Hey everybody, welcome to my first fic! It's been a while since I've written any fiction, so please review and let me know how I did. Not sure if this will stay a oneshot, but we'll see.

Also, feel free to PM me about anything. Seriously, anything. I don't care if you want to talk about why cheese-its are orange, PM it to me if you want.

Quick shoutout to fantorathelia, check out her story Hazel, the Color of Her Eyes after you read mine. She rules. Now, on with the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh 5d's. If I did, then Yusei and Akiza would be doing things inappropriate for children's eyes.

The sun shone through the garage window as Yusei Fudo typed on his laptop. To say that he had a headache would have been a grotesque understatement. A thousand worries rattled around inside of his head, each slamming into the side of his skull as they demanded attention. Nothing gave him relief from the pain, not even three times the recommended dose of Tylenol he had taken an hour ago.

'Can't I just have a few minutes to get away from it all?'

But such a fortuitous wish would not be granted, at least not in the foreseeable future. First and foremost, the WRPG was only a few months away, and the new engine design was just not cutting it. Jack, Crow, Bruno and Yusei had been working nonstop on a new design, pulling all-nighters, skipping meals, and generally fatiguing themselves for little to no results. Each idea either resulted in an explosion or a dead engine, then it was back to the drawing board again. There were few things in the world that could unnerve the head Signer, but at the moment, the hero teen was feeling considerable stress over their recent failures. They needed this new design to power up their duel runners so that they could access the incredible power of accel syncros. Without this new weapon, they would have no chance of victory once the battle against Illiaster came.

To make matters worse, Zora had finally snapped at Jack and Crow, and demanded that all four residents of Poppo Time pay rent at the end of the month or face eviction. The meltdown had come immediately after one of the new engine designs had blown up, covering the basement in black soot and heaps of scrap metal. Just as the landlord was about to cool down, Jack had made some smartass comment about her grouchiness, and Zora retaliated with an ultimatum; fork up the cash, or get out and stay out. She had, of course, apologized to Yusei for the sudden hardline in her financial policy, but her mind was made up, and Yusei couldn't 'sweet-talk' his way out of this one, as Zora put it.

One thing that Yusei did have going was his reputation as a handyman. For the past few months, he moved up from taking odd jobs around the city to fixing entire lots of Runners for major corporations. The pay was good, but it wasn't enough to feed the new engine project, buy food, and pay for rent all at once. And even though he was the King of Turbo Duels, the people he worked for were businessmen. They only hired him because they wanted a little extra publicity (who wouldn't want a runner that the King himself had worked on?), but in the end, Yusei was just as expendable as anyone else. He had made the mistake of asking for more money once, and was promptly replaced by some jerk fresh out of the facility. As a freelance mechanic, you just had to take what you could get.

But despite all of these problems, there was one thing that had the capacity to drive Yusei over the edge like no other; Jack and Crow's consistent bickering. It was driving him up the walls. One day it would be Jack's work ethic, then it would be what Crow did with Jack's Red Dragon Archfiend, then it was who left the refrigerator door open, there was just no end! Yusei had come to discover that it was the little things on top of all the big ones that left cracks in his willpower.

"I already told you Crow, I am not working at that pathetic excuse for a restaurant!"

"Well if you don't, then the four of us are out on the streets! Is that what you want?"

'Oh, for God's sake...'

Yusei leaned back in his chair and massaged his temples. It was barely past ten o'clock, and he could already tell that it was going to be a long day. He needed a break, desperately needed some rest after he had gotten only three hours of sleep while debugging the duel interface on his runner. Just as he was about to go upstairs for some much needed shut-eye...

"Crow, maybe you don't understand, but I am Jack Atlas, and I simply do not-"

BOOM!

All three teens froze at the sound of the explosion. For the first time since Yusei could remember, there was complete silence in the garage, but he had no time to savor it. The Signers ran into the living room and were greeted by a thick haze of smoke. In the center of the room lay Bruno, covered in steaming water and ramen noodles. The microwave door was half-way off its hinges, swinging rhythmically back and forth. More white steam billowed off of the blunet and anything that had been scalded by the hot cooking water.

One look at the room told the entire story. Anyone else would have found this situation comical, but given the air of stress that the four had been under, there was no laughter.

Jack glared at Bruno. "What the bloody hell happened in here?"

Bruno gazed back up at the former King. "Hey, sorry guys. I was trying a new way to cook ramen in the microwave, and..."

"Well, this is just great!" cried Crow. For some reason, the Blackwing duelist had been extremely irritable as of late. He claimed it was because of the sleep deprivation, but Yusei knew it was because Crow blamed Jack for the eviction notice. "Now we'll have to make rent, AND pay for all of this stuff!"

Crow surveyed the scene again. "You know what Jack, this is all your fault!"

"Really? All of this is MY fault! I'm not the one who made a bottle rocket out of a package of pasta!"

"Well, if you actually tried to help out around here instead of spending all the money Yusei and I earn on your damn coffee, then we wouldn't have to worry about it!"

Yusei sighed. He always had to play peacemaker between Jack and Crow. Those two could argue all day if no one stopped them, and they probably would. Bruno did nothing about it because he could somehow tune out all of the arguments, so Yusei was left with the job of breaking up the fighting.

He really needed a break.

Deciding that he could at least be productive, Yusei helped Bruno up and got the paper towels out from under the sink. The two began to clean up the water and noodles scattered about the room while Jack and Crow went at it. There really weren't any words that could describe the stupidity Yusei had to face on a regular basis. After a while, the yellow haired duelist decided to break up the argument before it came to blows.

"Guys," Yusei began, "Now really isn't the time to-"

"Why don't you go and deliver pizzas or something, birdbrain!"

"First of all, I deliver chicken. Second, my job is what's kept us in this place for the past year, you washed up, half-ass, second rate duelist!"

"Hey, who are you calling a washed up, half-ass, second rate-"

KnockKnock

The four duelists looked towards the door and discovered that they were being studied by two hazel eyes.

Akiza.

Yusei's eyes grew wide.

"Umm, I hope I'm not interrupting anything..." she began.

The red-haired Signer had been visiting more frequently, especially after acquiring her Turbo Dueling License. Yusei was glad that Akiza chose to spend her time with her friends in spite of her studies. He didn't get to see her nearly as much as he would have liked to these days. Usually, she rode over during the afternoon to say hi and maybe hang out for a while. Yusei had to admit that he loved how Akiza looked in her riding suit. It matched her hair perfectly and hugged her hourglass figure in...all the right places. Just the thought caused a faint blush to creep up on Yusei's cheeks. However, Akiza's normal clothing told Yusei that she had walked today. Her presence instantly put him at ease in the midst of a turbulent day.

Jack however, didn't appreciate her visits nearly as much as Yusei.

"Actually," Jack retorted, "We're in a bit of a jam here, so-"

"EHEM! What Jack means to say..." Yusei said, "is that we need a break anyway, so come on in. But mind the ramen."

After shooting a quizzical glance around the room, Akiza sidestepped what was left of the mess and made her way over to Yusei. His cobalt-blue eyes met her dark brown ones. "See you walked today."

Akiza smiled. "Faculty work day, no school. I thought I'd drop by to say hello."

And Jack just had to ruin everything. "Yeah, well as long as you're not busy, why don't you make yourself useful and help clean up this mess. You are a girl, after all. Grab a mop or something."

Akiza gave an icy glare to Jack. She wouldn't have it out with him in front of Yusei because she knew how much he hated to see his friends arguing. So, she brushed it off, but not without muttering something about what Jack could do with his mop.

For some reason, there had been animosity between Jack and Akiza since the Dark Signer war. Jack's dislike for Akiza was purely superficial. She was a great duelist with skills that could rival his, so he definitely felt threatened by her. Besides, Jack was Jack. He hated everybody that didn't want his autograph.

Akiza's dislike for Jack ran a little deeper. Obviously, he was an arrogant ass, but there was more to the story. Even though Yusei had forgiven Jack for betraying him in the satellite, Akiza still harbored a grudge for how Jack had wronged her savior. Her friendship with Carly was yet another reason, considering that Jack had barely spoken a word to her after she was freed from being a Dark Signer.

The former King opened his mouth for another insult when his cell phone rang. He quickly flipped it open and, after exchanging a few words, hung up and reached for his helmet.

"That was Blister. The new parts are ready. Be back in a half hour."

Crow jumped up. "Oh no you don't. I'm going with you. Last time, you got an 8-bit ECU processor when I specifically told you to get 16! I'm going with you! Bruno, Yusei, you coming?"

Bruno stood up from cleaning. "Sure, anything to get out. Yusei?"

Yusei glanced back at Akiza. "Nah, I'll stay here and keep working on the debug. I have faith that you guys can handle it."

Crow shrugged. "Suit it yourself." Without any adieu, the three hopped on their runners (Bruno in a recently installed sidecar on Crow's runner) and headed out for Blister's unofficial workshop. The door swung to a close, leaving Yusei and Akiza alone in the living room.

Yusei looked down and smiled. "Sorry about that, we've all been on the edge latel-mphh!"

Yusei found his lips obstructed by Akiza's as she ran her fingers though his spiky hair. His arms wrapped around Akiza's waist as his lips moved passionately against hers, and Yusei let out a contented sigh as the two melted into the kiss. Akiza's tongue begged for entrance into Yusei's mouth, desperate to explore, to taste him and to feel the uncontrollable bliss that was love. Yusei immediately complied with her request, and his eyeballs rolled back in his head, his mind swimming in ecstasy from her actions.

'Oh my God, this is the best part of my day.'

Yusei gave a slight groan as Akiza pulled away from the kiss, but her arms stayed firmly in place around his neck. He could feel her warm body, smell her sweet scent, taste the lingering flavor of her lips, and it was heaven on earth. When she spoke, it was with the voice of an angel.

"Finally, I thought they would never leave."

Yusei pecked her on the lips before responding. "You have no idea."

Akiza rested her head on Yusei's chest, both of them enjoying the perfect moment they had just shared.

"So," Akiza said, "want to sit down for a little bit?"

"Sure, the others won't be back for a while, so we have some time."

The lovers made their way over to the couch in the corner of the room. Yusei sat down on the blue, cushioned seat and was joined by Akiza, who seated herself on Yusei's lap. There was no better feeling than this for Yusei; relaxing with the love of his life without a care in the world. His arms encircled her waist again as her hands went to his shoulders. Akiza leaned down and captured Yusei's lips for another passionate kiss. She let out a slight moan as Yusei's fingers caressed her lower back, sending chills of pleasure through her body. He never got tired of that.

When they parted, Yusei's eyes met Akiza's. "I love you Akiza."

Akiza gave a warm, contented smile. "I love you too Yusei." She let out a sigh. "Do you really think we're still a secret?"

The raven haired man gave her a reassuring squeeze. "I think so. Jack and Crow are too busy fighting and Bruno is oblivious to everything that doesn't involve mechanics."

"Well, I think Carly is starting to notice. She knows that I've been spending time with you, and she's starting to ask questions."

The two had chosen to keep their relationship secret for a number of reasons. The press would be all over it. Yusei could almost see the headline; King of Turbo Duels Courts Black Rose Witch. Their friends would never let them have any privacy, if they had any to begin with. It was just easier this way, and they had no intention of going public anytime soon.

Besides, it was a little more fun when they kept it under wraps.

The female Signer let out a contented sigh. "Do you remember our first kiss?"

Yusei leaned his head back and smiled. "How could I forget?"

They stood on the cliffside after Yusei's duel with Sherry had ended. Akiza's voice was filled with a passion that Yusei had never heard her speak with.

"I want to know what it's like. To feel the wind in my hair, to see the world you see."

"Akiza?" Yusei questioned.

She paused to look at him. "I want to become a Turbo Duelist."

Yusei turned to face her. He had seen that look of tenacity before in her eyes before when she faced Misty, the look of a person bent on something no matter what the cost. He knew in that moment that she would one day ride with him. He turned to face her, locking their gazes

"Then I'll be behind you every step of the way."

Akiza's eyes darted downwards, her determination slowly fading insecurity and nervousness. "Yusei...I just want to say thanks, for...well, for everything. For freeing me from the Arcadia Movement, from Sayer, protecting me, breaking the hold my powers had on me. You've done more for me than anyone ever has." Her eyes watered at her next words. "You're my best friend. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have survived my life."

Yusei placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his heart breaking at the thought of the pain she had endured. "Akiza, you are the strongest person I know. I'm sure you would have found a way through."

She wiped away a tear that had made its way to her face. "Maybe, but...I'm glad I made it through with you."

Yusei embraced Akiza in a hug. If only he could tell her how he felt, the feelings he had for her, the love he harbored deep inside his stoic persona...

"You know," she continued, "if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have even kept on dueling. I was ready to burn my deck after the Fortune Cup, after I hurt you..."

Yusei looked deep into her eyes, past all the walls and barricades and into the soul of the real Akiza. "I don't think you would have. You love dueling."

She was silent for a moment. "Not as much as I love you."

Yusei froze. His eyes widened at her words, and Akiza flinched, realizing what she had just said. Embarrassed and humiliated, she tried to pull away from Yusei's embrace, but he held her close to him. He gently lifted up her chin and let all the love and affection he held for her show through his eyes as she gazed into the sea of cobalt blue.

The distance between them slowly closed, and their lips met in a soft, loving kiss. Two bodies melted against each other as the sun crept below the horizon.

"Best day of my life," Yusei said.

Akiza laughed. "Yeah, mine too." She rested her head on Yusei's shoulder. He would have done anything for her, saved her a thousand more times if it meant being with her. He even used her Turbo Dueling training as a cover for their first date at the skating rink, although Leo and Luna almost made them. And speaking of dates...

"So are we still on for Friday night?" Yusei asked. "I hear that new movie comes out."

"Sure thing, pick me up around 8?"

"Sounds...perfect."

The two had a difficult time going on dates. They had to make sure all of their friends were busy, that no one they knew would be where they were going, all the basic things you need to have a secret night out. This usually resulted in them going to late movies and eating in small diners that weren't very busy. Neither one minded though; they could have toured a sulfur factory and made it romantic. As long as they were together, every date was special.

Akiza reluctantly stood up. "I should get going. The guys will probably be back any minute now."

Yusei stood and held her close, unwilling to let her go. But he knew he would see her soon, and that there would be a lot more time for passion in the near future. "Yeah, guess so."

They stayed in each other's arms for a moment more and leaned in for one more kiss. As Akiza's lips moved against Yusei's, he couldn't help but think that it had suddenly become a perfect day.

So...How'd I do? Be sure to review and let me know! Every review I get powers up my mind control laser and moves me one step closer to world domination!

Lol, again, feel free to PM me about anything.