Archive of Our Own

Tonight was a cold but calm night in the garage. Crow and Jack have already fallen asleep in their rooms. Despite it clearly being time for sleep, Yusei is left alone working on his own D-wheel instead of repairing someone else’s for a change. It’s not in the best condition since Yusei traveled to the past. The past…What a crazy thing. Yusei has been through astonishing things for sure. But going back in time should be scientifically impossible. He supposes for gods nothing is impossible right?

Yusei takes a glance back towards the loft for a brief moment before pulling down his gloves and examining the mark on his arm. The crimson on his skin is all too familiar now.

The crimson dragon as the guide who carried him back in time. A time before zero reverse. A time before he was even born. Although it didn’t feel that long ago. Yusei runs the fingers of his unmarked arm down the head of the dragon, the deep crimson on his skin an integral part of him now. Then again, another part of him wishes he could have stayed in the past a little longer. It was a one of a kind experience to meet a legendary duelist like Yugi Mutou.

Although to Yusei…the most amazing thing wasn’t the time travel or Yugi. It was a certain brown haired excitable duelist. Someone that the records don’t remember, that wasn’t famous in a dueling sense but... He captivated him, to say the very least. His charisma and his dueling prowess all made Yusei’s eyes be glued on him any time he made a move. The way Judai drew the cards from his deck. The way he shouted at their opponent. All of it was. Mesmerizing.

And everyone could tell, something changed in Yusei when he came back from the past. He would go on and on about the exceptional duelists he met but especially about Judai. Yusei’s indigo eyes would light up in a way that was impossible to ignore. It was like Yusei was in love or something. Though Yusei doesn’t think it’s anything like that, right?

He caresses his D-Wheel finally remembering what needed to be done to fix it. Yusei screws on a specific nut with his wrench and gives his motorbike a pat for good measure. This beauty has served him well. If only he had time to repaint. At least his D-wheel is looking more up to speed despite the paint damage.

But yes, what he feels for Judai is simply- A strong friendship. A bond. Like the bond he has with the other signers! A friendly bond! They defeated a strong enemy together so now they have a bond. That’s all. It’s not like Judai made his brain feel like mush whenever he looked at him or anything.

What…was he doing again? Right screws screws. Yusei will throw himself into work and try not to think about all this too much. What he always does. Bury it all in his passion.

Time goes by when one is busy. It's getting later and later. A good idea would be to sleep before the sun rises. Just a few more adjustments. Yusei tells himself. Just to be sure his D-wheel is duel ready. You can never be too cautious with these things.

Despite all the grease in his hands. Despite throwing himself deep in work. He still thinks about the past he traveled to. No. He can’t go back, it's a one and done deal. But Yusei wishes he could… And that’s kind of scary.

Yusei sighs deeply, his shoulders drooping. But when he looks at the D-wheel. It is almost as good as new. He could give himself a pat on the back for that. Huh-?

A red haze fills his vision, blinding him for a moment before his eyes adjust to the darkness once more. “The mark of the dragon?” Yusei blinks at the glowing crimson on his arm. Why is it shining so brightly? Is there trouble? Jack and Crow are peacefully sleeping so maybe Aki or Luca are in danger- Good thing he finished the D-Wheel just in time.

Yusei in swift movements adjusts his gloves and pulls his jacket on his shoulders. Hopping onto the motorcycle filling in the jacket sleeves with his arms and turning on the engine. Before he even begins driving- He feels his mark disappear from his arm, the full crimson dragon seal stamps onto his back. “What the?” Usually this only happens when one of the signers experiences strong emotions. Crimson dragon is listening to Yusei’s feelings? What feelings? He isn’t dueling right now- So what kind of feeling-

“Yusei.” He jolts. It’s like the crimson dragon is whispering in his ear. ”You want to finish what you started. Don’t you?” Yusei blinks, unsure what the dragon could possibly mean. It’s so strange the crimson dragon never talks, only roars. Well the crimson dragon is still roaring but Yusei can…understand them this time?

“Finish what I started?” Yusei replies almost in one breath.

“Drive.” It almost sounds like an order from Crimson dragon and well. Who is Yusei to say no? There might be trouble! He revs up the engine with no hesitation and drives out the rusty metal door of the old garage. Rushing through the empty streets. Barely anyone was around at this hour. Only him and the road, just how Yusei likes it.

“So, where are we going?” Yusei asks directly to Crimson Dragon. The dragon feels as if it is shaking its head in disapproval. “You should know that well.”

Yusei on instinct begins to drive faster and the crimson dragon envelops him like back then- Back when. “Crimson dragon…?” Yusei gasps. His foot steps on the gas on its own, driving faster and faster until all he can see is red. Yusei is not on the streets of the city anymore, is he?

–

On the other side of time, you shall find a lone duelist laying amidst sandy beaches and clear skies. And if you asked Judai how he feels today. He would just reply with...

Meh. Simply meh.

He is so unbelievably tired from traveling and only longs for a nap. Judai is laying down on some random beach not even caring where he is located in the world right now. Judai could be on the most desolate island on planet earth and he wouldn’t care. All he cares for is one long. long nap-

Yubel’s spirit leans over him but their translucent form does not block the sun in the slightest. If only right? It would help with the nap. “Judai? Everything ok?” Their voice has a clear hint of concern. Judai shrugs. Because that’s all he can muster.

“Yeah everything’s fine.” Typical of him to say that.

“Doesn’t sound like it.” Yubel huffs. Used to his behavior by now.

Judai groans and stares his spirit partner in the eyes. “Even if something is up, it’s not like I can fix it. So I might as well let it pass.” And get some goddamn sleep-

Judai rolls onto his side looking away from Yubel. But Yubel squints at him with a glare that feels as if his back is burning- aou- “Letting it pass is one thing.” Yubel firmly reminds him.
“Never letting it out of your system is another,” Yubel says like a nagging wife. Judai, isn’t that kind of sexist?

Yubel probably heard the thought. So much for taking it back. Judai knows he is not sleeping today so he gives up. “Okay. I'm sorry. You are not a nagging wife. I just… Don’t know where to begin. That's all.”

Where do his feelings start and where do they end? How is Judai even supposed to figure it all out?

“Meooow.” Pharaoh plops his fat cat butt next to Judai and Judai smiles softly “Even you can tell I’m feeling out of it huh?” He carefully scratches under the chubby cat’s chin and hums. Pharaoh changes how he likes to be pet depending on the day but Judai seems to have hit the mark this time.

“What are you thinking about?” Yubel floats in front of him and glances down in his eyes. Judai will have to spill, won’t he? It’s not like he could even hide his feelings from Yubel anyway.

“Well…” Judai slowly begins a breath in and then a breath out. Judai sits up and Pharaoh settles next to him, rubbing on his leg a little bit.

“Remember the whole time travel ordeal? It wasn’t…long ago…” Judai murmurs, but the amount of time which has passed since then has felt so much longer. The time without-

“Ah Yusei?”

Judai flinches and even blushes a little, putting all his attention away from Yubel and onto his cat. But all he can hear is Daitokuji teasing him about falling in love so he scoots the cat away. Pharaoh whines in protest.

“It’s not only that-” Judai starts but neither Yubel nor pharaoh are having it. And Judai swear he hears his old professor’s soul giggle. Agh.

“Okay, it’s a big reason!” Judai huffs like he is some pouty teenager again.

“But he is not the only thing on mind.” Not a lie but also only half the truth. “I’ve also been thinking about well…” Judai sighs. “I know it’s not right. I need to accept what has happened and I have mostly come to terms with that. But if time travel is real..”

Judai clenches his hands together. His knuckles on his hands slowly begin to turn white from how hard he is squeezing. “Would there be a way for me to fix my past mistakes? I keep thinking about it over and over. And I don’t think I would go through with it in actuality but.”

Judai takes a deep breath.

“The possibility alone is making me wonder…” Judai lets himself breathe out and hug his travel bag to his chest. Pharaoh taps on his leg trying to bring him comfort.

“And I keep thinking of all the horrible things I did and. It's like he is here. All over again.” He squeezes the travel bag tighter.

Judai falls silent. Unsure what else he could say but. It’s…nice letting all of it out. Yubel probably knew most of this anyway. They can feel what he feels due to a shared soul, but Yubel, thankfully, gives him some privacy here and there. So unless Judai says it out loud, his spirit half won’t know what really goes on in his heart. It’s nice to have privacy, but it also forces him to confront his feelings. And they are- a lot.

“So your past is torturing you. I know how that feels.” And indeed Yubel does. Not only because they share a soul but because Yubel has done a lot of horrible things they regret. “But…your soul feels a little lighter after letting it out.”

Judai nods, hugging his traveling bag tightly. Pharaoh curls up around his legs and Judai smiles for a brief moment before falling back into a small frown. “Sometimes…I wish there was someone else here to talk to.”

Even though his isolation is self-induced.

Yubel sighs “I suppose only me alone can’t satisfy your every need. Even though I wish that was the case.” Yubel is as honest as ever.

Judai snorts “I know…”

Silence falls between them, but it is brief.

And, as if on queue, Judai hears a very loud noise behind him. Almost like…a motorcycle? Yubel’s wings open. They put front their claws ready for an approaching threat, but when Judai looks back, all he can see is a red shining light. What the hell- It’s so bright-

Judai quickly scrambles to his feet, shoving his travel bag to the ground. Pharaoh hisses at the bright light clearly disturbing him.

Then out of the red light emerges…an actual motorcycle. No wait. That’s no regular motorcycle. And the driver- The driver looks familiar. Judai’s heart beats faster in his chest, his eyes wide with wonder. Could it be?

Once the light and dirt dissipate, the face of the motorcycle driver is finally revealed. Judai’s jaw fucking drops. It really is-

“Yusei!?” Judai reaches out excitedly and rushes over to the vehicle. “Yusei! How- when- what- just never mind! It’s so good to see you!”

Judai’s eyes beam with light that hasn’t shown up in his face since the last time he dueled with friends.

His whole mood turned 180 degrees.

Yusei blinks at Judai trying to regain focus after the bright light. He is full of confusion at first but a smile spreads across his face very quickly. “Judai-san! Good to see you too.” Yusei takes off his helmet. His dark hair is all messy although it’s always been spiky and messy. “Does this mean I’m back to the past?”

Yusei scans around. His eyes carefully examining his surroundings. They seem to be at a beach. Where is this beach? Neither Yusei nor Judai know. Yusei can’t tell. But there's some faint buildings in the distance.

Judai ignores the wonderful view behind him. His eyes glued to the beautiful view in front of him. To Yusei. Yubel chuckles inside his head but Judai pays it no mind. Without realizing it, he has invaded Yusei’s personal space by leaning over his bike and locking eyes. “How come you…aren’t you from the future? why are you here?”

Judai’s heart is racing with excitement.

“I will give you two some time alone.” Yubel says with a hum inside Judai’s mind and Judai tries really hard not to blush.

“Well-” Yusei starts then takes a look around, but Judai is blocking most of his view. “The crimson dragon brought me here…I thought there might be another world ending event but- this place seems. Rather peaceful.”

Yusei seems surprised and Judai is… Well, coming back when the world was ending would make more sense than Yusei just showing up. Is he dreaming? Did he fall asleep earlier?

“No, everything has been rather…” Dull. boring. nothing exciting, no bad guys to beat so he can distract himself from his thoughts- Though Yusei is a nice distraction. “…calm.” Judai settles on that word, not ready to drop all his baggage on the other duelist just yet.

Yusei takes another look around, puzzled. “That is good news but…I don't understand why the crimson dragon would bring me here.” Yusei scratches his marked cheek with his finger.

Pharaoh looks up at Yusei and meows. Judai can tell the cat is judging Yusei. But Yusei…always sweet, smiles at the cat and waves down at him.

That’s…kind of cute. Judai shakes off the thoughts quickly and takes a step back. “Well since you are here. Why don’t you…stay for a bit?” Judai fidgets with his hands. He needs to let the nervousness out somehow. Yusei probably has more important things to deal with in the future than being here with him but Judai would appreciate some company. That’s what his heart tells him even if he feels like he doesn’t deserve said company.

Pharaoh seems to ignore Yusei and walks away to do his own thing as cats usually do. But Judai’s attention quickly shifts back to Yusei when hearing his voice.

“That’s not… a bad idea.” Yusei says calmly, slowly rising from his D-Wheel, setting the red helmet on the seat before walking ahead and taking a nice long look at the view. “Clear skies today for you, huh? It was nighttime and cloudy when I was home.” Yusei chuckles and that makes Judai pause. Why did he feel his stomach churn at that laugh?

“Yeah, it’s a nice afternoon.” Judai smiles slightly as he walks next to Yusei. Both of them enjoy the silence for a few moments before Judai turns to the duelist by his side and asks, “How…is life in the future?”

Judai feels a little awkward asking that but also excited to know more. He missed Yusei. It sounds pathetic, missing a person he has only met once before.

“Hm it has been…nice.” Yusei smiles a little bit.”I am not sure how many details I can give without breaking some sort of space-time continuum though.” Yusei smiles at Judai. A bit of a nerdy tease but, Judai was surprisingly into it. Even if he wasn’t the brightest in terms of science. His strong suit is dueling, not textbooks.

“Right…” Judai kicks a bit of sand under his shoe and puts his hands in his pockets. “Well the past has been rather uneventful since our last adventure.” Judai starts his speech before slowly staring up to the heavens. The blue sky is almost blinding to someone like Judai. Someone who lives in the darkness. “A little too…uneventful.”

Judai’s eyelids lowered with a certain type of tiredness. Judai figures Yusei probably notices, because Judai feels a gloved hand on his shoulder soon after.

“Peace can be a wonderful thing but also…a bit of a curse. All the time in the world and nothing to do with it,” Yusei says the words like it’s nothing. Like Yusei just read Judai’s mind and plucked the words he couldn’t say out loud.

Judai’s eyes soften and he leans a little to the touch of another, allowing himself to enjoy such a moment... If only for a little while. “I have too much time to think. And I don't like that.”

Maybe being a little, Only a little bit, honest with someone could be fine. Show himself to someone that isn’t Yubel, if only for a moment. (And with Yubel he had no choice but with Yusei, he does.)

“Is there a lot plaguing your mind?” Yusei slowly removes his hand from Judai’s shoulder and Judai already misses the touch. The warmth of someone's hand on his cold body. He wants to chase the warmth.

“Yeah. It feels... too much.” Judai sighs out and clenches his hands in his pocket. Stay calm. “Sometimes I…” Judai falls silent, so silent, it's uncharacteristic of him. Despite the long pause, he begins again, “Sometimes, I feel scared of myself.”

Yusei’s eyes widen at such a statement and Judai hunches his shoulders. The insecurity of being vulnerable hitting him all at once.“Sorry, maybe this is too much. We can talk about something else-”

“No continue. This is what,” A small pause. “Being friends is for right?” Yusei says softly and Judai blinks with surprise. Friends. So…Yusei thinks they are friends? Well Judai thinks the same but it's a little surprising.

“Friends…” Judai fondly glances at Yusei, his smile pulling up the underside of his eyes, making him look even kinder than he usually appears. “Yeah we are friends and-” Judai takes a moment to find the words “Friends…share their feelings.”

Judai is feeling a bit like a hypocrite. If only he could be so vulnerable with Manjoume or Edo or Johan. It surprises him that he has thrown down his walls with Yusei so quickly.

And Yusei gives him a smile that makes his chest ache. It’s so genuine, like the other duelist has nothing to hide. Judai swallows the lump in his throat and taps his foot a little. He tends to need a way to fidget. He usually talks with his hands and when he duels his hands are busy enough that he feels comfortable but right now he is hiding his hands in his pockets and sulking. It’s hard to move in any other way other than annoyingly tap his foot in the sand.

“You look tense.” Yusei comments. His hand once again resting on Judai’s shoulder and slowly moving to his back. Judai’s breath stops as he glances over to Yusei. “That- That obvious huh?” Judai smiles lopsidedly, leaning to the gentle gloved hand on his back. “I well, I miss my other friends…the ones you haven’t met. But I don’t-” Judai’s voice shakes as he takes a breath. “I don’t want to hurt them again.”

Judai murmurs his thoughts out loud, sighing once it’s over. The tension slowly leaves him and Judai slowly moves his hands out of his pockets. Once his hands are free, Judai starts messing with his own fingers, letting himself show his feelings more openly.

“I have been getting better at reaching out since we met. I used to not even call them after I graduated, heh,” It’s not funny. The statement makes him feel incredibly lonely but Judai tries to be more lighthearted. “I try to check up once in a while nowadays but whenever I hear their voice. I miss them even more.”

Yusei pats his back as if he is urging him to keep going. Judai accepts the suggestion. Yusei sure has a way with people. He feels so easy to trust. “I don’t want to be like this forever. I want to see them… but I still can’t cope with what I am.” Judai murmurs, hugging himself, tightly digging his fingers onto his own sides.

“Sorry, heh, you came all the way from the future and I’m going on and on about my problems let’s just-”

Yusei swiftly cuts him off. “No. No reason to apologize.”

Yusei looks down at his arm where the crimson mark usually resides. “I think…You are the reason I’m back in the first place.” Yusei’s words are measured but honest. Like he, himself, is now realizing the fact and coping with what it means.

“I am the reason?” Judai starts to feel heat rise to his face. Why would Yusei come back to the past for him? What does that mean? And why does Judai feel happy about it-?

“I believe so.” Yusei nods. “You are having a difficult time and...The crimson dragon knows about the bonds I share with my friends and always helps them. Maybe,” Yusei hums in thought. “They sent me here to help you, since we too have a bond. You may not be a signer but… We have something special.”

Yusei is always earnest and that makes Judai’s heart skip a beat. Their bond is something special, huh. Something that transcends time. Like they promised long ago. Back when Yusei put his hand over his own when they were on top of the sunset lit roofs.

Judai drops his head onto Yusei’s shoulder and allows himself to stay there. “A bond that goes beyond time…huh?” Judai smiles softly and tilts his head upwards to look Yusei’s way. “That does sound pretty special… um, thank you” A breath. “For listening to me.” Judai’s face turns a little redder. What's up with these feelings? The flutters in his chest and the heat on his cheeks.

“It’s nothing…” Yusei says softly but casually. The duelist doesn’t even know how much he has helped Judai at this moment. “Do you still feel afraid?”

Judai silently nods, then Yusei’s hand moves up and rests on his other shoulder, squeezing him to his side. “I am…the power that sleeps inside me. it’s scary...being a whole eldritch horror by yourself is kind of a lot to deal with.” Judai laughs with a pained expression on his face. It’s so hard to keep it together sometimes.

Yusei winces a little, understanding the laugh was his coping mechanism.

“You don’t seem like an eldritch horror to me. Believe me, I’ve dueled plenty of those.”

Judai snorts. This time it’s a genuine reaction “Me too. We sure have a lot in common, don’t we?” Judai fidgets with his fingers again. Thinking about the last time they dueled side by side and how they complimented each other. How… warm Yusei’s hand felt when it rested on top of his, during that special sunset.

“We do.” Yusei takes a small pause. “It’s rare for me to find someone that has faced similar things as me. Last time we met, you told me you felt like the world rests upon your shoulders. In my time, I feel the same. Responsibility always fell on me.”

Judai notices the way Yusei’s eyes lower a little. The heavy feeling of duty written all over his face. Judai carefully moves his hand to Yusei’s and holds it tight. “I know what that’s like. Everyone always expects so much of you. That you will always know what to do. But in reality, you are scared too…and make mistakes too.”

Yusei’s eyes widen staring down at Judai. It's like they could read each other’s thoughts. “Yeah exactly that. Being human in front of them feels…hard.”

“Crying in front of them, getting angry in front of them, or sad…It’s too much. And you already hurt them once. You don’t want to burden them with your feelings again.” Judai continues.

“And even when you open up you feel like you did something wrong.” Judai and Yusei look into each other’s eyes and gasp. So this is how it feels like… to be understood… To have someone feel exactly like you do out there in the world.

“Yusei…” Judai says almost breathlessly, his hand squeezing the other duelist tightly.

“Wow I-” Yusei blinks, “I feel a weight off my shoulders.”

“Me too.” Judai smiles wider. Then flinches a little. Ah, his overbearing feelings from earlier are still here trying to manifest. The darkness inside Judai eating off of his feelings. Judai tries to blink away the flinch, but his eyes seem… different.

“Are you okay?” Yusei squeezes his hand tighter, even tighter than earlier. His voice coated with worry.

“I’m fine… just remember the eldritch horror thing?” Judai laughs awkwardly and Yusei tilts his head confused and concerned.

“Sometimes it’s like there is someone else inside me. Another me. Which is still me but…different.” Judai sighs, running a hand through his brown hair, messing it all up and groaning. Brown and orange streaks mix into a haphazard mess like Judai’s own psyche. “It probably makes no damn sense.”

Yusei bites the inside of his cheek and shakes his head. He feels guilty for not understanding this one detail. Even when he understood so much of Judai in such a short moment. “It’s a little difficult to understand what you mean.”

“Inside me there’s a power that’s part of all of the darkness in the universe.” Judai says as simply as he can. Even though he doesn't fully understand it himself. He has to explain it somehow to Yusei. “It reached out to me and spoke to me for the first time as the Supreme King. Who is me but… well… he is more rough around the edges let’s say.” That’s a bit of an understatement.

Yusei blinks, still perplexed. “Oh- wait- Is the power inside you acting up? Maybe there was trouble here after all…” Yusei murmurs and looks down in thought, as if he is preparing for the end of the world again.

Judai moves both of his hands away, letting Yusei go and shakes them frantically. “No, no! I have it under control. For the most part,” Judai murmurs.

“At least this power will never be used to hurt people again!” Judai states firmly. He will never let the darkness hurt the people he cares about. That’s why he keeps distance after all. “But sometimes…this other side of me comes out and it’s like I'm watching everything happen behind glass. Or a mirror of sorts.”

“I’m glad you have it under control, but that sounds like an exhausting experience.” Yusei tries to reach out to him again, but Judai still has his hands up.

“It can be sometimes.” Judai’s eyes shine brighter. “But sometimes this side of me… needs time to be himself too.” Judai breathes out. The wind blows through his hair as if it’s trying to fix the mess Judai made on his scalp earlier.

“I have taken…quite a liking to you. I think the power inside of me feels safe with you so he wants to come out,” Judai murmurs. Judai is not sure if he should let him. Despite hearing the whisper in his head coaxing him to do so.

“Does he want to talk as well? Let something off his chest?” Yusei smiles which makes Judai feel taken aback. Yusei takes Judai’s hands in his own hands once more. Ah Yusei, you are too kind- Judai can’t help himself.

“I think so.” Judai has a hard time reading his other self behind the cold king attitude he holds against him. “That's what I feel at least. You…don’t mind?” He needs to be certain before letting the darkness out.

“Not at all. I would like to get to know more of you, Judai.”

Judai’s face turns red like a tomato. “Ah- haha- okay then…” His voice feels like it’s about to crack shit. “Just a warning he can be a little much.” A little is a heavy understatement again. But Judai does not want to make Yusei panic.

“I’m sure he got nothing on Jack.” Yusei teases with a chuckle and Judai snorts again that must be one of Yusei’s friends. Hm…comparing the power inside him to Manjoume. Yeah, in terms of whining, he loses to Thunder.

“Ok then.” Judai hums and closes his eyes. When they open once more, he feels different. His eyes are a different color. “Mmm…where…” The gold eyes dart around recollecting their environment. Right. Beach. The sand feels awful under him and it gets everywhere. It’s almost sunset…and Yusei is back.

Gold eyes flick over to Yusei with an empty expression. But it’s not an ill intentioned glance. That’s simply how the king appears.

Yusei notices the shift from Judai to this other self he mentioned. The eyes...are so different. Shining and golden, the pupil in the middle is an unnerving white. The air around him is a mix of Judai and something else. Something that Yusei is not sure how to feel about yet. “Hello…you must be who Judai was talking about? It’s nice to meet you” Yusei said in a friendly tone “I'm-”

“Yusei,” the other man says. His voice is monotone. “You are Yusei. I know that. Judai is still here. He can hear you.”

The way this side of Judai speaks… is a little creepy. It’s so devoid of emotion compared to the usual Judai. But he doesn't seem threatening, At least not yet. “I see…no need for me to introduce myself again then. What should I call you?”

The other blinks at Yusei as if he said something stupid then tilts his head.

“Oh? I thought Judai would have told you. Seems he can't do even that without me.” The man with the gold eyes crosses his arms and hums. “You may call me Haou.”

“Haou… like a supreme king?”

The corner of the king's mouth perks up almost as if to smile. “Exactly.”

“Alright. Haou then.” Yusei is still taken aback by the striking difference in his demeanor compared to Judai. Judai was bubbly and soft spoken. He also talks a lot. Haou seems to get straight to the point and use short sentences. His voice is firm. Like a proper ruler. It's also… somewhat deeper? Yusei is feeling a certain type of way about that. He won’t dig into it at the moment.

The king stares off towards the horizon, as if, trying to ignore Yusei’s presence. The sunset has slowly begun. The sky begins to shift hues, from a pretty clear blue to gold and red. It's like the change between Haou and Judai, shifting from one to the other.

Yusei slowly breaks the comfortable silence with a question. “Judai said you have something you want to get off your chest?” Yusei had to look downwards to meet the eyes of the shorter man.

“Ah. That. Judai always meddles in other people's business.” Haou's voice is still monotone ,but there's a hint of annoyance to it this time. As if Judai is some knot in his neck he desperately wants to get rid of but pretends to tolerate.

“I think he does that because he cares.” Yusei hums, putting a hand on his own chest. He takes a moment to admire the beautiful sunset himself. Judai seems to care a lot about the people around him… So much so he would isolate himself as to not hurt his friends.

“He cares too much. He should let me be.” Haou almost groans but ends up keeping it to himself. At least from what Yusei could gather.

“So is that what’s on your mind? Judai meddles too much?” Yusei tries to be objective even if he is more lenient for Judai. Haou is also difficult to read. The changes on his face are really subtle. Yusei has to focus on every little movement to read his emotions.

“Yes. Although, I wouldn’t admit that’s the only one of my troubles- Why am I telling you this?” The king huffs, seeming disgusted by himself. “Judai’s fondness of you is having too much influence on me.”

“Fondness?” Yusei feels heat rise to his face. Judai seemed fond of everybody. But he never looked at anyone else the way he looked at him. Yusei is not sure what to do with that information right now. He will place it in the back of his mind for some other time.

“You two are so blind to love it hurts to look at,” Haou speaks in monotone once more and Yusei silently blinks. Love? Aren’t he and Judai just friends? Really… good friends. But only friends.

“The expression you have. Pisses me off.” Haou doesn’t sound pissed off. He sounds cold. Like he doesn’t want to feel anything towards anyone. Despite the harsh facade, Yusei can tell the person in front of him harbors Judai’s feelings deep in his heart. Yusei likes to believe that.

“Hm, so that’s what Judai meant, huh.” Yusei ponders in thought resting his chin on his fingers. “Judai’s feelings are what is bothering you.”

Haou flinches as if Yusei hit a nerve.

Yusei will keep pressuring there to see what Haou is willing to share. “You don’t want to feel what he feels…”

Haou clicks his tongue. “It bothers me that he never acts upon them.” Haou looks at the setting sun with an empty stare. Though Yusei can tell his eyes soften slightly. “He never says I love you, or I miss you, or I want you until it’s too late. And then we are left all alone again.” Haou seems to finally open his heart.

Yusei did not expect this so soon. Maybe Judai’s earlier confessions made Haou vulnerable with him,as though it prompted the king to share his own vulnerability. Put down a couple of walls.

“Judai said he misses his friends. That he is scared of what he is… I think he meant you.” Yusei’s eyes softened. Being scared of a part of yourself. Of what you could be. He knows how that feels. “Maybe he was scared of how honest you are.” Haou seems to know what he wants. Unlike Judai who knows what he wants but has to jump through hoops to let himself get even remotely close to it.

Haou almost looks like he flinches once more. But his face doesn’t move. Not showing weakness. “He should be scared of me. After what we did it’s only natural. But I wish that fear would lead him to better decisions instead of abandoning the only people he had left.” Haou is firm but his words are clear.

A part of Yusei wonders what Haou could have possibly done to make Judai of all people to be scared of him. Judai always seemed so brave…

Yusei slowly, carefully brings his hand to wrap around Haou’s shoulders, exactly how he did with Judai earlier. “You opened up to me. It is a good start.” Yusei smiles a little and Haou moves aside slightly but doesn’t push him away.

“This is what I meant by fondness. Judai seems eager to tell you anything and everything about him. But then he will run away. Because he knows he can. I’m tired of running away. It’s cowardice.”

Yusei turns red in the face after those words. Judai trusts him so much? Yusei feels inclined to be a little more open now. He squeezes Haou and he seems to be leaning closer. “What if I don’t let him run away this time?” Yusei hums. And Yusei is stubborn. He will not let a precious bond be lost. No matter if it’s in the past or future. Him and Judai made a promise. A promise to have a bond that transcends time.

“He always finds a way.” Haou’s eyelids lower as his head turns to meet Yusei’s gaze. That’s…one sultry look he is giving him- “But I won’t allow it this time.” Haou turns his body so he is facing Yusei head on. Yusei blinks, then he feels a pair of cold hands cupping his face.

“One of us should show you how we feel…how I feel.” Haou whispers against Yusei’s lips one breath away from connecting. This escalated quickly. Yusei’s heart beats fast in his chest and he is not sure where to put his hands where to go. If he should let this happen. Should…he? Doesn’t he... want it? Isn’t that why he is here? Isn’t Judai his reason for coming to the past in the first place? The reason he is unable to focus? The reason he craves love?

Yusei has no time to answer the questions plaguing his mind. Haou connects their lips in a kiss and Yusei is left there frozen. He has never been kissed like this before. Even if he is taller, the kiss Haou gives him makes him feel small, almost insignificant compared to this feeling. Like this kiss they are sharing is all that matters in the world. Yusei closes his eyes letting his instincts guide him. his arms settle on the other’s waist.

Haou hums against the kiss, closing his eyes as he keeps going. A little more, a little deeper- Is this how Judai feels too? It’s very… needy… longing almost. Yusei gasps a little, but doesn’t stop kissing back. His arms squeeze around Haou’s small waist and hold him against him. Yusei will indulge just this once, following where his heart tells him to go.

Haou is acting like he doesn’t need to breathe clinging onto Yusei to kiss more. Harder. More, and more- Yusei has to pull him back to breathe. He is heaving. The pants that come out of Yusei are loud. “S-Slow down, hah... take a breath-”

Haou smirks at him with half-lidded eyes, only panting slightly, as if this was nothing to Haou. “Hm, I thought you would last longer.” Haou cheekily trails a finger up Yusei’s chest. “You got a lot of room for air up here after all~”

Yusei blinks slightly baffled. Since when was Haou so flirty? Or was this Judai? Or were they both flirting with him? Either way, Yusei feels his heart skip and his cheeks burn when Haou teases his chest.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Yusei smiles a little as he keeps panting softly. He enjoyed the touch of another. Part of him always craved a little more physical touch from the people around him. Always lightly touching his friends on the shoulder. Always walking close to them. Always craving a bit more contact.

“I think you know what I mean,” Haou says all monotone again, but there’s a hint of playfulness to his voice now. Yusei opens his mouth to speak, but Haou drops his head on his chest. “Your heart is racing… You’re still riled up?” Haou smirks with more mischief and Yusei looks off to the side.

“I wouldn’t say riled up more so that it felt good.” Yusei has never kissed someone like this before. Has he…actually ever kissed anyone?

Haou uses his hand to make Yusei look back at him. Snapping him out of his thoughts. Yusei once again feels small in the king’s hold despite being taller.

“Look at me, I wasn't done yet.” Haou says in a low tone as his eyelids flutter.

Yusei couldn’t protest. Haou didn’t let him. He kisses him again, this time more aggressively and even more desperate than before. Yusei did not know someone could ever kiss like this. He didn’t even have time to close his eyes so all he sees is Haou’s face being hit by the sunset. Even if the angle is awkward, it’s a sight to behold. Haou looks straight in his eyes until he gets tired.

They both close their eyes slowly and let themselves get lost in the feeling of this kiss once more. Yusei feels a small hand crawl up his back and into his hair, while he grips a thin waist between his hands.

“Yusei…” The other murmurs against his lips in a husky tone. “You are mine now. And Judai has to deal with it.” Haou breathes out almost proud of himself. The monotone demeanor of his voice slipping away the more time they spend together.

Yusei’s heart, meanwhile, is trying to not jump out of his chest. His palms feel sweaty. Maybe it’s the gloves. Or maybe the heat rising between them. “Didn’t you say Judai wanted this as well?”

“Oh, don’t worry, he got what he wanted and more. He has been here the whole time.” Haou hums, wrapping both his arms around Yusei’s neck. “I just needed to take over for a moment. So the idiot can finally make a move. Take what he really wants. Ah what would he be without me.” Haou smiles a little and Yusei smiles back.

“Judai is wonderful just how he is.” And, the way they were held against each other like this. It's almost as if Yusei can feel Judai’s spirit trying to reach him too. The king rolls his eyes at first. It takes him a moment but eventually Haou nods in agreement.

“He is not half bad.” Haou murmurs, clinging to Yusei a little tighter. These small hands all over him are making Yusei dizzy.

“Does he…want to come back out?” Yusei tilts his head with curiosity. Part of him wants to see Judai and maybe kiss him too…

“A bit, but I won’t let him out just yet.” Haou runs his thumb over Yusei’s lips. “A little more time with you.”

Yusei stares at Haou in silence, his mouth agape as he tries to breathe. This part of Judai is so possessive,a stark contrast to how Judai was last time they met. Holding onto his hand a little longer, but ultimately letting go, letting Yusei go back to his time without saying goodbye. As if saying goodbye would seal the deal. But that was Judai’s way of saying goodbye. Back on the roof top, Judai’s soft cling to his hand, begged him not to go. But ultimately he had to let him go. Haou pouts at Yusei and snaps him back to reality with his words.

“Do you miss him already?” Haou whispers against Yusei’s mouth and his breath stops. This closeness is tantalizing. Yusei wants to lean into it until they kiss again. No, no. This dizzying feeling should not be his priority. Right?

“I didn’t hear a no. You do miss him.” Haou hums “You two are pathetic.” Haou says with a smirk and leans back so he can look Yusei in the eyes. Despite pulling away, Yusei can still feel slender fingers mess with the hair on his nape.

“He is not pathetic.” Yusei is a little more firm with those words than he would like. “But…you might be right.” Yusei missed Judai. Ever since they separated that fateful day, he missed him. And it really only hits him now, the feeling of not knowing what you lost until you have it again, right between your arms.

“Hm I know I’m right…But.” Haou frowns slightly. “It’s not fun to tease you when you make that face.” Haou’s gold eyes avert their gaze, staring back towards the sunset. “Judai’s heart clenches when you do that.”

“And not your heart?” Yusei leans in a little, nuzzling his nose under Haou’s ear, not able to control his feelings. Not when he has all he could want right in front of him.

Haou seems to shiver from the affectionate action. Is he…blushing? “I don’t have one of those.” Haou says like some edgelord and Yusei bites his ear in protest.

Maybe it's a step too far but when you like someone, you hate watching them dehumanize themselves. And Yusei likes Judai a whole lot… Haou too… The retaliating bite made Haou audibly yelp. “Sure you don’t.” Yusei says. It’s rare to see him be cheeky.

“Aou! What was that for? The audacity you have to go against the King-” Haou groans and pushes Yusei off of him, with strength that Yusei couldn’t believe such a slender frame could support. Yusei feels a light pain in his chest from how hard Haou had pushed him.

Haou crosses his arms over his chest refusing to look his way.

Yusei stands there blinking and confused. Oh. Was that too much? Maybe it was a little much. “I’m sorry.” Yusei feels off. Maybe he deserved that for being too much. Too forward. Was he too careless?

“You can’t apologize for your actions now.” Haou turns his back to him and hugs himself tightly. “Dammit…”

Yusei hears the tiny curse be carried by the wind and he feels a need to hug Judai or well Haou- both. Both of them need a hug.

A long silence falls between them, as Haou gets lost in thought once more. Yusei gives Haou the space to think but. He wants to be there for him, make the awful feelings Judai has buried in his heart stop.

“Yusei.” Haou’s voice goes soft like his being settled back into Judai but Yusei cannot see his eyes. Are they brown or gold? The other's back is only partly facing him.

”Have I pushed you away again? Like last time? Where I couldn’t even say goodbye?” Judai and Haou hug themselves tighter and Yusei can’t help it. He can’t stand there and watch. Not when they sound like they will cry.

“No…you have not.” Yusei says softly, wrapping his arms around their small waist and pulling them back against his body. Judai is so cold but he doesn’t care. He will warm him up.

“Yu…sei…” two eyes look back at his specs of brown and gold mixed together in their pupils. It’s a beautiful sight…even when Judai’s eyes look glossy.

“Don’t cry ok? I’m not going anywhere yet.” Yusei hums softly, pressing Judai to his chest.

“I’m not crying…” A rough voice replies, sounds like Haou once again. The man in his arms nuzzles his face to his chest and breathes him in. Fuck, Yusei’s heart will burst.

“Even if you are, it's okay.” Yusei says reassuringly. He wants to be Judai’s rock, someone he can lean on. After seeing him be so honest, it's impossible not to.

Haou huffs his gold eyes staring back up at Yusei like a cat peeking out of a blanket. “A king does not cry. But Judai appreciates it.” And that means Haou does too. He is rather cute… Trying to hide his feelings behind Judai like a shield.

“Hm I see, Haou.” Yusei addresses him directly and he notices the way that the king’s gold eyes go wide with attention. “Thank you. for sharing a bit of you with me,” Yusei says softly and Haou sinks back to his chest. He won’t say it out loud, but Yusei has a feeling Haou is grateful. Feeling the shorter guy against his chest sinking his nose between his pecs is… everything.

“Judai is right, you are rather special.” Haou murmurs quietly and clings onto Yusei like a needy cat. Yusei speculates that If Haou had a tail he would probably curl it around him too.

And Yusei feels happy. When was the last time he felt so comfortable wrapped up around somebody? Has he… ever felt so much love swell up in his chest? Well, of course he loves his friends. They are his family. But this kind of love is so different from anything else that he has experienced prior.

“I would say you are special to me as well…” Yusei leans forward and nuzzles his face through orange and brown streaks. Judai's hair is so fluffy and he smells so nice, almost like the sea.

“It's because of this…that I can't let you leave.” Haou’s hands clench onto the back of his navy jacket. His nails are almost digging into his back. “I don't want to lose someone special to me again.” Haou's voice is small. It's the voice of someone who has known grief.| Yusei has gone through such grief before himself… he would know…

“Don't worry I'm not going anywhere yet.” Yusei doesn't want to ever leave but he knows people need him…but Haou needs him too? In a very different way.

“It's the ‘yet’ part I don't like.” Haou says possessively. “You should stay with me…” the other man leans in, pressing his cold breath to his lips. “I could give you anything you could ever need.”

“Stay in the past you mean-?” Yusei says nervously, feeling the air around him get colder somehow. Yusei… Yusei shouldn’t. He shouldn’t stay. All his friends are waiting for him to come back. He can’t be gone forever. But he wants to be there for Judai… Yusei doesn’t want him to be all alone again. “As much as I like you and don’t want to leave you alone… I will have to go back eventually. But that doesn’t mean I won’t visit.” Yes, Yusei will visit plenty. He will make an arrangement with the crimson dragon he will bring Judai gifts he will-

“Didn’t we say you would never let Judai be alone again?” Haou murmurs clinging tightly to his shirt. “You have to stay.” It sounds more like an order than a suggestion. Haou is a demanding man isn't he.

“I can’t stay forever. But if you and Judai want…I can bring you with me to visit?” Yusei offers an alternative even though Haou seems very stubborn. Bringing someone from the past to the future might not be the wisest decision but Yusei’s heart says it’s right.

Yusei is carefully getting more and more of an idea who this king is. It’s a lot of Judai’s flaws ramped up… Judai is lonely, hot headed and a little stubborn. So Haou gets possessive, easily agitated and very, very stubborn. A part of Yusei thinks that perhaps he shouldn’t like that. But he likes all of Judai. And if he likes all of Judai… he loves his flaws too. And everything Haou is. His heart feels tight. This is a dangerous thought. He wants to be selfish and be by Judai's side as long as possible.

Haou groans and pulls Yusei closer again from his shirt and kisses him- Is this his answer-? Yusei doesn’t understand- Oh- That’s not just a kiss. Yusei feels Haou pry his mouth open and messily slide his tongue in there. Yusei feels like he is going to choke cuz he had no time to take a breath.

It feels weird but not in a bad way. Yusei has never really made out with anyone before. How is he supposed to do this- Haou doesn’t let him think it over as he takes lead and moves his hands all over his body. It is dizzying…

Yusei finally closes his eyes and lets himself get lost in it for a while. Maybe staying with Haou wouldn’t be so bad- If he gets kisses like this every day, it wouldn’t be so bad…

No, no, he has responsibilities.

“N-nnn..” Yusei lets out a pathetic noise he didn’t know he could make. Haou pulls back licking his lips and smirking oh so proud of himself. Yusei is having a hard time snapping back to reality. His head feels foggy and his arms weak. Is this what…being in love is like? Is this what kissing is like? Yusei could almost get addicted to this.

“Was it so good I left you speechless?” Haou hums running a hand down Yusei’s cheek. “You are so pliant. I could mold you to whatever I want…” Haou murmurs even if that’s not true Yusei just feels out of it at the moment.

Haou suddenly flinches and holds his head. Yusei hastily reaches out to hold him but Haou puts a hand on his chest making him stop where he stands. The closeness suddenly suffocated the other man. When Judai opens his eyes, they are back to brown. “I’m sorry about him, Yus…” Judai murmurs and puts his hand back down. “He thinks he can do whatever he wants.” Judai blushes deeply looking at Yusei in the eyes. “I hope the kisses weren’t too much.”

“Not much at all Judai…” Yusei smiles softly, the worry slowly leaving him. Judai’s kindness was always such a sweet thing. He is always worried about others. Yusei is surprised Judai is so alone… It really must be self-imposed like he said. Yusei wants to help so badly.

“W-Why are you looking at me like that…” Judai says flustered feeling his heart skip a beat. Yusei has a hunch that Judai can still feel the kiss they shared from the way his fingers unconsciously trace along his lips. “I am. I’m ok…”

“Are you sure? Did you…did you actually want-” Yusei gulps, unsure if all this was going too far or not.

“Yes! Yes I want you! ah-” Judai covers his mouth turning even redder. Oh… red really was his color. The way he flushed all the way to the tips of his ears was adorable. “I did want to kiss you..” Judai relaxes a little and Yusei can’t help but hum and move closer to him once more, wrapping an arm around Judai.

“I’m glad…I hope Haou didn’t go too far.” Judai is always so concerned, worried he will hurt someone. Yusei wants to make all his worries melt away.

“Only a little bit.” Yusei moves his hand to Judai’s cheek looking deep in his brown eyes. “Should I make it even and kiss you too?”

“Go ahead..” Judai softly whispers and Yusei’s heart is beating so fast he pulls Judai against him. The two meet in yet another kiss. This time it’s more…gentle. Yusei can feel Judai tense up but slowly ease into it. This feels like… well, Judai hasn’t kissed anyone before so he didn’t know what it feels like. Yusei holds him tighter, deepening the kiss, but only slightly. He waits for Judai’s reciprocation, to see if this is ok.

Judai is ecstatic. He deepens the kiss from his end so much that it makes Yusei flustered and his heart skip a beat. How many times have they kissed today-? 3? 4? more? He doesn’t care. Yusei will always want more. More from Judai who he likes so much.

Judai pulls back with a soft pant. His brown eyes look up at him like some kind of kitten. “Hah…Wow…” Judai’s smile spreads wider across his face and Yusei’s heart tightens. He knows what he wants. It’s Judai. He can't be away from him again.

“Judai… come with me… just for a little while.” Yusei says softly and takes Judai’s hand. He tugs at it like a kid rushing to get his friend to the playground. Judai does not seem to mind. His cheeks even turn pink with joy as he happily follows him to his D-Wheel.

“I will come with you for as long as you like!” Judai yelps with excitement, letting Yusei guide him to the vehicle. For as long as he likes…? Yusei remembers what Haou said. That they can’t let Judai be alone again. And he is right. Yusei can’t leave Judai out of his life again… No more regretful goodbyes. No more things he wished he said earlier. He will find a way to connect their timelines and them together. That’s his new hope.

Yusei carefully sits down on the D-Wheel and pats the spot behind him just like he did the first time they met. Judai bites the inside of his cheek and slowly crawls to the back of it. He fits perfectly like he was meant to sit there. Yusei’s breath hitches as he feels a pair of hands around his middle and a mess of fluffy brown hair on his back.

“Sorry I don’t have anywhere else to grab-” Judai starts trying to apologize for something so natural.

“Don’t be sorry…” Yusei puts a hand over Judai’s on his front and thumbs at it slowly. “You can keep them there.” He notices the way Judai sinks his face deeper into his back. He gets flustered by romantic things huh? Yusei can understand… he is not really used to it either. But Judai makes him want to get used to it.

Pharaoh who had been quietly watching them this whole time hops onto Judai’s shoulders and makes his way inside Judai’s travel pack getting all cozy in there and messing up Judai’s stuff. Yusei laughs a little bit at the cute display. But Judai seems used to it. “Can’t leave him in the past all by himself ya know?” Judai gives Yusei a smile and Yusei smiles back.

“Come on, I will show you my place and all the things I’m working on” Yusei glances at Judai behind him. Judai slowly nods, holding him tighter.
“Please do.” Judai’s voice is so soft Yusei can feel his heart skip again. He breathes in deeply through his nose. Yusei can’t handle how much love Judai has to give. It’s cruel to leave a person like him all alone… Why would he do that to himself?

Yusei shakes his head. He won’t leave Judai alone. Not again. “Yusei.” He hears a firm voice this time. Is it Haou? “...Can I see your place too?” It’s a small request. One that Haou asks so politely, it’s impossible to say no.

“Of course, you can.” Yusei says softly and finally turns on the engine. The mark of the Crimson Dragon glowing on his back. Haou looks at it with wide curious eyes. A hand carefully tracing the shape on his jacket. Yusei feels a chill on his neck from the intimacy of the action. “H-Haou, put your hand back. I need to drive.” Yusei almost chokes on his words. So uncharacteristic of him… But he supposes love changes people, doesn’t it?

Haou chuckles with mirth. A chuckle only a king would have. “Okay, I shall let you focus. I don't want us to crash.” The king puts his hands back around his waist and Yusei drives off into the sunset. And with the help of the crimson dragon, everything flashes red. Suddenly, they are back to a dark night sky in Satellite.

“Welcome home.” Yusei smiles with fondness at the familiar sky.