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Jack Atlas didn't like to share.
He's gotten into fights multiple times just because he didn't want anyone touching what was his. This trait of his stayed with him even as an adult, more prominent when he came to Neo Domino City and became 'King' for a while.
When he was first staying with Carly, he didn't let her touch his things unless it was laundry day. It was reasonable— they barely knew each other and who knows what this reporter girl could do if she got her hands on his personal belongings. Then again, she doesn't look like the type to write an article about his undergarments…
Anyways.
Jack became more comfortable around her after going to the amusement park. Carly was mostly harmless, if not for her tendency to slip on nothing and maybe leave the pot with the stove on for too long. She was also nice enough to insist that he stay in the bedroom for another night when he finally suggested taking the couch.
And so he did, but he couldn't sleep that night. Jack decided that the best thing to do was drink some tea that Carly was supposed to use only on special occasions. He didn't really understand why — it was too good to just be catching dust on the shelf. Maybe he would eat some cup noodles, too.
Carly was still up, too focused on whatever she was typing to notice that he was there. There was an untouched cup of coffee along with several papers scattered on the table. They didn't have a particularly fulfilling dinner earlier, just a few slices of leftover pizza. If she was still hungry, she didn't show it.
As he heated up some water, Jack wondered how she could still be so passionate about a job that required her to work at such ungodly hours. He heard her boss screaming at her numerous times, but she still kept doing her job. If it were him, he would have probably cursed at the man already and quit on the spot. He didn't give it much thought when he poured hot water into two cups of his favorite instant noodles.
Carly yelped when he set one cup in front of her. "Oh, it's just you." She let out a sigh, "Is this for me?"
He nodded. She muttered a 'thank you' before starting to eat.
-
Jack was minding his own business, drinking his beloved Blue Eyes Mountain coffee, when Carly pulled out a chair to sit next to him. She started talking about a potential scoop, and he offered no more than nods and grunts in reply.
This wasn't really the Carly he knew— she had no memory of what happened between them, only left with the feelings she gained from that incident. He figured that it was better this way. She didn't need to feel guilty for something she didn't have control over. She should be the way she is now, with a bright smile and loving personality.
Their 'talk' was cut off by a rumbling sound. Carly looked away, laughing nervously, "Sorry, I didn't have time to get breakfast. Anyway—"
"Hey," He called out to the waitress who had been watching them the whole time, "Get her a bagel or something and a cup of coffee, and make it quick."
The waitress hurried off inside and Carly frowned at him. "You didn't have to order her around like that! And I can get breakfast by myself, this place is kind of expensive.."
He honestly thought that she would be grateful for it. "It's my treat." No harm in sharing a bit of his blessings, right?
"Did you even remember to bring your wallet today?"
Jack not-so-subtly reached into his pockets.
".....I'll put it on Crow's tab."
-
He didn't know why the first thing he thought to do after receiving a paycheck was to go to her apartment. Having a flashy duel runner had its perks— he got paid just for letting an advertising company use it in their commercials. He could have spent some money for himself first, but instead he was right in front of her door.
Jack knocked twice, and heard a loud 'thud!' and footsteps getting closer. Carly opened the door, still in her pajamas.
"Oh, hi Jack!" She straightened up, using her fingers to brush her messy hair. "I didn't expect you to be here today."
He took out an envelope from his pocket and held it out to her. Carly gingerly took it from him and took a peek at its contents.
"Did… did you murder anyone, by chance?"
"What the hell makes you think that!?" He didn't mean to be so loud, especially when she looked like she just woke up, but her line of thought was concerning. "I let some guys use Wheel of Fortune for their little project and they paid me for it."
"That's great!" She smiled at him, brushing off her previous comment. "Why are you giving me this, though?"
"It's payment for when I stayed here. Now my debt to you is repaid." Jack replied. He wasn't sharing his money, he was just paying her back for all the times she took care of him, bought food for him, and…
Saving him. Maybe.
He blinked in confusion when she handed him the envelope back. "I didn't bring you here so you could owe me a favor. Actually— no, I did bring you here at first just to get a scoop, but…" Carly sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck, "I let you stay because I like you! And I didn't mind, so there's no need to repay me."
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. What did he come here for, then!? The voice inside his head was telling him to insist because she deserved compensation for putting up with him.
"But—"
"On second thought," Carly cut him off, "Maybe you can use the money to ask me out on a romantic dinner!" She squeed, bringing her hands up to her flushed cheeks.
That doesn't sound too bad. "Alright. Where do you want to go?"
-
He would never admit it, but he enjoyed that night.
-
A Christmas party was supposed to be personal, with only a close group of people celebrating it. A group of people who were at least acquainted with each other. This party wasn't like that— it was a mix of famous celebrities and personalities from all around the world.
Jack wasn't complaining, though. He went there with a brand new fitted suit. Crow complained that he could have just used his old one, but that wouldn't do. He just had to have a new one tailored for this event.
The others were off doing their own thing— Crow, Rua, and Ruka were at the buffet, while Yusei and Aki were talking to each other outside about who-knows-what. Jack was just standing there, arms crossed, contemplating on what to do.
"Hello, Jack." He turned to see Misty Lola approaching him. They only interacted a few times before, usually for promotion of products from KaibaCorp and other companies. Then there was the whole Dark Signers incident, but he knew they both didn't want to talk about that. Jack gave a nod to acknowledge her presence.
"Enjoying the party?" She asked.
She probably needed something from him if she was willing to make small talk. "Could be worse." He replied.
"It'll get interesting soon, don't worry." She laughed, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to mingle with the other guests."
He narrowed his eyes at her statement. What could possibly make a Christmas party more interesting? Maybe he only came here to enjoy the luxury of being in a celebrity-only party and to show off his new suit, but this was pretty boring.
That's what he thought until he spotted her . Jack almost didn't recognize her, but her bangs were the same and he'd know those pretty gray eyes anywhere. Carly wasn't wearing her usual light blue dress. No, she was wearing something that fitted her better. Something that showed off a bit more skin than what he would expect her to wear.
For some reason, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He was used to silently looking out for her at these parties whenever she was there. The strap of her old dress kept sliding off her shoulder (oh how he wanted to just use tape to keep it in place) and he had to make sure no one was getting any funny ideas (by giving those people a murderous glare). But this…
As much as he'd like to just pull her aside and wrap her up in his blazer, she was just doing her job. Carly was happily taking pictures and talking with other people. This was the perfect place to get interviews, after all. This was her way of enjoying the party, and he didn't want to ruin that, so he tried to focus on something else.
That is, until some asshole wrapped a disgusting arm on her waist. Someone she didn't know, judging from her flinching and nervous smile.
Jack was moving before he even had a chance to think.
"...not looking for a date." He could hear her reply. The pig beside her looked hopeful, but before it could even say anything, he forcefully pulled Carly out of its grip.
"She's with me." Jack said, getting in between them. "Scram."
The poor guy didn't have to get told twice and ran away.
When he turned to look at Carly, she looked angry. She turned with a huff and speed-walked outside.
What? Why wasn't she leaping into his arms with heart-eyes or something!? He stood there for a few seconds, confused, before trying to catch up to her. Never mind that he just ran past Yusei and Aki walking inside while holding hands, he needed to talk to Carly!
"Carly!" He called out to her, which probably was a bad move because she started walking faster.
"Stop following me!" She shouted back. If this had been the old Jack, he would have stopped, but not today— especially when she was wearing heels. She wasn't used to wearing them and he knew how accident-prone she was.
Her tendency to slip on nothing came at the worst times (or maybe it was her inexperience with heels) and she yelped before tumbling forward. Jack tried to help her up but-
"Don't!" She raised her hand towards him.
"I'm just trying to he—"
"No! You've embarrassed me too much already." Carly sniffled, "I can get up myself."
Embarrassed? "I didn't do anything wrong. Blame the creep that was touching you like that."
Carly glared at him while she stood up, "I could've handled it myself! I know you like dramatic entrances, but you didn't have to do that in public."
"He was clearly making you uncomfortable, what the hell was I supposed to do? And if you're worried about the attention, the people you want to interview would notice you now since you know me, I'm doing you a favor." He replied.
Wrong choice. Carly's face got red, and it wasn't from her usual lovey-dovey feelings. "That's the problem! I don't want people to accept my interviews because I know the Jack Atlas— I want to build a name for myself!" She yelled at him, "I went here with Misty because she offered, and I begged her not to say anything about bringing me with her. I want to be known for my stories, not because I have connections with famous people…"
Jack felt a dull pain in his chest. He understood too clearly how she felt, wanting to reach her dreams without any fixing or cheating, like he had done once before. Back when he was blinded with ambition and wanted the easy way to the top. He remembered that day at the amusement park when she had refused to write an article about him. She didn't want to hurt him, if it meant losing a chance at a promotion.
"I'm sorry." Jack was never good at apologies and comforting others. He can't really punch Carly in the gut like he did with Yusei before— he had to be gentler. "You're right, I should have done something more subtle…"
"Or not interfere at all."
"I can't do that." He quickly replied. "I… care about you too much."
'And I don't want anyone touching what is mine. ' He wanted to add, but she would probably get angry at him again.
She stared at him while a blush crept onto his face. Damn it , he didn't plan to confess like this! He wanted to do it on New Year's Eve, watching the fireworks with her on the tower where she encouraged him to rise up again.
"I thought about a lot of romantic scenarios in my head, but this wasn't one of them." Carly laughed. Jack wanted to give a snappy reply, but she continued before he could. "Ahhh, I can never be angry at you for so long! I love you too much."
"Carly…" He muttered as she intertwined her fingers with his.
"That confession wasn't romantic at all, if you could even count it as one, so I'm giving you a chance to do it again." She winked at him. "For now, let's just enjoy the party."
Jack nodded and gently squeezed her hand. He'll do a better job in a few days time. They walked together back into the main hall.
To think all this finally happened because he didn't want to share Carly with anyone.
…Maybe it was a good thing he didn't like sharing. At least, not all the time.