(A/N:A little One Shot for Joey. I owed him one. XD)

Joey's Promise

It was the hottest day of the year in Brooklyn. Joey and his little sister Serenity sat silently on the steps of their parents' town house, waiting for the inevitable. The court had decided to split the two siblings up,giving one to each parent. For his part, Joey was furious that their parents would even allow such a thing. "It ain't right, I tell ya!" He muttered to himself as he watched Serenity skip rope down the sidewalk.

"Watch, Big Brother. I'm close to one hundred!" Serenity grinned brightly, as she continued her skipping.

"Lookin' good, Sis." Joey came over to her when she was done. "You're an old pro. When you get older, you can go into competitions, y'know."

"Do you really think so?" Serenity hugged her brother gently. "Joey....I don't wanna leave.."

"I know. I don't want you to go either, but you know we can't do nothin' about it. I'm always gonna be here for you, Sis. Dontcha forget about it." Joey tried to smile reassuringly as their parents came outside.

Serenity wrapped her arms around Joey's waist, as her mother came down the front steps. "I won't leave you."

"Come on, Serenity. We're gonna be late." Their mother took Serenity's hand. "You'll see Joseph again soon. I promise."

"Joey!" Serenity broke into tears as her mother led her into their station wagon.

"Serenity!" Joey watched the wagon drive off, then turned to face his father. "How couldja let dis happen?!" The thirteen-year-old glared at the older Wheeler. "You know Ma won't be able to take care of Serenity's medical bills!"

"When you're older, Joseph, you will understand." The gruff man replied, before heading down the street to the liquor store.

"Dat's right! Go get your beer. Dat's how dis whole thing started in da first place!" Joey scowled in disgust, and ran in the opposite direction. Now, he was looking for a fight. Serenity, I promise you. I'm going to always look out for ya.

"Joey. Hey Joey! Are you okay,Big Brother?" Serenity was standing over Joey's bed, looking concerned.

"I'm okay, Sis. I was just havin' a bad dream." The Brooklyn boy sat up, rubbing his eyes. "What's goin' on?" He'd noticed Duke, Tristan,Yugi and Tea there too.

"Do you remember anything from before you were knocked out?" Yugi asked in concern.

"Well....yeah. I was duelin' that punk Marik." Joey clenched his fist. "I failed Mai in the process."

"Don't worry, Joey. We'll get her back. I know it." Serenity put a hand on his shoulder. "You were dreaming about us, weren't you?"

"Yeah...." Joey looked up at Serenity. "How can you still be on my side after I lost?"

"I'm on your side no matter what, Big Brother. I was more concerned when you fell unconscious. I'm glad you're okay." Serenity hugged him tightly. "Don't ever scare me like that again."

"I'm sorry, Sis. I didn't mean to. Honest." Joey leaned up, and hugged her tightly. "Now...since I'm awake, let's eat." Everyone laughed, but Serenity laughed the most. Joey was glad to see that he'd made her feel better. There was nothing funny about her being sad. She'd had enough sadness in her life as it was. Thanks,Sis..for always bein' there.