent condition for her at this point. "Well yes…I know what…but you know what I mean. I'm just…"

Yusei decided not to torture her about it much more. Instead, he'd found her hand and moved it to the left side of his chest, pressing her open palm against it and just holding it there. "Aki…it's me. It's just me. You don't have anything to be afraid of."

Aki felt the quick rise of his chest and his rapid heartbeat. "You're…"

"I'm nervous too," he confessed. And Aki understood that although this was going to be the first time ever for her, it was still the first time between the two of them so he was justifiably anxious too.

"Try to relax. Everything will be fine," Yusei soothed and Aki's next breath was a slow and deep intake. His words, his touch...realizing that he was nervous also, all this, actually helped her begin calming down. Somehow this affirmed to her that this experience probably meant something to him too…considering it meant the world to her.

She looked over him with tenderness and slowly sat up, moving nearer to embrace him.

"Let's take it slow," he said and she nodded. "And if you want to stop-" he began but she urgently pressed her lips against his.

"I don't," she murmured and sighed softly when he kissed her in return. Her hands found their place at his shoulders again and then, as they made out, she eased the jacket off him and he helped, throwing it aside and using his free arms to hold and caress her. Meanwhile she was entranced as she slowly feathered her fingers over his strong, sinewy arms (how she'd dreamed of this moment, just how much better the real thing was), feeling the roughness of the healed Sky Dragon of Osiris mark and the smoothness of the Crimson Dragon's mark on his forearm.

Yusei brought her out of that daze when he moved back and began slowly undoing the buttons on her magenta coat. Aki let him and kept her eyes on him, knowing that if they left him she wouldn't be able to go through this. She watched as his nimble fingers unbuttoned her coat before sending it flying to the floor beside his blue jacket. Then she'd found herself helping him take off his black t-shirt and, when he was naked from the waist up, she moved back a little so she could admire him.

She couldn't help but stare. In his usual clothes he sometimes had a tendency to look skinny but Aki knew just how deceiving appearances were: whenever he wore sleeveless shirts while working in the garage he revealed the strong muscles of his arms. And she'd caught glimpses of a topless Yusei once but she didn't nearly have enough time to admire his physique...until now. He was lean and built going from the full broad width of his shoulders, to his wiry sculpted arms and to his toned chest and abdomen.

She also noticed then, for the first time, that scars and marks seemed almost intrinsic to him: going from the marker on his cheek, to the Crimson and Sky dragons' symbols, and then down to several little scars on his chest, stomach and arms – probably results of the harsh Satellite upbringing. But none were as prominent as the large scar on his right side which, she deduced, was from the duel with Kiryu.

All these, however, were reasons for Yusei's perfection for she had never gazed upon a more attractive sight.

She wanted to touch him. She wanted to hold those broad shoulders and those arms and to press herself against his chest and feel him while he moved on top-

Aki blushed furiously and hastily looked away, embarrassed.

"What's wrong?" Yusei asked, noticing her reaction. He hoped that it wasn't because she didn't like what he looked like and suddenly felt self-conscious.

"N-Nothing," Aki stuttered. It's just you...you're so hot.

Yusei felt exposed and wished he could put his shirt back on, but they'd thrown it some distance away. "Do you want to stop?"

"No!" Aki exclaimed immediately. "No, I want to do this… I'm sorry. You…"

"Let's not rush this," he proposed again, convinced that her reaction was the result of her harbouring doubts and being uncomfortable with their decision.

"You…you just look so good," she whispered, shyly. Pushing past her timidness, wanting him to know, wanting him to know that she didn't have any doubts, that she wanted tonight to happen – more than anything. "I…I can't believe you're here with me. Can I touch you?"

Yusei's eyes widened and then clouded with desire. He'd almost begun gasping with each deafening beat of his heart. He wanted her…he wanted her so bad. Sheer will alone kept him from springing on her after what she'd said, after understanding the look in her eyes. "Yes…" he agreed, "Yes." He prepared himself mentally for this.

Aki reached out and touched his bare chest. His skin was hot even though he was wearing a wet shirt just seconds ago. Fascinated (and just a little bit addicted), her hands explored all the hard lines of his muscles and outlined past battle scars; gently caressed the prominent scar on the side of his abdomen.

Yusei observed her and tried controlling his breathing, receiving significant pleasure from what she was doing, no matter how simple the action. Her hands were cold but impossibly soft and so soothing. He was starting to get goosebumps.

Aki's hands travelled back over the top of his arms and stopped at his neck. Now that she'd completed the sensory journey of exploring the top of his body, she knew that it was now her turn to take off something. Or else tonight wasn't going to go anywhere because she'd gladly spend countless hours just feeling him up like this.

So, Aki hesitantly withdrew her hands and slowly began tugging at the laces of her corset.

Yusei realized what she was starting to do and unconsciously held his breath.

But instead of being graceful and sensual about this Aki found herself stupidly struggling to undo a single lace. She didn't know if it was because the situation was so nerve-wracking or because he was watching her closely but her fingers have suddenly become thick sausages. She was unable to do what usually took seconds.

"Would you like me to help?" Yusei suggested softly. He wanted to do it…he really wanted to do it. Although if she permitted this he didn't know if he'd do it poorly due to his nervousness or if he'd rip it off at all once from impatience.

Aki hesitated, contemplating his request. "No, um..." she glanced at the lampshade on his night table. "Could we maybe turn off the lights?" This was the first time she'd ever be naked in front of someone... Dimmer lighting would probably make it a bit easier to go through with this. And she wanted to do at least this all by herself.

Yusei actually wanted to see her but he'd do everything to make her feel more at ease. "Anything, Aki." He reached over and clicked the switch.

For a few seconds it was quite dark but then their vision adjusted. The hazy moon was now visible as it peaked through the rain clouds; it lit the room with soft silver luminescence.

A bit better, Aki thought. She didn't want it to be completely dark anyway, she still wanted to see him. And she still could, quite clearly, even if the hue took on a bluer tint. With slightly more confidence and with actual success she began removing her corset, one loop at a time.

When she finished undoing the garment, she looked away and let it drop, fighting the instinct to hide herself.

Yusei blinked and looked down, taking in the sight of her uncovered breasts and unable to do anything other than stare, awestruck. He had often envisioned her like this...but those fantasies couldn't even compare to the reality. The size…the shape…the soft pink of her nipples… He thought a little strangled noise may have escaped his throat but he wasn't sure. She was, literally, unbelievable. But she was right here, in front of him, like this.

Aki gathered the courage to glance at him but when she noticed him gaping at her like that, she flushed bright red and quickly folded her arms over her breasts. Slouching to hide herself and feeling profoundly embarrassed. "So um...yeah, that's me..." she managed, not knowing what to do now. But, by all accounts, it was his turn to take off things.

Yusei rarely found himself at a loss of words but this was one of those times. "Aki…can I touch you?" he finally managed, his voice hoarse.

"Y-yeah," Aki nodded nervously, still avoiding looking at him or even unfolding her arms for that matter.

Out of the corner of her eyes she saw him shift closer to her but when she'd anticipated him immediately grabbing for her breasts, instead he leaned in and his lips touched her cheek. Then his arms wrapped around her waist and he began trailing little slow kisses down to her chin, then to her neck, then to her ear. Sighing, Aki closed her eyes and relished in the sensation, letting it replace her nerves with exhilaration. Her arms remained locked over her breasts for a few more moments…and then she opened herself and hugged him tight, pressing her chest fully against his, taking the heat of his body into herself. She could give herself to him. She couldn't not give herself to him. There was nothing else she wanted more than him, right now.

The bed was beneath her back and her head touched the pillow. He was on top of her once more and her previously tightly set legs opened and moved outside of his, allowing him to settle in between them. Her skirt rode up almost to her stomach and she was fully exposed if not for the thin garment of her underwear, and she lifted her hips to meet his, feeling it press against her through his pants, rub against her, and the ache between her legs intensified to a point of pain. It was beyond "want" now. It was a need – to have him inside her. How do you desire something so badly when you've never experienced it before? How does every fibre of your body scream for this phantom sensation you've never had?

Not wanting to wait anymore (and while he'd switched to kissing the other side of her neck), she cautiously moved her hands between them, grabbed his belt buckle and began trying to undo it.

To her surprise, Yusei reached down and swatted her hands away. "Not yet," he murmured and began trailing kisses to her throat…then down to her collarbone… Meanwhile, one hand dared to touch one of her breasts for the first time; carefully beginning to caress her, hesitating almost – as if unsure if he'd had her permission.

She sighed, arching into him, significantly enjoying his touch, and encouraging him to touch her more if he'd wanted… And then he traced his kisses down from her collarbone, reaching her breasts-

-And a shock of vivid bright pleasure shot through her when his mouth had covered her nipple.

She flinched and let out an involuntary noise, squeezing her eyes shut. She couldn't look at him doing that to her. Embarrassing…this was so embarrassing… and yet… as he'd begun gently sucking and caressing with his tongue, she whimpered from the delight of this sensation. Who knew this could feel so good!? And each little movement of his mouth stirred the need inside of her ablaze; she'd never been more turned on than this. It had to have been physically impossible.

She threaded her fingers through his hair and pulled him closer to her chest as he did that. "M…mmm-" she began, not sure if she was trying to say something like "more" or nothing at all. Could he never stop doing this? Never, never-

Yusei groaned lightly, reaching down with his hand to adjust himself in his pants, and then began moving down, kissing to her ribs.

"Y-Yusei…" she whined, her face flushed. "No, no…can…can you just…" she didn't know how to say aloud such a dirty thing - to ask him to put his mouth on her breasts again and for much longer – and began pulling at his hair lightly; urging him to return and do more.

"I'll come back," he promised, understanding what she wanted – and wanting the same thing. He never wanted to stop doing that. She couldn't begin to guess the pleasure that gave him, how much he'd enjoyed her reactions, how much that ignited him. But he felt like he was going to combust if he'd kept at it for seconds longer, especially as she'd inadvertently bumped her hips over and over against him – and there was still so much more he wanted to do.

"O-okay," she huffed, releasing him as he moved down (he regretted that, having enjoyed the sensation of her tugging his hair). He feathered kisses down her belly, feeling her stomach clench. Under his lips and his calloused fingertips her skin was cream and silk. He went down lower-

Then his fingers hooked into the top of her skirt, as well as her underwear, and he looked up at her, silently asking if he could.

Aki hesitated for one last time. She was still scared…anxious… But… She nodded nervously, feeling her face burning up, trying to suppress her body from shaking. This was it, this was it, this was it-

He pulled the remaining garments down, so slowly, keeping his eyes on her. But once those were off, he nudged her legs open again and then looked down. Aki covered her face with her hands. Fighting the impulse to shut her legs, to prevent him from seeing her like this. What if he hates it, what if he thinks something is wrong about it, what if she's too wet and he's repulsed, what if...

Yusei's breath caught in his throat as he studied her, no, worshipped her with affectionate eyes. God, she was so beautiful. It was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. The delicateness, the silky pink colour, how wet and gleaming she was… He let out a low, pained sound. He wanted her so badly that it was impossible to quantify or to even comprehend. And all he wanted was to give her pleasure, to make her feel good; he was worried he'd be unsuccessful at that when/if the main act was to begin… And suddenly he thought he could try doing something now and the thought of it was the most thrilling urge he'd ever felt.

He grabbed her legs, hooked them over his shoulders and lowered down between her thighs. Aki's eyes snapped open when he'd grabbed her and she propped up on her elbows to see what he was doing - and when she saw where he still was, every muscle in her body tensed up completely.

"Yusei…?" she whispered bewildered, but he shushed her gently. What is he doing? She was thinking naively and then his head lowered and her eyes widened in shock. She wanted to close her legs and to cover herself but he was there. Oh god, she began panicking, Surely he doesn't want to...kiss me there?

But he did. The second something warm and wet and unfamiliar touched her (is that his tongue?!), Aki jolted in horror but his hands on her hips kept her firmly in place.

He groaned at that first taste of her and was suddenly intoxicated. How did she taste so good? How was that possible!? Feeling even more urgency with what he was doing, he clasped her thighs even harder and his tongue began exploring her impatiently, all awhile his lips caressed the soft folds.

She fell back on the bed, completely paralyzed and not knowing what to do. She had craved him to touch her there in some way but it didn't occur to her that he'd do that. She had never felt so mortified. Oh god, oh god, oh god- "Yu-yusei, wh-…n-" she tried to say something but he'd kept going and her hands returned to cover her face; it was less distressing this way, not to see. Most of all – this actually felt strange, and rather ticklish, and in her nervousness she had to fight herself from giggling at the weird sensation.

And then his tongue suddenly caressed a tiny, sensitive place, so sensitive that his touch was almost painful at first, and Aki let out a loud gasp. Yusei listened and began varying the movement and the speed of his mouth there, trying to find the movement she was most responsive to. So when she'd suddenly writhed and let out a little moan as he lightly sucked on her there, he thought, That's it, and started maintaining that technique. Only adding a flick of his tongue and sucking a little harder each time.

Now Aki stopped thinking that what he was doing felt weird. In fact, her body began to feel really, really hot and good. Her breathing became rapid. It took maybe a couple more seconds before she forgot all about her shock and began to relax. Her hands dropped to her sides and grabbed onto the bed sheets, twisting them, quickly becoming overwhelmed by the most piercing sensation she'd ever experienced.

"Yusei, Yusei…oh god..." she let out a breathless moan and arched her back, suddenly incapable of restraining herself. Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop, she began repeating in her mind as she began moving her hips to match the rhythm of his mouth.

Her suddenly writhing like this, the sounds escaping her, the taste of her, the feeling of her, the way her thighs suddenly gripped him – the sweltering lust that assaulted him nearly turned him feral. He let out a moan together with her (or maybe his was a growl) and he thought that this was the single most exhilarating, erotic experience of his life. His tongue was beginning to feel sore but he kept his mouth exactly where it was, moving exactly the same, riding through this experience with her while she twisted and thrashed and squeezed his head with her thighs, and ready to go for as long as it was necessary to get her there; ready to do this to her for hours if she'd so demanded.

Aki was completely absorbed in her pleasure and it only built and built...feeding on itself…one hand squeezed the bed sheets in her fist but another moved down and grasped his hair...until she felt utterly possessed by ecstasy and parted her lips to let out a gasping cry.

When it was over Aki lay, panting, hey eyes closed and she was vaguely aware that Yusei was still between her shaking legs. Her eyes fluttered open and she gazed upon him, eyelids heavy, while he knelt and offered her a smile.

"I...I didn't think it could be like this..." Aki whispered. "I can't believe you did that."

"I've dreamt of doing this to you," Yusei confessed, his voice strained. "I had hoped so much that I could make you feel like that." Her moans still rang in his ears. He was gasping and fought from cringing and doubling over as his longing to be inside her was unbearable now; his arousal was a lava thumping desire through him and causing pain. If she had decided it was over now and decided to leave, he'd (probably cry first) and then need to use his hand to relieve the pressure immediately – and many times over.

"Yusei…" she melted with his words. And despite the release he'd given her, she still wanted more – a lot more. There was still aching deep inside her, demanding to be filled. She still needed him. Her gaze moved to the distinguishable bulge in his pants and stared at it intently.

Yusei's eyes followed her gaze and his breath hitched when he realized that he was still being given a green light for more. He cursed in his head from relief.

He got up from the bed and began doing away his remaining clothing, starting with his socks, when Aki sat up in front of him (in all her naked glory) and timidly reached for his belt again. "Can…I"?

Yusei nodded, heart somehow accelerating to an even more unbearable speed as he watched her. Aki's hands began trembling a little and he helped steady them while she unbuckled the belt, then unbuttoned the jeans and pulled down the zipper.

As his pants finally came down along with his boxers Aki felt like the room had begun spinning. This was her first time seeing one in real life...and he was big. Bigger and thicker than she could have imagined.

"Yusei...you are perfect..." she whispered in awe. She grabbed his neck and pulled him in for a kiss, overcome with desire for him and how beautiful he was…but also feeling overwhelmed. Scared. Would he…fit in her? Could she…take that?

Yusei's ego swelled at her words. He nearly lost his balance when she grabbed him and when she touched his lips with her own, he responded with erupted hunger, hands roaming over her, borderline ravishing her. He needed her. NOW.

"I want to…to feel you…" she murmured into his mouth. Let me feel you…take me…

"Aki, if you feel ready..." he whispered, his fingers twining in her hair. "If you're still certain…"

Aki's eyes dropped to look at it again and she found herself drawing in a sharp breath. She wanted to touch it but was so intimidated. She didn't know if he'd be okay with her grabbing it, if she needed to hold lightly or firmly or if she'd accidentally hurt him or… "Please…" she whispered, beginning reaching for it in a trance despite her insecurities and, for a brief moment, she had felt the shocking warmth, the firmness, the smoothness of the skin against her fingers (and thought about returning what he'd done to her, imagining vividly putting it into her mouth, caressing him with her tongue, hearing him moan, not being scared-) but then he had caught her hand.

Because if she actually held it, he wasn't sure how long he would make it.

Because if she'd so much as tried moving her hand or doing more than that, he'd come.

Because all he wanted was to feel the strain of her legs underneath him – spread open, wrapped tight, to push between her thighs and to…

"Lie down," he said hoarsely, eyes darkened with lust.

Yes, now…now…! Aki nodded and moved back to the pillows, dragging him down with her, trying not to look at it anymore.

Yusei followed, somehow trying to retrieve his cognizance which retracted to the back of his head. He burned with the phantom sensation of being inside her right now, with how hot and wet and tight he imagined she was going to be, how well she was going to take him. His deepest, most urgent fantasies blurring with what was actually happening. Because all he wanted was to thrust into her deep and hard, to pummel into her, to make her scream his name, to feel the spasm of her-

"Yusei," Aki whispered, searching his eyes as familiar shaking returned to her. He had settled on top of her and she now felt all of him, hard and impossibly hot, pressed against her. "I'm still…" she hyperventilated. Afraid. What to do. How to do.

Yusei blinked and grasped his mind back. Returning to the reality of now, knowing he needed to be patient and calm and gentle with her for this. I'm sorry. He would be anything she ever needed him to be. He gently touched her cheek. "I'm afraid too."

"Why you?" she trembled, surprised by his words.

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Maybe…maybe you won't."

"I don't know."

"Then just…just…" she didn't know how to say it out loud. Just go ahead. Just try it. Just try putting it in. Instead she hugged him, so hard that all air escaped his lungs and his ribs hurt, and then arched her hips, feeling him; rubbing against him. Wordlessly urging on, hurrying on.

"If you're ready," he whispered again, head spinning wildly. "Then…try to relax."

Aki managed another light nod, squirming under him at this point.

Yusei held his breath and looked down to watch this incredible moment; a moment that had only existed in his most scorching, desperate desires but now suddenly here. He pressed one hand into the mattress for better leverage and, using the other to guide himself, he began pushing forward into her as slowly and gently as he could.

Aki felt the tip touching her, parting her, and right before she thought it wasn't going to be all that bad, he'd pushed just a little further in, stretching her – and there was a shot of sudden sharp pain.

She winced and cried out. She knew that first time could hurt...but she wasn't expecting it to be like this. Rather than some dull discomfort that could be numbed by her excitement for him, the pain was harsh and ripping-like, instantly bringing her out of her pleasure-woozy state. No amount of mental preparation could have kept her body from tensing up and resisting the foreign intrusion.

Yusei instantly pulled back and worriedly stared at her anguished face. He'd barely even touched her but had already caused this much pain. "Aki?"

"Um," she panted, suddenly a tad disoriented and unsure. "That uh…that hurt."

He felt something break inside him.

He looked down at where he was trying to join with her. Hesitating. He obviously knew this is how it could've happened for her but now that he was actually experiencing this – how could he… How could he go through with that now? Harm her purposefully like this? While receiving pleasure all for himself?

He couldn't.

Crestfallen, Yusei shook his head and whispered, "Aki, I can't...I can't hurt you." He began moving away from her.

Instantly, however, Aki clasped her arms around his shoulders and held him back, gripping onto him like she was drowning.

"No, no! Please...Yusei, Yusei, please, I want it to be you."

"Aki..."

"Please…I'm okay," she insisted and leaned up, placing kisses on his marked cheek, on his jawline. She wrapped her legs around his, using all of her body and her strength to keep him from leaving. "I want you. I want this." If she had to leave this room today after all that's happened already and without having experienced him inside her – she was going to scream. And she was trying not to panic, seeing how serious he was at not doing this anymore. She arched her hips to rub against him again, trying to encourage him, maybe impale herself on him without his help…

Yusei was still hesitating; he kept very still. So she reached between them, pushed past her fear and dared to grab it, beginning to move her hand slowly – back and forth. And it took her breath away with how sexy it was to touch him like this, to feel him harden and throb in her hand, to do even just this to him.

His whole body twitched at her sudden touch. His self-control barely holding on by a thread. If she'd dared to squeeze a little harder and pumped a little more confidently and focused more on top… "You'll be in pain," he finally managed, voice hoarse again. "I don't know if…"

"I don't care," she said heatedly and she meant it. She buckled her hips up and positioned him at her entrance. Pain or no pain, she refused to leave until this happened. "Please…please try again."

He studied her with concern, wavering in this decision for one last time – all while trying to keep his sanity while pressed against her and while she stroked him; and even her shy and gentle touch was beginning to work. And he knew then and there that he could never deny her. He would do anything she'd ask of him.

"Okay," he finally agreed after countless painfully slow seconds. He leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her temple. His pressed his arm into the mattress again for leverage and then his hand reached down and replaced hers, thankfully stopping that teasing.

She gripped his biceps with all her strength, looking at him with wide eyes.

He positioned himself again and met her gaze.

"Just…push it in, okay?" she whispered. "Don't linger. All at once. I want that." Her fingernails dug into his skin, preparing herself mentally and physically. And looking up into his composed blue eyes helped her calm her breathing and relax her body for him in spite of knowing that more pain was to come.

He nodded and held his breath again.

All in one go, Aki thought, reading it in his questioning gaze.

Like a band-aid, Yusei thought, finding approval in her eyes.

An excruciating second later Yusei pushed his hips forward into her in one hard thrust. Resistance was all but miniscule and then unbelievably tight and wet warmth welcomed him and he couldn't help a moan of pleasure escaping his lips, his eyes leaving hers. Nothing had ever felt as good as this. Ever. It was indescribable.

But Aki muffled a cry of pain into his shoulder, biting down hard. It…it happened. It actually happened. She wasn't a virgin anymore. But fuck, it hurt. It hurt bad. Tears sprung from her eyes. Why did he feel almost like a sword? Was that normal?

Her cries, tears and a bite instantly brought Yusei down from his high and his heart clenched painfully in his chest.

"Aki, I…I'm sorry," he whispered and gently caressed her face, wiping traces of her tears, feeling awful.

Aki held on to him and hid her face into his neck and hair, squeezing her eyes shut. "I…" she tried, her voice wavering: "I-I'm okay. Just give me a moment."

Yusei carefully shifted his body weight to his elbows and wrapped his arms around her as she trembled, nuzzling against her neck and forcing his body to remain motionless until she adjusted to him. And it was colossal effort considering how overwhelmingly good she felt and how much he ached for her.

Aki kept trying to breathe while focusing on him: the scent and heat of his skin, the tense muscles in his arms, his hard and heavy body instead of the sharp pain inside of her... And it wasn't just pain. It was also a feeling of astonishing fullness, of having him finally fill her like this, deeper than she thought it could be possible to take in. Just breathe, breathe, breathe, she was telling herself, and taking controlled and slow intakes of air, as well as becoming aware of the continuous sound of rain outside, helped soothe her. Slowly, she began to relax, feeling the tearing pain beginning to subside somewhat.

Yusei felt her beginning to relax and thought he'd attempt at moving a bit, and so he lightly rocked his hips forward. However, as minimal as that was, he heard her pained whimper, felt her completely tense up again (squeezing him tighter than he'd ever imagined it could), and he swallowed down a gasp of pleasure and instantly stilled himself again.

But Aki found that it didn't take her as long to come around this time as when he first entered her: the pain was not as shocking. She felt like she could focus more on that gratifying fullness inside rather than the painful point of entry. She took a few more moments to get used to him and managed to relax a little again and Yusei pulled up from her neck so he could look at her.

"Aki…are you alright?" he asked. He needed to hear that she was okay before he'd attempt at doing anything again.

Aki nodded while keeping her eyes shut, needing to compose herself before she could gather the courage to look at him. Breathe...breathe...breathe...and relax, she kept repeating to herself over and over.

She looked so agonized that her confirmation did nothing to convince him. He carefully transferred his weight back to his hands and propped up above her. "Aki, you're in a lot of pain. Let's stop. We can do this another time." He wished that she would look at him. He wanted her to know that there was no pressure and that they didn't have to do everything tonight and that he'd be completely alright with that. Besides, keeping hurting her like this while experiencing the best sensations of his life was becoming way too much for him and he didn't know how long he could brave through this dilemma.

"N-no, don't stop," Aki refused, shaking her head. They'd made it this far…how could they stop now!? No! But when he didn't move a muscle to her request her eyes fluttered open and she suddenly saw hesitation and guilt written all over his face. His eyes gave it away most of all: she had never before seen him look so heartbroken.

Aki felt a tug at her heart, understanding that in a way he was just as hurt as her. "Hey…Yusei, it's okay," she whispered and soothingly caressed his arms as if trying to stroke the tension away from him. Then, wincing a little, she enclosed her arms around his neck and pulled him back down to her until he'd fallen to his forearms again. Holding him closer like this and now fully concentrating on him she was astonished to realize that he was trembling, although nearly imperceptibly.

"Aki." Yusei breathed against her neck, still motionless. "I don't know if-"

"I'm okay," she reassured him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek while caressing his hair, "I still…I still want this. Just go slow. Slow."

Yusei nodded, relishing in her gentle and comforting touch which helped him compose himself. He took two deep breaths to calm down and then slowly pulled back a little and, watching her face, gently pushed into her again.

Aki gasped and her eyes briefly squeezed from the pain again but it was no longer immobilizing. She could endure it until this was over. So her hands framed his face and she guided him to her for a kiss.

He rocked into her one more time – slowly, gradually – she cringed but she did not pull away from him.

Instead, she parted her lips to his kiss and lightly caressed his tongue with her own. Then, slowly and very cautiously moved her hips once, attempting at mimicking his movement, and urging him on.

And that was the approval that he could finally accept from her. Kissing her deeply, Yusei began to move at a very slow, controlled but constant pace, his breathing accelerating as the unbelievable feeling of her coated him with each thrust.

Aki resumed kissing him, maintaining her non-flinching composure although she was still in a lot of discomfort. She tolerated the burning soreness as he stretched her but, so far, everything felt very strange and she wondered if it was really supposed to be like that or if it was just her. It was…good, she supposed, but she felt awkward despite being enwrapped by their intimacy: she didn't know if there was a point at which she needed to begin making some automatic loud noises, or what she was supposed to do – such as kiss his neck or ear or what – when he'd stop kissing her.

It was also none of that fireworks-magic-screaming-in-ecstasy that movies (including X-rated ones) lead her to believe. If it were to be over now, she didn't think she would mind.

Yusei realized then that he was concentrating on how she'd felt and her occasional sighs and groans a little too much; how much those careful and singular thrusts had already pushed him.

He broke their kiss, buried his face in the comforting nook of her neck and stopped moving. He had come too close; it was almost over then. He didn't want this to end yet. They'd just started. He still wanted to make her feel like she made him feel. She deserved everything he could give her.

Aki was still panting, overwhelmed by all the sensations (the bad and the good). She caressed his back. "Yusei…you okay?"

He exhaled; it was half-laughter and half-groan. "You're asking me?"

"You've…stopped." Is it over? She felt equal parts disappointed and relieved; but she'd never reveal that to him.

"I need to catch my breath," he explained. "You feel… You feel incredible."

"Oh," she murmured softly against his ear, sending goosebumps down his back. She placed an open-mouthed kiss on his neck, then another, adding her tongue; all while comfortingly caressing his shoulders and back. His eyes rolled back into his head and he thought, distantly, that if she kept touching and kissing him like this and if he'd just thrust once or twice right now that this was how it all ended tonight. You're not helping here, Aki.

She moved her face towards him and tried kissing him now but he dodged her, pushing up and then carefully sitting back to his knees (while still inside her), summoning surprised little laughter from her. "Where are you going?"

"Still here. Just let me look." Taking deep, controlled breaths, he let his eyes study the gorgeous curves of her body: travel down to her breasts (lingering there), then her stomach, then to where he was sheathed inside her and how unbelievable that looked. Taking advantage of this pause, enjoying everything he could see – while giving his own body a moment to calm. Despite how unbelievably erotic all this was, the lack of movement helped fade the hot, sharp pressure that he'd felt, and he could finally continue again.

Entranced, he caressed her left hip and then gently lifted her leg to wrap it around his waist. "Move with me," he invited, waited for her nod, and then carefully retreated – about half-way out – and then slowly pushed in, watching the reactions on her face.

Aki winced, biting down on her lip. It still hurt but… Maybe it was the change in the angle with her raised leg or the sensuality of what he was doing (seeing her so open like this, asking her like this), but she'd moved her hips to correspond to his slow rhythm just as he'd requested. She felt peculiar but not unpleasant tension starting to swell inside her.

Yusei did it again, slowly, watching her, and she coordinated with him; cautious but eager. She was still biting down on her lip and stifled a soft moan. She thought that it was starting…to feel kind of good? Slowly – but insistently – she'd lifted her other leg and now enclosed them both around his waist, tightening her grip.

"That's it…" he gasped at the sensation of being pulled deeper – all the way to the base now, in fact, with no more of him left to go – and her whole body contracted at the sudden pleasure this position and his words invoked. He curved his arms under her legs for better leverage and as he'd began moving at that slow, deep pace while she synchronized with him, the feeling of delicious tension inside her intensified as well. As if at this angle he'd started nudging something inside her with each push. This feels better, Aki thought, Oh, so, so much better.

Her nails clawed lightly at his forearms, frantically trying to get him to come down to her again while he moved like this. Desperate to hold him again, to feel his whole body fully on top of hers, to press against him and to kiss him.

He understood what she wanted and lowered himself; she wrapped her legs higher and even tighter around him now that he wasn't holding them anymore. She clinched his shoulders, rising from the pillow to kiss him, but instead he'd lowered his head to her breast and clumped his mouth over her nipple.

Aki had cried out then, suddenly gripped in an onslaught of pleasure. He was timing his tongue to his thrusts and together all these intense sensations not only surpassed her discomfort – they pushed past it, towards some elusive, impossible high. One hand dug into his hair, scratched against his scalp as he sucked on her. Her other hand reached down between them, touched where he slid in and out of her – felt the wetness, the heat, the hardness of him, how he really was all the way in her – and then pressed into the spot that he'd used his tongue and lips on earlier; pressing hard. Moving her hand in synch with his mouth on her and how he moved inside of her.

"Oh it's…it feels good," she gasped, now barely aware of what she was saying or why or how it all looked or sounded. She'd retreated into her body and gave into this experience fully. There was only her and him and this moment, she couldn't hear or see or think of anything else. The pain and pleasure blurred, distorted and there was no telling them apart; there was only the overpowering need and the despairing ache. She wanted both to cry and to scream; maybe she'd already begun doing both, she couldn't tell. "Oh Yusei…you feel so good."

His whole body tensed at the praise in her words, over the sudden enthusiasm, and his own muffled moan reached him from afar. From thrusting so deep inside her, giving her pleasure with his mouth, feeling her twist and squirm underneath him; it was ecstasy and torment in one. His mind was almost gone that moment…almost. He let it fuel him instead and embraced the relief it brought even if her moans pushed his control to no end: she seemed to be finally enjoying this and it was no longer just him selfishly taking all of this. As if he finally began doing something right.

"Kiss me. Kiss me now," she demanded, near frantic. He moved up to do as she'd asked and she assaulted him with a hungry kiss, briefly throwing him off rhythm as he tried keeping up with her. She also began to rock her hips a little faster and he matched her, although still cautiously holding back from going as freely as he wanted to. He did not want to do too much and cause her any additional pain, no matter how much his body yearned to move harder and faster than this.

And then the sensations became unbearable.

Aki couldn't kiss him anymore, needing to focus without distraction. And as her hand and his next couple of thrusts began pushing her towards the illusive, unthinkable point – so much more intense than the release she'd had earlier – her eyes urgently searched for his. She had to tell him, he had to know, just as it was about to happen. As the deepest, fiery blue found her, Aki's lips parted and she began saying, "Yusei, I lo-" when she was stricken by the most intense and pleasurable sensation of her whole entire being. It was like fireworks exploded in front of her eyes; her words were lost, her eyes rolled back, she arched into him, her breath shuddered again and again and again and her body convulsed as each intense wave of pleasure - pushed by him - passed through her. And this nirvana went on, and on, and on, and on and she didn't think that it would ever end...and then it did.

Yusei watched her with heated eyes and as each wave of pleasure rippled through her, he felt her contract and tighten rhythmically around him, and the sensation turned white hot and unendurable. He'd depleted all energy in trying to resist it – there was no stopping it now. The pleasure grabbed, pushed and reached its peak and then spread. Breathless, he hung his head over her neck, pressing his cheek against hers, and drove into her with erratic last and hard thrusts. He didn't mean to do that but he couldn't stop now. Somehow, his hands found both of hers as they fell by her shoulders and squeezed them in a desperate spasm. Losing rhythm, moving quicker and tensing up as an intense explosion of pleasure shook him – taking everything from him, ripping it from each cell in his body and pushing it all into her – unaware of the low moans and gasps that escaped him in that utter abandon.

His hands gripped hers so tight that his knuckles turned white.

His mind seized to exist and then filled with her, all her, only her…

After what felt like forever, Yusei collapsed on top of her and desperately gasped for air as his heart pounded in his chest. Was he dead!? Was he alive!? What time or day was it? Where the fuck was he?

Aki sensed that she might have blacked out because she suddenly realized that they were holding hands and that she was biting his shoulder, which she couldn't remember doing before, and when she pulled back she saw that she left a red imprint on his skin. She felt his winded breath on her neck, the imperceptible stubble on his cheek, the light shakes in his body. She again became aware of the soothing rain sounds outside the window.

Yusei felt so drained that he didn't think that he'd ever be able to get up.

Aki felt so tired and so sore that she didn't think that she'd ever be able to walk again; the room was spinning and her whole body was quivering as if from delightful aftershocks.

Yusei's fingers slowly relaxed, releasing hers, and he made an attempt to move off her but she hugged him with both her arms and legs and kept him securely in place. He was heavy on top of her but she liked his weight and trailed her fingers soothingly up and down his back, feeling the faint perspiration on his skin.

After blissful silence she finally released him, he gently withdrew from her and rolled onto his back.

She was the first to speak up.

" I…I can't believe…this…happened..." she managed, dazed and nearly delirious. She let out a little elated laughter. This is how this was? How it could be!?

Yusei tried to say something, having a difficult time formulating some sort of words. Finally, he managed: "I'm so sorry…for hurting you so much. I hope it was-"

Aki shushed him. "It was unforgettable."

"Yes." He could feel his body tremble all over from adrenaline and the high of this experience. It wasn't just sex or giving or taking pleasure, it was beyond that; it was something transformative. It also calmed something in him and in his head; analytical thoughts, thinking of the mission they'd been caught in, the scary uncertainties, the expectations of him – it was all gone. There was her…only her…there would only be her… He interlaced his fingers with hers again and breathed out, a fuzzy cloud of peace settling over him. He was so tired…he closed his eyes for a second and felt himself beginning to drift off. And he welcomed it.

Aki observed him, absently stroking his hair and wondered if she should try falling asleep too or if it was improper for her to stay and if she needed to gather her stuff and go across the hall to her room or…

As if reading her thoughts, Yusei stirred and drew the covers over them, wrapping a weary arm about her. "Stay with me," he whispered and Aki smiled, elatedly. She cuddled to him, and as Yusei breathed in the scent of her shampoo mixed with perfume he fell asleep in seconds. And the adrenaline rush wasn't enough to keep Aki from following his example: the unguarded expression of Yusei's sleeping face and the soft sound of departing rain instantly lulled her to sleep.

---

So yayyyyy, Yusei and Aki finally did it! I wish this happened in anime (or at least was implied)...Yu-Gi-Oh seriously needs to stop sucking when it comes to romance.

Also, this is my first non-cliffhanger ending!

So for next chapter: Will Aki and Yusei do it again? Will we find out if they woke up the whole house? Will Sherry show up and mess up their plans? Will some plot exposition happen and some villain make an appearance? And will we find out what that mysterious creaking noise was in Jack's and Carly's room (lol)?

Stay tuned and you (might) find out!