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[toastnekohime]

By The Pulse Of A Heartbeat

Part five of a 2018 Camp NaNoWriMo Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Elementshipping novel. Based on rp’s between myself ( @getyouraoion ) and my amazing, precious Twin’s Jaden ( @kiibx ), By The Pulse Of A Heartbeat tells the story of how Aoi and Jaden met at Duel Academy and formed their incredibly tight friendship, eventually falling into a relationship, and how they handle the various threats thrown at them over their three years of schooling.

There are currently no triggers, but should any arise, they will be tagged.

STILL IN PROGRESS. Please forgive any typos you may find~

Tagging @starisia, as this wouldn’t exist without my wonderful Twin <3

Summary:

Duel Academy is the place to be, the dream school for many kids. Be it through intense studying, duel prep schools, scholarships, or being rich enough to buy their way in, most kids have had their sights set on it for a long time, knowing it to be the perfect place to start towards a career as a professional duelist. Someone has to Dethrone Yugi and take the title of King of Games, and everyone wants a shot!

Except that is, for Aoi Sakazaki.

Falling in love with Duel Monsters when her father bought her several cards in her childhood, she makes the choice to try her hand at the entrance exams, despite having no idea what she wants to do with her life… And just barely squeaks her way in. Her poor exams scores, combined with even poorer grades, land her a solid spot in the Academy’s Slifer Red dorm - The lowest of the low, where students are almost expected to drop out if they don’t advance to Ra Yellow or Obelisk Blue, first.

The rank comes with the rest of the school looking down on them, as well as the worst lodging the furthest distance from the main campus and fewest privileges  compared to the other dorms. But it also brings a surprise friend in fellow Slifer student Jaden Yuki, who seems to have absolutely no problem with the hand they’ve been dealt.

It’s not long before Aoi and Jaden find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of an adventure, dealing with exams, classes, ‘evil’ teachers, and somehow still finding enough time to explore the island they now call home. But living on Academy Island isn’t all fun and games; shortly after their schooling begins, things around their home begin to change, and rarely for the better.

Neither friend has any idea what lies in wait for them in the next three years… But is it an adventure they’ll be able to tackle together, or will it end their time at the school - and them - before it’s even begun?

It’s time to put their skills where their mouths are and find out!

It took a day longer than she'd expected to finish her new uniform, but by the third day of classes, she'd swapped out her red skirt for the more familiar comfort of capris, blazer cut into a comfortable vest over a lighter shirt. As nice as her boots had been, it felt so much better to be out of those heels and into a different, flatter pair of calf-high boots. And though the outfit had gotten some stares and mumbles, it, thankfully, hadn't yet gotten her in trouble.

And yet, it wasn't worry of possible trouble that had Aoi outside her room the morning of their first saturday on the island, but the need for air and peace. Her room still stunk of the perfume Mia had used the night before... For such a petite girl, she wore an awful lot of perfume – Enough to drown a cow, never mind the slender teen. It wouldn't have been so bad if the scent was lighter, kinder to the nose, but a heavy dose of lilac and 'sunshine' definitely didn't help.

At least being outside helped ease the headache, the slight breeze coming off the sea more than refreshing. And it was quiet, to boot. Why was it a dorm with so few people still managed to be so loud? Music helped, although there was only so much it could do when the noise tried to drown it out in return.

Birds and waves crashing into the cliff behind the dorm was better for the time being, though she had to admit, she still missed her music—

Wait… That made no sense. Why was it so quiet?

“Last one there's a rotten fish!”

Pushing off the railing, Aoi tilted her head... Just to press herself back against it half a second later with a squeak of surprise, just barely avoiding a collision with a red blur that wasn't so lucky, stumbling over its own boots before finally catching itself. “Hey- Watch where y' go-”

“Hey sorry, I-”

Both comments came to a screeching halt, green-blue meeting long since familiar honey brown. She'd known he had a room on the second floor, but not that it was so close, or that he was even in it as often as it seemed he was... And for that matter, she couldn't even begin to remember where her voice had gone, or why she'd even stopped in the first place. “Y' couldda run m' over.”

Jaden gave a sheepish chuckle in return, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, sorry 'bout that. Didn't think there was anyone out here. Aren't ya usually in your room?”

“I'm n' sure how y' know that, b' n' today. Smells like a flower exploded.”

“...Flowers can explode?”

“Sniff m' door an' tell m', 'cause I'm pretty sure it's a scracth n' sniff card.”

To her surprise, the brunette laughed, relaxing as quickly as he'd barreled out of his room. Just hearing him laugh helped her relax as well, but the second he actually did step closer and jokingly scratch at the door, she'd taken an even larger step of her own back and away from him – and that was all it took to make him pause and give her a look like she'd just grown another head. “...Did I step on you or somethin'?”

“...N'. Jus'...” Just what? How did she explain she was uncomfortable with strangers? Or even more so with guys, and that he fell into both categories? The better question, though, was why she felt like she could tell him, shooting Syrus a glance as he finally joined them on the balcony. Maybe it was the fact he was still leaning over and inches from sniffing her door, or the dozens of times in the last few days they'd run into each other...

Whatever it was, it was enough to make her shake her head and tug at the tie of one of her pigtails. “I ah... Don't d' good with strangers. Or guys. Or any combination of 'em,”, she finally admitted, watching his confusion turn into a broad grin. Like always, his bright and sunny outlook seemed to make things easier, tugging slowing until she could finally bring her hands down and shove them into her pockets. “Sorry.”

“Hey, I'm not a stranger, I'm a Jaden! Jaden Yuki.”

“...Aoi Sakazaki.”

“See? No strangers here! We're goin' to check out the surf shop on the beach. Up for coming with?”

On one hand, she wanted to tell him no. Despite the introductions, he was still, technically, a stranger, and she had little interest in being any closer.

And yet on the other, there was something about his grin she couldn't say no to. His cheer was infectious, bringing back her smile in just seconds. It had to be better than sitting by a scratch and sniff door she swore was absorbing every bit of the perfume smell as it was, right? “I'm... N' sure...”

This time it was Syrus who smiled, slipping past her – careful not to get too close, something she'd later have to thank him for – and Jaden both for the steps. “It's gonna be an adventure! There's supposed to be a nice beach and the tide's out!”

“S' we could find some crabs?” The words were out before she could stop them, and by the time she realized she was even moving, she was halfway down the staircase, Jaden laughing behind her with his hands behind his head. “I haven't seen any yet. Have y'?”

“Heard frogs,” the brunette chirped, chuckling at the snort he got in reply as he came up to walk beside her, Syrus leading the trio towards the beach. “Nah. We've been all over, but haven't seen crabs yet. Why, you like crabs?”

“Jay... Girls don't like crabs...”

Aoi shook her head, though she knew Syrus couldn't see it or her smile for trying to derail the conversation, lest it get uncomfortable. “Small ones're cute, b' n' my favorites. That's pigs.”

The blunette tripped over his feet, Jaden slapping a hand over his mouth to try and hide the sputters before he broke down laughing. Was it really so surprising she'd like pigs? “Look here, they're cute an' like t' b' pet.”

“That's dogs, Aoi.”

“Pigs t'! Back home we've got a petting zoo with a big potbellied pig. He loves it when people pat him on th' head. Hair kindda reminds m' of another student's, t'...” She had to bite her tongue before Chazz's name came out. In the last few days, she'd run into the Obelisk four or five more times, each meeting falling into nothing but pure insults and sarcasm flung at one another. She'd come to find it fun, even, getting the chance to be as creative as possible while he kept coming back with the reminder she was nothing more than a 'Slifer Slacker'.

But if either of the boys wanted to ask, they made no indication of it, Jaden even catching her attention  again with the most nonchalant shrug. “They're not bad. You don't play a pig deck, do ya? Though I bet that'd be somethin' to watch. A farm duel!”

Her next snort quickly turned into a laugh, winning her a look of surprise from both boys. Maybe these boys weren't so bad after all...? “Mm-mm. N' pig decks. I've got... Don't even have a theme, n' that I think 'bout it. Jus' m' favorite an' some backup.”

“Sounds like something fun to duel with! Hey, wanna see how your favorite is against my heroes?” he questioned, surprise quickly fading back into a smile, as always. She wasn't sure there was a second he could be anything but a ball of sunshine – And had they met for real at the exams, she was sure his cheeriness would've driven her crazy. Probably.

But even that wasn't enough to make her agree, head shaking as they followed the well-worn path towards the other side of the island. So he played a hero deck... “N' way, Jaden. Y' would cream m' in a second. I barely made it through th' entrance exams, an' definitely n' interested in getting' beat jus' yet.”

He seemed to take the rejection well, though she didn't miss the glimmer of disappointment in his eyes, hidden behind his usual grin. He was the kid who beat Dr. Crowler, famous among the school for that feat, or so she'd heard; why would she want to let Eria stretch her legs if all that awaited her was a hero punch to the face? And why did she feel the urge to say yes anyway when she knew he'd win in a single turn against her deck?

The brunette rolled his shoulders, the disappointment gone so fast she wondered if she'd imagined it. Either the idea of adventuring around the beach was enough to bring him back from it, or the sunlight was playing tricks on her... Whatever it was, she couldn't stop her own smile from pulling at her lips. “Maybe after I d' some tweakin'...?”

“Now you're talking my language! Need any help with it?”

“Considerin' I wouldn't know where t' start.... B' y' don't hafta.”

“Nah, it's totally fine. What's in your deck now?”

Her footsteps slowed, reaching behind her to flip open the case on her belt and pull her deck free. No more than half a second later, Jaden stopped with her, neither noticing Syrus continuing ahead without them. “Like I said, m' favorite,” she explained, passing the stack of cards to him as they came to a stop. “Eria th' Water Charmer an' Familiar-Possesed Eria. B' th' rest is jus' backup.”

And by the way he practically became the sun while he flipped through them, she could only imagine the plans he had in mind. “You've got a Luster Dragon in here? I've never seen one in person-! And there's an Aussa... Interested in help?”

“Y' really don't hafta-”

“Nope, I don't. But I want to. What's a friend for, right?”

Friend. They'd met all of possibly half an hour ago, and he already saw her a friend. Despite the fact she shouldn't have been surprised, she was, feeling her cheeks flush a bit. Again, if he noticed he didn't make any mention of it, rearranging her cards with Eria on top. “...Y' jus' met m'. How.. How can y' call m' a friend s' easily?”

“What, you need to know people forever to be friends?” His tone was light, lined with the barest hints of laughter. And when he gently took her hand, pressing her deck back into her palm, she couldn't find any reason to jump away from him. The defensive shell usually present whenever she was around others had melted off, leaving her to watch him run ahead a moment later, stop, and wave at her. “C'mon! Sy's already gone ahead!”

He had a point. What harm would there be in trusting him? He'd not given her a reason to keep her distance – yet, anyway – and even offered help... Her urge to keep away from him physically seemed to have fled, too, especially with how she was running ahead with a laugh to nudge his side. “Last one there's a rotten Mystic Tomato?”

Any surprise he'd had in her touch melted into a wicked grin, waiting for her to slide her deck into its case before replying. “More like does the others' homework for a day- and I'm gonna win that bet!” And in a flash he was off, Aoi giving a whine before following suit, quickly blowing past a startled  Syrus. “Cheater!”

“Gotta keep up!”

“I plan on it!” she called back, barely three steps behind him with a laugh. Maybe having a friend in the boy wouldn't be so bad- Though she'd have to get used to his excitement, her gaze drifting to the ground under his feet. Jaden Yuki... Oh, how wrong she'd been at the exams. There was nothing weak about him- though he was easy to lose track of, raven ducking under a branch as their race hit the forest.

“Still back there?”

“Trust m', I'm gonna keep up with y' if it's th' last thing I d'!”

[getyouraoion]

Elementshipping

Send me a Ship and I’ll Break Them DOWN

Considering on the dash stuff hasn’t quite reached their ship yet, will be replied to with a mix of on dash, behind the scenes, headcanons, and drabbling

How did they they meet? Jaden legit nearly mowed her down. XD Her room is a couple doors down from his (the boys have the end, Aoi’s more in the middle), and she was outside and leaning against the balcony railing when he barreled out of his room with Syrus in tow. Totally nearly took her out. XD They may also have seen each other at entrance exams, but that doesn’t count, really- Two words to each other does not a meeting make-

Who developed romantic feelings first? The true answer to this is unknown, as they’re both dense dorks. It’s thought Aoi did first, but she’s also the one who recognized it first - there’ no saying how long they’d had feelings for each other before then.

Who is their biggest “shipper?” Probably Syrus? Hard to say when everyone and their uncle assumes they’ve been going out since they met. XD

When did they have their first kiss and under what circumstances? Depends on the kiss- As far as non-romantic, on the cheek/tip of the nose/forehead/etc kisses go, the first was a kiss to the forehead as a ‘good luck’ gesture mere hours before he went to duel Camula himself. Aoi’d been fussing over him and he wouldn’t back down, so she caved and figured he needed a lucky charm - something more than the medalion. They’ve also had a couple small, really chaste kisses here and there on the lips, but nothing big. For romantic, real kisses, likely when she confessed, while Jay was still coming back from the events of the other dimension- a pure moment of needing comfort and the desire to.

Who confessed their feelings first? As far as is known now, Aoi. Unsurprisingly for them, they’ve been semi-showing their feelings for one another right along - it’s kindda obvious in how he tries to protect her and keep her safe, and she tries to protect and care for him. Of course… Dense dorks don’t even catch on until way later.

What was their first official date? They… Never really have one? Jaden leaves to travel not long after they start their relationship/graduate, and they’re not really the types to get all dressed up and hang out in some high class, fancy resturaunt. Aoi would probably say it’s the first walk they took together after they got together around the dorm.

How do they feel about double dates/group dates? Considering their friend group? Have absolutely zero problems with it. XD Knowing them they’ve probably ~crashed~ doubled with Chazz and Alexis a few times. XD

What do they do in their down time? Cuddle, duel, play games, talk, fuss over their decks, adventure, more cuddling, take a nap…

What was the first meeting of parents as an official couple like? No idea on Jay’s, considering his relationship with them, but Aoi’s parents love him from the get-go. She’d taken him (and Aster, and Syrus, and Hassleberry) to see her parents during the school trip to Domino, since she’s a Domino native, so he already knows them by the time they start dating. When she later brings him back to meet them as a real couple, Jay’s still a bit awkward (Again, because of his relationship with his own parents, he’s not used to her hands-on, tight-knit family), but they welcome him in with no questions asked. All in all, it went pretty well

What was their first fight over and how did they get past it? They have a couple little arguments here and there, usually over one of them doing something stupid or each other’s safety, but their first really big thing is probably during their respective recoveries after Yubel. With Jay distancing himself from everyone and Aoi refusing to let him shut her out completely, their relationship seriously took a major hit. It really took Jay beginning to recover his love of dueling and the both of them to realize things aren’t, and will never again be, the same again for them to truly start to recover.. And step into a romantic relationship with it, knowing they’re bound together in every way possible and neither will ever let the other fall again.

Which one is more easily made jealous? Aoi is - She never quite understands why, and it’s not too often, but she feels it more than Jay.

What is their favourite thing to get to eat? Fried shrimp! They’ll both eat nearly anything you put in front of them, but when they go out to eat, it’s usually for burgers. Or ice cream. Or, while at the academy, fried shrimp nights and the junk food her parents send.

Who’s the cuddly one? What their favourite cuddling position? They’re both incredibly cuddly - in fact, they’ve been cuddling since a few weeks after they met - and do so often. As in, whenever they have down time and they’re not dueling or adventuring often. They don’t really have a favorite position, per say; they end up flopped on each other in whatever way is most comfortable for them at the time. They do tend to often end up laying together with her snuggled into his side and partially flopped on him, tho-

Are they hand holders? DEFINITELY. They run around hand in hand so often it’s a wonder their hands aren’t glued to each other’s-

How long do they wait before sleeping together for the first time? What’s the circumstances? The true answer to this is unknown, because we as muns haven’t figured this out yet. There’s a very strong possibility their first time is while they’re still in the academy, before graduation - possibly to go along with their confessions, while emotions are running high, but nobody’s sure. Though they’ve been technically sleeping together since.. Give or take a month, month a half after meeting? It’s just easier to sleep when they’re together, and they cuddle into each other. Nothing happens, they just… Sleep.

Who tops? They switch. More often than not tho, Jaden.

What’s the worst first they’ve ever gotten into? Oooh god- First shadow game, maybe? Aoi’s been present for a good 95%, at least, of the stuff Jay goes through at the academy, they’re so glued to each other at the hip. That means she’s there for the majority of his shadow games, too - enough so it eventually becomes common for the bad guys to know that if you want Jay, just threaten the girl. Or maybe first detention… They’ve had a lot of bad firsts.

Who does the shopping and the cooking? They both do! When they finally settle down together, it’s in a home Aoi rents. They split everything down the middle and often take on each other’s chores, and shopping is a tag-team effort - meaning whether they’re being lazy or need to rush, they have a tactic for doing it together. Cooking is either all on her or done together, too, because you really don’t want to see Jaden left alone in the kitchen-

Which one is more organized and prone to tidiness? AHAHAHAHAHA- Ahhh, that’s funny- Aside from their card collections, neither of them are particularly tidy. Aoi might keep her studio as a fashion designer a bit tidier than anything else, but that’s out of nesecity - The only time they make that extend to the rest of the house is when they have company coming or they have kids.

Who proposes? Another up in the air >w> Can’t answer if we have no idea yet~

Do they have joined Bachelor/Bacheloette parties or separate? They start out seperate, but end up merged by the end of the night. Aoi knows so few girls they just end up joining the boys.

Who is the best man/maid of honour? Any other groomsmen or bridesmaids? Probably a toss-up between Johan/Jesse, Chazz, and Syrus for best man, and Aoi might have Blair for a maid of honor - Again, it’s up in the air. It’s safe to say that the majority of their friends would have a part in the wedding, tho.

Big Ceremony or Small? Moderate? Again, not a clue, but her parents wouldn’t just let them have a tiny, out of the way ceremony, nope.

Do they have a honeymoon? If so, where?  Oh definitely - Between Jaden’s wanderlust and Aoi having the urge to get out and see things whenever given the chance, they’d probably end up in some really out of the way inn out in the middle of nowhere somewhere. Someplace they can be as lazy as they want, but still be able to explore as they please and spend the evenings cuddling.

Do they have children? How many? They do