Yu-Gi-Oh 5D'S: When the Engines Sing

Chapter 4 ~ Settling In

She sat in silence for a few seconds, just stunned.

"I haven't given you a time limit because there isn't one, not right now. Long as you're not planning to burn the place down, I think we're good." She heard the humor in his tone and that settled her.

She then let out a soft breath of laughter. "No promises."

He continued, "Martha, she was our foster mom, and now she's our landlady, she might have a place open nearby if you'd rather have your own space. But there's no rush. You're welcome here. That's not going to change overnight."

"I'll think about it, but I guess for now..." She smiled faintly. "This feels... okay."

Yusei returned the smile, though she couldn't see it, then after a short moment of quiet...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

It was sharp, firm, and came from above her to the right, up the narrow staircase that she remembered Yusei guiding her down the day before. Her shoulders stiffened slightly at the unexpected sound when Yusei then turned the stove down, the sizzle of bacon retreating into a quiet crackle.

"I'll get it." he called, already moving.

She listened as his footsteps climbed swiftly, the door creaked open and Yusei all but shrieked in a split second.

"Agh-Martha! Why are you-"

 "Don't you Martha me, Yusei Fudo! I saw you boys roll in yesterday evening with someone new on the back of your Duel Runner. Young woman, looked like. I'm here to meet her."

The voice, unmistakably feminine and strong, had interrupted Yusei before he could finish his words. It was mature, firm and radiated a clear authority, like a mother diciplining her child. Sora exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest, heart still jumping. This woman had to be the same Martha he had just mentioned. She stood up, straightened herself, and quietly begged whatever forces existed that this wouldn't be as awkward as it sounded like it was about to be.

Down the stairs came hurried steps that were brisk and light, and behind them was Yusei's unmistakable, slightly panicked footfalls.

"Martha wait! Take it easy, okay? I was going to tell you about her, I swear. She's not a secret tenant or anything!"

Martha stopped mid-step, just a few feet from Sora now.

"Don't be ridiculous," Martha said firmly. "I know you'd tell me about something like this. I just want to meet your new girlfriend."

Sora choked on absolutely nothing. Her lungs rebelled, and she let out a startled cough, hand flying to her chest. "W-What-?!" she sputtered, cheeks lighting up scarlet.

"Oh for the love of..." Yusei groaned. "She's not my girlfriend."

Martha blinked, then let out a soft "Oooh... Well, who is she then?"

"Sora is her name. She got lost yesterday and ended up on the Daedalus Bridge duel track. She's blind and she's a duelist from the academy, and... she needed help, so we offered it to her."

Yusei continued, this time gentler, "Sora, this is Martha, the one I just told you about. She took care of all of us growing up."

There was a short pause before Martha let out a soft gasp of realization. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry about the mix-up." She stepped closer, "Yusei should've warned you that I tend to bulldoze into things."

Sora reached out a tentative hand, "It's fine, really. Uh... it's nice to meet you."

Martha took her hand warmly in both of hers. "Likewise, darling. No need to be shy, I don't bite... most of the time."

"Uhhh..."

"Martha, play nice, please?" Yusei groaned, rubbing his face.

Martha could only laugh at him, "Oh come on, I always play nice. So," Martha paused, glancing around. "Where are the other two?"

Yusei sighed, "They're still asleep. But they'll be down soon."

Martha gasped theatrically. "Still in bed? At this time? Scandalous!"

Before Yusei could stop her, she spun on her heel and marched up the stairs.

"Boys!" she bellowed. "Sun's been up for hours! I better hear two sets of feet moving in the next five seconds or I'm dumping cold water on you both!"

Sora let out a breathy, disbelieving laugh, "Is she... always like that?"

"Yeah," Yusei said, not even trying to hide the smile in his voice, "That's our Martha."

"She's brilliant, scary... but brilliant."