Hey readers, RobotFish again!

I'M SO SAD I WANNA CRY! THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER!

A gigantic thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed my story, you guys are beyond awesome!

Yusei and Akiza: Thanks you guys, RobotFish couldn't have done it without you! And frankly, neither could we...*blushing*

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh 5ds. If I did, then I would always add in some Faithshipping awesomeness for my amazing readers.

Chapter 32

3 months after the Ark Cradle...

For the first time in a long time, things could not have been better.

It was Fall in New Domino City, and Team 5Ds was enjoying normal living for a change. No more Dark Signers or cyborg duelists had reared their heads, and life had been pleasantly quiet for the Signers.

Jack was currently dueling on the pro tour, regaining his much sought after title he lost to Yusei three years prior. He was doing very well, and the blonde was on his way to becoming the number one ranked turbo duelist the country again. Of course, everyone was aware that he would never truly be King until he defeated Yusei, which was not going to happen in the foreseeable future.

The biggest change in Jack's life had nothing to do with dueling. After living with the twins for so long, Yusei, Crow and Jack decided that they had mooched off of their friends for long enough, and they each were able to find places of their own. Jack ended up moving in with Carly, and the two were happily going on their third anniversary.

Crow was able to rent an apartment of his own with his share of the winnings from the WRGP. The Blackwing duelist chose a spot near Stephanie's apartment complex, and the two recently celebrated their six month anniversary. Things were going well for Crow and Stephanie, their love slowly growing with time. Crow was still deciding what direction his future would take, but he knew it would involve dueling. He was even considering joining security.

Akiza was in the midst of her first semester at New Domino City University, where she was studying to earn a double major in Strategic Dueling and Telepathic Analysis. Her classmates expected her to join the pro tour (which was an attractive idea to Akiza, and she planned to participate in organized dueling events for the rest of her life), but Dr. Ross had inspired Akiza to help those with psychic abilities like herself.

There were two things Akiza could see herself doing with her future: dueling and helping other psychics. Not only did she want to be there for dangerous telekinetic in need of guidance and instruction, but she felt that she owed to the psychic community to right the wrongs of the Arcadia Movement. As for dueling...well her boyfriend was the undisputed King right now, so there would be no dull moment in that department.

Yusei had made an unexpected decision. Instead of reclaiming his spot as King and dominating the pro tour, he announced to the public that he would be taking a year off from the Turbo Dueling tour in order to ensure that the future of New Domino City was in good hands. He spent his days educating himself about the Ener-D reactor, dueling legends of the ancient Egyptians, and supernatural physics, all in order to better understand how to keep mankind on the right track.

The best part about his decision was that New Domino University had opened their doors to his research, which meant that he got to see Akiza every day. In the end, Yusei was no scholar, and he wanted to reenter the pro tour and make a career in the field he loved most. But for now, he had a duty to perform just as Akiza did. There would be many years to enjoy life after he paid his dues.

Leo and Luna were still attending Duel Academy, and the twins were happy they still got to see their friends on a regular basis. Luna and Rally were still crushing on each other, and Leo was currently taking it easy as a 'single ladies man'. Although, when Akiza introduced him to Haruka from the hospital, there had been some major blushing going on.

That day was a Saturday, and Yusei was driving over to Akiza's house. He was taking on a date, and his stomach was constricted into a paralyzing knot. Yusei had taken his girlfriend on plenty of dates before, and by no means was he uncomfortable around Akiza (quite the opposite). But tonight was going to be different, tonight was the night he had spent an entire month gathering up the courage to face. And he wanted things to go right.

He parked his runner outside and walked up to the door. After a short knock, Setsuko answered.

"Yusei, it's great to see you again," she said.

"Thanks," he replied. "I hope I'm not too early?"

"Of course not," Setsuko replied while ushering him inside. "Make yourself at home."

Setsuko reminded Yusei of Martha in many ways. Both were kind, caring, had a way with children, and most importantly, they treated Yusei as a person instead of just another Satellite trying to make his way in the city. Yusei had gotten to know Setsuko very well after Akiza made amends with her family, and the teen was elated that he felt the same warm, motherly love around Setsuko that he did around Martha.

What Yusei was even happier about than Setsuko's kind personality was her general approval of his and Akiza's relationship. For whatever reason, the woman had nothing bad to say about her daughter falling in love with a Turbo Duelist from the Satellite, cordially encouraging her to spend time with Yusei whenever possible. And although Yusei had patched things up with Hideo, he was much closer to Setsuko.

"Yusei my boy!" Hideo called as the teen stepped in. "How've you been?" The two shook hands, and Yusei bowed his head in respect.

"Very well sir. I hope it's not an inconvenience for me to take out Akiza-"

"Oh, would you stop worrying Yusei," Setsuko said, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We're happy you care about our daughter." Hideo smiled and nodded, reinforcing his wife's words.

Yusei cringed, not because he despised praise, but because he was dreading what might happen upon making his revelation. He didn't want to ruin things with Hideo again, so Yusei was taking every precaution and making sure to do every last thing right.

The senator had become friendly to Yusei again after the Ark Cradle. Whether it was Akiza's words or the realization that she would follow him to the grave, Hideo knew that Yusei was more than worthy to court his daughter. He was still uneasy when it came to the two displaying affection, but the teens kept the intimacy at a minimum when Akiza's parents were around. Although, Setsuko would less than surreptitiously put Hideo back in line whenever he got touchy with Akiza and Yusei. In the end, it was all in the spirit of love and friendship.

Yusei just hoped tonight wouldn't change that.

"Mom," Akiza called from up the stairs. "Could you come help me with something?"

Setsuko smiled at Yusei. "Duty calls," she said, walking up to help her daughter. Akiza's attendance of New Domino University allowed her to visit home on a regular basis. Normally, the two just met on campus and went out for the evening, but Yusei requested that they meet at Akiza's house. Akiza was unsure of why they were breaking the normal routine, but she accepted all the same, and the psychic was now getting ready upstairs.

Before she left the room, Setsuko turned to Yusei and gave him a knowing wink, causing Yusei to blush ripe red. She was the first person he talked to about his secret, and the woman had reacted with immeasurable joy and overwhelming approval. Now, she left him alone with Hideo, the reason Yusei wanted to meet at the mansion.

Hideo gestured to the couch. "Seems like the girls are running fashionably late," he joked.

Yusei forced a chuckle. The best comedian in the world couldn't make him laugh now. He shifted uncomfortable in his seat. "Yeah, I uh...I guess so..."

"So, how has your research been going?" Hideo asked.

Yusei nodded. "Good, good. Still learning right now, but I think by the end of the year, I'll know enough about the nature of Ener-D to prevent something like the Ark Cradle from happening again." Yusei would spare him the details about the parallel realities associated with time travel, but he was well on his way to ensuring the safety of New Domino for many years to come.

"That's good," Hideo said. "Will you continue to pursue a career in research after your current project is completed?"

Yusei bit his lip. He knew that living the life of a scholar would be favorable with Hideo, but that would be ignoring his most basic desires. "Well...I'm not sure," Yusei said. "The truth is, dueling is my true passion, and I want to join the pro tour after this year is over. I know it's not the most respectable career path, but..."

Hideo smiled. "Well, I for one respect your decision." Upon seeing Yusei's confused expression, Hideo elaborated. "They say that if you love what you do, you never truly work a day in your life. When I was young, my passion was politics and government. My parents pressured me to be a doctor, but I followed my heart and earned a degree in law. For you to pursue anything other than your passion is folly."

"Thank you," Yusei said. "That means a lot to me..." His voice was still trimmed with nervousness.

Hideo laughed. Yusei had been stern with him only once before, the day they met in Martha's orphanage when Hideo asked him to help Akiza, who was in a coma. After Yusei started dating Akiza, Hideo had seen nothing but shy respect from the teenager. It made him glad to see that his daughter had chosen a young man who knew the importance of respecting his elders, but the senator was constantly trying to shake Yusei out of his insecure mind frame. He wanted to be comfortable with the person dating his daughter after all.

"Listen Yusei," Hideo said, growing serious. "I know that things got out of hand between us, and I want to apologize for that. I want our conversations to be pleasantly relaxed, not stiffly formal. You've done nothing wrong, and I am fully supportive of my daughter being with the fine young man you are."

Yusei took s shaky breath and reached into his pocket. It was now or never.

"Actually sir-"

"Please, call me Hideo."

Yusei shakily nodded. He only hoped Hideo reacted the same way Setsuko did. He could only imagine the consequences if the senator disapproved.

"Actually...Hideo...that's what I wanted to talk to you about."

The night had been pleasant, as Yusei had taken Akiza to her favorite restaurant, where the happy couple enjoyed a delicious meal together. They were now riding on Yusei's runner, the raven haired teen driving while the psychic sat behind him with arms wrapped around his chest. Yusei was actually sheepish about taking Akiza out on his runner, fearing that it would be inconsiderate and tacky. But Akiza preferred it that way, since it was turbo dueling that brought them together in the first place.

The wind whipped through Akiza's hair as she clung to her favorite person in the world. Life was more beautiful now than ever before. Her friends were starting the next chapter of their lives, and she was beginning anew with Yusei. Days spent at New Domino University gave Akiza a sense of belonging, of normality. It made her feel like she was making up for lost time when she was the Black Rose Witch, and that she could indeed live a happy life.

Akiza thought back to all the struggles and hardship that brought the Signers together, that brought her and Yusei together. Being outcasts, fighting wars, losing friends. It was never easy, and hope was a scarce thing in such times, but in the end it was worth every bit of the pain. As Akiza closed her eyes and laid her head in the crook of Yusei's neck, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. She was right where she was meant to be.

To Akiza's surprise, the runner began to slow down while they were passing a cliffside. Yusei pulled his vehicle up to the guardrail, out of the way of passing cars, and he took off his helmet and stood up.

"What are we doing?" Akiza said with a quizzical expression.

Yusei gave her a faint smile. "You'll see," he replied.

He offered his hand, which Akiza took. He pulled her off of the runner and began walking arm in arm with the most beautiful woman he had ever met, inside and out. The nerves were still boiling in his belly.

They walked for a few minutes in comfortable silence together, enjoying the nighttime air and the company of each other. In times like those, nothing needed to be said because words couldn't express the complete feeling of contentment and love that existed between the two duelists. Their love was pure, tested and tempered by the hammers of time and trial, and the special bond they shared was nothing short of unbreakable.

Yusei stopped walking after a while and turned to wrap Akiza in his arms. He gave her a deep and tender kiss, causing Akiza's entire body to tingle with giddiness. After almost three years, their passion was still as vibrant and fiery as in the beginning.

"Do you know where we are?" Yusei asked.

Akiza looked to her right and saw a vast expanse of ocean, the sector of the city that was once the Satellite staring back at them from over the water. The image was a picture painted in the back of her mind.

She smiled. "Of course I do Yusei. This is where we had our first kiss." Akiza was still confused as to why Yusei brought her here, but she decided to bear with her boyfriend and listen for now.

Yusei nodded. "I've thought about that day a lot, thought about this place." He took a deep breath, ready to pour out his heart to the woman he would walk through fire for. "I never thought a lot of things were possible until that day. I never thought that someone as amazing as you would choose someone like me."

"Yusei," Akiza said. "You're the amazing one. If anything, I'm the one who's lucky to be with you-"

"No," Yusei said, causing Akiza to look at him in surprise. "Akiza, you may not see how beautiful and special you truly are, but I do. Ever since we met, I knew there was something different about you, that you weren't just another girl. We became friends, but the bond I felt with you went so far beyond just friendship."

Akiza's eyes watered as Yusei confessed. The head Signer rarely opened his heart to anyone, but he was willing to let down all of his walls for her, and it made her feel an unparalleled joy.

Yusei continued. "During the war with the Dark Signers, all I could think about was you. When I had no strength left to duel Kalin, it was you that I thought of, your mark that I felt the most deeply. You gave me the strength to win, to survive, and I owe you my life."

"Akiza..." Yusei said. "I fell in love with you when I saw you dueling Misty, fighting so hard to save New Domino City while still holding compassion for your enemies. The special feelings for you were always there, but it was there that I realized how much I truly love you."

Yusei gestured to the ground upon which they now stood. "And here...in this place, after you saved me yet again, I experienced the greatest joy I could ever imagine. Hearing you say that you loved me after I kept such deep feelings for you concealed was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn't trade our first kiss for all the kingdoms of the world."

Akiza was smiling gratefully at Yusei, her love for him glowing in her hazel eyes. Yusei reached into his pocket and grasped what was inside. It was time.

"It was at this place," Yusei whispered. "That the happiest moment of my life occurred."

Another deep breath as his heart hammered against his chest. "And...I wanted to keep it that way." Yusei looked Akiza in the eyes with a fire that she had never seen before. This love was a determined love, ready to break through any obstacle to exist, to endure and to bond two people by the strongest ties in the universe. Akiza was lost in his cobalt orbs for a short moment before Yusei made a gesture that would change their lives forever, one that would transcend any actions before it and any that would come after.

Yusei Fudo took Akiza Izinski's hand and dropped to one knee.

Akiza's heart skipped three beats inside her chest, and her breath caught in her lungs. Tears of surprise and joy rushed out of her eyes, and she covered her mouth in disbelief. This was really happening! Yusei Fudo, the King of turbo duels, the savior of New Domino city, was proposing to her. Silent sobs shook Akiza's frame as she saw Yusei kneeling before her, the most humble and selfless gesture a man could ever make.

"Akiza, I promise to always care for you," Yusei said. "I promise to love you more than any man has ever loved a woman. I'll always fill your life with happiness and joy. I'll always be there for you when you need me. And above all else, I will never stop loving you, and you alone."

Tears were now leaking out of Yusei's eyes as he drew the box out of his pocket and opened it, revealing a diamond ring. "I know we're still young, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that you're all I've ever wanted Akiza, you're everything I'll ever need. The only time I'm complete is when you are with me, and I couldn't even imagine life without you. I love you Akiza. I love you so much, and I'll always love you."

Yusei looked into her eyes as Akiza's heart swelled with joy. "Akiza Izinski...will you marry me?"

Akiza never thought that there would be anyone who understood her like Yusei. She never thought she would fall in love, never imagined that anyone could care for her this much. She knew they were still young, Yusei was 21 and she was barely 20. But the certainty was impossible to break, she knew that she and Yusei were meant to be together. And if there was ever a perfect moment in her life, it was right then and there.

She was speechless from the shock, but Akiza finally managed to answer the biggest question anyone would ever ask her.

"...yes."

Yusei's breath caught. It took every bit of courage he possessed to ask for Akiza's hand, but that one word made everything worth it. "Y-Yes?" he asked. He still couldn't believe it, couldn't fathom how he deserved such a perfect young woman.

Akiza nodded, more tears of joy falling down her cheeks. "Yes Yusei!" she cried, her voice filled with love and happiness. Yusei gave a cry of joy and stood up, lifting Akiza up into a tight hug, spinning her around and around as the couple was lost in bliss, knowing that the greatest bond they could ever share had just been formed.

"Yes! Yes!" Akiza cried, wanting to shout it out to the entire world that Yusei Fudo was going to be her husband. "Yes Yusei, I want to marry you!" She leaned down and gave him a soft, tender kiss on the lips. "I want to be with you forever."

Yusei kissed her again and again, savoring the best night of his life. "I want to be with you too Akiza," he said. "Forever and ever."

They laid together under the stars, looking out at the ocean and the land beyond. Their lives had changed so much in the past three years, but they were both better and stronger because of it. They had both been changed for good, and they owed it to each other, to the love they would always share. The drive back to Yusei's apartment was the best ride either of them had taken, the rush of the runner and the love they had for each other coming together in one overwhelming feeling of peace and joy.

They sat on the couch, cuddling and exchanging kisses as the night drug on. Neither could fall asleep, how could they when such a thing just happened?

Akiza had never been so content with life than she was in that moment. Akiza Fudo...it had a nice ring to it. And speaking of rings, the one on her finger was more beautiful than any piece of jewelry she had ever gazed upon. Yusei had bought the ring before the duel with Team New World, his mind made up that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Akiza, win or lose. He was going to propose to her after the match, but the Ark Cradle had put a hitch in his plan.

In the end, everything had worked out perfectly, and Yusei and Akiza wouldn't change a thing about their relationship. It was a big commitment they were making, binding themselves together for the rest of their lives (and whatever lays beyond, Yusei said), but both of the lovers were positive that they had found true love and that they would never let that go.

Akiza rested her head on Yusei's chest as he gently stroked her hair. "I wonder what my parents will say," Akiza wondered. She was going to marry Yusei regardless, but her parent's blessing would be nice to have.

Yusei smiled. "I already talked to them. They approve of it."

"Seriously?" Akiza asked. "And my father gave us his blessing?"

Yusei nodded. "Yep, after he gave me the 'love is a commitment' speech. I'm glad he approved of it though, I was worried that...well, you know."

"Yusei, my parents love you too," Akiza said. She snuggled up closer to him as a giddy smile crossed her face. "I guess you'll be calling them mom and dad pretty soon."

He chuckled a little. "Yeah, I guess." Yusei tried to act like it was no big deal, but Akiza could tell that he was honored and proud to have parents, considering he never had a mother or a father growing up.

Akiza closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of Yusei's fingers tingling her head. She sat up, wrapping her arms around his neck and looking dreamily into her eyes. "Yusei...you made me the happiest woman in the world tonight. I love you so much...please don't ever leave me."

Yusei held her tightly and gave her a passionate kiss. Their lips moved against each other, filling them with warm and fulfilling bliss. There was no better feeling than that, no greater joy than being close to their other halves.

"I love you too Akiza. And I promise you, we will be together forever."

It was the greatest night of their lives, with many more days of happiness ahead.

That's it guys, Our Little Secret is over! I MIGHT write a short epilogue, but probably not.

Now, it's time for thanks yous! If I don't metion your name, I'm sorry. It's just that SO MANY PEOPLE have given me support and assistance with this that it's hard to remember everyone.

Faithorellia: The one who inspired me to write this story. Thanks for making Our Little Secret possible!

AnimeKiwi369: A great writer and friend of mine on this site. Thanks for your help and reviews!

amk8930: A faithful reviewer and loyal Faithshipper. Thanks a million!

MewIchigoPrincess: Cured my writer's block twice. Thank you!

The Key of Hope: Did an amazing job helping me write duels. You're awesome dude!

Redglowingheart: The most intersting reviewer I have ever come upon. Thanks!

LadyRosalie29: Another faithful reviewer. Thanks!

Gyaradosmaster: Also helped me with my duels. Thanks man!

Tornado-22: My 400th reviewer. Thanks!

EVERYONE ELSE WHO READ AND REVIEWED: THANK YOU SO MUCH! I LOVE ALL OF YOU, AND I PROMISE TO FIND TIME TO WRITE MORE STORIES!