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87 sat on the table in front of Yusei, his platformed boots resting on the seat below. He found this easier to show the other boy how to play the chords on the electric guitar. It was a little bit silly, how it was almost bigger than him. He was quite the skinny one. 87, was another old friend of Yusei’s. He had a punk-ish styled outfit and split red and blue hair that swayed this way and that.
Yusei sat on the bench across, finding this position for both of them a bit strange.
“So, this is the last lesson I’m going to be able to give you for a little while. We’ll be busy performing tonight, tomorrow, and the day after, but we can continue on Monday. How does that sound?”
“It’s all right with me.”
“Cool!” He swung his legs a little, smiling.
Yusei kept his blank stare; though he had a different sort of look in his eyes today. 87 noticed but decided not to say anything.
“So this…is the hardest chord for a beginner to master. It...sucks. To put it simply. Are you ready?”
He looked at Yusei who was positioned almost perfectly with his guitar. It fit the shape of his body very well. The instrument seemed so natural in his hands. 87 thought it wonderful they found a spare he could have all those weeks ago.
Yusei nodded in response.
“Okay! So, remember how I showed you where to place your fingers? Yep! Index finger on those six strings. Now…”
20 minutes later.
The duelist was visibly struggling. His eyes were narrowed and a sweat drop was visible on his forehead. 87 attempted to guide him through again and again but to no avail. Fingers sore and cut from past lessons, Yusei feared he would make his injuries worse.
With his 15th attempt unsuccessful, Yusei let out a sigh- the only verbal reaction he’s made so far. 87’s gaze softened as he walked over to him. He put a delicate hand on the other’s right shoulder.
“Time to take a break?” He asked, tilting his head.
“…….Maybe.” Yusei was able to quell his frustration. Either he believed, or that looking at 87 this way usually helped him to feel at ease.
“I know you’re a determined guy, but it’s also good to just…stop sometimes. You know?”
If only he did. Yusei could be a bit of a perfectionist; never wanting to stop a project when just one last tinker or last welding could really add something to it. Having difficulty with this just felt a bit more like a setback if anything. It was hard not to let it get to him.
“……”
“Here, move over. I’m going to sit by you.”
At his command, Yusei did as he said, watching 87 sit down at his left. His guitar was set gently in his lap. 87 took Yusei’s and put it back in its case- which sat at their feet. Settled in, he looked up ahead at the rest of the empty hall.
There wasn’t much in this particular room. Some benches and tables, he imagined this is what an empty cafeteria may have looked like at some point. Well, aside from the carefully stored musical instruments, drum kits, and the occasional toolbox.
He did fulfill Yusei’s request for something more private. 87 knew him as the reserved and quiet type anyway. It’d only make sense. Yusei didn’t speak much and was usually very direct, though genuine.
He liked that about him. There was something to admire about a guy who chose his words carefully. Unlike 87, who was the one that filled in the rest of their conversations. Like his music, he was loud and expressive; the complete opposite of Yusei. He’d go on and on for hours about whatever happened to take his interest that day. Sometimes a new piece of music, about his band members, or even just about the Stadium in general.
He also thought about his strength. 87 was a duelist himself, aware of his skills,
but Yusei…
Yusei was on an entirely different level. Watching him duel could easily get him pumped up, and hearing the lively stories about Team Satisfaction’s clashes with opposing duel gangs, and even the few times they dueled together…
87 was just so proud of him. He’s really grown in the years they were apart. Yusei and the rest of their friends. And now after so long, they could finally be together again.
But, he thought to himself, whenever he was spending this time with Yusei- the other always seemed so…distracted. Looking so unsure of himself and like he could explode any minute. It was almost like he was afraid to be around him.
He wondered if that was a good thing. Was he inadvertently hurting Yusei?
He’s brought out of his thoughts when something moved in front of him. 87 yelped out, making Yusei shift back with a flinch. Oh. He was just leaning over to check on him…
“…….Sorry. Did I scare you?” 87 chuckled.
Yusei felt something ache in his chest. He really hoped he wasn’t dying right now. That wouldn’t be great.
“It’s fine.” He mumbled, rubbing his knuckles. “What were you thinking about?”
“Huh?”
Direct. But that was pretty sudden for Yusei. 87 blinked, his gaze shifting as he tried to think of the best way to explain. But…should he even tell him? He didn’t want to lie. Even if he tried he knew the other could easily see right through him.
But he felt a bit embarrassed to just…tell him that he was thinking of the things he liked about him.
“……I was thinking about you.”
That came out automatically, Yusei turned to look back at him- eyes widened just a bit. 87’s breath hitched.
Did he mess up?
“Like-like how I admire you…-because you know how we’re spending so much more time together now after all these years! Because it’s been so long…And I’m getting to see how very preserving you are and….”
Wait. That reminded him of something.
“……Yusei?”
Eyes still on him, the other nodded.
“Yeah?”
“……Why did you want me to teach you electric guitar, anyway?”
The other was silent. Thinking, maybe. His gaze went elsewhere.
“I mean, I know you offered to fix up my Duel Guitar a while ago but….it’s…”
87 looked down at his instrument.
“Is…is it still just that?”
Yusei’s face began to burn, his heart racing. He didn’t like this feeling. It just freaked him out. He knew the answer, but how could he tell 87?
The other observed his nervousness, frowning and carefully putting a hand on his back. Yusei tensed, but then he eased into the touch.
He looked back at 87, his gaze conflicted.
87 smiled.
“It’s fine. If you don’t have a reason, that’s okay too. Honestly, I’m just happy to be around you.”
“I do.”
87 was taken aback when he felt his hands suddenly held in the other’s. Surprising. Typically, he expected to feel the warm and rough leather of Yusei’s gloves. He hardly ever felt his…actual skin. It was a bit rough, and as he looked down he could see some scars and a few beauty marks.
Yusei squeezed his hands, and his attention was brought back.
“……Then…what is it?” Stunned, he still managed to speak.
“…I…just thought it was interesting at first. I wanted to see how it worked so I could fix your guitar.”
“….Okay.”
“But…I think now…as time has passed…”
Yusei stared at their hands.
“I prefer your company.”
87 didn’t say anything for a moment, responding to Yusei’s heartfelt words with another smile.
“Oh. So we’re on the same page! That’s great. I’m really glad you feel the same way.”
But it wasn’t the same, was it? Yusei didn’t know how to tell him- if he should. Since they were younger, he knew his feelings and thoughts about 87 were different. He cared about him like he cared about Jack, Crow, and Kiryu. And the rest of his friends. But with 87…it didn’t feel right to say he was like another friend. He knew he felt something deeper for him- but he didn’t understand it, nor did he want to admit it. It was strange, and unfamiliar. Most of all it was terrifying.
He didn’t want to risk losing him. Not again.
Yusei slowly let go of his hands. 87, laid his head against Yusei’s left shoulder. He held his Duel Guitar up, playing a simple melody. Yusei turned to him, curious.
“I know Jack and Crow are going to come for you soon. How about you try again? I’ll sit closer to you this time so I can guide you better.”
“…Maybe you should have done that earlier.”
Surprised, 87 looked up at him and laughed. Yusei tried, but couldn’t resist a smile. His cheeks warmed, and he gently took his guitar back from 87- who offered it to him.
“By the way, how do you like the design? I did paint it for you.” He leaned over in front of him; so he could also get a better look.
Looking over the instrument, Yusei once again admired the handiwork. A Superstrat model; at first glance, it was rich black with angular yellow lines that ran along its corners. When positioned in the light, he could see the rich and deep blue coloring that was hidden within. Some choice stickers were spread out on its back.
“I love it. I’ve already told you many times.” He looked at 87.
87 grinned. “I know. But I love hearing it from you.”
“Okay! Now.” 87 adjusted himself, moving back from his spot. Sitting just an arm’s length away, his body now faced Yusei’s side. His legs swung over the seat; so he could be as comfortable as possible, even with the narrow seating. The other mirrored his position- making it so that they could see each other’s instruments and hands.
Yusei looked him over, before furrowing a brow. 87 sweat dropped at his reaction, chuckling.
“...Yeah. Sorry.”
He leaned over, guiding Yusei’s fingers to where they should be.
“Here, I’ll show you where to position them again. Now, go!”
17 minutes later.
Yusei…though struggling much less- still hadn’t been able to play the chord. 87 moved back closer to him now, his head just almost under Yusei’s. His eyes focused on the other’s fingers on the strings. His chin rested firm on his palm, he spoke:
“Strum again.”
He did, but the chord didn’t play.
“….Maybe you don’t have the strength yet in your fingers…but you’re a duelist. Shouldn’t you have strong fingers?”
Yusei considered that for a moment. But, maybe he was right. He was just going to have to keep practicing. Though….something in him felt like this was unfinished. Like it was all too soon for this to be over. And he didn’t mean the lesson.
It was easy to disregard his own feelings on the matter.
“It’s all right, 87. I know you’re just trying to teach me.”
Yusei moved to stand up, until he felt himself being pulled back down.
“No!”
87 had his hands on the other’s forearms. Keeping him down, Yusei stared at him bewildered.
“…..S-Sorry!…I just….”
He let go of him, easing back into where he was sitting. Yusei relaxed- but still kept his soft and now concerned gaze on him. Sighing, the other lowered his head. He was still close to Yusei, almost unbearably close for the black-haired teen.
“....Just…just try one more time. Please?” He lifted his gaze onto the guitar. Of course, that wasn’t really what he was worried about. But it wasn’t like he could just directly tell Yusei he wanted him to stay. To stay close to him and never leave his side.
Yusei’s eyelids dropped just a bit. Seems like 87 wasn’t ready yet either. Keeping silent about it for the other’s sake, he sat upright and carefully positioned the instrument. 87 straightened just a little as well, but kept low to observe his playing.
He watched, eyes following carefully as Yusei followed the same steps.
Index finger there…on all 6 strings.
“Side of that finger. Remember?”
“Yes.”
“Okay…ring finger there. Yes.”
With every instruction, 87 seemed to lean in a little closer. But not so that he obscured the other’s view. Yusei, actually able to keep his cool here- continued on.
“Pinky…and now middle finger on that second fret of G.”
87, satisfied- gave him a nod.
“Here goes nothing.” Yusei started, and gave one last confident strum.
…..
The intended chord played. 87 sat up, eyes widened and almost disbelieving. Yusei jerked back, right before 87’s head busted his chin.
Yusei looked at the guitar, then at him. Then the guitar again.
“It…played! Yeah!!” 87 yelled out, his excited tone catching the other’s full attention.
Yusei couldn’t resist another smile. Seeing him this happy made him prouder of his work.
“Wait wait, try again! No, don’t say anything. Strum!”
Again. And again. The chord played! 87 was ecstatic, hollering with so much energy- his yells echoed across the hall. He practically jumped out of his seat.
“FUDO CAN PLAY F CHORD!!!!!!!”
Fudo…was losing it. His face flushed, and he nestled it into the high collar of his jacket. Taking some deep breaths, he was able to calm down. 87 went back to his spot, after belting his heart out for him. Underneath him again, his admiring eyes traced the instrument. He was giggling, completely enamored by the other's new skill.
Quietly, he spoke.
“You can really do it now, Yusei,” His gaze began to move to his face, “I’m so proud of y-”
Silence.
His own golden eyes met Yusei’s intense blue ones. The playful atmosphere now quieted down, they were enveloped in complete silence as they stared at each other.
The duelist had a warm look. Eyes half-lidded and gaze on him- 87 was struck silent. Yusei’s lips curved into a soft smile as he looked at 87 with such adoration.
87 could feel his heartbeat in his ears. His jaw dropped slightly- he didn’t dare look away.
The sunset rays carefully drew in from one of the large windows behind Yusei.
Leaning into each other, almost subconsciously - they could feel the warmth from each other's face. Both had their cheeks dusted with richer colors, 87 almost felt like he was in a dream.
Yusei could hardly believe this was happening either. Was he really doing this? He didn’t know what to do, what would happen, or if…
In the middle, they meet. Now thoughts quelled, both could simply enjoy the moment. In a careful movement, 87’s hands went from the other’s shoulders to his arms behind his neck. Yusei positioned his hands carefully on the sides of 87’s face. Bringing him closer and tilting his head ever so slightly, he made the kiss deeper.
Moments later, 87 was the first one to pull away. Just a bit, his arms still where they were. Yusei’s hands cupped his face still. He could feel 87’s face burning. Their eyes still locked, 87 couldn’t avoid Yusei’s loving look. He would have returned it, had he not still been incredibly flustered. The kiss totally broke his nonchalant exterior.
He could have indulged in the atmosphere too; until a pit of dread hit his stomach.
“.............Did that….really happen?”
Now it was Yusei’s turn to feel timorous.
“..............Yes.” He half-believed his own response.
“.........Oh.”
87- brings his hands back, to cover his own face. Yusei lets go of him, eyes tinged with worry.
“So-so you felt the same way…all this time?” 87 whispers, visibly embarrassed. Not only was his face red, but his knees were now brought to his chest.
Yusei was relieved that he was just flustered. But, it wasn’t like he was totally confident either. He didn’t believe he’d ever do this. To just kiss his crush without any hesitation. If he wasn't so intent on keeping as much of his cool as possible, he’d definitely be in the same position.
“.....Since we were kids,” he confirmed, “I didn’t really know how to tell you. Or….if I was ever going to.”
All of this was happening so fast, he felt like he could lose his mind. It all just spilled out of him so easily. Just earlier he was doing mostly okay at controlling himself. With every second he grew closer to losing it. He shut his mouth before he revealed anything more.
But it didn’t even matter. He and 87 felt the same way for each other. As both happy and scared they were to realize that.
After hearing his words, 87 lifted his face from his hands. He looked over at Yusei, who was turned away. In a steady movement, his hands made their way to the sides of Yusei’s face.
Bringing him back to face him, 87 could now see the exhaustion in the other’s eyes. And Yusei could see the warmth in his.
“Can I pull you closer?”
Was Yusei really allowed to be so selfish?
He nodded, he’d take every chance he could get. When 87 brought his head down, he pressed his forehead against his.
“......I think we both already knew, didn’t we?” 87 asked, his playful tone seeping in along with his choked laughter. Yusei leaned into his shoulder, agreeing with a murmur. The singer could only find his actions cute. He stroked through the other’s hair.
“I love you too, Yusei.”
The other shut his eyes, and pulled him into an embrace. 87 wrapped his arms around his neck again with another smile. Indulging in another moment, they both eased into each other’s quiet.
The welcomed silence was interrupted some minutes later. A loud knocking could be heard at the doors, and Jack’s muffled voice yelling angrily about….something. Probably about wanting Yusei to hurry up so he could get out of here. Crow’s voice was also heard- though he was mainly scolding him. The two boys move back, looking at each other with amusement.
87 gently slips out of the embrace and stands up, his hand in Yusei’s. The other followed him patiently.
Now that he was up, 87 slung his guitar onto his back.
“I guess this ends our lesson for today…”
Yusei frowned. As much as he didn’t want to admit it; he would have to leave him.
He couldn’t keep Jack and Crow waiting, but…
An idea in mind. Still holding 87’s hand, Yusei lifted it carefully. 87 watched as he pressed his knuckles against his lips. He blinked, and they gave each other the same knowing look.
Eyes soft, 87 smiled.
“We…are performing tonight. If Team Satisfaction isn’t too busy bringing peace to the Satellite, we could totally hang out after. The rest of the band has been dying to meet you anyway.”
“……Really?”
“Of course! I talk about you all the time.”
Both of their faces flush again. But they pull themselves together just as fast.
It was a date. 87 grinned and moved down to pick up Yusei’s guitar case. He put it on the table, and Yusei placed it in its correct form. He flicked the latches shut, and took the handle into his right hand. 87’s, once again in his left. He was surprised, to which the duelist offered a grin, with just a hint of mischief. The singer’s face began to warm up.
More banging and knocking came, and a muffled “I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!!” Jack Atlas successfully kicked the wide doors open, and he rushed in. Crow staggered behind, telling him off again.
87 side glanced at Yusei, whose confident hand returned to his side. Noticing the change, he snickered at him.
Jack and Crow stopped mid-argument to look over at the two. Both now were more confused than upset. The taller blond raised a suspicious brow, and the shorter man only seemed more apologetic.
“Yuyu.”
Yusei glanced at him.
“You know they’re gonna kill you when they find out, right?”
“...................”
“Maybe.”