In The Rain (A Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Oneshot)

In The Rain

Rain cascaded relentlessly over New Domino City, transforming its usually bustling streets into desolate, shadowy corridors. Inside the weather-beaten garage that doubled as his sanctuary, Yusei sat amidst the gloom, listening to the rhythmic patter of raindrops against the brick roof above. The grey skies and the absence of people outside reminded him of the Satellite, his childhood home where every day had been a battle against loneliness and fear.

Tonight, however, fear crept back into Yusei's thoughts for a different reason. From upstairs, a harsh, rasping cough cut through the silence, pulling him out of his reverie. With practiced urgency, Yusei grabbed a damp towel and a bowl of water before hurrying up the stairs to Crow's room.

Crow lay in bed, his usually lively demeanor subdued by illness. His forehead burned with fever, a testament to his determination to deliver packages despite the storm's fury earlier in the day. Yusei had taken on the role of caregiver, watching over Crow as he battled the sickness that now confined him to bed. Meanwhile, Jack had sought refuge at Carly's apartment, leaving Yusei alone to tend to Crow's needs alone.

As the evening wore on, Crow's condition worsened. Yusei knew he had to venture out into the storm to fetch medicine. With a thin raincoat draped over his shoulders and an umbrella in hand, he braved the elements, stepping cautiously into the torrential rain. The bus stop offered a brief respite, its flimsy shelter providing minimal protection against the downpour.

It was there that Yusei encountered Akiza, another soul braving the storm's wrath in search of medicine. She too wore a thin raincoat and carried an umbrella, her expression a mix of determination and weariness. Curiosity mingled with concern, Yusei asked about her purpose, and she revealed her father's illness, necessitating her nocturnal pharmacy visit.

Conversation between them flowed awkwardly at first, a blend of small talk and shared frustration at the storm's persistence. Yet beneath the surface, unspoken emotions simmered—a mutual understanding of responsibility, a hint of attraction, and a tinge of vulnerability.

Deciding it was safer to journey together, they navigated the slick streets to the pharmacy. Inside, the atmosphere was a contrast of warmth against the cold storm outside. They waited amidst shelves stocked with remedies, exchanging quiet observations and occasional smiles that hinted at deeper feelings.

Then, as if to heighten the tension already thick in the air, a sudden blackout plunged the pharmacy into darkness. The storm's fury had momentarily overwhelmed the city's power grid. In that instant, Yusei found himself transported back to his childhood in the Satellite, where thunder and lightning had been harbingers of fear.

Akiza noticed Yusei's unease, the subtle tension in his grip on the umbrella. Without a word, she reached out and gently took his hand in hers, a gesture both comforting and unexpected. Yusei's breath caught in his throat as he felt her warmth, her silent support amidst the darkness and uncertainty.

In that fleeting moment of vulnerability, Yusei's thoughts raced. He had always seen Akiza as strong and independent, much like himself. But now, in the midst of a storm that mirrored their inner turmoil, he began to see her in a different light—someone who understood his fears and complexities, someone he could share his burdens with.

The power soon flickered back on, casting a dim glow over the pharmacy once more. The storm outside had begun to relent, its rage fading into a soft patter of raindrops. Yusei and Akiza exchanged glances filled with unspoken understanding, their hearts laid bare in the aftermath of the blackout.

With prescriptions in hand, they parted ways to return to their respective homes. Yusei expressed his gratitude to Akiza for her silent gesture of comfort, a thankfulness that conveyed more than words could express. Akiza simply smiled, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sympathy and something deeper, a connection forged in the crucible of a stormy night.

As Yusei walked home, thoughts swirled in his mind—of Crow, of Jack and Carly, and of Akiza. He was so deep in contemplation that he didn't notice Akiza's sudden return until she was standing before him, her umbrella abandoned, and determination etched on her face.

Without hesitation, Akiza leaned forward, closing the distance between them. Her lips brushed against Yusei's, a gentle yet electrifying touch that sent warmth coursing through his veins. Startled yet undeniably moved, Yusei responded in kind, his umbrella forgotten as he embraced the spontaneous intimacy of the moment.

For Yusei and Akiza, the storm had not only brought them together but had also laid bare the truths of their hearts. In that fleeting kiss under the gentle rain, they found solace and hope—a promise of something more amidst the uncertainty of their lives.

And as they stood, intertwined in a silent embrace, the rain continued to fall—a soothing cadence that whispered of new beginnings and the timeless dance of two souls finding each other in the storm.