Chapter 2!

A/N: Here's the second Chapter. I'm thankful for the great response I got in my last Chapter so I won't rule out making a longer story in the future based off one or both Chapters.

As Yusei got ready for what could possibly the last draw of his life, he felt an enormous pressure weighing on his shoulders. Not only could this duel affect Yugi, Jaden, and himself, but also the past, present, and future as well. "It's up to you. It's your move," Yugi informs him, "Just know that we're behind you. All of us are." Yusei gasped and instantly remembered his friends back home in the future. He turned to face them, as they were lined up one by one. They each give him a smile as he went down the line. Crow, Leo, Luna, Jack and...

Her. Akiza Izinski. Not only does she smile at him, but she gives him a knowing wink as well. Yusei had fallen in love with the red haired woman, but he never had the courage to tell her, despite knowing these feelings for a very long time. When exactly? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that seeing her smile gave him a joy that he never felt before. It was a strange feeling, but one he enjoyed none the less. Akiza had lived a tough life of being bullied and picked on by many different people. All because of a power she didn't understand or know how to control. She finally started using her powers to attack other people, that might harm or come close to her. After she ran away from home, Sayer looked like a positive role model for her. He had powers just like her and Yusei knew that Akiza looked up to him, since he was very wise on the subject. Still, it really hurt Akiza when she found out that Sayer was using her to make her powers grow stronger and was planning to have her eventually attack innocent lives. Even though Akiza was still grateful that Sayer took her in, when she had no place to go, she admitted after the Dark Signers battle that she never wanted to be near him again.

Yusei then watched as Akiza slowly returned to normal society, as the new girl trying to find her place. She visited Yusei often and she told him how school was coming along. Yusei remembered when Akiza offered to let him learn with her, since he never got to go to a public school before. He was home schooled for his high school level education, but Yusei was more than happy to accept Akiza's offer. They spent nights together looking over her tougher assignments and learning about many different subjects. Still, even back then, Yusei had already fallen head over heels for her. Seeing her smile when she figured something out or when the two of them worked together on a assignment made Yusei's heart yearn to be more than just friends.

But...why Yusei couldn't confess his feelings was very simple. He was shy. Yusei never liked to admit it, but his foster mother knew all too well. She teased him about liking Akiza, even when they had only met face to face in the Fortune Cup. When Martha asked why Yusei had gone to such lengths to help Akiza, Yusei replied that he was doing it to be a good friend. But the wiser Martha knew why and it was because he cared about her, even more than a friend. Martha quickly asked him if he liked her, to which Yusei tried desperately to deny. It was even more awkward when Martha teased him in front of Akiza's father. Again, Yusei tried to deny it, but there was no denying that everyone in the room knew about Yusei's hidden feelings for Akiza, including her father. Mr. Izinski refrained from saying anything at the time, as he just hoped that Yusei could help his daughter. Once he did, however, Mr. Izinski immediately saw the connection between the two and he did not care what kind of life Yusei had growing up. Yusei later explained how his life was not as bad as it seemed and how he was not a criminal. It only gave Mr. Izinski more acceptance of Yusei being with his daughter and he too hoped that they would eventually end up in holy matramony.

Not only was it Martha and the Izinski parents that knew about Yusei's love, but it was also his friends Jack and Crow. They loved to tease him, especially when Akiza came over or Yusei went over to her place to study with her. They would always ask how their "date" was and Yusei would try to brush them off. Crow loved to make smooching noises and Jack would tell him to "man up" and tell her about his hidden feelings. Still, that was a lot easier said then done.

Back in reality, Jaden and Yugi both notice a tint of red on Yusei's cheeks, as he thought about Akiza. In his, mind Yusei remembers all of his other friends in New Domino City, and how they have confidence in Yusei, that his last move will be a great one. After Yusei gets out of his thoughts, he returned to reality, and drew a card.

Later, Yugi, Jaden, and Yusei are all a lot more relaxed. They won their duel versus Paradox and they were now heading to a burger shop nearby. Yugi said it was a great spot to hang out and the three of them wanted a chance to talk, before Jaden and Yusei had to return to their own time. Jaden laughed as Yugi waved to a few girls that were smiling at him. Yusei felt the least comfortable of the three, as he wasn't used to getting a lot of attention outside of his best friends. They all went inside and ordered. Yugi offered to pay, even though Yusei and Jaden both had enough to cover their meals. After Yugi handed over the correct amount of dollar bills and change, they got their food, and headed over to an open booth.

"That was some last move we made," Yugi commented as he bit into his sandwich. "It sure was," Jaden replied, "And it all started with you Yusei." Yusei humbly thanked him for the compliment. "But it was really all of us," Yusei commented, "Like you said Yugi, everyone was behind us." Jaden got a smirk on his face. "Speaking of which, before you made your move Yusei, you were blushing a little bit." He then took a bite out of his burger as Yusei became confused. "I was blushing?" Yugi nodded. "You were. You were pondering for a moment, after I told you that everyone was behind you. Then, your cheeks turned red." He took a bite out of his burger and proceeded to talk with his mouth full. "Was there someone special you were thinking about?" Yusei quickly tried to deny that claim.

"No! I wasn't thinking about anyone special! Just my friends back home! That's all!" Yusei's face started to turn red as he spoke, causing Jaden and Yugi to look at one another. "Your face tells a different tale," Jaden noted, "So who were you thinking about?" Yusei looked away in embarrassment. He knew who he was thinking about, but he had always been afraid to admit it. "Don't worry Yusei," Yugi added, "We won't get mad at you for telling us." Yusei knew he was caught. Now, he was going to have to tell two people, who would end up in the dueling history books. Yusei didn't look up, as he avoided their knowing gaze.

"All right," Yusei admitted, "I was thinking about someone. It's...this girl that is a close friend of mine. Her name's Akiza." Yugi and Jaden smiled. "That's a nice name," Jaden comment, "How did you guys meet?" Yusei then told them about Akiza's psychic powers, Sayer, and how he helped her brake free of Sayer's control and returned to normal society. "Wow!" Yugi noted, "You must have liked her for a very long time." Yusei shyly nodded. "I have, but...I can't tell her about my feelings for her."

"Why not?" Jaden asked, "Are you shy?" Yusei quickly tried to deny it, just like with Martha. "I'm not shy!" Yusei said in a raised voice, but his cheeks and face showed the opposite. "You're shy," the great Yugi Muto replied and Yusei looked down guilty as charged. "I can see it in you Yusei," Yugi continued, "And that's okay." Yusei sighed. "I know, but...I just don't think I'm worthy to be her girlfriend. Her father's a senator and her family's very well off. I don't have the kind of money to shower her with gifts, so why would she want to be with a guy like me?"

"Many people date for reasons other than money," Jaden replied, "Besides, you can't buy love. I'm sure that she might enjoy you for just being yourself." Yusei shook his head.

"You don't understand. I'm...the person on the outside isn't the same as the on the inside. I know that I come off as a serious, uptight guy. But...deep down inside, I'm a really affectionate guy. If Akiza was my girlfriend, I'd want to give her as much affection as I could. I'd constantly give her with hugs and kisses and never stop telling her how much I much I love. The problem is...if I showed her that side of me...I'm sure she wouldn't like it. She'd probably think I've gone crazy or took some sort of weird medication." Yusei sighed. "I...can't be her boyfriend, because she wouldn't like the real me."

"That's not true" Yugi replied both quickly and firmly, "I noticed that you are a serious guy Yusei, especially during our duel. But that doesn't mean that Akiza wouldn't enjoy seeing the affectionate side of you. People enjoy receiving physical affection, both men and women. In fact, I'm sure Akiza would really enjoy it if you showed her the more affectionate side of you."

"But that doesn't matter!" Yusei quickly replied back, "She's this beautiful women and could have any guy she wants!" Yusei took off his blue blazer, to give the two other men a better look at his body. He wasn't a hunk in the slightest. He showed his thin arms, thin waist with zero abs, and a body that wasn't going to make girls drool over him. "She's stunningly beautiful and I'm not. I never have been and never will be! So...why would she want to date me?"

Yugi and Jaden didn't have to think for a moment, before answering. "It doesn't matter if you don't have muscles," Yugi replied. "You have clearly shown great care and concern for Akiza. If she's in love with you, then it's not because of looks. It's because of the guy you are emotionally and I think it's your care and concern about her that really sticks out. Couple that with opening up your affectionate side and I think there's no doubt that she'll return your feelings." Jaden continued as Yusei put his jacket back on. "Plus, don't worry so much about how you look. Most guys are not super hunks and most girls know that. If this Akiza and you are as good of friends as you have told us, it seems as though she would easily want to date you, even without being super muscular."

Yusei sighed. Every time he had a reason for Akiza not dating him, Jaden and Yugi knew exactly what to say. "Yusei," Yugi said softly, "What would make you happiest about dating Akiza?" Yusei was confused. "What?" Jaden smiled. "What would make you the happiest if you were dating Akiza? We've heard about you trying to make her happy, but what would make you happy if she was your girlfriend?" Yusei smiled and a trickle of pink was on his cheeks.

"Seeing her smile," Yusei replied, "I've never seen anyone with a more beautiful smile as her. Like I said before, I'd love to give her tons of hugs and kisses, to let her know just how special she is to me. Doing all that would hopefully make her smile. I haven't been able to spend as much time with her as I would like, but that would quickly change if I was her boyfriend. I'd try to be with her as much as I could. I...just want her to understand the emotional and affectionate side of me. The real me. But...I'm just too shy to tell her." Jaden and Yugi looked at one another.

"Promise us that you'll tell her," Jaden said excitedly. "Huh?" Yusei asked. "Promise us that you'll tell her," Yugi repeated, "And that way, you'll have a very good reason to tell her." Yusei wasn't buying it. "I don't know," he replied, "I'm...I'm nervous. Even more so than during our duel. I know it's kind of dumb for a guy to admit when he's nervous and shy, but that's truly what I'm feeling." Yugi gave a hearty laugh.

"There's nothing to ashamed of Yusei. What you're feeling is perfectly normal. This isn't a duel for fun. We're talking about opening yourself up and telling someone that you love them. If Akiza was going to confess to you, I'm sure she'd feel the exact same way. You just have to believe in yourself Yusei and trust what your heart is telling you." Yusei watched as Yugi stuck out his hand.

"Make a promise with us right now that you'll tell her." Jaden stuck out his hand and put it on top of Yugi's. "Promise us Yusei. We know you can tell her." Yusei looked at two future famous duelists. There were so many other things they could be talking about or promising to each other. Yet, this is what they decided on. Yusei knew that this was a once in lifetime moment and he didn't want to make a mistake. He put his hand on top of all of them. Yugi and Jaden were known for being super confident people. If they had the confidence that he could tell Akiza and she would return his feelings, then he knew he was in pretty good shape.

"All right," Yusei now said with a confident smile on his face, "I promise to tell tell Akiza how I feel about her."

In New Domino City months later

Yusei walked by a railing. Even after promising Jaden and Yugi that he would tell Akiza about his feelings, he hadn't been good to his word. Yusei got so caught up in the WRGP and ZONE that he wasn't able to talk to her. Most of the time he had with Akiza, he was usually stuck with Jack, Crow, or at least one other person. The times Akiza and Yusei worked on her homework together, Yusei was just too nervous and shy to tell her. His stomach was in knots and besides, it wasn't the best time. A few times Yusei had been alone with her, but yet again, he wasn't able to tell her. As Yusei continued to walk, he spotted a rock on the road. He tried to kick it as had as he could, but it didn't go nearly as far as he had tried to kick it. Akiza was going to Germany overseas. Yusei had yet to say goodbye to her and he was kicking himself for both that and not confessing to her. He walked up to the garage, not sure of what to do. 'Maybe I'll just call her on the phone,' Yusei thought in a depressed tone. He then lifted up the garage door.

Inside was a tall woman, with dark red hair and she was facing away from him. "Akiza?" he asked, hopeful that it was the person he had been thinking about. He then headed for the light switch. "Leave the lights off," Akiza said firmly, without facing him. Yusei turned to her, confused as to what she was doing. "I've just been waiting here, thinking of all kinds of things. I can't show you my face right now..."

Yusei walked towards her, wanting to know what was going on. "So, you're the only one who'll be here now Yusei?" Yusei came to a stop, a short ways away. Still, he was concerned about her, just like Yugi and Jaden had noticed a while back. "Yeah. So what's wrong?" She turned to him, but she looked down at her feet, avoiding his gaze. "I was just thinking of how I should say a proper goodbye to you." Yusei smiled. It was so nice that Akiza was thinking about him. After everything he had done for her, Akiza wanted him to know just how special she was to him. "I see," Yusei replied happily, trying to let Akiza know that he understood.

Suddenly, Akiza's voice became shaky and nervous. She was scared and worried about she was going to say. "Yusei..." Akiza finally looked up, with a worried look on her face, as she swung her right hand in front of her. "I have always lov..." Akiza suddenly stopped and leaned back. A smile was on her face as she shook her head, as though she knew something was wrong. Yusei was in shock. 'Why did she stop?' Yusei wondered, 'She was going to say that she loved me.' Akiza looked back up.

"I love that I met you," she corrected herself. Yusei was still stunned. But then he realized that Akiza wanted to give him a proper goodbye. If she said that she loved him, how would they move forward? Would she decide not fly across the Atlantic and go to Germany for school? Yusei knew that she deserved to study abroad and Yusei wanted her to be able to accomplish her dream, which was to become a doctor. That explained why she stopped herself. As for what she said, that made Yusei really happy. If Akiza really loved him, then that meant that she felt the same way he did. Yusei's stunned face turned into a confident smile. He remembered what he promised Jaden and Yugi and this was a golden opportunity. Still, Yusei decided that he would follow Akiza's lead and refrain from saying those three little words.

"So do I, Akiza," Yusei replied. Akiza gave him a hopeful smile, but Yusei knew that he wanted to turn it into a confident one. Akiza turned to the side. "When I first met you Yusei, I was honestly thinking that you were a scary person." Yusei couldn't believe it, as it was an incredible coincidence. He now knew about Akiza's feelings for him and he wanted her to know that he returned them. Yusei remembered that he told Yugi and Jaden that he wanted to open up and show Akiza the real him. That meant showing her things that he never showed before and one of the biggest things was his emotional side. Yusei started out by reacting to what Akiza had said and he let out a hearty laugh. Akiza was surprised, as she had never seen this side of Yusei before. She had never heard him laugh like this, but that didn't mean that she wasn't enjoying it. Yusei leaned back and explained his reaction to her.

"The same applies for me," Yusei replied, "When I first laid eyes on you Akiza, you were really scary. I was pretty nervous of what would happen to the team if we lost to you." Akiza became upset. She had been trying to win the Fortune Cup, just like everyone else. Even though Akiza wasn't acting like the person she was right now, it still made her upset. It would have been her fault if the Signers didn't get together? Akiza didn't like the blame being put on her and knew she could stand up for herself. "Huh? You really thought that?" she asked as she made a fist. Akiza knew that Yusei and herself didn't believe in violence. Still, she wanted to know that he should take her anger seriously.

Yusei walked towards Akiza. To be honest, he could feel all the fear and worried feelings that he had felt so many times before bottle up into one. He tried his best to hide what he was feeling inside, but he could feel his armpits start sweating profusely, which was luckily hidden by his black jacket, and his body resisted the urge to shake. He looked Akiza in the eye, as he took a couple of steps. He eyed her hand, which was now in a fist.

"Akiza, don't forget to smile," Yusei said, as he managed to keep his voice firm. Akiza's fist became loosened, as she was surprised by his words. 'What does he mean by that?' Akiza thought. Yusei continued, to help explain what he was saying to her. He eyed her now loosened fist and wanted to show Akiza his affectionate side. He reached up and grabbed Akiza's dominate right hand, with not one, but both of his hands.

"There's no one in the world with a smile better than yours," Yusei finished as he now had a firm hold on her hand. Akiza was still surprised, giving him a stunned look, just like he had done a few moments earlier. Suddenly, it hit her. Yusei was returning her feelings. He hadn't said those three little words and she had refrained from saying them as well. Still, as she felt Yusei's hand around hers, she confidently firmed up her right hand. She then added her left and just to be sure of her feelings said:

"You're the one, who put that smile on my face, Yusei."

Yusei could see it in her brown eyes that she understood what he was saying. Still, Yusei wanted to show Akiza even more of his affectionate and emotional side, while at the same time, he just couldn't help himself. With everything they had said and did, it was clear as day that they returned each other's feelings. Yusei smiled a rare smile, but he knew that he would show it more and more in the future. His smile being considered rare would quickly become extinct, as he now had a reason to smile. He leaned forward, wanting to show Akiza one of the most romantic and affectionate gestures that a person could give. Not only that, but he wanted to show her just how affectionate he truly was. With Akiza's last sentence, she had dotted her i's and crossed her t's to make sure that Yusei knew her feelings for him. It was now time for him to do the same.

With Akiza and Yusei being nearly identical heights, Yusei leaned slightly forward, with a smile on his face. Akiza leaned forward, with a look of excitement and anticipation on her face. As they got closer, Akiza lost that expression. Now she was worried and scared. As Yusei leaned forward, he too lost his expression. His lips were now in a straight line and he felt his nervousness come back. He had promised Jaden and Yugi to confess his feelings and he now had the chance to be good on his word. Still, a first kiss was undoubtedly a memorable point in a person's life and he wanted to make it perfect. He gulped in nervousness.

As the two of them looked into each other's eyes, Akiza got an idea. She closed her eyes and let Yusei know that it was okay. She wanted to kiss him and let him know that she trusted it would be a wonderful moment. Yusei gasped, but it barely made a sound. His cheeks were red and so were Akiza's. Again, he decided to follow her lead and closed his eyes. The two of them leaned forward and closed the final distance. When they did, what they felt was pure bliss.

All of their feelings and nervousness had finally been released. With this moment, there were no more doubts. No more sleepless nights or wondering in their minds if the other person liked them. This moment finally gave them peace of mind that they truly loved one another.

Yusei and Akiza weren't sure how long they stood their, hands still intertwined, and lips pressed against one another. Finally, they leaned back, still blushing, but now with relieved smiles on their faces. "Akiza," Yusei said softly. "Yusei," Akiza repeated at the same volume. They smiled. "You were my first kiss," Akiza added. "And you were my first kiss," Yusei added, "But there's no one I'd rather give it to than you." Akiza gasped softly. "Thank you Yusei. I feel the exact same way." They both took a moment to take in the moment.

"I...don't know when I'll get to see you again Akiza," Yusei started, "But I want you to know that I support you, believe in you, and I know that you will become a great doctor. Don't give up Akiza. Never stop smiling, because you have the most beautiful smile in the entire world." Akiza listened to everything Yusei had said, but it was the first sentenced that she addressed. "I don't know when I'll see you again?" Akiza repeated, "Have you forgotten Yusei?" Yusei became stunned. "Forgotten about what?" Akiza giggled. "My Christmas and Summer breaks?" Yusei took a moment to let it sink in. 'Christmas and Summer breaks? Wait...' Yusei became excited and it was hinted at in his voice.

"Are you saying that..." Yusei didn't finish his statement as Akiza closed her eyes and nodded. Akiza would, in fact, be coming back for her summer and winter breaks. "So it will only be a few months?" Yusei asked. "Yep. I'll be coming back for every single one," Akiza replied, "So you won't have to wait too long for me." Akiza then became a little sad and she looked down. "Of course, that may be the next time I get to talk to you again." Yusei was now the one to respond.

"The next time I get to talk to you?" Yusei repeated, "Akiza, you can talk to me anytime you'd like." Akiza was confused. "But what about the time difference?" Akiza stressed, "I'll be several hours ahead of you." Yusei still smiled. "Akiza. You can always contact me. I don't care if it's 3 pm or 3 am. My door is always open to you Akiza and you can contact me about anything. No matter the the time or subject. Besides, we have so much technology right at our fingertips. A message, a call, or even a video chat, it doesn't matter. I'm free to talk anytime you'd like Akiza."

"But what about your job as a scientist?" Akiza asked. Yusei rolled his eyes. "Akiza. I barely helped out on that. There were tons of people who knew a lot more about the subject than me. I spend more time online than doing actual work. It's okay. Whether I'm at work or at home, feel free to contact me Akiza. Whenever you want." Akiza smiled. Getting to stay in touch with Yusei, especially after tonight, was music to her ears. "Okay, but be sure to be there for when I come back," Akiza reminded him.

"And be sure to contact me whenever you can," Yusei reminded her, "And just try your very best." Akiza nodded. "Thanks. I will." The two of them had forgotten about their hands. They were still holding them, even after all this time. Maybe it was a hint of all the hand holding that was to come. Yusei and Akiza slowly let go of their hands. They didn't want to, especially after tonight. But they both knew they would see and hear from each other very soon. Akiza made a fist and had a determined look on her face, before folding her arms.

"Well, I'm off," Akiza replied. Yusei stuffed his hand in his pockets. "Okay. get on out of here." He watched her go up the stairs and leave, with a smile on his face. As he slowly walked out, he felt a warmth spread throughout his body. He had kept his promise to Jaden and Yugi, by confessing his feelings for Akiza. He was going to show that tonight was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to showing the real Yusei. He was going to give her hugs, kisses, and as much affection as he could. He would hold her in his long, thin arms and not worry about how unmuscular they were. He imagined getting to hear her laugh, and best of all, seeing her smile.

Yusei knew that one day, a very long time from now, he would ask to take Akiza's hand. When he did, he knew that she would accept, and the two of them would be bound in holy matrimony. That night, he dreamed a very happy dream. He imagined a white, puffy, cotton ball like room. Yugi and Jaden had their backs to him and they both turned around, giving him smiles. Yugi gave him a thumbs up, while Jaden held out his hand in his signature trademark with an eye closed.

They were both looking at Yusei and Akiza, with smiles on their faces, as Yusei had his right arm around Akiza's back. In front of them, were both of their left hands, each with a gold ring around their ring finger.

A/N: I tried to connect the movie with the last episode in both Chapters and it was one of the reasons why I wrote this (with the first Chapter being more fun and non-canon). I'll try my best to explain why and comment back if you agree or not.

I noticed when Yusei thought about his friends in New Domino City, in the Bonds Beyond Time movie, they all smiled at him. Akiza was last (saving the best for last I guess) and, not only did she smile at him, but she also gave him a knowing wink. This can possibly be connected to the last episode. Yusei tells Akiza, in the episode, that he finds her smile to be the most beautiful in the world. With that in mind, her wink in the movie could be an early sign, that Yusei fell in love with Akiza for a very long time.

In conclusion, the wink Akiza gives in the movie is a possible a very big Faithshipping hint. Yusei gets a knowing wink from Akiza, as she is smiling at him in his dream, and he later tells her that her smile is the most beautiful in the entire world. Is there a chance that this all just a coincidence? My Faithshipping mind doubts that. ;)