A/N: Whoo, this is really late, and I have no good excuse for it...so let
me just say that if it wasn't for the aliens and the whole time-traveling
thing, I really would have had this out sooner. Totally not my fault. Blame
the extraterrestrials. Or the government, which we all know is the root of
all evil. Oh, and, um, let's assume school is out for the summer, shall we?
For them, I mean. Not for me. I've got twelve weeks left. *sigh*
Chapter Three: Too Much To Ask
**Mai's POV**
Sometimes it almost seems like the world is out to get you, you know? And that day, well, it seemed like a whole freakin' bunch of worlds were out to get me.
We went to lunch before the movie, and somehow, Joey ended up sitting next to Tea, while I had to sit next to Bakura at a different table. Granted, Ryou and Yugi were also there, but I was just so aware of the dark spirit next to me that I didn't notice them at all.
I couldn't take my eyes off of Joey, but he didn't seem to be having too much trouble being separated from me - in fact, he was joking around with Tea and Tristan. I glared at him, which usually works, but he didn't even notice.
"You okay, Mai?" Yugi asked.
"Yeah...I'm all right."
"You seem a bit preoccupied today."
"Oh, well, you know...just thinking." I laughed, but it sounded so fake and discordant to my ears. I glanced at Bakura, but he wasn't looking at me. I followed his gaze over to Yami. Even the tomb robber wasn't paying attention to me! Jeez. What does a girl have to do to get noticed these days?
**It's the first time I ever felt this lonely
Wish someone would cure this pain
It's funny when you think it's gonna work out
Till you chose weed over me, you're so lame**
Yugi and Ryou both totally ignored Bakura and I for the remainder of lunch, preferring to turn in their chairs and talk to the others. I sighed, rested my chin on my hand, and stared out the window.
"Mai?"
I glanced over at Bakura, who had switched his gaze to me. "Yeh?"
"Um, the bet. You know, last night? Do you still want to keep doing that?"
He sounded anxious, almost afraid. I bit my lip, twisted around to face him. "Of course," I said sharply. "Why? You getting scared that you'll lose?" I laughed, but again it sounded wrong.
"No," he said vehemently. "No way. Of course I'm going to win. I just thought maybe you didn't really want to do this..."
I glanced over at Joey, saw his arm around Tea, and suddenly I hated him. It was weird - one day I love him to death and the next I loathe him. But I did. I really, truly did.
"You men are all alike," I said coolly. "You know, fooling around. Even when you're married, you still cheat. But you know what? I can get past that."
"/Can/ you."
"Yes. I'm upping the stakes. You bet twenty bucks if I win." I cast a quick glance at the others, leaned closer to him, and whispered, "If I win, you've got to change for me. Stop being evil, the works. My slave."
"For how long?" he asked, his voice strangled.
"A month." I smirked at him, leaned back. Now /he/ would call the bet off, and at least then I could break up with Joey and not owe the tomb robber anything.
"Okay. But only because you're going to lose."
Shit, this wasn't supposed to happen! I kicked the table, sighed, and glanced back at Joey.
Well, I only had to keep him for a week, right?
**I thought you were cool until the point
Up until the point you didn't call me when you said you would
I finally figured out you're all the same
Always comin' up with some kind of story**
I didn't talk to anyone until we got to the movie theater, where I wormed my way into Joey's arms. "Can I buy your ticket for you?" I asked sweetly, inwardly wincing at how /stupid/ I sounded. I saw Bakura cover a grin with his hand and took the time to kiss Joey. He smiled at me, but it didn't make my knees weak the way it once had.
"That'd be cool," he said. "That's real nice of ya, Mai."
"No problem," I said smoothly. Great. I might win the bet, but till I did, I would be totally broke. Still, I dished out the money.
I sat in between Joey and Yami. Bakura sat behind us with Ryou and Yugi. Tea sat on Joey's other side, to my chagrin. I /knew/ I should've made him sit on the aisle.
Sometime during one of the battle scenes I managed to worm my hand into Joey's, noticing with some distaste that he had his other arm casually around Tea. Pathetic weakling, indeed! I truly believe she didn't even notice that - hey - Joey is /my/ boyfriend. Was. Whatever.
I'm actually surprised it lasted that long. Sure, he can be sweet, and he's got a good heart - but he tries so hard to be tough. Like me. And, you know, opposites attract, right? So, since we're basically the same, I should never have been attracted to him. Right? Right?
Guess what. I'm pathetic. Hadn't you noticed?
**Every time I try to make you smile
You're always feeling sorry for yourself
Every time I try to make you laugh
You can't, you're too tough
You think you're loveless
Is that too much that I'm asking for?**
Anyway, the movie wasn't half-bad, especially the finale. When the lights came on, Yami discovered that "someone" had poured syrup in his hair and smeared ketchup and mustard on his shirt. We were treated to a lovely lesson in Egyptian swearing, which shocked Yugi very much.
I thought it was funny.
As we left the theater, I noticed a bulge in Bakura's jacket pocket. "Hey," I said innocently, "did you know there's a bottle of syrup in your pocket?" He blushed furiously and shot a glance at Yami, who was busy ranting and didn't notice.
Joey tried to call me five times on Sunday. I ignored the phone every time, busy watching TV. The sixth time, I unplugged the phone.
After all, if throwing myself at him wasn't working, maybe ignoring him would.
I couldn't afford to lose this bet.
**Thought you'd come around when I ignored you
Sorta thought you'd have the decency to change
But babe, I guess you didn't take that warning
'Cause I'm not about to look at your face again**
Monday.
I went to work at the restaurant, which, thankfully, doesn't get much business in the morning. Unfortunately, Joey knows perfectly well where and when I work, and he showed up.
"Pancakes, please," he said, giving me that goofy grin of his. I grinned back, raising my eyebrows when I saw Bakura slip in, wearing a trenchcoat and a large hat.
"Anything to drink?"
"Orange juice. And a kiss."
Have to keep up appearances. I bent down and gave Joey a teasing little kiss, which, for some reason, sent little chills of electricity down my spine. Dammit, I was over him! I /was/. Really. I was totally over that vain, self-absorbed, adorable Duelist. Apparently, I had been asking too much of him. He was into brunettes, or something. Totally not my fault.
**Can't you see that you lie to yourself?
You can't see the world through a mirror
It won't be too late when the smoke clears
'Cause I, I am still here
But every time I try to make you smile
You're always feeling sorry for yourself
Every time I try to make you laugh
You'd stand like a stone
Alone in your zone
Is that too much that I'm asking for?**
I gave his order to the chef and went over to Bakura. "And what do /you/ want?" I snapped.
He smirked at me, those icy brown eyes staring straight through me. "Twenty bucks and a date."
"I've got until Friday," I reminded him. "Now, order something or go away."
"Waffles. Don't bother bringing syrup."
I giggled, and was immediately appalled. I mean, I'm /Mai Valentine/. I don't /giggle/.
"To drink?"
"Water's good."
I turned my back on him and went to give his order to the cook. What if he was right and I had lost Joey? What if he was right? What if I /did/ have to date him?
Ew. He couldn't make me do that. No way. Freedom and choice and all that.
But /what if he was right/?
**Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
Can't find where I am, lying here alone in fear
Afraid of the dark, no one to claim, alone again
Yeah yeah yeah yeah**
When the food was ready, I brought Joey his pancakes and orange juice. "Want to go out Friday?" he asked.
"Not Friday," I replied. "How about tomorrow?"
"'Kay, sure. Where d'you want to go?"
"Oh, let's go see a play. The Taming of the Shrew is in town."
"Cool. I'll get us tickets, if they're not sold out already."
"Thanks, sweetheart." I kissed him again, then went off to get Bakura his waffles and water.
"So, you give up?" he asked.
"No. As a matter of fact, I'm seeing a play tomorrow. With Joey. Just us."
He rolled his eyes at me. "God, Mai, you are so naive! He's just playing with you."
"Excuse me, Bakura, but this is Joey we're talking about. He's very sweet and...loyal...and stuff. He doesn't play with people. If anything weird is going on between him and Tea, he's totally innocent."
"Right..."
**Can't you see that you lie to yourself?
You can't see the world through a mirror
It won't be too late when the smoke clears
'Cause I, I am still here**
"You are so self-serving," I hissed, casting a quick glance over my shoulder to make sure Joey was busy eating. He was. As usual. "The only reason you're doing this is so that you can get the personal satisfaction of winning. Beating me. Well, I'm not defeated so easily."
I stalked off to go wait on a businessman who had, apparently, been waiting for me for quite some time. Well, it was all Bakura's fault, anyway. Keeping me from my duties!
Men. They're all so shallow.
**Every time I try to make you smile
You're always feeling sorry for yourself
Every time I try to make you laugh
You can't, you're too tough
You think you're loveless
It was too much that I asked you for...**
Chapter Three: Too Much To Ask
**Mai's POV**
Sometimes it almost seems like the world is out to get you, you know? And that day, well, it seemed like a whole freakin' bunch of worlds were out to get me.
We went to lunch before the movie, and somehow, Joey ended up sitting next to Tea, while I had to sit next to Bakura at a different table. Granted, Ryou and Yugi were also there, but I was just so aware of the dark spirit next to me that I didn't notice them at all.
I couldn't take my eyes off of Joey, but he didn't seem to be having too much trouble being separated from me - in fact, he was joking around with Tea and Tristan. I glared at him, which usually works, but he didn't even notice.
"You okay, Mai?" Yugi asked.
"Yeah...I'm all right."
"You seem a bit preoccupied today."
"Oh, well, you know...just thinking." I laughed, but it sounded so fake and discordant to my ears. I glanced at Bakura, but he wasn't looking at me. I followed his gaze over to Yami. Even the tomb robber wasn't paying attention to me! Jeez. What does a girl have to do to get noticed these days?
**It's the first time I ever felt this lonely
Wish someone would cure this pain
It's funny when you think it's gonna work out
Till you chose weed over me, you're so lame**
Yugi and Ryou both totally ignored Bakura and I for the remainder of lunch, preferring to turn in their chairs and talk to the others. I sighed, rested my chin on my hand, and stared out the window.
"Mai?"
I glanced over at Bakura, who had switched his gaze to me. "Yeh?"
"Um, the bet. You know, last night? Do you still want to keep doing that?"
He sounded anxious, almost afraid. I bit my lip, twisted around to face him. "Of course," I said sharply. "Why? You getting scared that you'll lose?" I laughed, but again it sounded wrong.
"No," he said vehemently. "No way. Of course I'm going to win. I just thought maybe you didn't really want to do this..."
I glanced over at Joey, saw his arm around Tea, and suddenly I hated him. It was weird - one day I love him to death and the next I loathe him. But I did. I really, truly did.
"You men are all alike," I said coolly. "You know, fooling around. Even when you're married, you still cheat. But you know what? I can get past that."
"/Can/ you."
"Yes. I'm upping the stakes. You bet twenty bucks if I win." I cast a quick glance at the others, leaned closer to him, and whispered, "If I win, you've got to change for me. Stop being evil, the works. My slave."
"For how long?" he asked, his voice strangled.
"A month." I smirked at him, leaned back. Now /he/ would call the bet off, and at least then I could break up with Joey and not owe the tomb robber anything.
"Okay. But only because you're going to lose."
Shit, this wasn't supposed to happen! I kicked the table, sighed, and glanced back at Joey.
Well, I only had to keep him for a week, right?
**I thought you were cool until the point
Up until the point you didn't call me when you said you would
I finally figured out you're all the same
Always comin' up with some kind of story**
I didn't talk to anyone until we got to the movie theater, where I wormed my way into Joey's arms. "Can I buy your ticket for you?" I asked sweetly, inwardly wincing at how /stupid/ I sounded. I saw Bakura cover a grin with his hand and took the time to kiss Joey. He smiled at me, but it didn't make my knees weak the way it once had.
"That'd be cool," he said. "That's real nice of ya, Mai."
"No problem," I said smoothly. Great. I might win the bet, but till I did, I would be totally broke. Still, I dished out the money.
I sat in between Joey and Yami. Bakura sat behind us with Ryou and Yugi. Tea sat on Joey's other side, to my chagrin. I /knew/ I should've made him sit on the aisle.
Sometime during one of the battle scenes I managed to worm my hand into Joey's, noticing with some distaste that he had his other arm casually around Tea. Pathetic weakling, indeed! I truly believe she didn't even notice that - hey - Joey is /my/ boyfriend. Was. Whatever.
I'm actually surprised it lasted that long. Sure, he can be sweet, and he's got a good heart - but he tries so hard to be tough. Like me. And, you know, opposites attract, right? So, since we're basically the same, I should never have been attracted to him. Right? Right?
Guess what. I'm pathetic. Hadn't you noticed?
**Every time I try to make you smile
You're always feeling sorry for yourself
Every time I try to make you laugh
You can't, you're too tough
You think you're loveless
Is that too much that I'm asking for?**
Anyway, the movie wasn't half-bad, especially the finale. When the lights came on, Yami discovered that "someone" had poured syrup in his hair and smeared ketchup and mustard on his shirt. We were treated to a lovely lesson in Egyptian swearing, which shocked Yugi very much.
I thought it was funny.
As we left the theater, I noticed a bulge in Bakura's jacket pocket. "Hey," I said innocently, "did you know there's a bottle of syrup in your pocket?" He blushed furiously and shot a glance at Yami, who was busy ranting and didn't notice.
Joey tried to call me five times on Sunday. I ignored the phone every time, busy watching TV. The sixth time, I unplugged the phone.
After all, if throwing myself at him wasn't working, maybe ignoring him would.
I couldn't afford to lose this bet.
**Thought you'd come around when I ignored you
Sorta thought you'd have the decency to change
But babe, I guess you didn't take that warning
'Cause I'm not about to look at your face again**
Monday.
I went to work at the restaurant, which, thankfully, doesn't get much business in the morning. Unfortunately, Joey knows perfectly well where and when I work, and he showed up.
"Pancakes, please," he said, giving me that goofy grin of his. I grinned back, raising my eyebrows when I saw Bakura slip in, wearing a trenchcoat and a large hat.
"Anything to drink?"
"Orange juice. And a kiss."
Have to keep up appearances. I bent down and gave Joey a teasing little kiss, which, for some reason, sent little chills of electricity down my spine. Dammit, I was over him! I /was/. Really. I was totally over that vain, self-absorbed, adorable Duelist. Apparently, I had been asking too much of him. He was into brunettes, or something. Totally not my fault.
**Can't you see that you lie to yourself?
You can't see the world through a mirror
It won't be too late when the smoke clears
'Cause I, I am still here
But every time I try to make you smile
You're always feeling sorry for yourself
Every time I try to make you laugh
You'd stand like a stone
Alone in your zone
Is that too much that I'm asking for?**
I gave his order to the chef and went over to Bakura. "And what do /you/ want?" I snapped.
He smirked at me, those icy brown eyes staring straight through me. "Twenty bucks and a date."
"I've got until Friday," I reminded him. "Now, order something or go away."
"Waffles. Don't bother bringing syrup."
I giggled, and was immediately appalled. I mean, I'm /Mai Valentine/. I don't /giggle/.
"To drink?"
"Water's good."
I turned my back on him and went to give his order to the cook. What if he was right and I had lost Joey? What if he was right? What if I /did/ have to date him?
Ew. He couldn't make me do that. No way. Freedom and choice and all that.
But /what if he was right/?
**Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
Can't find where I am, lying here alone in fear
Afraid of the dark, no one to claim, alone again
Yeah yeah yeah yeah**
When the food was ready, I brought Joey his pancakes and orange juice. "Want to go out Friday?" he asked.
"Not Friday," I replied. "How about tomorrow?"
"'Kay, sure. Where d'you want to go?"
"Oh, let's go see a play. The Taming of the Shrew is in town."
"Cool. I'll get us tickets, if they're not sold out already."
"Thanks, sweetheart." I kissed him again, then went off to get Bakura his waffles and water.
"So, you give up?" he asked.
"No. As a matter of fact, I'm seeing a play tomorrow. With Joey. Just us."
He rolled his eyes at me. "God, Mai, you are so naive! He's just playing with you."
"Excuse me, Bakura, but this is Joey we're talking about. He's very sweet and...loyal...and stuff. He doesn't play with people. If anything weird is going on between him and Tea, he's totally innocent."
"Right..."
**Can't you see that you lie to yourself?
You can't see the world through a mirror
It won't be too late when the smoke clears
'Cause I, I am still here**
"You are so self-serving," I hissed, casting a quick glance over my shoulder to make sure Joey was busy eating. He was. As usual. "The only reason you're doing this is so that you can get the personal satisfaction of winning. Beating me. Well, I'm not defeated so easily."
I stalked off to go wait on a businessman who had, apparently, been waiting for me for quite some time. Well, it was all Bakura's fault, anyway. Keeping me from my duties!
Men. They're all so shallow.
**Every time I try to make you smile
You're always feeling sorry for yourself
Every time I try to make you laugh
You can't, you're too tough
You think you're loveless
It was too much that I asked you for...**