Summary: Two lonely persons, so different, yet so alike. They accidentally
meet in a newly opened café. So, how do they help each other to cope with
life? A Mai/Joey...
Disclaimer: As far as I know I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any parts of it. Poor me! However, I do own my original characters should their be any!
A/N: So, this is my first Y-G-O fanfic. As stated it's a Mai/Joey. Why? Dunno... I think they're an awfully cute couple. If ya don't agree on that, don't even read this, cuz I bloody hate those people who read a fic even if they don't agree on the pairing or the themes it is about or whatever and afterwards say it's the author's fault. It sure as hell isn't! Of course I do accept it when people tell me that I could improve because... you get the idea? If you review and want to complain about the fic than be reasonable. Oh yeah, one last thing: My mother tongue aien't English, it's German, there might be some grammar mistakes. If there are, tell me and I'll try to solve the problem. Alright then, please read, enjoy and review. I want at least 15 reviews or else I give up on this story.
Note: '...' - a person talks to him- or herself "..." - actual speaking I know that Mai is probably older than Joey, but in this fanfic she isn't. Both of them are seventeen and should I mention that they wait for their next birthday desperately?! As I said I'm German, so I really don't know Japanese café's prices. Whenever there's price mentioned it'll be 'Euro'!
1 Euro = 1,13 US Dollar
Joey groaned as his alarm clock went off. With one swift, almost trained move of his right hand, he pushed it from the nightstand and sighed blissfully as he heard the noisy collision with the floor. The annoying beeping sound vanished and as if nothing had happened the blonde haired boy rolled over and fell asleep again. Exactly 6 minutes and 23 seconds later he was woke again. This time by his father, bursting into his room without hesitation. However, he would probably never dare to do that again, because whatever had been in his mind that had given him the idea of waking the young man had been eliminated the moment he laid eyes on two people inside his son's bed, a bed made for one person...
It was three days before, when Joey was woken, early in the morning, by a loud crashing sound that came from the living room. 'What is it this time?' he asked himself unhappily as he got up and pulled a pair of boxers, as well as an old T-shirt on. He felt the cold air against his bare arms and legs but decided he'd change into something more warming after he had checked out what had happened in the room below. Slowly he opened the door and as his eyes had adjusted to the unnerving dark, he crept out of his room, almost hoping it wasn't his father he had heard, but some burglar. 'Nice one!' he commented himself, 'as if there's a chance it isn't dad.' Nervously Joey felt his way to the stairs and then grabbed the banisters in order to not accidentally slip. He counted the stairs and concentrated hard on not making any noises at all. He knew that he'd be doomed if he did. Still he had chills running down his spine, caused by the freezing temperature. 'He must've forgotten to put in the heating again.' Nearing the stairwell Joey tried to keep his breath under control, that started to become ragged. He was unsure if he should really do this or just go up into his room again and lock the door. 'No I'm no fucking coward. Say what you want about me but I'm sure as hell no coward.' With a cleared mind he continued his way through the dark flat he and his father lived in. All the blinds inside the living room where shut, as Joey entered, trying to see anything but black. He heard someone groan and mumble something but couldn't make out where the voice came from. Knowing that there wouldn't be any development in the situation if he'd just wait for something to happen he turned to the right, felt for the light switch and winced as it turned on. Covering his eyes from the blinding light, Joey searched the room for the person he'd heard. It had been his father, who lay on the ground next to a broken table he'd probably fallen into. 'That's my pocket money.' was the blondes first thought as he went to pick up some things of the floor which where scattered around the fallen man. Holding a bundle of keys, a frame with a picture of his mother and little sister inside, a lighter and a packet of cigarettes he started to walk to the dining-table to set down the items, but was stopped by a hand that grabbed his ankle. "Joey, is that you, son?" the drunken man asked, breathing hard and sending a cloud of bad breath into Joey's face, who flinched. "Yeah, it's me father. Just lemme put those things away and I'll be back right away, 'kay?" he said and pulled himself free from his father's grasp. He wasn't afraid of him anymore, not right now at least. The old man was too drunk to stand properly and was no danger. As promised he made his way back to his father after he put the few things he had picked up on the table. It was hard to get the quite heavy man onto the couch, but he managed somehow and then sat himself in an arm-chair next to it. "You know, you really shouldn't drink that much father. It aien't doing any good to you, just look at yourself: your life's fucked up, even your son's life is fucked up..." Joey didn't really think his father had heard him, no actually he had thought that the toper was asleep already and much to his surprise he saw him lift up his head enough to stare into his son's face. "Watch what you say boy!" the man slurred and lifted a hand as if to slap Joey. But before he finished his move his features softened and he instantly began to snore, his hand lying on top of Joey's knee, whose eyes were big in fright. It wasn't the momentarily situation as he knew his father would never be able to really hurt him in a state like this, but memories of similar events with a different ending raced through his mind. Almost as if awakening from a trance he got up from his seating position twenty minutes later and watched as his father's hand fell to the floor. He shivered as he made his way upstairs and knew that he'd probably caught a cold, wearing nothing more than his underwear and a T-shirt during winter. Stepping into his room, Joey looked around, searching the floor for something to wear. It wouldn't be true if told that he was an extremely chaotic person, though, but he always said to himself that it was just sick to keep his room neat and clean, when after all he already cleaned most of the flat, excluding his father's bedroom and bathroom. So after he had found himself something more suitable to wear, a navy-blue sweater and his most treasured pair of jeans, the blonde headed towards the door of his bathroom. No more than ten minutes later he emerged from it again, wearing the clothes he had picked out and the clock on his nightstand just turned ten as the young man left the flat, keys in his right hand, a stack of Duel Monster Cards in his left and some money in his pocket. He had hurried and tried to be out as fast as possible, for he knew the moment his father awoke he'd have lost the opportunity to leave unharmed. Sighing Joey began to walk, putting his Cards and keys in his jacket's pockets. He didn't know where exactly to go, but let his feet carry him. 'Wherever...' he thought, 'anywhere is better than at home.'
At the same time Mai Valentine stormed out of her house. She, as well, hadn't any idea to where she would go, but decided that anywhere would be better than at home. Her normally clear eyes were puffy and red from crying but Mai didn't really care about that when she decided that she wouldn't listen to another one of her parents' arguments. Ever since she was little her parents would have disagreements but in the last few years it had changed. More violent comments were thrown from either side and Mai didn't dare to interfere anymore. The few times she did, her parents suddenly blamed it all on her and even if both of them tried to apologize afterwards the painful memory never really did vanish. The beautiful blonde made her way through the park that lay near to her house and ignored the confused stares the few people, who already took a walk, gave her. She had stopped crying the moment she stepped into the fresh winter air and even though she shivered, only wearing a sweater and no jacket, the young woman enjoyed the freezing feeling that made her feel numb inside, as if there was nothing to worry about. A little while later she came to the end of the park and from there made her way to the center of Domino City. She knew that the stores wouldn't have opened so early, but she had little money anyway. It was a little more than half an hour later when she turned around a corner, suddenly standing in front of a small house. 'Yugi's grandfather's game-shop!' she realized. Mai knew she would be welcome if she only had the courage to ring the bell. Yugi. As well as his grandfather and of course the boy's weird second personality would do everything to help her overcome her problems. And Mai was sure that they wouldn't ask questions. Still, the young woman shook the thought of asking Yugi for help of. 'No, I'm no coward. I don't hide from every little problem there may be and especially I won't hide behind Yugi. He shouldn't have to deal with more problems than he already has himself.' So, Mai turned around and decided for another way to go. During the time she walked she saw the post-man in a thick winter-jacket speeding from house to house on his bike. 'Probably wants to go home as fast as possible. Back to his wife who'll make him a hot chocolate and some pancakes.' The young woman thought and sighed. She did not want to go back home, but her rumbling stomach told her that she was quite hungry indeed. 'I don't have much money with me, but it'll do.' she decided and smiled, as her feet had already carried her, in front of a small café which had opened for breakfast.
A few streets away Joey considered visiting Yugi. He was hungry since he hadn't eaten anything this morning. Still, he decided against a visit, for he was sure that Yugi, his grandfather and Yugi's second personality would realize that something was wrong and even though Joey knew they would do anything to help him, he didn't want their help this time. The young man decided to go home neither. His father was probably up by now and a beating wouldn't help the other wounds to heal. Sighing he made his way, not really watching where he went, but he smiled as he saw the post- man, happily whistling, driving away on his bike. 'He's probably finished carrying out the post and is on his way back home. There his wife already waits with some pancakes and hot cacao.' In his thoughts Joey congratulated the unknown man to the nice wife and nice home life he had and just then noticed that he was in some part of the city he didn't know. Turning around in order to find something, really anything he'd know, Joey saw a small café on the other side of the street, which had obviously opened for breakfast. He didn't even think about it as he made his way over the street and stood in front of the door that would lead him inside. Reaching out Joey thought that the little money he had would hopefully be enough. 'Oh well, if it aien't enough I'll just ask if I could come back tomorrow and pay them back.' Pulling his hands out of his pockets he reached for the door and opened it. He was surprised by the comfy atmosphere the small café had. Old armchairs and couches were set up, as well as antique tables. 'The whole interior is antique.' Joey realized and made his way inside.
Mai had heard the door getting opened about two minutes after she had seated herself. The waiter, an old man, had already taken her order moments ago. He looked nice and the young woman was reminded of her grandfather, the only man she had always enjoyed being around. 'Seems I was the only one he enjoyed being around as well.' By her parents called an old, grumpy fool he had left all of his money, which was quite a lot, for Mai. Sadly enough he had already died, leaving the money in her parents' hands, for she herself hadn't turned eighteen yet. The money had been used for her parents' needs. Mai's mother had bought herself a car and lots of jewelry and her father had invested his half into his corporation, which by now, earned him good money. 'Well, at least that corporation is my heritage as well. If my father doesn't have any other children I don't know of...' Mai thought sadly and shifted in her seat to see who had come in seconds ago. Not really thinking she blurted out the young man's name, who stood a few feet away, contemplating where to sit down. "Joey?"
A/N: Okay, that's the first chapter. I really don't know when I'll update but it'll probably be on the weekend. Anyway, pwetty pwetty pwetty pwease review, I've an instable mind and you wouldn't want me to do something drastic, right? ^.~ Tada.
Disclaimer: As far as I know I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any parts of it. Poor me! However, I do own my original characters should their be any!
A/N: So, this is my first Y-G-O fanfic. As stated it's a Mai/Joey. Why? Dunno... I think they're an awfully cute couple. If ya don't agree on that, don't even read this, cuz I bloody hate those people who read a fic even if they don't agree on the pairing or the themes it is about or whatever and afterwards say it's the author's fault. It sure as hell isn't! Of course I do accept it when people tell me that I could improve because... you get the idea? If you review and want to complain about the fic than be reasonable. Oh yeah, one last thing: My mother tongue aien't English, it's German, there might be some grammar mistakes. If there are, tell me and I'll try to solve the problem. Alright then, please read, enjoy and review. I want at least 15 reviews or else I give up on this story.
Note: '...' - a person talks to him- or herself "..." - actual speaking I know that Mai is probably older than Joey, but in this fanfic she isn't. Both of them are seventeen and should I mention that they wait for their next birthday desperately?! As I said I'm German, so I really don't know Japanese café's prices. Whenever there's price mentioned it'll be 'Euro'!
1 Euro = 1,13 US Dollar
Joey groaned as his alarm clock went off. With one swift, almost trained move of his right hand, he pushed it from the nightstand and sighed blissfully as he heard the noisy collision with the floor. The annoying beeping sound vanished and as if nothing had happened the blonde haired boy rolled over and fell asleep again. Exactly 6 minutes and 23 seconds later he was woke again. This time by his father, bursting into his room without hesitation. However, he would probably never dare to do that again, because whatever had been in his mind that had given him the idea of waking the young man had been eliminated the moment he laid eyes on two people inside his son's bed, a bed made for one person...
It was three days before, when Joey was woken, early in the morning, by a loud crashing sound that came from the living room. 'What is it this time?' he asked himself unhappily as he got up and pulled a pair of boxers, as well as an old T-shirt on. He felt the cold air against his bare arms and legs but decided he'd change into something more warming after he had checked out what had happened in the room below. Slowly he opened the door and as his eyes had adjusted to the unnerving dark, he crept out of his room, almost hoping it wasn't his father he had heard, but some burglar. 'Nice one!' he commented himself, 'as if there's a chance it isn't dad.' Nervously Joey felt his way to the stairs and then grabbed the banisters in order to not accidentally slip. He counted the stairs and concentrated hard on not making any noises at all. He knew that he'd be doomed if he did. Still he had chills running down his spine, caused by the freezing temperature. 'He must've forgotten to put in the heating again.' Nearing the stairwell Joey tried to keep his breath under control, that started to become ragged. He was unsure if he should really do this or just go up into his room again and lock the door. 'No I'm no fucking coward. Say what you want about me but I'm sure as hell no coward.' With a cleared mind he continued his way through the dark flat he and his father lived in. All the blinds inside the living room where shut, as Joey entered, trying to see anything but black. He heard someone groan and mumble something but couldn't make out where the voice came from. Knowing that there wouldn't be any development in the situation if he'd just wait for something to happen he turned to the right, felt for the light switch and winced as it turned on. Covering his eyes from the blinding light, Joey searched the room for the person he'd heard. It had been his father, who lay on the ground next to a broken table he'd probably fallen into. 'That's my pocket money.' was the blondes first thought as he went to pick up some things of the floor which where scattered around the fallen man. Holding a bundle of keys, a frame with a picture of his mother and little sister inside, a lighter and a packet of cigarettes he started to walk to the dining-table to set down the items, but was stopped by a hand that grabbed his ankle. "Joey, is that you, son?" the drunken man asked, breathing hard and sending a cloud of bad breath into Joey's face, who flinched. "Yeah, it's me father. Just lemme put those things away and I'll be back right away, 'kay?" he said and pulled himself free from his father's grasp. He wasn't afraid of him anymore, not right now at least. The old man was too drunk to stand properly and was no danger. As promised he made his way back to his father after he put the few things he had picked up on the table. It was hard to get the quite heavy man onto the couch, but he managed somehow and then sat himself in an arm-chair next to it. "You know, you really shouldn't drink that much father. It aien't doing any good to you, just look at yourself: your life's fucked up, even your son's life is fucked up..." Joey didn't really think his father had heard him, no actually he had thought that the toper was asleep already and much to his surprise he saw him lift up his head enough to stare into his son's face. "Watch what you say boy!" the man slurred and lifted a hand as if to slap Joey. But before he finished his move his features softened and he instantly began to snore, his hand lying on top of Joey's knee, whose eyes were big in fright. It wasn't the momentarily situation as he knew his father would never be able to really hurt him in a state like this, but memories of similar events with a different ending raced through his mind. Almost as if awakening from a trance he got up from his seating position twenty minutes later and watched as his father's hand fell to the floor. He shivered as he made his way upstairs and knew that he'd probably caught a cold, wearing nothing more than his underwear and a T-shirt during winter. Stepping into his room, Joey looked around, searching the floor for something to wear. It wouldn't be true if told that he was an extremely chaotic person, though, but he always said to himself that it was just sick to keep his room neat and clean, when after all he already cleaned most of the flat, excluding his father's bedroom and bathroom. So after he had found himself something more suitable to wear, a navy-blue sweater and his most treasured pair of jeans, the blonde headed towards the door of his bathroom. No more than ten minutes later he emerged from it again, wearing the clothes he had picked out and the clock on his nightstand just turned ten as the young man left the flat, keys in his right hand, a stack of Duel Monster Cards in his left and some money in his pocket. He had hurried and tried to be out as fast as possible, for he knew the moment his father awoke he'd have lost the opportunity to leave unharmed. Sighing Joey began to walk, putting his Cards and keys in his jacket's pockets. He didn't know where exactly to go, but let his feet carry him. 'Wherever...' he thought, 'anywhere is better than at home.'
At the same time Mai Valentine stormed out of her house. She, as well, hadn't any idea to where she would go, but decided that anywhere would be better than at home. Her normally clear eyes were puffy and red from crying but Mai didn't really care about that when she decided that she wouldn't listen to another one of her parents' arguments. Ever since she was little her parents would have disagreements but in the last few years it had changed. More violent comments were thrown from either side and Mai didn't dare to interfere anymore. The few times she did, her parents suddenly blamed it all on her and even if both of them tried to apologize afterwards the painful memory never really did vanish. The beautiful blonde made her way through the park that lay near to her house and ignored the confused stares the few people, who already took a walk, gave her. She had stopped crying the moment she stepped into the fresh winter air and even though she shivered, only wearing a sweater and no jacket, the young woman enjoyed the freezing feeling that made her feel numb inside, as if there was nothing to worry about. A little while later she came to the end of the park and from there made her way to the center of Domino City. She knew that the stores wouldn't have opened so early, but she had little money anyway. It was a little more than half an hour later when she turned around a corner, suddenly standing in front of a small house. 'Yugi's grandfather's game-shop!' she realized. Mai knew she would be welcome if she only had the courage to ring the bell. Yugi. As well as his grandfather and of course the boy's weird second personality would do everything to help her overcome her problems. And Mai was sure that they wouldn't ask questions. Still, the young woman shook the thought of asking Yugi for help of. 'No, I'm no coward. I don't hide from every little problem there may be and especially I won't hide behind Yugi. He shouldn't have to deal with more problems than he already has himself.' So, Mai turned around and decided for another way to go. During the time she walked she saw the post-man in a thick winter-jacket speeding from house to house on his bike. 'Probably wants to go home as fast as possible. Back to his wife who'll make him a hot chocolate and some pancakes.' The young woman thought and sighed. She did not want to go back home, but her rumbling stomach told her that she was quite hungry indeed. 'I don't have much money with me, but it'll do.' she decided and smiled, as her feet had already carried her, in front of a small café which had opened for breakfast.
A few streets away Joey considered visiting Yugi. He was hungry since he hadn't eaten anything this morning. Still, he decided against a visit, for he was sure that Yugi, his grandfather and Yugi's second personality would realize that something was wrong and even though Joey knew they would do anything to help him, he didn't want their help this time. The young man decided to go home neither. His father was probably up by now and a beating wouldn't help the other wounds to heal. Sighing he made his way, not really watching where he went, but he smiled as he saw the post- man, happily whistling, driving away on his bike. 'He's probably finished carrying out the post and is on his way back home. There his wife already waits with some pancakes and hot cacao.' In his thoughts Joey congratulated the unknown man to the nice wife and nice home life he had and just then noticed that he was in some part of the city he didn't know. Turning around in order to find something, really anything he'd know, Joey saw a small café on the other side of the street, which had obviously opened for breakfast. He didn't even think about it as he made his way over the street and stood in front of the door that would lead him inside. Reaching out Joey thought that the little money he had would hopefully be enough. 'Oh well, if it aien't enough I'll just ask if I could come back tomorrow and pay them back.' Pulling his hands out of his pockets he reached for the door and opened it. He was surprised by the comfy atmosphere the small café had. Old armchairs and couches were set up, as well as antique tables. 'The whole interior is antique.' Joey realized and made his way inside.
Mai had heard the door getting opened about two minutes after she had seated herself. The waiter, an old man, had already taken her order moments ago. He looked nice and the young woman was reminded of her grandfather, the only man she had always enjoyed being around. 'Seems I was the only one he enjoyed being around as well.' By her parents called an old, grumpy fool he had left all of his money, which was quite a lot, for Mai. Sadly enough he had already died, leaving the money in her parents' hands, for she herself hadn't turned eighteen yet. The money had been used for her parents' needs. Mai's mother had bought herself a car and lots of jewelry and her father had invested his half into his corporation, which by now, earned him good money. 'Well, at least that corporation is my heritage as well. If my father doesn't have any other children I don't know of...' Mai thought sadly and shifted in her seat to see who had come in seconds ago. Not really thinking she blurted out the young man's name, who stood a few feet away, contemplating where to sit down. "Joey?"
A/N: Okay, that's the first chapter. I really don't know when I'll update but it'll probably be on the weekend. Anyway, pwetty pwetty pwetty pwease review, I've an instable mind and you wouldn't want me to do something drastic, right? ^.~ Tada.