A/N: Thanks to Talyag for being such a loyal reviewer and Ophelia_Elric for keeping up with this fic... This chapter kinda got away from me... geez. Anyway, I know nothing about playing duel monsters which is why I never actually write a duel, so forgive any mistakes I may have made! Thank you everyone for reading!

Ryou gently rubbed his wife's belly, smiling softly as they watched the duel in front of them. Mokuba had cleared out one of the observation decks for them so Tea could watch in relative comfort. It was the second day of the Battle City Tournament, and so far everything was going pretty much according to plan.

Ryou and Yugi had gone first, joking around and having a good time. Yugi had won by summoning

Slifer, on loan from Ishizu herself. Seeing the red dragon across the field again brought back memories that Ryou had buried deep inside himself, and he did not want to dwell on them.

Instead he watched as Ahmet stared out the window at the current duel going on- Mai V. Kaiba. Malik had refused to use Ra in their duel and Mai beat him soundly without breaking a sweat.

Joey too had beaten Odion, and the three finalists had prepped themselves for a four way duel just as the last Battle City had gone. Kaiba had surprised all of them when he said that the matches were already set. He would be battling Mai first, then it would be Yugi and Joey.

Right now Mai was staring at Kaiba's Ultimate Dragon, all three mouths ready to attack. Kaiba smirked, staring down at the blonde across from him. Ryou and Tea both leaned forward, knowing what was coming next.

"Blue Eyes! Attack and wipe out her remaining life points."

Blue Eyes roared, all three heads rearing back to blast Mai's Harpies out of the game.

"Not so fast Kaiba. I activate Defusion! Now your 3 dragons are back, canceling out your attack and ending your turn."

Kaiba froze, his mind bringing up the last Battle City, when Yugi had used that card to defeat his dragon.

"Now, I draw."

Mai closed her eyes, praying to whoever that she would pull the right card.

"I place Harpies Pet Dragon on the field. This card gains 300 attack points for every Harpies on the field and since I have 6, that's 1800. That puts my Pet Dragon at 3800."

Mai ran a finger down another card on her field before flipping it over.

"Now I activate Double Attack! Once I place a level 5 monster in my graveyard, this card allows Harpies Pet Dragon to attack twice. Now, destroy two of Kaiba's Blue Eyes along with his remaining life points!"

Pet Dragon attacked, and the audience watched in shock as Kaiba's lifepoints went to 0. He stood there motionless as they were slowly lowered to the ground, still staring at the field as Mai's Harpies disappeared. Mai jumped up, greeted by Joey and Yugi who were both grinning. She walked over to shake Kaiba's hand, ignoring his distant look.

She then waved at the box that the rest of the gang was in, smiling as all the kids jumped up and down cheering. Taking one last bow at the crowd she walked off the stage, only to be immediately jumped on by Joey.

Mokuba was standing next to them, watching silently as the two blonds whispered to each other. Yugi was on the other side, beaming at how happy his friend was. Secretly, he was just glad it wasn't going to be Kaiba in the finals, that way he wouldn't have to deal with the fall out later. Just then Grandpa appeared, waving frantically at the group.

"Yugi! Tea's water just broke they're heading to the hospital!"

"It's about time! I'm just glad they got to be here for most of the tournament."

Mai let go of Joey, squeezing his shoulder affectionately.

"Well, I guess you two should get your duel going so we can get out of here huh."

Yugi agreed, looking over at Mokuba who checked his watch.

"You guys have 20 minutes, they need to reset everything and give the arena a bit of a break before they next duel. Plus it gives people the chance to grab a bite and use the restrooms."

Joey's stomach growled at the thought of food and he grabbed it grimacing.

"Come on guys, let's go up to the suite I'm sure there's something leftover for you guys to eat quick!"

Joey perked up at that, grabbing Yugi and dragging him up the stairs.

"Com on Yug', if I'm gonna have to duel you I don't want it to be on an empty stomach!"

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Joey stood outside the door, hesitating. He knew he was being watched, but he didn't really care. Finally, he knocked, turning the door knob slightly to enter his boss's office. It was dark, the only light the glow of the street lights and Kaiba's laptop The brunet was typing away, ignoring everything around him.

Joey continued to walk forward only to be stopped by the sound of crunching glass. He looked only to see a broken vase on the floor. Joey glanced around the room, realizing that it was trashed.

"Did you get robbed or something Kaiba?"

He quipped, getting no response. Sighing to himself, he walked over to the desk gently pushing away the laptop before sitting on the desk. Crossing his legs and placing his elbows on his knees he stared at Kaiba, taking in the two bruises on his face where something must have flipped up and hit him. The blood on his sleeve came from his knuckles, and there were several cuts on his arm.

"Kaiba, you got to quit doing this to yourself. It's just a duel, it doesn't mean you aren't great if someone beats you once in awhile."

"Go away Wheeler. I don't have time for this nonsense of yours right now."

Joey grabbed Kaiba's coat, pulling him close.

"Well that's just too bad Kaiba. I didn't come here to watch you whimper over losing to Mai, I came here to challenge you to a duel!"

"Excuse me? Why would I waste my time on you. Just because we slept together doesn't mean I'm gonna let you win when my reputation is on the line mutt."

Joey shook his head, hitting Kaiba with a few strands.

"The only reason I'm challenging you is because it's tradition Kaiba. Remember what happened last time? You got all butt hurt when Yugi beat you then we dueled and you felt better! You pushed me to my limits and even though I didn't win you gave me the confidence to believe I could!"

Kaiba pushed his chair away from the desk, causing Joey who was still holding on to him to let go before he fell.

"Get out Wheeler before I do something you'll regret."

He stared straight at Joey, daring him to say anything. Joey sighed, carefully sliding off the desk before marching out of the room and slamming the door.

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"Ladies and Gentlemen, Yugi Moto is the winner of the Battle City Rematch! Thank you all for coming!"

Joey was in the box with the rest of the gang, smiling as the rug rats in front of him cheered their Uncle Yugi on. Grandpa was beaming, still proud of his grandson even after all the tournaments he had already won. Tristan was still filming, letting Tea and Ryou see the tournament while they rested in the hospital.

Tea had given birth over night to a baby girl, and the group would be over to greet their newest member as soon as the closing ceremonies were over. The video screen slowly showed highlights of each duel, ending with a close up of Yugi summoning Dark Magician Girl to wipe out Mai's life points.

Once the show ended, Mokuba stood up, waving at the crowd and thanking everyone who had participated in the tournament. He then introduced Pegasus, who pranced up to the stage waving and smiling at the crowd.

"Good evening everyone, my what a crowd. When I created Duel Monsters I neven imagined it would grow into what it is today. Thank you all for your support."

The crowd roared, clearly facinated by the silver-haired man. Pegasus waited, drinking in the cheers and claps. These were the moments he lived for, when he was in the middle of the adoration of a

crowd.

"With that being said, it is time for me to give back to you. Industrial Illusions is partnering with Kaiba Corp to bring a new generation of Duel Disks to everyone who wants to learn to play. We will be selling these to shops and selling them at cost. Each disk will come with a free tournament pass to be used within a year. We are also starting and supporting new tournament and increasing incentives to play. Our hope is to encourage everyone who wants to be a duelist, so they may stand shoulder to shoulder with those who played this weekend."

Pegasus waved at the crowed again before handing the microphone back to Mokuba. The tournament ended shortly after, all 8 participants signing autographs and taking photos. As soon as they could, Yugi and Joey left, heading for the hospital so they could see their friends.

Tristan, Duke and Serenity had already gone, taking the kids so they could meet their new sister. None of them were allowed to say the baby's name, only telling Yugi that Tea wanted to tell them herself.

"So, do you think they're done now? Or should we offer to help Ryou build an addition on to his house?"

Joey questioned, causing Mai and Yugi to both roll their eyes.

"Joseph, if you don't want to lose any body parts I suggest you don't ask them that question."

Mai said sweetly, turning the wheel sharply when she almost missed a turn. Yugi laughed before considering the question himself.

"I guess it's a good thing that Ryou's father left him that house to live in when he went back to England, or else they'd be in trouble."

The two boys chuckled while Mai rolled her eyes. She pulled into the hospital and parked, following them to the maternity ward. They signed in, showed their ID's and waited while they were confirmed by the staff to come in. Ryou was the first person they saw when they went through, holding a small bundle in his arms.

"Hey guys, glad you all made it."

He smiled softly at the bundle in his arms before offering congratulation Yugi on his victory. Tea called out from the room, wanting her friends to all come in to see her.

"What happened to you?"

Joey asked as soon as he saw her.

"Joseph! She just had a baby cut the girl some slack."

Yugi said while Mai hit him on the arm.

"I know that, but why is her leg propped up like that? She's never had to do that before."

Tea smiled before reaching down to rub her knee.

"I twisted it when I was trying to walk around during labor. I'll be ok but it's swelling pretty bad right now."

Ryou gently placed his daughter in his wife's arms kissing both of them. Joey was the first one to the bed, staring down at the tiny perfection in Tea's arms.

"So what did you guys name her?"

He questioned, causing Tea and Ryou to look at each other.

"We thought we'd call her Mana, after the girl who saved us when we were trapped in the Memory World. If that's ok with you Yugi."

Yugi nodded, smiling at his memories of the apprentice who would one day become the Dark Magician Girl.

"Hey Mana, I'm your Uncle Joey. This here is your Aunt Mai and that guy over there with the crazy hair is your Uncle Yugi."

Tea offered the baby to Joey, who carefully took her and pulled her close. Ryou pushed a chair over so he could sit, and Joey carefully snuggled his new niece, kissing her on the top of her head and softly talking to her.

Mai and Yugi sat down also, giving Ryou and Tea an entertaining recap of their duel. Ryou chuckled at their descriptions, holding his wife's hand as they listened. Once they were done, Yugi demanded his turn, and Mana was handed over.

Yugi held her for a few minutes before handing her to Mai. The group couldn't help but smile at the blonde woman. She had always been gone when the kids had been born, so this was the first time she'd ever been at the hospital and held one of their babies.

"Mai, if it wasn't for you I'd still be pregnant... you beating Kaiba got her so worked up she wanted to come out and meet you!"

"You're very welcome Tea, I'm glad I could be here to meet her."

Mai gently stroke her arm before offering her back to Ryou, who gave her back to Tea. The three left shortly after, exchanging kisses and hugs with the parents.

Once they left, Mai took the boys to one of the diners for dinner, rehashing all the things that had happened over the past week. Once they were done, Mai dropped Yugi off at the Game Shop,

promising that they would duel again soon.

Grandpa came out to compliment Mai on her skills, and then the two blonds drove off back to Joey's apartment.

Joey yawned as he laid in bed, watching a movie with Mai. They had both taken showers before deciding that they weren't tired enough yet for sleep. Instead they had re-watched the broadcast of Kaiba and Mai's duel, discussing different strategies that she could hae used to at different times. Then Mai had switched over to a movie, and they laid down to watch it, Joey gently running his fingers through her hair while she drifted off to sleep.

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"So when is Mai leaving? I thought she said something about dueling in that big tournament in Australia?"

Yugi asked, pausing in his drawing to look at Joey.

"She decided to stick around for a bit instead I guess. Mai seems to have a connection with Mana, she's been over to Tea and Ryou's almost everyday for the whole month. I'm sure she'll leave when she's all babied out."

Yugi chuckled, knowing Mai's long standing fear of commitments.

"Tea said she'd bring the kids over this weekend so they can see Grandpa. Apparently Ahmet has been hounding them to learn how to play so Ryou is going to let him pick out a few cards to learn how to play with since Tea thinks his deck is too scary for a kid."

"Yea, some of those cards freak me out, I can't believe someone as nice as Ryou has such weird obsessions. Uck."

Joey shivered, causing Yugi to laugh.

"It's nice to see that some things don't change Joey."

Joey winked at his best friend before pointing at the paper on his desk then nodding to the camera. Yugi smiled before adding a few more lines to his drawing and passing it over to Joey for approval. He nodded, beginning to carefully ink over the lines while Yugi worked on the next paper.

The day flew by, and before either boy knew it, it was time to leave for the weekend.

"Well Joey, how about I drop these off for Kaiba and I'll meet you guys at Rancho's?"

Joey gave him a thumbs up. It was tradition for the group after Tea was ready to rejoin them for them to have dinner at Rancho's to celebrate. Tonight was the night, and the whole gang had been waiting for this for what seemed like forever. Tea's parents would watch the kids, giving their daughter and son-in-law a much needed break.

"Works for me! I'm going to pick up Mai and the guests of honor, and you're bringing Mokuba right? Don't forget to ask Kaiba if he wants to go, even though I'm sure he'll say no."

Yugi smiled before nodding, the hundreds of other times that they had asked Kaiba to join them for something and been rejected floating through his mind.

"You know how Kaiba is, unwilling to admit that he considers us his friends."

Joey nodded and left the room, texting Tristan to let him know their ETA. Luckily, Mai was already over at Tea's helping her out. Now that Ryou was back to work she was alone with the kids, and if it wasn't for her friends helping her out she probably would have gone insane.

Even now, as Joey was coming in the house, she had two of the triplets hanging off her begging for snuggles. Mai had Mana, who was bawling her eyes out as Tea's mother attempted to take her. Tea's dad was talking to Vaughn, who had his head buried inbetween Ryou's pant legs.

Ahmet stood in the hallway watching next to Knute, either one waiting for the opportunity to cause more mayhem. Ahmet saw him first, his face lighting up.

"Uncle Joey! You're here! Come play with us!"

The two boys launched at Joey, each grabbing a leg.

"Whoa kids, sorry the Joey train is leaving the building with mom and dad. I promise I'll bring them back in one piece to you guys."

The two pouted, arms crossed as they silently begged Joey to reconsider. Joey smiled before ruffling their hair, one brunette the other white as snow.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow when you go see Gpa ok?"

Knute frowned, attempting to pull out his sad face, annoyed they weren't getting their way. Joey knelt down and looked him square in the eye.

"Knute, Yugi's my best friend. Trust me you'll never do puppy eyes better than he does."

Knute knew that was true and he choose to wisely drop the subject, hitting his older brother in the shoulder lightly before running off.

Ahmet gave his uncle a hug before approaching Vaughn, pulling him away from their father with a few words. He then herded Tobiah and Jotham away from Tea before picking up Mana's favorite toy and handing it to his grandmother. The older woman smiled, using the toy to lure her only grand daughter to her.

"Alright mom, they can watch one show while we leave and one before bed. You know where the numbers are and what they all like to eat. We should be home by 11."

Tea said, hugging her parents in thanks. She kissed each one of her children along with Ryou, taking an extra beat to encourage Vaughn. Joey and Mai had already gone out to the car, wanting to give the group some privacy to say goodbye.

One more kiss and the parents were ready to leave, Ryou grabbing Tea firmly by the elbow to make sure she would actually leave the house. Joey turned the engine on as soon as he saw them. Ryou escorted his wife to the car, placing her behind Joey and firmly shutting the door. She stared out the window at the house, feelings of panic starting to form. As Ryou climbed in the other side, she reached for the handle.

"Sorry guys, I'm not ready for this, I'm going to go back inside and help my parents out with the kids.

Maybe we can try again in a week."

She pulled on the handle, frowning as the door didn't open.

"I figured you'd say that Tea. That's why I made sure to put on the child safety lock this time."

He winked in the rear view mirror at the annoyed brunette before reminding them to buckle up and putting the car in reverse.

They made it to the restaurant quickly, Tea muttering under her breath what she wanted to do to them when she would be allowed to get out of the car. Joey opened the door for her, bowing deeply to the irrated brunette who smacked him in the face. He linked arms with Tea, sweeping past Ryou and Mai who were giggling at them.

'The group entered the room, waving at one of the waitress's who saw them come in. Luckily Duke and Tristan were already at the booth, and Joey pushed Tea down before allowing Ryou to squeeze in next to her while Joey and Mai sat on the outside. Tea frowned at all her friends, knowing they were blocking her in so she wouldn't bolt.

"We already ordered a drink for you Tea."

Tristan said as the waitress approached and placed a giant margarita in front of her. Mai grinned before pointing at the drink and ordering one for herself. Once the waitress left she turned towards Tristan, wondering where Serenity was. Tristan pointed towards the front of the restaurant, shrugging.

A minute later Serenity came back to the table from the bathroom and sat down on the chair at the end. At 5 months she was deep in the uncomfortable part of her pregnancy. This one wore her out quickly, and she was glad to have a few hours to rest without her daughter.

Joey was cracking a joke, and she turned to look at him, smiling at her big brother. Yugi came up to the table, flanked by a Kaiba brother on each side.

"Wow Yug how did you manage to get both the brothers here?"

Tristan asked, winking at his buddy.

"Don't worry, I'm not staying. I just came to deliver a check to Mai."

Kaiba stated coolly, placing his briefcase down on the table before opening it and pulling out an envelope which he promptly handed over.

"They forgot to pay you your 2nd place fees. I would have mailed it to you but you don't have an address listed in our system."

Mai smiled sweetly as she accepted the envelope.

"You could have sent it home with Joey I've been staying with him while I'm in town."

Kaiba's face tightened for just a second before he nodded stiffly and picked up his briefcase. Mokuba nudged him before gesturing towards Ryou and Tea with his chin. Kaiba looked at them and uttered a strained congrats before turning and leaving them to all party without him. The gang watched him go before digging into the chips and salsa the waitress had brought to their table.

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Joey adjusted Mai's weight on his shoulder as he attempted to unlock his front door. A little jiggling finally got him in, and Joey picked Mai back up, carrying her bridal style and placing her on the couch. Mai giggled at him, sitting up and pulling Joey next to her. Joey laughed as he pulled her close, letting the blonde snuggle into him. They sat for a bit, enjoying the silence after a fun night out. "I should probably go to bed. My heads going to be pounding tomorrow from too much drinking." Mai said, yawning.

"You need any help?"

"No I'll be fine, just listen in case I fall over."

Joey patted her on the shoulder. Mai kicked off her heels and stood up, shaking her head when she felt a little dizzy. She looked down at Joey before gently giving him a kiss on the top of his head and saying goodnight. Joey settled back down on the couch, texting his friends to make sure everyone made it home before heading off to bed himself.

The next morning Mai woke up to the smells of breakfast. She walked into the kitchen to see Joey cooking pancakes. Bacon was sizzling and coffee was brewing. Mai sunk into a chair, watching him flipping a pancake bigger than her face.

"You do realize there is only the two of us right?"

She asked, eyeing the stack that was growing by the minute.

"Yea, well trust me, there will be people showing up soon. Somehow hangover breakfast always happens here."

Joey turned off the stove and made a plate for himself and for Mai.

"If I don't eat now I won't get a chance too."

Mai smiled as she dug into her own plate, surprised to realize she was starving.

"Hey Joey, can we talk about something for a minute?"

Joey nodded before taking another big bite of pancakes and smiling.

"It's kind of serious so I'd appreciate it if you would stop eating."

Joey blinked at her, still chewing. He swallowed before grinning.

"Sorry Mai, you've got my attention, I promise."

Mai bit her lip, not knowing how to start.

"Well, I've been doing some thinking about my life and I decided it was time to make a change. I'm tired of traveling around and bouncing from hotel room to hotel room and man to man. I want to settle down and have some sort of family life, and I want to do it with you."

Joey started coughing, choking on air as he had a spasm. Once he got himself under control he looked over at her in shock.

"Um, Mai? You do know I'm gay right. I like men, not women."

"I know that Joey. I also know that love can't fit into a neat box all the time. It changes over time and grows and shrinks, and that sometimes the labels we put on ourselves are not the whole story. I've spent so much time running around the world trying to hide from what I thought I didn't want- one person to spend the rest of my life with."

Mai pulled something out of her pocket and placed it on the table. It was the Orichalos stone that Mai had worn, the one that had turned her against everyone. Joey picked it up and looked it over, not understanding what she wanted.

"At some point of our lives you loved me enough to break the hold a mad man had on me, and save me from myself. I couldn't look you in the eyes for years after, and maybe that's why things changed between us."

Joey swallowed, squeezing the necklace in his hand.

"Mai... of course I saved you. You mean so much to me you know that... I just..."

Mai placed her hand on his, looking Joey square in the eye.

"I want to marry you Joey. I want to spend the rest of my life as your wife."

She was answered by only silence.