Authoress Babblings: Well, here is! El Chaptero Finito! I hope you've all enjoyed this story as much as I have! Lots of mush in here, but I had to make up for the lack in previous chapters. And look for the epilogue, at the request of my dear friend Animatess(Leigha), coming up next!
Disclaimer: I still don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! I don't know who they are, but maybe they'll sell me the rights after they read my story...nah. I'll be using snippets of dialogue from one of the last episodes that you might recognize. They aren't mine. Get it? NOT MINE!
Lyrics of "You're Still You" written by Linda Thompson.
"None of us can choose where we will love."- Susan Kay
--
Dueling Hearts
Chapter Six: I Confess...
--
One year after the tournament...
In Domino City, the annual Summer Festival of Light had come about. The streets were strung with lights and lanterns in all colors that blinked softly in the dying sunlight. Only two hours before sunset, and that's when everything would really begin.
But for Joey, there had been very little beginnings for him since the Duelist Kingdom tournament. Everything that happened, even something good, seemed like an ending for something else, but never a beginning. They'd never been more than friends, he and Mai, and he'd felt he missed her even more because of that. All that time they were on the same island, he'd wanted to make it more. But if she didn't feel the same way, she might've ended up laughing at him. Or hating him. He couldn't survive with that one.
His friends had finally convinced him to come out for the festival tonight. It had taken little convincing, but enough to let them know he really wasn't up for it. The festival was always more fun if you had someone to be with. Yugi was the only one who understood why Joey felt that way; the others just couldn't figure out whom he was hung up on. He had tried to enjoy the daytime games and contests, but everyone saw the emptiness in his smile. Joey just wasn't his usual whimsical self. Tea had suggested that the seriousness of the whole Duelist Kingdom situation had left a mark on him. But Yugi was the only one who knew what, or rather who, had really left a mark on him.
After finally giving it over, Joey had broken from the group and wandered into the park at the edge of town. It was also bright with lights, hazy with a light mist. In front of him was a big oak tree. He smiled remembering when he and his sister first saw it. It nearly half the size it was now. His smile grew even wider, thinking of how Serenity would grin at seeing it again.
Seeing...Joey could hardly believe it. Yugi's winnings at the tournament had more than paid for her surgery, and his sister's beautiful eyes would see everything clearly from now on. It was one of the only things keeping him happy all year. And for him, seeing Yugi's face light up every time his grandfather entered the room or say his name reminded him that he had a lot to be happy about.
But deep, deep down, Joey couldn't help being a bit selfish; he didn't have everything. He didn't deny it, even to himself that he'd wanted Mai to be with him. He doubted she would reciprocate though. Mai was special. She deserved much better than him anyway. But he wouldn't, or couldn't, let it go. Either way, he still wanted her very much.
Letting free a long-kept sigh, he leaned up against the sturdy tree and slid to the ground. A happy-looking couple walked past him, laughing and holding each other. He felt his nose stinging with coming tears. That could have been us if I hadn't been such a coward.
"Mai..." he croaked, a leaden weight crushing his chest. He gazed intently at a nodding little flower between his feet. He reached out to stroke one petal, the same deep purple hue as her eyes. A tear rolled down his cheek as he remembered their last conversation.
((((*))))
"Oh man, oh man, oh man! Where'd it go?"
Joey had been running all over the castle, trying to find his card. The Hand of the King was the only thing he needed to battle for the semi-finals. It had been on his nightstand the night before, and now it was gone. He suspected that bastard Bandit Keith had something to do with it, but he didn't dare go pointing fingers now. He'd come too far to get kicked out. But if he didn't find that card, he'd get kicked out anyway.
"Three minutes! Gotta find it!"
"Find what?"
"DYAH!!" he yelped and spun around, not surprised with who he saw. "You gotta stop DOIN' that!"
"Why?" Mai asked innocently, opening her eyes wide. Joey gulped. Such pretty eyes...
"'Cause if you give me a heart attack, I won't be able to find my qualifying card!" he said in a panic.
"What do you mean?" she asked, genuinely concerned.
"Well, Yugi gave me one of his cards that prove I'm official. But it's gone! Omigod, what am I gonna DO?"
"Calm down Joseph!" Mai ordered, reaching into her pocket. "You might give YOURSELF a heart attack before I do. Here." Joey stared at her hand, which was holing out her qualifier to him. Slowly he reached out to take it, his digits brushing hers as they did before. A quick blush ran over her face and she half-smiled at him. "I won't be needing it anymore."
Joey stared at her, a grin creeping over his face. "Does this mean we're friends?" The look she gave him then would be branded in his mind forever.
"Yeah...yeah I guess we are Joey. You and your friends are my first in a long, long time," she admitted in all sincerity. "I just...hope you all don't think I'm a coward for backing out.
"No, never," he said, laying his hand on her shoulder. He felt a small tremor pass through her but he smiled when she didn't pull away. "What you did out there, helpin' Yugi put his heart back in the game, it was great."
"And I weaseled out, don't forget that," she muttered.
"No way. Don' think that. It was noble. You know yourself that you didn't back out because of your monsters."
Mai stared at him, trying to avoid his searching eyes. But it always was impossible to look away from those warm pools. Finally, she rewarded him with a soft smile. "You're right. I did back out for Yugi. Well, really for both of you. You're both fighting for much more noble causes than I am. I want him to get his grandpa back...and for you to help your sister out." She laid her hand over his that still lay on her shoulder. "Back when we battled, you told me that the only thing worth fighting for was somebody you cared about. Well I've...I mean..." She took a deep breath. "I've learned to care about Yugi and...and you, and everyone else. And you were right you know. It is worth fighting for."
Joey stared at her amazed. In less than a week, he'd seen this beautiful girl grow from an arrogant diva into a caring friend. She'd gained a lot of her old attitude back, but all he saw was her eyes, telling him everything he wanted to know. He didn't think he could be more in love than now. The words trembled in head, but he couldn't convince them to move to his mouth.
"Time for me to go now," she sighed and turned away. "Good luck against that creep Bandit Keith." She looked over her shoulder and grinned. "Though I don't think you need that." One of her gorgeous eyes winked at him and she walked away.
Joey stepped forward into the space she had occupied, if only to catch her scent.
Lavender...her hair smells like lavender...
((((*))))
He brought the flat of his hand down on the gnarled tree root. He'd been ALONE with her, able to say ANYTHING. Since when had he been such a mute? Why? Why hadn't he told her?
"Why didn't I ever tell him?"
Joey nearly jumped out of his skin. No way! Impossible! He heard something slide against the other side of the tree and rustle in the grass. He poked his head around the trunk and found himself facing a cloud of golden hair smelling faintly of...lavender. Mai!
--
"Why didn't I ever tell him?"
Mai had been berating herself like this all year. She'd spent almost everyday at home, not seeing anyone or even speaking on the phone. He mother had called her selfish, saying she didn't care about the family. Well, she couldn't really identify with her mother. She'd gotten the man she loved right away. What would she know about unrequited love?
She'd come to Domino City to see what the fuss of the Festival was all about, but hadn't had a bit of fun since she'd come. But that was nothing new. Ever since she left the Duelist Kingdom, she'd been absolutely miserable. She couldn't go anywhere without thinking of him at least once. Everything she looked at reminded her of him. Like the way hot cocoa sent her dreaming of his warm eyes. Or how a golden dandelion was so similar to his hair, so askew and yet so perfect.
She sighed and played with a tuft of grass, smiling ruefully remembering the day she'd messed with his hair. "If I'd had any guts or brains, I'd have kissed him that day. Joey..."
Joey was finding he'd begun fighting for breath. He was also fighting not to jump up and dance. She felt the same way that he did! He heard her take in another breath and he pressed against the tree trunk, listening intently.
"Why are you even beating yourself up over this?" she asked herself, her voice small and bitter. "He'd have never wanted you. You were always such a selfish brat. You never had a chance."
That's not true Mai! He wanted to say. He wanted to scream it, but his voice had decided to abandon him yet again. He saw her fist slam onto the soft grass.
"But you COULD have taken a chance!" she cried, her voice breaking with oncoming tears.
"You could have told him...you loved him."
She loved him? Loves him? He felt like his chest would explode. He'd never dream of those words coming out of her mouth.
Something moved out of the corner of his eye. He watched her elegant hand reach out to pluck one of the little purple flowers. She giggled softly and Joey heard...
"He loves me...he loves me not..." A chuckle. "Oh Mai, you have lost it." Another giggle. "He loves me...he loves me not..."
"He loves you."
"ACK!" she screeched, leaping up and almost out of her skin. She stood staring at the blonde boy under the tree. "YOU! Who do you...What do you...Why'd you..."
"Well, for starters," he said rising. "I'm Joey Wheeler, I was sittin' under a tree, and I was just gettin' a little payback for all those times you scared me!"
"You were listening!" she accused.
"It-it was…an accident?" he defended.
"You knew it was me and you listened anyway!"
He stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Can't blame me can you?"
Mai's mouth hung open. She couldn't deny or take back anything she said. There was nothing to be done. Naught. Zilch. Zero. And when that's the case, there's only one thing to do. She glared and flew at him.
"Don' kill me, don' kill me!" Joey pleaded, raising his hands in defense. But what he got was not a pounding, but found she'd wrapped her arms around his waist.
"God, I've missed you! I've missed you so much!" She half laughed, half sobbed.
Joey finally relaxed and folded his arms around her. "Yeah. Yeah me too."
"I'm sorry Joey," she murmured, rubbing her cheek against his chest. "Sorry it took me so long."
"No I'm sorry, I should've told you a long time ago," he whispered, rubbing her back gently. She looked up at him, questions in her eyes, and for the first time, he saw the trails of tears on her cheeks.
"A...A long time?" she sniffed. He nodded.
"C'mon. Let's go talk somewhere," he suggested, draping his arm over her shoulders. Slowly, they walked out of the park, leaving only those little flowers and the old tree as witnesses to that very odd exchange.
--
They found small café right almost right away and gone in. What caught Joey's eye was the center of the room that had been turned into a dance floor. That would be useful later, if all went well.
He looked up from his soda and regarded her seriously. "A few days before we...ran into each other, I realized that I couldn't stop thinking of you. Every time Tristan caught me staring into space, I was thinking about you. It didn't come as a total shock though," he smiled, reaching across the table to touch her cheek. "Who could get such a beauty out of their mind?" She blushed and looked away.
"But...but why me?" she asked, still finding it hard to believe.
"I dunno...why me?" he volleyed her question back.
"No way, you first. Why would you fall in love with a brat like me?"
"Why would you fall in love wit' a nimrod like me?"
"Ooh, you are the most..." She attempted, but gave it over in despair. "Please, just tell me."
Joey examined her face a moment. "You really don't know do you?" She stared at him and shook her head. He sighed and took a sip of his soda. "Well, even though I...couldn't stand you for a while, I always liked your determination. And smart! Man, that 'aroma strategy' really was somethin'. When Yugi won back your star chips was when I really started feeling strongly. Everythin' about you was so attractive to me. Your eyes, your hair, yes even your attitude. When you smiled, a real, true smile, I caught a glimpse of the girl you really are behind that attitude. When you found us that day you'd gotten hurt, I didn't know what to do or say the whole time. But you got warm to us really fast, and I loved seeing you with us. You believed in me all through that battle with Laoa, and..." He chuckled a bit, smiling at her. "You cared enough to wake me up. But the topper was what you did for Yugi that day, when you gave him the victory. I saw how much you'd changed, and I knew then how much in love I was. And still am." He laid his hand over hers. "That's why. Now it's your turn. Why'd you pick me?"
"I didn't pick you Joey. None of us can choose where we will love. I...oh, where to start? I saw from our first battle what kind of heart you had. I didn't pay much attention to it, 'cause I was still mad at you. But time went on and that night Yugi battled against Panik, when you teased me about my star chips, that's when I fell for you. You stood up for me that night, even though Panik would've clobbered you."
"Let's not mention dat joik anymore," he offered, his eyes darkening.
"Agreed. Anyway, that was when I gained respect for all of you, because I knew how much you wanted me to be a friend. But it took a ripped arm for it to sink in. When you battled for me, you told me that the duel wasn't about you. It was all out of my hands from then on. I couldn't stop myself from loving you. This past year has been hell," she trailed off, tears thickening her voice. Joey squeezed her hand and she sniffed them back. "I had no friends, my family didn't understand, and...I missed you so much." She turned her shining eyes on his, blinking to finally let the tears free. His eyes softened even more and he reached up to wipe them away. She leaned into his hand, sighing deeply. "I never thought you'd ever touch my face except to wipe my mouth."
"You remember the strawberry seeds?" he asked surprised. She grinned at him, her tears subsiding.
"Yep. God, I was sure you were going to kiss me. I wanted to kill you when you said, 'Sum strawberry seeds. Dey wuh drivin' me crazy.'"
"'Ay, I do NOT soun' like dat!" Joey laughed.
"Oh yes you do, you just DID! You should record yourself and listen to it! You'd die laughing!" she shot back, mischief in her eyes.
"Well, YOU'D never make it as an impressionist!"
Mai let out a loud peal of laughter, causing many heads to turn. Joey blushed. "Uh Mai, they're staring."
"So what? I haven't laughed in over a year! It's my right! Ha Ha HA!" she shouted for emphasis. Joey reached over and cupped her cheek.
"I don' wanna have to tie you down Mai," he whispered, realizing too late how that must have sounded. Mai sputtered another laugh.
"Never knew you to be the kinky type Joey Wheeler," she teased, winking. Her gave her an evil grin and leaned in closer.
"If you only knew," he purred. Mai's eyes went as wide as saucers. "Joke, dat's a joke!" It was Joey's turn to laugh out loud. "Boy, you shoulda seen your face!" Everyone's eyes shifted from Mai to Joey as the boy laughed like a fiend. He stopped laughing when he saw the soft look on Mai's face. "What? What is it?"
"Nothing," she said and reached out to his face. He closed his eyes against the feel of her soft fingers on his cheek. They traveled all over it and combed through his hair. Mai smiled as its softness yielded to her hand. "You're something Joseph. Really something."
Joey slowly lifted his eyelids, taking in her beautiful face and hair. Behind him, the DJ had chosen a beautiful song and announced a couple's dance. Joey stood and walked over to Mai.
"Dance wit' me beautiful?" he asked, holding out his hand to her. She smiled and placed her small hand into his. It encased hers completely and she liked it. She rose and walked with him to the floor. He wrapped his arms around her small waist and she looped her arms around his neck. They swayed to the sweet rhythm of the song.
THROUGH THE DARKNESS
I CAN SEE YOUR LIGHT
AND YOU WILL ALWAYS SHINE
AND I CAN FEEL YOUR HEART IN MINE
YOUR FACE I'VE MEMORIZED
I IDOLIZE JUST YOU
Mai had never felt like this before. She'd never been this close to a guy, much less danced with anyone. She couldn't ignore how warm and strong he was, or her body's reaction to him. She felt warm and cold all at once, like she was under a spell making her grow bold, and ran one hand through his hair using the other to pull him even closer to her. Months of loneliness were erased in his arms and she nuzzled her head into his shoulder. His arms tightened around her, and she knew he'd never leave her lonely again.
I LOOK UP TO
EVERYTHING YOU ARE
IN MY EYES YOU DO NO WRONG
I'VE LOVED YOU FOR SO LONG
AND AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE
YOU'RE STILL YOU
AFTER ALL
YOU'RE STILL YOU
Joey sighed, but it came out as more of a moan, when she pressed against him, her silky hair caressing his cheek. He had always wanted to hold her this close and feel the overall warmth and softness of her. Even through her jacket he could sense her soft curves. They fit together so perfectly; where he was hard, she was soft. He buried his face into the golden glory of her hair and breathed deeply of her scent, the lavender perfume sending his head swimming. He let his hands wander to her hips and pulled her even closer, hoping she would realize just what she was doing to him.
YOU WALK PAST ME
I CAN FEEL YOUR PAIN
TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING
ONE TRUTH ALWAYS STAYS THE SAME
YOU'RE STILL YOU
AFTER ALL
YOU'RE STILL YOU
Mai could hear her heartbeat double and rush in her ears. Or was that his? His heart thundered in his chest, pounding beneath her cheek. She was lost in the feel of his gentle hands on her waist. If anyone had told her that she'd be dancing with him tonight, she would've had to call him a liar. This was more than any dream could ever be, because it was real and she was with him.
I LOOK UP TO
EVERYTHING YOU ARE
IN MY EYES YOU DO NO WRONG
AND I BELIEVE IN YOU
ALTHOUGH YOU NEVER ASKED ME TO
I WILL REMEMBER YOU
AND WHAT LIFE PUT YOU THROUGH
Breathing wasn't coming easily to Joey at the moment. What breaths that did come sounded more like sobs. And it seemed they would be. He could smell the hot tears in his nostrils. After a year of damming up his emotions, everything felt like it was melting away, that heaviness in his chest disappearing completely as he held her. "Mai..." he breathed, causing her to look up into his face. Her beautiful eyes took in the glossy sparkle of his and she moved her hand to his cheek, the skin warm and smooth. She drew his face closer to hers and rested her forehead against his.
AND IN THIS CRUEL AND LONELY WORLD
I'VE FOUND ONE LOVE…
YOU'RE STILL YOU
AFTER ALL
YOU'RE STILL YOU…
"Hey everyone! Come on outside!"
The boy's call got everyone's attention. Murmurs of excitement rose up as they all exited the café, Mai looking questioningly at Joey.
"What's going on?" she asked. "I've never been to one of these festivals."
Joey smiled softly and locked his fingers with hers. "You'll see. C'mon." She let him lead her out to the street where dense crowds had gathered. The red-gold glow of the sunset ha all but disappeared. The last sliver of red hung over the Western Peaks. "Now watch the sunset. It'll happen any minute," Joey whispered, squeezing her hand gently.
Mai gazed at the tip of the highest peak as the sun completely vanished. A spark of white light glimmered at the top, and suddenly, bright flares of richly colored light blazed in the night sky, veiling the stars in emerald, violet and sapphire. The crowds around them cheered enthusiastically.
"Oh my God. It's beautiful Joey," she breathed. Joey chuckled and tilted her chin up to face him. The streaming auras reflected softly in his deep eyes. Better than sunset light... she thought.
"Mmhm, just like you are," he whispered, caressing her cheek and hair. "Inside, and out." Before she knew it, he had descended onto her lips and claimed them. Her eyes flew wide then drooped sleepily as he deepened the kiss, tasting, teasing and entreating entry all at once. She drew him in with a breath and wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss with her own passion. She moaned into his mouth and pressed her hips against his. A strong shudder passed through him. He felt like he just couldn't get enough of her warmth, her sweet softness. Everything about the moment was perfect, from the scent of her hair surrounding them to the soft pulse of their heartbeats to the gentle glow of the colored sky. They breathed each other's breath and Joey could feel the world floating to a higher place. He was certain that when he opened his eyes, he and Mai would be among the stars of the night.
Reluctantly, the kiss ended. Mai clung to his lips for a moment before they drew apart with a soft sound. Feeling slightly drugged Joey opened his eyes and gazed at her face. Her eyes were still closed, her long jetty lashes dusting her blushing cheeks with shadows. He ran his fingers across her cheekbone, cherishing the warm smoothness of the flesh. Slowly her eyes opened, like someone just waking from a trance and gazed into his. They glistened and sparkled with emotion and unshed tears. Joey grinned and caressed her cheek again.
"Stars of the night," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"What?" she asked, her voice sounding far away.
"Nothin'," he smiled. Leaning forward, he touched the tip of her nose with his. Mai giggled and nuzzled into his shoulder.
"Hey Joey?"
"Hm?"
"Did I mention that I love you?"
Joey smiled. "Yeah I think you said something like that."
"Good! Because I do! I love you!" she cried and threw herself into his arms. Joey laughed and lifted her from the ground, spinning her around in the street.
"I love you Mai Valentine!" he shouted. A year of loneliness disintegrated into nothing in the wake of their newfound joy. He set her back on her feet and ran his hands all through her hair. Drawing her to him again, he told her in that one kiss just how much he'd always needed her.
--
**NOT THE END! EPILOGUE NEXT!**
Well, whaddya think? Cute, yes? REVIEW PLEASE! And stay tuned for the next part! You'll love it!