Small Note

Sakura: I'm sure any puppyshipping fans reading this will like this chapter and that is about all I have to say.

Chapter Thirty Seven

Get the Million!

Joey Wheeler had no clue what awaited him behind the double doors in front of him, but he knew he could not back down. The call he had received that morning had been an odd one, however Mokuba had said he needed some help. Over the past few weeks they had all been trying to make Mokuba fill welcomed in their group of friends, given Yugi wanted to give Mokuba a chance, so they all had decided to give the kid a break. When it came down to it really, Joey just saw a lonely kid. In a way sometimes Joey saw himself in Mokuba. Sure Joey still had his parents, but they were separated. In a way the same was with Mokuba as he watched Yami move on with his life and Seto never seemed the type to give Mokuba the time of day. Yami and Seto were his parents now whether they liked it or not so they both needed to be in Mokuba's life.

Although it still confused the blond hair teen why Mokuba called him of all people, but he was there so he figured he might as well hear the kid out. Joey knocked on the double doors the butler had led him to and waited to be let in.

"Come in!"

Joey opened one of the doors and stepped inside, however he cursed his luck when he realized what room of the manor he was in. He should have known Mokuba would be hanging out with his comatose brother. The two were sitting at a table near the large doors that led out onto a balcony. The doors were left open to let a breeze blow though. Mokuba was curled up in his seat with a book in his hands, while Seto remained as he had been for weeks just staring into space or in this case out the balcony doors.

Mokuba jumped up when Joey entered and set the book down. "Hey thanks for coming, you are a real lifesaver."

"Uh…sure, but what was so important that you needed me?"

"I had no one else to turn to since Yami took Yugi on a romantic date. Yugi suggested I call you if I wanted to get out of the house for a while." Mokuba said with a grin, "I'm going to go hang out with some friends for a while."

Joey was still totally lost, "Okay and what am I supposed to do about that?"

"To watch Seto of course…" Mokuba stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

The blond nearly had a heart attack at those words, "You can't be serious!" He found himself yelling out in disbelief. This had to be some kind of sick prank by his friends.

Mokuba nodded looking completely serious, "I've been trapped in his manor for weeks except to go to school. Yami let me off the hook today so I called a few friends to see if they could hang out. However someone has to watch Seto and keep him company. The doctor says it's not good to leave him alone for very long and the maids have chores and will only check on him every so often. Yugi told me you would be more than happy to help."

Joey clenched his fist at his sides swearing to get Yugi back for this. There was no way he could spend his Sunday afternoon free time babysitting a grown man. He didn't care if Seto was in a coma it was just creepy being around the guy.

"Please Joey! I'm begging you!" Mokuba begged the teen with puppy dog eyes and everything, "How would you feel if you hadn't been able to see your friends in weeks. It's miserable being all alone."

Joey seriously cursed his luck and knew no matter how hard he tried he would not be able to resist puppy dog eyes. Yugi did them to everyone in their small group and always got what he wanted. Yami had it the worst, but Joey was a close second. With a sigh Joey bowed his head in defeat, "Fine, but only for a few hours and you better be back before dinner. I have a life too you know."

Mokuba had a huge smile on his face as he rushed over and surprised the teen by hugging him, "You're the best Joey. I promise I'll be back before dinner." He let go of Joey long enough to run back over to his brother and give him a hug too, "Bye Seto see ya later."

The kid was out of the room at the speed of light and Joey wished he had that much energy. Between school, work, and taking care of his father he was tired pretty much every day and just wanted to sleep. Today would have been a nice day off for him to catch up on his sleep, but he could not blame Mokuba for wanting to hang out with his friends. However Yami could have waited another day to let Mokuba off his grounding so he could watch Seto.

"I bet they planned this…" Joey mumbled to himself as he took Mokuba's seat. He crossed his arms and started out the doors at the pretty day. The quiet was nice, but awkward as hell with Seto in the room. He was just waiting for Seto to jump up and scare the crap out of him. But one look at the guy was telling Joey Seto was still very much in a coma as he had been the first day he came home after Death-T.

Joey picked up the book Mokuba had been reading, but quickly put it back when he found it was a history book probably from Mokuba's class. He must have been studying for a test coming up or something. "Mokuba better enjoy his grade school years while they last. College is hell on the brain."

There was no reply from the other body in the room, so Joey figured he would just do all the talking. He heard Yugi say that it was good to talk to coma patients that even if they don't seem like it, the words sometimes still get to them. Joey grinned figuring this was his chance to finally let off some steam.

"You know Seto, they all think you might change after this, but I know better. You were a pain in the ass back then and you'll be a pain in the ass if you ever wake up." Joey said letting Seto know how he was feelings. "I honestly don't know what I ever saw in you. I had even thought about giving you a second chance, but then you pulled a lame stunt like that and try to kill everyone. It was low even for you to try and kill both your brothers."

The body across from him made no movement so Joey continued, "I heard about your past and I guess it's true what they say about money. It makes people greedy and think their all that. Honestly if being rich turns me into someone I'm not then it's not worth it." He then sighed as he thought about his own financial troubles. "Although some money would not be too bad, at least you don't have an alcoholic father who racks up hospital bills like you would not believe just from one trip to the emergency room. I mean how can the hospital expect me of all people to pay off his bills when I'm doing good to support myself. My friends want to help me out, but I can't let them burden themselves."

Realizing what he was saying quickly made Joey shut up and rethink his words, "Okay if you heard that last part just ignore it." He looked toward Seto, "I didn't come here to tell you all my problems. I can handle them on my own."

After that Joey figured it was best to keep his big mouth shut. One way or another he would get the money he needed to pay off his father's bills. He just hoped it would be soon because the calls he kept getting were annoying him.

A few days later Tea, Duke, Tristan, and Tomoya were hanging out at the Kame Game Shop while Yugi worked the front counter for his grandfather. The elder Mutou had a checkup appointment that Mrs. Mutou was taking him to and grandpa did not want to shut down the shop for the few hours he would be gone. Yugi volunteered to watch the shop and thankfully it was the slow hours after the lunch rush. Once he got back Yugi would be free to spend the afternoon with his friends.

"By the way why didn't Joey come?" Yugi questioned as he restocked a shelf with Tomoya's help. "I thought he was excited to see that new action movie with us."

"He should be here before long. He got this phone call before we left the apartment so Joey told me to go on ahead." Tristan explained to them as he lean against the counter.

"Probably another collection call from the hospital." Tea said with a sigh, "He's trying his best to make payments so I don't understand why the calls keep coming."

Duke shrugged, "When people want their money they'll hound you for it. However they should give Joey a break, I mean the guy can't help it that his father nearly died from alcoholic poisoning. Joey has no control over the old guy and his drinking habits."

Yugi stood up and dusted off his pants when he was done and turned to the group, "Either way in any way we can we need to try and help him out."

"Have to be sneaky about it Joey hates asking for help…" Tristan reminded them to which they all sadly agreed was true.

It was at that moment a certain blond ran into the shop with the biggest grin on his face. "Guys you are not going to believe this but I'm going to be on TV!" Joey shouted like he had won the lottery shocking everyone in the room which thankfully was only his friends and no customers.

"What?" All of them asked at the same time.

Joey took a deep breath to calm his racing heart and to contain his excitement. "It's this show called 'The Get the Million Game'. If you win all the challenges the grand prize is a million yen! I can't believe they picked me of all people to be on the show!"

Yugi was the first to recover from the news and put on a forced smile for his friend. "Are you sure about this Joey? Most of those game shows are rigged."

Joey nodded not going to let anyone talk him out of it. "I gotta do this, that's why I entered myself in the first place. If I win my father's debt will be paid and I will have some extra money left over to help me out so I can work less and study more."

"Never thought I hear Joey say study more…" Tristan said with a chuckle, but instead of riling Joey up the teen nodded.

"That's right study more. If I'm going to make it through these classes I gotta hit the books. Each semester it's only going to get harder from here. Working a full time job and studying for tests is not easy one bit."

Yugi agreed with his friend, but was worried about him. "I have faith in you Joey, but what if you fail then nothing will change. I already told you Yami was willing to help you out if you will let him. That way instead of the hospital you'll be paying Yami back instead."

Joey shook his head, "Yami has already helped me out enough as it is by letting me live in that apartment with him and Tristan. Besides Yami would not let me pay him back in a million years. He would just pay the bills and let it go. If I'm going to make it as an adult I need to support myself."

"He has a point…" Tea said as all eyes turned to her. "If Joey feels this is something he needs to do then we don't need to question it and just support him."

Yugi let out a sigh knowing she was right before he turned a real smile toward Joey. "Alright Joey, let us know when this game show is so we can be there to cheer you on." No matter what Joey said he was still going to see what Yami thought about this. There were too many game shows out there that were rigged so that everyone was a loser. He wanted Joey to have a fair chance at winning. Yami would be able to dig up some dirt on this so called Get the Million show.

The day Joey was scheduled to be on the show all his friends were able to come even Yami. Yami made sure to have the day off to cheer Joey on, but also keep an eye out. He had tried to dig up some dirt on the show like Yugi asked, but it was fairly new and had only started about a month ago. Everything about it seemed true enough, but if Yami saw it for his own eyes he would get a better idea of how the place was ran.

Joey was ecstatic to be on the show and it showed on his face as he stood on the stage with the host. The crowd was large, but thanks to connections Yami got their small group front row seats. The audience began to clap when the music for the show came on signaling the show was starting.

"Hey out there all the fans at home! It's time for the Get the Million Game!" The host greeted with a smile, "Today's challenger is this strapping young man, eighteen year old Joey Wheeler from Domino City!"

Joey grinned toward the audience and waved to his friends. They all cheered for him and he could partly hear them telling him good luck, but the noise from the audience he could barely make it out. He just continued to smile and wave glad to be there and have a chance at getting some major money.

"And now… For our first game—"The host said as he turned to the small dart board two ladies bought in. The difference with this dart board was that it only had two spots one with a hundred thousand in the large area and a small area with the word loser. "Darts of Fortune! If you win, you get a hundred thousand yen and you can go on to the next stage." The host explained to Joey as he handed the blond teen a dart. "The rules are simple, when we spin the wheel just throw the dart into the hundred thousand yen zone. Can you do it Joey?"

Joey nodded with a look of determination. "Leave it to me." He waited as one of the ladies spun the wheel really fast so he couldn't aim. The only thing he could do was throw the dart and pray for the best and that is just what Joey did. "This is a cinch!"

When the wheel finally spotted everyone started to cheer when they realized Joey had just barely missed the loser zone, meaning he has passed the first stage. "You win! You get a hundred thousand yen!" The host announced as one of the ladies came up to Joey and put a medal around his neck with a hundred written on it. "Now the stakes go up and so do the risks. Can you get five hundred yen?"

Joey was more than ready and feeling even luckier as they got the second event ready for him. He waited as quietly as possible with all his excitement as they raised the curtains to show him what he had to face next.

"For our second game, the electric helmet!" The host walked Joey to the starting line of a maze, but this maze had voltage wires running through the maze at Joey's height. "The rules are simple before time runs out the contestant must run between the high voltage wires while wearing this helmet!" Another lady walked up to Joey and put said helmet on his head that looked normal except the metal rod sticking out of the top. "But don't touch the wires. The slightest bump and the metal helmet will conduct a devastating electric shock."

"I'll do it!" Joey said as he glared at the maze ready to take it on.

"Then let's start the game!"

With the buzz of the starting bell, Joey started off careful as he went through the maze. He wanted to pace himself before giving a final push toward the end. The maze was not that long, but when at risk of being shocked it was best to be extra careful. It was only when Joey was at the final stretch with time almost running out did he run to the end without even thinking which is what he did best.

The crowd went wild as he crossed the finish line with but a few seconds to spare. "Success he wins!" The host announced as one of the ladies came over and gave Joey a medal with five hundred on it. "The challenger successfully clears the second game!"

Joey could not believe his luck as he looked down at the medals. He was only one step away from wining a million yen and beginning a new life for himself and his father. If he could get all his father's bills paid off, he could use the rest of the money to help support him better and get his father the help he needed. They could finally be a family, which is what Joey had secretly always wanted since his mother and sister left them.

"We'll be right back with the final round, right after this word from our sponsors!"

Most the crowd stayed put even after the show was on commercial break, but Yami had other plans. He stood up using some excuse about having to go to the bathroom, before leaving just as Joey walked over to his friends to show them his medals. Something did not feel right and after all he had been through he had started to learn to trust his gut or in this case the spirit in his head.

'You really think the game is rigged?' Yami questioned the other him in his mind as he walked through the TV studio looking for some clues. The commercial breaks would be over soon and he needed to get back.

/I have this feeling that whoever is behind this show is making this too easy for Joey/

'I don't see how, those events were pretty hard.'

/They may have been a challenge, but I sense something is wrong. It's best to be cautious/

Yami checked his watch and realized the show was about to start back up. 'Either way I better get back before the others start to worry. If somehow Joey loses, I'll look deeper into the show and see if they cheated him out of winning. However if I don't find anything then it can't be helped.'

"So how are the ratings?"

"Looking good, sir."

"So in the next round is the wheel rigged to lose?"

"Yes sir everything's ready."

Yami froze in his tracks letting the two men walking pass by him. 'Huh?' He took a peak behind him and he noticed he recognized one of the men after looking up about the show Joey was going to be on. The producer of the game show was talking with one of the back stage guys.

"If there's one thing better than seeing a poor person struggling for money it's watching them fail at the last minute. Suffering always turns a profit." The producer laughed not caring if anyone heard him. "What a joke! Who would give money to a poor person? Who cares? As long as I get paid."

'How dare he?' Yami growled as he glared at the guy's back. 'He won't get away with this.'

"The wheel of fate!" The host announced as the wheel was bought out ready for Joey to spin. The show was back on in full swing and everyone was waiting to see if Joey would really win a million yen. "Well Joey? Either you win the million yen or you fail and lose all the money you've won so far."

"I'll do it! It's as good as mine!" Joey was ready for anything at this point knowing his luck was finally going to turn around.

The wheel before him started to spin on its own as the host explained to Joey and the audience, "It will spin until Joey says 'Stop'!"

While Joey was waiting for the right moment he never knew what was happening behind the stage at that same moment. "All right when he says stop you press that button. You got it?" The producer ordered his lackey who was kneeled down beside a control panel of buttons.

"Yes sir. I painted the button red to be sure. There are a lot of buttons, but there's no mistake this way. When I press this button, there's one hundred percent no chance that wheel will win."

Footsteps behind them caught their attention however as they turned around to see a boy standing behind them with a rope in his hand. "What do you want?" The producer shouted not believing security let someone like him get back here. "Only staff are allowed back here! Get out!"

The other Yami simply smirked, "Are you feeling lucky? Then why don't we test your luck?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Look over there… What do you see?" The other Yami cut his eyes over to the scaffolding beside them and the producer looked over there also. He noticed the scaffolding not sure what this kid was talking about.

The other Yami decided to explain himself more to these idiots. "There's a paint can on top of the scaffolding." He then held out two ropes in his hand, "And here are two ropes, one is tied to the handle of the paint can. We will each choose one rope and tie it to our arm. On the signal we each pull our own rope. It's a game of chance the odds are fifty-fifty."

"What are you talking about? We're busy!" The producer shouted at the other Yami sick and tired of dealing with this brat. "We don't have time to play with you."

"You don't want anyone to find out your game's rigged, do you, Mr. Producer." The other Yami mentioned knowing this would get the man's attention. "About the one hundred percent no chance of winning wheel?"

That comment got the reaction the other Yami knew would happen as he saw the look of shock come over the producer's face. He had heard everything they had been talking about and if that news got out they would be ruined. The producer had no other choice but to play the game and try his luck.

"All right, you pick a rope." The producer told his stage guy.

At first the stage guy did not look like he wanted to do it, until he saw the glare on his boss's face. He sucked it up and picked one of the ropes wrapping it around his arm. The other Yami tied the remaining rope around his arm.

"Ready…." Both stood there staring at each other having no clue who the victory would be, "Set…"

Neither of them had to say go as they both pulled sending the paint can down and as the producer found out his lackey had the paint can rope as the paint can land on the stagehand's head spilling red paint everywhere.

The producer backed out of the way in time before getting paint on his suit and then he remembered the button. The silly game was over and now he had more important things to deal with. However there was a little surprise for him when he looked down at the control panel and found that all the buttons were now red thanks to the paint.

Panic started to set in as the producer tried to figure out which button was the switch. "If the wheel stops on the winning space that shiftless bum will get a million yen."

"Now you're showing your true colors. It's time for your judgment!" The other Yami announced as he pointed toward the producer who turned to face him. "Penalty game! Mind on Air!"

"Now at the contestant's call!"

Joey sent out one good prayer to every god he knew hoping his luck had not run out yet as he yelled "Stop!"

The audience was in stunned silence as the wheel stopped before slowing the crowd went wild as the host shouted, "He wins the million yen!"

"I did it…" Joey said almost speechless as he saw that he had won a million yen. The host of the show walked over to Joey and congratulated him as he handed him the check for the million yen. Just having the check in his hands was a dream come true.

Just as Yami sneaked his way back into the studio to stand beside Yugi a new commotion had started up in the place but it was not about Joey winning the million yen. No the producer had somehow worked his way into the view of the camera and was shouting at people to give him all their money.

Yugi turned to look at Yami, "I have a feeling the other Yami had something to do with that."

Yami grinned, "I have no idea what you are talking about…"

Yugi looked at Yami and knew he was lying but he figured he drop it and question him later with less people around. Joey was already headed over there way with the check in hand ready to show it off. He put a smile on his face ready to congratulate him on his win. After all he deserved it…

Several days later found Joey letting himself in at the Kaiba Manor and hunting down a certain tri-colored hair Kaiba. He found his prey sitting all cozy on the love seat with his lover and Mokuba sitting not far from them watching something on TV.

Yami looked up in surprise when Joey came stomping in with a few nervous butlers behind them. "Hey Joey, what's up?"

Joey tried to hide his anger, but sometimes people just did not listen. "How many times have I told you I can handle my own problems!"

Yugi and Yami looked at each other completely confused and wondered who had pissed Joey off. Yami dismissed the concerned butlers so they could talk in private. "Joey, what are you talking about?" Yugi tried to get out of the blond.

"It's bad enough that stupid TV Production Company went bankrupt and my check ended up being a worthless piece of paper. Now I go to the hospital to use part of my paycheck to put a payment down on my father's bills only to find out someone has paid them off for me." Joey kept his tone down so as not to scare Mokuba and deep down he knew he should not be mad at Yami, but a part of the old him could not help it. He could take care of his family on his own.

"I honestly have no idea what you are talking about?" Yami had been busy these past few days and this was his first break. "You told me you could handle it so I haven't touched your father's bills."

"Then explain this!" Joey shouted walking over and shoving the photo copy of a check in Yami's face.

Yami grabbed the paper and held it back so he could get a good look at it. On the paper was a copy of a check that had a familiar logo on it that Yami knew all too well. "I promise you Joey. I didn't pay off those bills."

"I know you see the logo Yami! That is your brother's company logo and I highly doubt your brother woke up from the coma just to pay off my father's bills."

Yugi took the paper from Yami and took a look himself. The check did look like it came from Kaiba Corp and it was signed Seto Kaiba, but Seto was still in a coma last he checked which was not long ago. He had gotten over there but an hour ago to find both Yami and Mokuba hanging out with their brother. It was then they decided to give Seto some alone time and go downstairs to watch some TV.

Joey sighed knowing anger was not getting him anywhere. "Listen, I know I should not be mad, but I hate when people go behind my back."

"It seriously was not me." Yami continued to tell the thick headed blond. "I'm not in charge of the finances at Kaiba Corp so I don't have access to the checks. The only bank account I have access to is my own."

"Ugh! It was me alright! Now can you please be quiet my show is coming on!" Mokuba spoke up out of nowhere causing all three heads to turn to him.

"Mokuba?"

Mokuba turned to them with a pout. "What? Seto told me to do it so I did. I've known for a while he's had a thing for blondie over there so figured it would not hurt to help out."

A blush appeared on Joey's face, "Who you calling blondie!"

"You do have blond hair." Mokuba stated before turning back to his show. "I know you probably won't believe me but the night after Joey went home from looking after Seto for me. I noticed something strange about Seto. His hand kept twitching as if he wanted to do something, so I did what the doctor said and I told Seto to blink once for yes and two for no. I asked him if he wanted something and he blinked once for yes to my surprise. At first I was not sure how I was going to figure out what he wanted until I noticed he had somehow pointed toward the hidden camera we put in the room for him."

"Hidden camera?" Yugi questioned looking toward Yami.

Yami nodded, "It's for security reasons to make sure none of the butlers or maids mistreat Seto in his comatose state. Mokuba and I can't be with him twenty four seven and even though we have our staff fully checked out before they were hired, we still can't take any chances."

"Like Yami said it's to protect Seto, however thanks to it I was able to figure out what Seto was trying to tell me." Mokuba said before he glared at Joey, "I don't like some of the things you said to Seto, but I can't fully be mad with you when I know in some ways you are right."

At that moment Joey cursed himself and his big mouth. If he had known the camera was there he would have just sat there quietly.

"Anyway, I questioned him throughout the whole tape until I got to the part with you Joey." Mokuba went on to explain, "I heard the part about your father and asked Seto if he wanted to help you. He blinked yes, so I kind of just figured that Seto wanted me to pay off those bills." He turned to Yami with a smile. "This is proof he is coming back to us right?"

Yami nodded with a smile to his brother. "Yeah it is, but why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

Mokuba shrugged. "I figured Seto would want me to keep quiet until Joey figured it out. Never thought Joey would think you forged our brother's signature to sign a check. I've always helped out big brother with the finances so it was easy to get a check and sign his name. The hospital never questioned it since they knew who I was. I even got Kaiba Corp's best attorney to come along in case the hospital gave me trouble."

Yami sighed, "You sure are a sneaky one Mokuba…" He then turned to Joey who seemed almost speechless at finding out the news. "So now that I'm in the clear are you going to go chew out Seto for what he did?"

Joey honestly was not sure what to think at that moment, but just the idea of Seto helping him out surprisingly did not cause anger in his heart, but slight joy. "I should be mad I know, but I'm more confused than anything about why he would help me. I thought he hated me."

Mokuba turned to face Joey again with a serious look on his face. "You never got to know the real Seto before Gozaburo got his hands on him. The real Seto always cared for others and helped out when he could."

"Mokuba's right Joey, you should get to know this new Seto." Yugi pointed out with a smile, "Even when his mind was filled with hate and revenge he had his eye on you for a reason. There was something about you that drew you to him and he wants to make up for it. I just know it."

"I don't know when he might come back around, but it might be good for the both of you to move on and start over even if you only end up as friends." Yami added in hoping Joey could have the same happiness he had with Yugi.

Joey nodded and before anyone could stop him he turned and walked right out of the room. "I'm going to see him." He announced before he was gone leaving them sitting there wondering if Joey would be okay.

"You think he'll be okay?" Yugi questioned as he looked up at Yami.

Yami did not know what would happen for those two, but he had a feeling they would be able to work things out. "I'm sure he will. Although I don't know how much Joey will like the Seto I grew up with as a child. He could be a real pain."

"Big brothers are always a pain…"

Yami glared at Mokuba who pretended to be innocently watching his show as Yugi just laughed loving every minute he spent with the Kaiba family.

Sakura: Another chapter that pretty much wrote itself! I love those moments when I start typing and I can't stop so the chapters end up much longer than I think they will. Anyway in the manga Joey had other reasons for wanting the money but it was similar to this with wanting to help his father. I do have big plans for Seto and Joey for any puppyshipping fans out there so just hold on a little longer. Also Seto's not really in a normal type of coma, so he was able to communicate with Mokuba in his own way, just shows he is slowly coming back around.

Yumi: Review!