Chapter Text
“Aki? I need your input on something.”
“Hmm?”
Yusei made room around his messy workstation that was usually littered with mechanical parts for D-Wheel repair, only instead now had all sorts of stationary items scattered about—masking tape, wrapping paper, ribbons and glue.
He brought forth a small box wrapped in snowflake patterned wrapping paper, and even though the material itself was nice to look at, the way it was arranged was… well, interesting.
Bent corners, wrinkly sides that appeared torn, and a messy crooked bow on top that looked like it was tied by a toddler. The teen raised a questioning eyebrow while presenting the gift to his fellow Signer. “Does this look okay to you?”
Crow, who had been sitting in the background fidgeting with a present of his own, visibly recoiled. “Yikes.”
“Crow!” Aki almost hissed in the brunet's direction while giving him what could only be described as a scolding expression. She turned to Yusei with a nervous smile. “I-It looks like you put a lot of effort into it!”
Yusei let out a sigh as he placed the gift back on the table. “It's fine, there's no need to sugarcoat it.”
“Did you try the technique I showed you?” Crow chimed in once more as he stood from his position on the couch, approaching the table with caution, as if he was dealing with hazardous material rather than a Christmas present. “I'm surprised you're having trouble with this. You're the hands-on guy among us.”
“Art and crafts are different. I never had to do stuff like this back in Satellite.” Yusei replied while playing with some loose ribbon in his pocket. “Anyone was happy getting anything at all. We didn't care if it was wrapped or not.”
“Neither will Jaden.” Aki spoke softly as she pulled a chair to sit next to the duo. “He'll be happy you got him something, whether it's in a plain cardboard box or decorated with a bow.”
“I know he will. I just wanted to surprise him, is all…”
“Oh, he'll be surprised all right- OW!”
After sending another glare in Crow's direction, Aki picked the small box up and began examining it from all sides. It wasn't entirely unsalvageable. “My offer still stands, Yusei. I'm more than happy helping you with this if you want. He won't even know the difference.”
“Thank you Aki, but this is something I need to do myself.” The raven took the box back in his hands and smiled at it fondly. “Jaden gave me a beautifully wrapped present for my birthday… I'd at least like to try and give him something decent in return. Especially for our first Christmas as a couple.”
Aki merely let out a giggle at the display. Her eyes squinted as she thought long and hard. “In that case, I might have an idea that will make this much easier.”
“Huh? Really?” Yusei's expression shifted as he cocked his head to the side.
“We just need a few extra supplies from the City! I'm sure Crow wouldn't mind running some quick errands.”
“H-Hey! What are you talking about?!”
As Yusei thanked his friend for the help, making Crow realize there was no escape from his fate, Aki smiled. “This is going to be the best Christmas ever!”