Summary: Jesse and Jaden have been living quietly until they stumble upon corruption within the school environment. After investigating, they find themselves over their heads. Following a huge mistake, Jesse meets someone who says she can help. Is she really who she says she is, and is destruction really the way to fight fire with fire? JxJ and CxA...for now.

A/N: Well, like I promised, here's the sequel to "Crystal of Your Eyes." You will find that some of the themes will be similar, but it's a lot darker than its predecessor. I know, another spiritshipping fic…there are so many that it's hard to pick any one out. But I hope to make this one unique and I hope you'll enjoy it and I hope it won't be similar to my other fics. There will be some lemons and some love triangles and squares…and there will be a tragedy. Those are the only warnings I have...though they're not too bad really. I'm just going to say right here that there will be no m-preg, no cutting, but there will be plenty of angst caused by a problem (but not a relationship problem as the main core of the plot).

Disclaimer: I do not own GX

Chapter 1:

It was early morning at Duel Academy, and everyone was sitting quietly in their respective classes. At the moment, Jesse was sitting in Professor Stein's class, trying not to yawn with boredom. He glanced over at the Slifer section. His eyes locked with Jaden's. A blush crept across the Slifer's face to see those emerald eyes gazing at him. He quickly looked away. Raising an eyebrow and smiling a little, Jesse wondered what was keeping Jaden awake. Usually, he would be snoring away by now. Something must be on his mind.

His eyes drifted over to Chazz, who was already half asleep. His head kept dropping down a little, before he jerked it up again. Jesse watched the ebony haired boy with a lingering fondness in his eyes. As much as he hated to admit it, he still found the other boy attractive. He still liked him, though he was loath to think about it. Of course, he was happy with Jaden and wouldn't give him up for anything; he just missed Chazz sometimes, that was all.

Glancing over at Alexis, he felt a twinge of jealousy. He hated to think that he was jealous of the blond girl, but he couldn't help it. Every time he thought about how she had Chazz, it drove him mad. Not to mention the fact that she had feelings for Jaden. Not that Jaden knew it. But that didn't mean it didn't bother him. It wasn't that he didn't like her. He just resented her at times. He felt as though Jaden were his, not Alexis'.

Realizing he hadn't paid any attention to the lesson, he quickly turned his gaze back towards the front. Professor Stein was droning about some test they were going to have the next day. Jesse sighed. Well, he supposed he could glean the information from his textbook if he needed. Too bad the teacher's voice was so dry and monotonous that he could simply not pay attention. He hated to admit it, but in that class, he always spaced out.

Professor Stein wrote their homework assignment on the board just as the bell rang for class change. Jesse groaned softly, seeing that they had a book report due the next day. It wasn't that he hadn't read the book, it was that he didn't remember a word of it. And if he didn't understand it, then Jaden certainly hadn't. The boy would be coming to him asking for help. He didn't mind helping him. He just had a lot to do.

Grimacing, he thought about how he must be a bad person. For the past few days, he hadn't been really up to talking to much of anyone. He wasn't depressed, per se; he just felt the need to be alone with his Crystal Beasts. Something inside was bothering him. Perhaps it was how he'd brushed Jaden off. Perhaps it was how he felt about Alexis. And maybe it was more than anything how he still felt about Chazz. He'd never thought that he could find it so difficult to get rid of that emotion. Figuring it was because Chazz had been his first kiss, he shrugged it off, and tried to forget about it. It certainly wasn't as easy as it sounded, though.

"Hey, Jes!" A cheerful voice broke him from his thoughts.

He turned to see Jaden hurrying to catch up with him. Guilt stung him when he saw Jaden's eyes sparkling with eager energy. Smiling slightly, he greeted the other boy. "Hey, Jay. What's up?"

Jaden grinned at him and slung an arm around his shoulders. "Nothing much. I was just wondering if you were going to be home tonight…"

"To help you with your report?" Jesse asked, almost groaning.

"Hey, how'd you know?" Jaden asked, blinking.

"I know you," Jesse told him, smiling weakly, "I'll try to help you but I'm kinda busy myself. I don't really remember what we read and we have that test tomorrow…plus all the other homework."

Jaden looked a bit alarmed. "There's a test tomorrow?" He thought about this for a moment as Jesse nodded. Then: "Ah, well. I wasn't going to study anyway. I'll do fine winging it."

"Well, this test doesn't have a dueling portion to it," Jesse pointed out, placing a hand on top of Jaden's head and ruffling his hair, "because it's about ancient dueling history."

"Oh, right…" Jaden said, laughing a little, "I guess then that maybe I should study. But first, please help me with my report." He gave Jesse a puppy look that melted the teal haired boy's heart.

"All right, all right," He sighed, not being able to help but smile. "I'll be home then. Ok?"

"Do you think you could come back with me earlier than you have been?" Jaden asked in a soft voice, "Because I was hoping we could watch a movie too…after we finish our work."

Jesse sighed heavily. "We have to get enough sleep…"

"Please?" Jaden's chocolate eyes implored him to sacrifice his time, "I miss you. I know it's only been a few days, but we haven't talked that much, and you've been wrapped up in schoolwork. What's the matter? Have I done something wrong? Usually you're not so serious."

Jesse grinned guiltily down at the Slifer, "All right…you caught me. I've had some things on my mind. But we have to go back to our classroom now. The teacher's probably there now…and I'd rather tell you in private."

Jaden nodded, still clutching him around the shoulders. "That's fine with me. So can you just come with me right after school? Please? I don't want you running off again…"

Sighing, Jesse nodded. "I reckon I could spare the time for you."

"Thanks, Jes!" Jaden threw his arms around the North Academy student and squeezed him tightly. However, he noticed Jesse stiffen and looked up with confused eyes. "Do you…I mean…Are you sick of me?" He looked somewhat sad when he said this.

Jesse shook his head, his sea green eyes wide. "Of course not! I've just…not been myself lately. I'm sorry." He grinned sheepishly down at the suspicious Slifer.

"I've been really lonely lately," Jaden told him as he dragged him back towards the classroom, his hand tightly clasped around Jesse's, "You've been acting distant…Don't think I haven't noticed."

Jesse sighed heavily. "I told you I'd tell you this afternoon. I'm really sorry. I've just had a lot on my mind…Including about the new teacher, Professor Viper." He looked down at the floor, "But we'll talk about that later too. I just don't…never mind."

Jaden looked at Jesse, worry creasing his brow. Nevertheless, he didn't press any farther. He only sat back down in his seat, preparing to endure the long day.

The day never seemed like it would end. But finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the bell rang, signaling their release. Jaden ran to catch up with Alexis, hoping that he could have a word with her. Despite how he'd acted towards Jesse earlier, he was more than a little worried. In fact, he was simply upset by the whole matter. Something was on Jesse's mind…something he wasn't talking about.

"Hey, Lex, can we talk for a few minutes?" Jaden asked, grabbing her by the shoulder.

She turned and looked at him in surprise, but nodded. "Sure. What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's just…Jesse's been acting a little weird. He's been kind of keeping to himself for the past few days, and he doesn't seem like he wants to open up to me. You don't think he's getting sick of me like he did of Chazz?"

Alexis blinked. Then, she replied, "I have no clue what he thinks. I hardly talk to him. Have you told him it bothers you?"

"Well, not directly," Jaden admitted, "But I kind of hinted at it…I think he understands though. But he's been using school as an excuse."

Alexis rolled her eyes. "Has it occurred to you that perhaps he does have a lot on his mind and is simply stressed out? Maybe you should show him some support instead of mooching off of him and copying his homework."

Jaden failed to respond immediately. Alexis' comment had stunned him. Finally, he stammered, "Whoa…Alexis…that's not it! I-I wouldn't do that!"

Alexis looked grimly at him. "But you have been. Chazz told me that Jesse told him that that's what you've been doing."

"Why didn't he say anything to me?" Jaden wondered aloud, "Besides, I didn't copy too much…I just didn't do it then remembered the packet was a test grade and…well…"

"Since when did you even care?" Alexis asked, planting her hands firmly on her hips, "What's gotten into you? You've been treating him like he's a welcome mat ready to be walked all over."

Jaden blinked, staring at her. Seeing he wasn't responding, she turned and walked away. Now this was just crazy. Since when did she get so huffy about these things? Jaden began to wonder if he really was that overbearing. He found it hard to believe, however, that Jesse would talk about him behind his back. Feeling somewhat injured, he walked off to find his boyfriend.

It took a bit of looking, but he finally found him in the library, gathering books for their homework. Seeing Jaden come in, he blushed, a bit ashamed at having not found him first thing. Hurriedly, he set the books down on a table nearby. He opened his mouth to say something, then stopped, seeing the hurt look on the other boy's face. Concerned, he put an arm around Jaden's shoulders and held him close.

"What's wrong?"

"Jes…did you talk about me behind my back to Chazz?" He looked up at Jesse, trying to appear neutral.

Jesse blinked. "No…"

"Alexis said that you did," He told him, "She said that you were mad at me because I was copying your homework and 'using' you."

"I never said that," Jesse told him, all the more confused, "Besides, that was just once…Why would you think that I'd be mad at you for somethin' like that?" He sat down on a chair, gazing up at Jaden.

"I guess because of the way you've been acting lately," Jaden admitted, sitting in a chair facing him and looking down at the table. He traced his finger over the wood grain pattern, avoiding Jesse's green gaze.

Jesse patted Jaden's hand. "Hey…I wasn't mad at you or anything. I've just had a lot on my mind. Come on. I'm gonna check these books out, then we can go to our room."

"All right," Jaden sighed, running a hand through his dark hair, and grinning weakly. "Just make sure that you don't push me aside for anything. Because this is important."

"Ok," Jesse agreed, taking the books up to the librarian and placing them on the desk.

He finished checking them out and led Jaden out the doors. Jaden followed him down the hall like a faithful puppy follows its master. They went outside and walked silently to the Obelisk boys' dorm, where Jesse led Jaden to their room. Jaden held the door open for Jesse, since he was carrying so many books. Then, he closed the door behind them and locked it. Yawning a little, he flopped down on the bed and watched Jesse pull his homework and textbooks out of his bag, setting them down on his desk. Jaden propped himself up on his elbows and waited patiently. Jesse turned to him and sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard.

"Ok, Jay, we can talk now."

Jaden sat up and leaned against Jesse, with his back pressed against the other boy's chest. Slipping his arms around Jaden's waist, Jesse pulled him closer and rested his chin on Jaden's shoulder.

"Well," Jaden sighed, "Can you go ahead and tell me what's wrong?"

"Um…you won't like it…" He admitted, looking sheepish, "The thing is…I…I still have feelings for Chazz."

There was an awkward silence.

"And I've just been struggling with myself, I guess. Not to mention I don't really trust Professor Viper…with the way he's been acting and all…" Jesse continued weakly. He didn't like that Jaden wasn't saying anything back. "I don't really know how to explain it…I just hate these darn biobands...They make me feel uncomfortable. I feel as though he might be using them to spy on us. I don't know…I've just been paranoid."

Jaden leaned his head back to stare up at Jesse. He seemed somewhat disappointed in him. "I know how you feel about Viper but…I don't think there's anything we need to worry about. And I guess I understand why you feel that way about Chazz but it still bothers me. I want to be the only one. And sometimes I worry that you might leave me just like you left him…I don't want to be annoying to you."

Jesse stroked the brunette's hair. "I could never feel that way about you," He assured Jaden, kissing him on the neck, "I love you far too much."

Jaden looked up at Jesse. Neither of them felt too much like talking anymore. They only stared into each others' eyes for a few minutes, uncertain of what to do next. Finally, Jesse eased back and let Jaden lean closer to him. They didn't say anything for a long time, only sat holding each other. Eventually, Jaden dropped his head on Jesse's chest and closed his eyes, listening to his heartbeat. Jesse entangled his fingers in Jaden's rich brown hair, closing his eyes as well.

After a few minutes, Jaden leaned up and kissed Jesse's chin. Jesse opened his aquamarine eyes and gazed down into Jaden's chocolate ones. Leaning up, Jaden brushed his lips to Jesse's. Their lips lingered on each other for a moment, then Jesse turned his head, breaking the kiss. Pushing Jaden's face in his chest, he sighed and reached over for the textbook he'd put on his nightstand. He pulled his notes out and started to study. Truth be told, he couldn't concentrate on Jaden. He had far too much on his mind.

Jaden sensed this. Although he wasn't too happy with it, he accepted it. Standing up, Jaden stretched his thin, lithe figure and turned the computer on, to start on his book report. After what Alexis had said to him, he didn't want Jesse's help anymore. He figured he could do it fine on his own. All he had to do was read the inside sleeve of the book then get the rest of the information from the internet. Normally, he wouldn't have done his homework, but he figured it was a grade important enough. Besides, Jesse had told him that it was better he did his homework every now and then so he wouldn't fail.

Feeling bored, he yawned and began copying and pasting from an internet book discussion site. Jesse glanced up from his studying to see Jaden highlighting a whole section, then pasting it into a word document. Groaning, he put his textbook down and went behind Jaden, placing his hands on the other boy's shoulders.

"Jay," He whispered in the Slifer's ear, trying to hide the amused smile, "That's called plagiarizing. You could get in a LOT of trouble."

Jaden turned his head and looked into Jesse's eyes. His face turned scarlet from embarrassment.

Jesse gave him a tiny kiss on the cheek, then lightly nipped at his neck. "You should probably at least change the wording around. Ok?" He winked at the other boy.

Blushing deeper, Jaden simply nodded and went to the task of re-arranging the sentences. He propped his chin in his hand, looking rather gloomy. Finally, he began re-wording the entire thing. As he watched this, Jesse began to feel a little bad. Jaden seemed really lonely. He seemed…neglected. Pushing the guilt down, Jesse turned his attention back to the textbook, and then started on some worksheets.

Heaving a lengthy sigh, Jaden printed his 'report' out and threw it in his bag. He didn't say anything to Jesse, just sat down on the floor and pulled out his deck. Jesse glanced over his book down at the brunette. He could resist no longer. Leaning over the edge of the bed, he planted a small kiss on the top of Jaden's head. Jaden glanced up at him. His expression lightened as he held his hand out, looking hopeful. Jesse reached in his card holder and handed Jaden his deck, smiling. Jaden was the only one he could trust with his precious cards. They were his life.

Jaden took the cards and lay on his stomach to examine them. Stepping over him, Jesse flopped down in the swivel chair and began to write his book report. He became deeply absorbed in his work, and completely oblivious to Jaden.

At the same time, Jaden became desperate for Jesse's attention. He carefully set the cards down and attacked Jesse's ankles under the desk, clinging to them and squeezing his legs tightly. Jesse glanced under the desk at the brunette who, by that time, had all four limbs wrapped around his legs, clutching him like a child.

"What do you want?" Jesse asked, unable to help but look down at his boyfriend adoringly as he ruffled his choppy, dark hair.

Jaden leaned up, placing his hands on each of Jesse's thighs and leaning up slightly. "I want you." He teased, smiling widely.

Shaking his head and grinning, Jesse fondled the other boy's cheek lovingly. "Later, Jay. I have to finish my book report. But I promise to pay you attention afterwards, Ok?"

"Can we go get some ice cream?" Jaden asked, his eyes pleading with Jesse.

"I thought you wanted to watch a movie," Jesse reminded him, "And it's getting dark…We can't get ice cream now. The Academy store is closed. But I'll get you some tomorrow."

Reluctantly, Jaden slid back beneath the desk and crawled back over to the abandoned pile of cards. His expression tugged at Jesse's heart. He felt somewhat bad about ignoring him so much. But it couldn't be helped. He had work to do. And as much as he would like to spend his time with Jaden, he had to keep up with his grades. He liked to slack off sometimes, but he really needed to do well if he wanted to make it as a Pro. Sure, he had the Crystal Beasts going for him, but he had to prove himself as a hard worker too. After all, he didn't have a blood family to back him up. His eyes softened as he thought about how he'd never known his parents. Looking back over at Jaden, though, he cheered up. No matter what happened, he always had Jaden to back him up. Jaden would take care of him if something bad happened.

Jesse resumed typing, losing track of the time. It took him about an hour, but he finally finished. Just as he was about to print, he felt arms go around his neck and then a pair of lips press against his cheek.

"Jes," Jaden said softly, "I need you."

He looked up at Jaden, surprised. "Is something wrong?"

Jaden came around and sat on Jesse's lap. "Nah, I just…wanted some attention." He smiled wanly, "I was about to go take a bath though. It's getting kind of late."

Jesse glanced at the clock, then nodded. "I should probably start getting ready for bed too."

"Are you almost done?" Jaden asked, clinging to his neck.

Jesse nodded. "I am done actually."

Jaden slid off of his lap and grabbed his hands, pulling him to his feet and dragging him towards the bathroom and said cheerfully, "Come take a bath with me, then."

Jesse's face turned red. "With you? Hold on, Jay…Are you sure about this?"

Jaden nodded. "We can take a bubble bath. I'd be more comfortable that way anyway. I'd rather you didn't…you know…"

Jesse sighed. "All right."

"I just want to spend more time with you, that's all," Jaden explained, closing the door, "And we're both guys anyway…"

"Yeah, it's just…this is kind of…a big step in our relationship," Jesse said awkwardly.

"Well, we're not going to see anything if we don't look," Jaden told him a bit mischievously, turning his back. "Just turn around until I say it's all right."

Jesse simply agreed and turned his back, beginning to undress. He felt slightly uncomfortable with this, but decided it was all right. He trusted Jaden, anyway. Jaden would never do anything to make him distrust him. Hearing the bathtub filling with water, he felt his face burn. He couldn't help but imagine what Jaden looked like naked. Quickly, he shook the thought from his mind.

"Ok," Jaden called, almost sounding like he was teasing the other boy, "You can get in now. Don't worry; I'm not looking."

Jesse hesitated momentarily, then turned around. His face turned red once more when he saw Jaden reclined in the water, his arms stretched out and his upper chest visible. Slowly, he made his way over to the tub, and eased in. As much as he tried not to feel uneasy about it, he did. He just couldn't help but stare, though.

Jaden moved closer to Jesse. He recoiled a bit at the sensation of bare skin brushing. It made him nervous. While Jaden seemed a bit nervous as well, he also seemed innocent in his affections, which made Jesse feel guilty about the thoughts that were flying through his mind. Jaden didn't mean anything wrong by what he was doing. He just wanted to get closer.

And speaking of getting closer, that's what Jaden was doing right at the moment. Blushing, Jesse leaned against the wall of the tub, trying to control his irregular breathing. Jaden, however, didn't seem to notice. He merely leaned his face in Jesse's, tilting his head slightly. In response, Jesse half closed his eyes and moved his hand behind Jaden's head, pushing his head down. Their lips brushed, lightly at first, then more firmly. It was all Jesse could do to hold back. Jaden was making him weak; he didn't know if he could control himself.

Jaden, still ignorant of Jesse's feelings, wrapped his arms around the other boy's neck and deepened the kiss. He leaned in closer, massaging Jesse's lips with his own, and every so often nibbling on them. Jesse thought he was going to go crazy. Letting his eyelids droop shut, he softly kissed Jaden back, lingering in the ecstasy it gave him. He let his hands travel from Jaden's face to his back, where he ran them ever so lightly over his skin, just barely touching him. Jaden's hands moved down to Jesse's chest and he pressed his mouth closer.

Growing a little bold, Jesse touched his tongue to Jaden's lips, asking for entrance. His request was granted. Jaden opened his mouth enough to let Jesse's tongue explore. Cupping Jaden's face in his hands, Jesse felt the inside of Jaden's mouth, enjoying the sweet taste of his tongue against Jaden's. They kissed feverishly for a moment, then, gave each other tiny, light kisses, becoming tender with one another.

As Jesse felt his hands taking on a mind of their own, he realized they'd better stop. Jaden's innocence made him feel so guilty. He felt as though he was getting more pleasure out of this than he should. Quickly, he pulled his mouth from Jaden's, breaking the kiss and panting ever so slightly. Ashamed, he avoided Jaden's gaze.

"Jesse?" The Slifer slipped his arms around Jesse's neck again, cocking his head cutely to one side.

Jesse took a moment to breathe before he responded. Then, with a burning face and a sheepish grin, he told Jaden, "I think we should probably stop…I can't go on like this with you."

"Why not?" Jaden asked, blinking.

"Because you're so innocent and pure and it makes me feel like a pervert," Jesse thought, but said aloud: "I jus' don't feel comfortable with this. Can we just wash up and get out?"

Looking slightly disappointed, Jaden nodded hesitantly. "All right." His tone held a bit of bitterness to it.

Jesse was surprised at how resentful Jaden seemed. He knew he hadn't been the most attentive boyfriend over the past few days, but he hadn't realized how much it had hurt the brunette. Even though he knew Jaden would get over his bad mood in a few minutes, it still made him wonder if he were treating Jaden like he should. Sometimes he wondered if they were going to make it. Sometimes he wondered if he should explain more to Jaden. After all, the other boy was smarter than he seemed. He just acted clueless at times. Jesse truly wondered if it was all an act just to be cute.

Becoming worried by Jaden's silence, he grabbed him around the waist from behind and laid his cheek against the other boy's shoulder, his eyes squeezed tightly shut. He clutched Jaden against him in a fierce hug. As much as he hated to admit it, sometimes he worried about losing Jaden to someone else. After all, he felt like he wasn't able to give him exactly what he needed, or as much attention as he needed. He told himself that Jaden understood and would forgive him, but he just couldn't assure himself enough. Perhaps it would be best to talk to Jaden about it instead of fretting and assuming things.

"Jay," He said quietly, squeezing the Slifer tighter, "I'm sorry. I hope you're not mad at me. You know I love you."

He felt Jaden's warm breath on his forehead as the boy gave him a gentle kiss. Jaden stroked his hair delicately, and told him, "I know. I'm not mad. I'm just…thinking."

Jesse bit his lip. Since when did Jaden think in such a quiet, contemplative manner? He decided that he might as well ask. "Would you ever leave me for anyone else?"

Jaden looked down at Jesse in surprise. "No! Why would you ever think I would? Because I was afraid you would?"

Jesse shook his head. "I just worry sometimes…" His eyes dropped from Jaden's. "I worry I can't give you everything you need."

Jaden pushed his face up, forcing their eyes to meet. "You don't have to give me everything, Jes. Just you being here for me is enough. Just the fact that we have each other. It's Ok. Don't worry about it. We're doing just fine. You're doing just fine." He pressed his lips to Jesse's forehead again, then, looked alarmed. "What, do you think that our relationship isn't working well enough?"

"No!" Jesse exclaimed, then laughed softly, rubbing the back of his hair, "Ya know, maybe we're both just bein' ridiculous here. Maybe we're both just insecure, that's all."

Jaden merely nodded, pulling away from Jesse. He went to the task of washing himself, while Jesse did he same. They were silent for the time being, each lost in his own thoughts. As he was washing, Jesse glanced down at the bioband on his wrist. Sighing heavily, he wondered why they were being forced to wear them. It just bothered him a lot. He wished he could take it off. The fact that he couldn't was more disturbing than anything.

Soon, they had finished their bath, dried off, and redressed. They sat in the middle of the bed, their cards spread out across the comforter. Jaden's eyes flickered up to Jesse's. Smiling slightly, he put his cards back together and held the deck out to him. Jesse looked at it for a moment, then took it and shuffled it while Jaden shuffled his deck. They began to set their cards out on the mattress, ready to start a game.

"You've been so quiet lately," Jesse pointed out as he placed his Amber Mammoth in attack mode.

Jaden shrugged. "I don't really have much to say."

"But you always have something to say!" Jesse protested, "Something's wrong and you're not telling me."

Jaden looked up and smiled somewhat morosely, "Jes…don't' worry about it. It's not you, Ok? It's just some personal issues I've been struggling with. It's nothing that anyone has done, it's nothing that can be controlled, so just forget about it."

Jesse bit his lip as he set a facedown. "I can't, Jay. I'm so worried. I know I haven't been paying you a lot of attention…but…"

"Calm down," Jaden told him, drawing a card and looking at his hand, "it's not you."

"Jay, if you don't tell me, I swear I'm gonna worry myself to death!" Jesse told him, laughing a little, trying to make light of the situation, "I do care about you no matter how much I brushed you off this week. I know I said we should just forget about it, but we're just going in circles. What's wrong?"

Jaden closed his eyes, his hand shaking. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Jes…have you ever felt like…you weren't alone?"

"What do you mean?" Jesse asked, almost breathless. "Of course you're not alone…"

"No," Jaden said slowly, "Have you ever felt like…you're not the only one…that knows everything about you? That you're being watched?"

Jesse raised an eyebrow. "That's a strange way to feel…but I guess there could be someone somewhere--"

"It's not like that," Jaden sighed, then admitted blushing, "Oh, never mind. I'm just making a big deal out of nothing. It's really just a dream I had…I don't know. It just bothered me."

"What was it?" Jesse asked, watching Jaden's moves carefully.

"It's not the content so much that it was that I've had it over and over again. And now I can't get it out of my head." Jaden explained, "It's just really disturbing and it's had me thinking a lot about the past problems I've encountered…like the Shadow Riders and the Society of Light…I just feel like something else is coming…but this time, it's different. Because in my dream, I can't do anything about it."

Jesse sighed. "You know that's just crazy talk. It's probably just because you've done so much in the past with so much confidence that it's catching up with you."

Jaden looked frustrated. "I'm not any less confident than I was! It just bothers me, Ok? So don't start thinking that I'm losing it. It just really upsets me. That's all." He set his cards down and started to get up.

Dropping his cards, he lunged for Jaden and grabbed his wrist. "I knew it! You are mad at me! I'm sorry, Jay…it came out wrong."

Jaden turned back around, his eyes softening. He fell into Jesse's arms and hugged him. "I'm not mad…I just…flipped there for a minute. I'm kind of stressed…" He laughed nervously, "I know you were just trying to make me feel better. Can we just forget about that? Let's just continue our game, Ok?"

Jesse reluctantly nodded and released the other boy. Slowly, the picked their cards up and began again. Pushing his worry down, Jesse began to notice that Jaden was telling the truth. He wasn't mad in the least. In fact, at that moment, he seemed cheerful again. Relaxing, Jesse told himself that it was all in his head. And he was stressing Jaden out because he was stressed. He knew he was blaming Jaden for doing these things because he was afraid he was going to do them. Deep inside, he felt as though it took all his willpower not to cheat on Jaden with Chazz. He knew he should tell Jaden how he felt, but he was too afraid to. Feeling ashamed, he realized he was the reason that Jaden was so upset. Yet the Slifer was not willing to admit it. He would have to talk to him about it. First though, he'd have to work up the nerve. Little did he know just how difficult that would be since it was too late.

A/N: I know that wasn't the best chapter…but it will get better. It was more or less an introductory chapter. GAH I feel like they were SO OOC. T.T Anyway, I read over Crystal of Your Eyes again and I was like "WTF?! This is so bad!" -.- Hopefully I have improved since then. And no, this is not a completely angsty fic. It's going to revolve more around the obstacles that come up, starting in the next chapter. Sure, there will be drama, as well as some scenes that are more friendship, but there will also be plenty of action and suspense. I'm hoping on using some of what happened in the 3rd season to work into the plot to enhance it. But it won't be like exactly in the show.