Spiritshipping Week 2026

“Judai.”

Judai’s gaze remained fixed on the outside beyond the window, eyes lazily following the whirl of snowflakes in the dull morning light. He at least had finally leaned back on the couch, yet his limbs remained stiff and his grip tight on his mug of hot chocolate. “It isn’t easy for you either, right?”

Johan shook his head. “That doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me.” The corner of his mouth twitched, almost into a frown. “Unless…You don’t want me…”

“It would be harder alone.”

“But you have your family.”

“I love them, and I get it, but I’d rather not fester in their anger.”

“You have every right to be angry.”

Johan shrugged with a noncommittal hum. “Who said I wasn’t? But not at you.”

“We’re—”

“One now. So you keep saying. But it wasn’t Yubel who saved me now was it?” Bitterness grit between his teeth. He hated it, but he couldn’t help it. He took a breath, letting it push out the tension in his jaw. “You’re still the boy who saved me that day. Nothing can change that.”

“Johan—”

“Anger always made me feel sick anyway.”

Amethyst Cat said it was because he never let himself feel it properly, but Johan never believed it. He tried. Even now. And he did feel that hotness briefly bubble through his blood whenever he thought of Yubel. What they did to him. What they did to the Crystal Beasts, to Judai. But then he’d think some more. About the images that flashed when Yubel first invaded him. The pain that seared into his nerves. Some of it from a memory long ago, some of it within that present. All they knew was suffering, and he couldn’t help the sympathy that would flood him and wash out the heat.

“Let’s just let it go for now,” Johan sighed after a moment.

“We need to talk about it at some point.”

Johan placed his now empty mug to the side. “But not today. It’s too raw today.”

The ghost of a protest that began tumbling out of Judai died on his tongue when Johan yanked him close. He fell easily against his chest.

“Is this okay?” Johan whispered.

Judai remained stiff yet he nodded. Perhaps concerningly quick. Johan could imagine the wide-eyed look on his friend’s face and couldn’t help but huff in amusement.

“Is…Is this okay for you?” Judai asked meekly.

Johan outright laughed then, tugging Judai further until he was seated on his lap. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have put you here in the first place.”

“You’re being rather forward for once,” Judai pouted.

“You're just actually reading it properly for once.”

“I…I don’t want you doing this just for my sake. Because I’m being pathetic and pitiful and—”\

Johan raised his fingers to Judai’s lips. He’d rather have kissed him, but like he said, wounds were left raw today and Yubel hung heavier over them despite how they settled down. Despite how deep they buried themself into Judai to avoid Johan feeling their presence.

“I missed you.”

Johan felt the lips under his fingertips twitch, almost into a smile. “It’s only been a month,” Judai murmured.

“Still too long.”

Judai bit his lip, tearing away from Johan’s gaze. “You know I—”

“I know, I know. We’re both doing our important adult stuff. I’m just teasing.” Johan’s hand slipped from Judai’s lips to his chin, twisting his face back towards him. “Though…It’s true. I still missed you.”

“You’d miss me if I was gone for a day,” Judai snorted, an ember of a familiar glow in his eyes

“There you are.” He took Judai’s face into his hands. “And you’re right. I would.”

Judai fell silent once more. It wasn’t as thick as before, but Johan could see in his lover's eyes how thoughts swirled in his mind. “I…I missed you too. I missed this.” He pressed his forehead against Johan’s.

“Good.” Johan let his eyes flutter shut, taking in Judai’s warmth, his earthy scent from nearly two years as a wanderer. “I…A year ago I worried that maybe…Maybe you…Maybe I brought up bad memories and that’s why you kept your distance for so long.”

“I was scared.”

“Scared?”

“I told you, I’m not who I once was. And that’s without even including Yubel.”

Johan ignored the ice that prickled along his spine. “I know.”

“Even now I still don’t understand how you can still look at me the way you do.”

“What way?” Johan asked, eyes cracking open slightly. Like he didn’t already know. Like they hadn’t had this conversation before.

“Like I’m still something good.”

Okay, that was a little different. More direct than Judai had ever been. “Judai—”

“I’m sorry…I’ve gotten good at letting the guilt come and go but today…” Judai gripped at his hair, squeezing his eyes shut. “It just won’t leave.”

Johan’s heart clenched almost painfully. He swallowed down his own guilt, the swirling thoughts of what if. As much as it was Yubel who orchestrated everything and held most of the blame for what happened over two years ago, Johan willingly offered himself up as the sacrificial lamb. It was ultimately the belief of his death that pushed Judai off the deep end. He knew he shouldn’t blame himself, especially as he constantly begged Judai not to blame himself either. But they always mirrored each other, so it only made sense that their guilt would too, unfoundedness and all.

He squeezed Judai tighter, pressing even closer, like he could curl up in him alongside Yubel. “No more talking then. Just keep your eyes closed and let me keep holding you.” He took a shaky breath, arms loosening in hesitancy. “Unless that will make it worse.”

Judai gripped at his retreating arm. Johan couldn’t help but smile. Just a little. For a while, they just sat like that, until Judai started to relax, his body sinking more into a laying position, head propped up on Johan’s shoulder. He kept hold on Johan’s arm, but it was looser now.

“Better?” Johan whispered, planting a light kiss on Judai’s forehead.

“Better.”

“You may be different in many ways. You may have done some…unforgivable things. And you may be sadder sometimes. Quieter. But under it all, you’re still the person I fell in love with.”

A light blush dusted Judai’s cheeks.

“And the Judai I know always makes a comeback when it matters most.”

“Do…Do you really think I can come back from this?”

“You don’t?”

“How can you come back from something like that?”

Johan pressed his lips together. What could be said? It wasn’t right to forget it and move on. But Judai would lose himself once more if he wallowed in it.

“Well, you let us in more. That’s one major thing. And you’re making a difference as…what would you call it? A spirit counselor?”

“Yes, but…”

“It’s only been two years. You don’t get over something like this in two years.”

Judai laughed lightly. “You know? Yubel says the same thing.”

Johan went rigid until Judai started rubbing small circles into his arm, a wordless apology. “Thank you,” he continued softly. “For everything. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without you. I probably wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you.”

“Judai.”

Judai’s eyes drifted close again. “What? It’s true.”

“You’re not thinking of…”

“No. I haven’t spiraled that far. Again, thanks to you.”

Johan ignored the heat spreading across his face. Hopefully the lights were low enough that Judai wouldn’t notice. “Well, I can’t take all the credit,” he waved off, “Jim and O’Brien were pretty important too, right?”

“Yeah…I need to get around to checking in with them too.”

“There’s always tomorrow.” Johan pressed a light kiss to his temple. “But for now. I want to keep you all to myself. If a certain someone will let me.”

Judai snorted. “Well, I was kind of counting on you for a bed tonight so…”

“You know it’s always open.”

Judai lulled into a quiet again, less heavy this time. If it wasn’t for his slightly opened eyes, Johan would have assumed he was asleep.

“It’s still rather early,” Johan commented, fingers trailing lightly up Judai’s thigh. “We could go back to sleep for a bit.”

“I don’t think I can really sleep right now.”

“Then how about we just lay down for a little bit. Cuddle or something.”

Judai’s brows creased, as if he was about to make a very important decision. Johan bit back another laugh.

“That does sound nice.”

“Then it’s settled,” Johan declared. He snuck an arm under Judai’s leg and scooped him up, ignoring how little it took to do so. Judai immediately clung to him, eyes a little wide, but he could already see the beginnings of a smile.

Paradox is dealt with, Jesse’s safe and back at Jaden’s side, the two are back home.

Everything is as it should be.

The first night after the mess Paradox made, the two are making themselves ready for bed. Jesse found a nice resort close to the city, saying it has good reviews.

But Jaden’s mind was preoccupied.

He laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Why can’t things just settle down for once? There’s always something going on. And Jesse getting caught up in the danger, Jaden feels like a failure to him and the Crystal Beasts.

He snapped back to reality when he feels a hand on his face. He looks over at Jesse’s worried expression on the other side of the bed.

“More flashbacks?” he whispers, his finger moving along Jaden’s cheek.

“Not necessarily.” he mumbles. “Just…thinking.”

“About?”

“How I failed you.”

Jesse leans up, “Failed me how Jay?”

“For starters, I left without saying anything to you. Also, I couldn’t protect you from Paradox and he hurt you and your family.”

Jesse shakes his head, leaning in for a gentle kiss. “You didn’t fail me Jaden. Your path was blocked and he took advantage of that. And you, Yugi and Yusei saved me in the end. Don’t beat yourself up, okay?”

Jaden wasn’t convinced, wincing as he heard Jesse’s screams in his head. Seeing him take the blunt of all their monsters attacks.

He was surprised when Jesse smashed their lips together, climbing on top of him. Jaden moans softly, reaching to hold onto Jesse’s shoulders.

Jaden pants as he watches Yusuke sink to his knees. He sees a skeleton-looking demon emerge and whisk the teen away in a dark energy. It tries taking Jesse the same way, but Jaden’s able to block it thanks to Yubel and Haou. The demon then retreats to the top of the school.

The final duel is upon him.

Jaden looks at Jesse, “You okay?”

“Yeah.” he breathes with a nod. “That duel was intense.”

“It was.”

“What was that thing that controlled Yusuke?”

“Not sure, but I’m gonna find out.”

Jaden starts heading for the school, but Jesse grabs his wrist to stop him. “WE’LL find out.” he corrects with a grin.

“Jesse..”

“You’re not doing this alone Jay. I’m gonna help ya.”

Jaden was about to counter that it’s dangerous, but knows it’s not worth arguing. Jesse is a capable duelist. He’ll be okay.

Only..

He turns around, looking Jesse in the eyes and holding his hands tightly. “Just…promise me something Jes.”

His voice is barely above a whisper, Jesse knows it’s something serious.

“What is it?”

“…Don’t sacrifice yourself. Please Jesse. I can’t bear to lose you again.”

Jesse watches the sadness coming up in Jaden with those words, the memory of when he used Rainbow Dragon to get everyone home and he stayed behind.

“What a beautiful day, eh buddy?”

Jaden chuckles at the cooing from Winged Kuriboh.

He was laying on the roof of the school, watching the clouds roll by.

A tag team tournament was coming up that Blair was organizing and he feels pressured by his friends to sign up. Even when they tried to pair him with Alexis, he declined and walked away.

The idea of participating bothered him. He can’t pinpoint what exactly that is, but it just immensely bothered him.

Maybe it’s because his friends are acting like the Dark World never happened and see him as he was the past three years? As if their words didn’t cause his heart to break and all those events changed how he sees the world.

He really doesn’t want any part of things if they’re involved.

Then, their words start echoing in his head. He shuts his eyes real tight and winces. He could barely hear Winged Kuriboh cooing, barely hear someone joining him until he feels that someone holding his hands tightly.

“Jay! It’s okay! You’re safe! Open your eyes please!”

That southern drawl.

His eyes bust open, panting heavily as he focuses on Jesse next to him.

“What happened?”

“…Flashbacks.” he manages.

Jesse frowns, laying down and tightening his grip. Their hands joined between them. “I’m so sorry you went through so much.”

“It’s not your fault Jes. I just…maybe I was impulsive. But I had to find you. I had to…”

Jesse blushes, “I’m here because of you Jay. Thank you.”

“I…I just can’t face them..”

“It’s hard I sense. You feel they betrayed you.”

“They sort of did. They blamed me for everything and now are acting like that all never happened. It’s so hard being around them and acting like everything is cool. It’s not.”

Jesse studies him, letting go of one hand and bringing Jaden’s with the other, resting his knuckles against Jesse’s cheek.

“That’s a conversation you need to have with them. Make sure they know how they treated and hurt you.” Jim, Axel and I can be there for support.”

“You would do that?”

“Of course!” he beams.

Jaden smiles, “Thank you, Jesse. Where would I be without you?”

Jesse laughs, kissing the back of Jaden’s hand before letting go. “So, that tag tournament. You don’t want to do it huh?”

“Were you?”

“Yeah, I was gonna participate. Not sure on a partner though. Maybe I can ask Jim since Axel’s in Domino City for something.”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Judai murmured. He crawled onto his lap, wrapping his arms around Johan and pulling him close. Finally, something solid. Not warm like he expected, like he dreamed of, but solid. Something he could dig his fingers into. His shallow breaths evened out as he clung onto Judai, burying his face in the crook of his neck.

“Something’s wrong,” he muttered quickly. “I-I don’t know what but…”

Judai peeled Johan’s hands off him, pulling back until they faced each other once more. He reached out to cradle Johan’s face. “What are you talking about?” he chuckled. “Are you worried about getting in trouble? Because I’ve been skipping regularly since first year and I’m fine. One little skip out day with your dueling prowess and good grades, you’ll be more than fine.”

How easy it would have been to just lean into that touch. Sure, it wasn’t warm or cold, or anything. But it was solid. And it was Judai. And he had always wished for something like this. Yet it did nothing to stop the panic bubbling in his gut.

“It’s not that, Judai. Don’t you notice—”

But he was silenced with a kiss. Johan’s eyes widened, and instinctively he tried to jerk away. Judai didn’t let him get far, still gripping his wrists. He pressed against him harder, lips hungrier. Yet cold. Everything was so cold suddenly. Even as the sun’s rays continued to trickle down. 

“Johan!” The voice was muffled, but definitely feminine. Familiar. “Say something! You’re in there aren’t you?”

Johan began thrashing, eventually shoving Judai off of him. He was left panting against the tree trunk.

“Johan!” another familiar voice shouted.

Judai just stares at him, expression blank. Not even flush dotting his cheeks. A chill ran up Johan’s spine. 

The voices began to merge, all familiar, until he was pulled under into a deep darkness. His muscles trembled despite the lead-like feeling starting to encase them. At some point his eyes fell shut, but he didn’t remember closing them. His fingers twitched, feeling something cold, something smooth, something solid below him. Like a crystal?

He winced, trying to force his eyes back open. “Someone’s…calling me…” he whispered to himself. He needed to open his eyes for them. Even just a crack. 

He was met with a cavern-like sight, greenish blue gems jutting out of the walls, providing a dim light. Panic jumped from his stomach all the way to his throat. But an even brighter light cut through it all. 

“Isn’t that…” From that light familiar figures came into view. “The others.” Sapphire Pegasus, Amethyst Cat, Emerald Turtle, Cobalt Eagle, Amber Mammoth, Topaz Tiger, and of course little Ruby Carbuncle all accounted for. And amongst them…Johan’s heart pounded out the rest of his panic. “Judai! I’m right here! Judai!”

“Johan!” Judai called back.

Johan’s knee jerked, ready to leap out to them, but he nearly stumbled into an abyss, trapped on one of those greenish blue gems. He violently shook his head. No. This couldn’t be happening. The picture of his family and Judai blurred in the crystal window. He needed to be there for him. He promised. The voices grew muffled.

He could make out Judai hesitating, staring at a card in his hand. The sickening feeling that had been growing curdled into a pit in his stomach. He shook his head. No. He couldn’t sink into despair. Judai would save him. And Johan would take him into his arms and never let go again. Tell him everything would be okay. 

A blinding light emanating Warmth flooded the space, seeping into his heavy limbs. There was a tug and he stumbled forward. Yet he knew he was safe, knew everything would be okay. Knew Judai was waiting for him.  

“Judai!”

“Johan!”

Then everything was sore again. And dark. The air carried a chill, but nothing like the cavern. He forced his eyes open, just a crack. Judai stood across from him. “Ju…dai…” He lifted a trembling hand, seeking that warmth of his friend once more. 

There was that hesitancy again, in Judai’s shaky legs.

“Johan!” he shouted instead. “Are you alright?”

“Judai…” Well, if Judai wouldn’t come to him, he’d just have to go to Judai. His arms shook as he tried to raise his body off the ground. “So…You saved me?”

Judai skidded a few steps, only for a piercing cackle to freeze him in place once more. That sickening feeling reared its ugly head. Static sparking at the back of his skull, zipping to his ears. He knew that laugh. It had rattled in his skull over and over alongside memories of blood, of screams and of a boy who looked just like…

“Johan!” Judai cried. The wind was knocked out of him as Judai crashed into him, pushing him out of the way of some blast. Johan might have blacked out again. Next thing he knew, his cheek was against Judai’s chest, Judai’s arms squeezing him tightly, a heart hammering in his ear (his or Judai’s he couldn’t tell). 

“Now then…” Yubel smirked. “Are you ready, Judai?”

Judai’s grip grew even tighter. “Johan, I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?” Johan tried to suppress a grimace. Oh, how he wanted to reach out and caress his friend’s cheek, brush away the pain in his eyes. But for now, he could only offer him a smile. “You’re the one who saved me.”

“That thing was the one behind all of the setbacks that happened to us…But still, I was the one who started it all…”

Johan shook his head weakly. He wouldn’t believe it. Not the boy with the hero deck who saved the world twice. And would do so a third time. But before he could give a proper protest, Judai turned away. Johan followed him to find Professor Chronos and Sho standing there, Ojama Yellow hovering beside. So many questions crowded Johan’s mind. 

Professor Chronos nervously stepped forward. “Signor Judai.”

“Take care of him.”

“What are you planning to do?”

Judai looked over at him again, eyes hardening with determination, yet that earlier hesitancy still lingered. Their fight wasn’t over yet. 

“Stop throwing my friends into all of this,” Judai growled, rising to his feet. “This whole thing is between you and me.”

Johan’s vision fuzzed around the edges as Chronos came beside him, seating him upright. Johan blinked rapidly. Now wasn’t the time to slip away again. If he couldn’t duel, he could at least cheer for Judai. Reassure him he wasn’t alone. That he trusted everything would be alright. But of course, Yubel would have other plans. His attention finally perked up enough at “interference-free field.”

“Judai, wait a sec. Don’t tell me you’re—”

Judai smiled down at him tightly. “Yep. You can’t stop me.”

Johan’s chest squeezed until he couldn’t breath. Judai, hero of the world once again, his allies powerless to do anything. Johan powerless to—

“Rubi?” It was a small little coo, but Johan heard it. He pulled out his deck, extending it to his friend. 

“I’d fight with you if I could, but in the shape I’m in…At least take my deck with you, Judai.”

“Alright.” Judai knelt back down, carefully taking the pile of cards. “I’ll battle with your deck.”

As their fingers brushed against each other, Johan’s thoughts drifted back to that dream. Even with death hanging over them, he couldn’t stop himself from staring and Judai’s lips. Would they be warm too? Like it was in his arms. If there was a chance this was the end, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to finally give in. While he was real and warm and here.

Jaden has changed so much since returning to the academy. Jesse couldn’t believe how drastic the change was.

He went from a happy go lucky kid who dueled for fun and went on instinct; to a kid who’s always on guard and duels like his life is on the line.

When he appeared in the infirmary that night, Jesse had to do a double take. Embracing him felt so right, but he could see the hesitation in Jaden when asked to stay. Only when Jesse begged that he smiled and agreed, climbing into the bed and laying next to him.

Jesse notices the distance Jaden’s giving to the rest of their friends save for Jim and Axel and himself. Seems they are the only people he fully trusts now. He got the short story from everyone when they visited him about the journey, but what’s Jaden’s version of the events?

One day as he’s trying to walk around, not wanting to stay in the bed forever, he finds Jaden fishing behind the Slifer dorm.

“Hey Jaden!” he calls.

Jaden turns his head, a look of happiness and concern is shown in his eyes. “What are you doing out of bed?” he questions as he helps Jesse sit next to him.

“I’m tired of just laying there. I feel useless.”

“You had your soul removed, it’s gonna take time for your body to readjust.”

“I guess, but still. I gotta do something.”

Jaden chuckles, but it soon falters. “Jes, I’m sorry. For everything that has happened to you.”

“Don’t worry about it Jay, everything is okay now.” he beams.

“So…you’re not angry with me for fusing with Yubel? The duel spirit that hurt you and your family.”

Jesse shakes his head, “Maybe initially, but not anymore. I understand that you did it to heal Yubel. I can’t fault you for that.”

Jaden sighed, placing a hand over Jesse’s as his gaze returned to the ocean. Jesse followed and they sat in silence for a while.

Jesse soon asked what was on his mind. “Can I ask something from the Dark World?”

Jaden froze for a moment before composing himself. “I thought everyone filled you in on those events.”

“They did, but I want to hear YOUR version.”

Jaden pulls the fishing rod up, giving his full attention to Jesse. “What exactly do you want to know?”

“…The duel with Brron.”

Jaden shuts his eyes, wincing slightly for the intense memories that flooded his mind. Jesse takes Jaden’s hands in his.

“I’m sorry, you don’t have to share if it’s brings bad memories for you.”

“No, it’s okay. I shouldn’t bottle them up anyway.” He takes a breath before continuing, “I was told to wait for Jim and Axel to come back with the others, but…I had to make sure you were in that fortress. Brron toyed with the idea you had already dueled and lost, and would only give me the answer if I dueled him. He then reveals he captured Chazz, Alexis, Atticus and Hassleberry, wanting to use them to create Super Polymerization. Any time he lost points, one of them would be sent away. I tried so hard to get around that, thinking if I could deck him out, everything would be okay. But he played cards that forced me to attack. And my friends, they just…got so angry with me. I did try to save them, I really did!” His voice is cracking now. “They acted like I let them get sent away on purpose! There was nothing I could do once he activated those spells!”

Jesse pulls him into his arms. “Is that why you’re keeping your distance from them and Syrus?”

Jaden nods, “I can’t look at them in the eye and believe everything is okay. Their words hurt, I still hear them.”