Yugi stepped quietly into the small, dimly lit room. There were two double beds and TV, and a chair. One of the beds was occupied; it had a lump on it.
"Joey?" he whispered very softly. "You awake?"
Only muttering and grumbling was the answer. Must be muttering and grumbling in his sleep, Yugi decided. Trying to be as quiet so not to wake him, Yugi tiptoed across the room to the bathroom and took off his shoes and jacket, put it neatly aside. The green glowing digital number from the clock said 11:34. He was tired but watching the elimination rounds today had been exciting. Oh yeah, I ought to phone grandpa and tell him we're alright .. . . .He set the paper bag in his hand down with a soft rattle.
"Yuge? Dat you?"
"Yeah . . . .sorry if I woke you."
"No . .. I was jest listenin' to some music. I wasn't sleepin'." Joey took off his headset and sat up. "Can't sleep . . ."
"You feeling better? I brought you some food if you're hungry . . ." Yugi gave him the bag.
"Nah. . . I not really hungry," Joey answered as he tore open the bag and started unwrapping a double cheeseburger. Soon he was downing the food so fast, his cheeks looked like a chipmunks. Yugi sweatdropped. "Oh, sorry man," he mumbled with his mouth full, holding the bag out. " Didja eat?"
"No . . ." The smaller boy came and sat across from him. "But you c'n have my burger." Joey's never ending appetite never ceased to amaze him no matter how long he'd known him. .. . ..
"Nah . .you need to eat. Here." He tossed him some fries, studying him. "Wuz wrong?"
Yugi sighed, picking at his food. Joey knows me too well. "Um. . .. please don't be angry . . .. "
"What? You know I wouldn't be mad atcha, ever." But his eyes sharpened and grew quiet. " . . .. . well?"
Another heaved sigh, then, "Well, I did something really bad, today . .. . "That sentence was hard to interpret. Yugi was such a straight arrow that it could be anything. "Well, here goes . .. . when you left, you know, your duel 'cause you were ill, I um, sort of took your place."
"What? You didn't hafta do that, Yuge."
"I wanted you to have a chance. But that's not the worst part. The worst part is . .. I got caught . . .. and they disqualified us both . . . " Yugi stared miserably at his hands, afraid that his longtime friend would be angry.
"What! They can't do that!" Joey shouted. The wrapper fell to the floor.
"The good news is, that is if it's is good news . . . . " Yugi continued, relived he was taking it pr-etty good, "Is that they finally agreed to let only one of us continue in the tournament." He studied his friend's face in silence.
"Oh. Well, then, you should take it Yuge." Joey reached for some fries, chewing.
"Me? . . . . you sure you don't want it, Joey?" Yugi was slightly puzzled.
"Nah. I've been doing a lotta thinkin' and . . .. mebbe I was too wrapped up in duel monsters and tournaments and stuff like dat and haven't been paying attention to my sis lately like I should of. First, I have to take care of this thing with her, anyway. Anyway, you were always the best one out of us, Yuge."
"That's not true" Yugi said automatically. "You have a lot of potential."
"Yeah? then how come I was the last one to know about her and that creep! You know what she did, Yuge? I tell her over and over to stay away from 'im. I list a million reasons why. And what does she do? Next thing I know she's waltzin' off with 'im. Well, I give up!" he said disgustedly, throwing his arms up. "She jest won't listen ta me. No one does! Tell me, Yuge . . ." he said watching the younger's one face carefully. "What do you think 'bout the whole idea of them? Be honest."
"Well, I guess . . . ." Yugi began thoughtfully, then stopped when he saw the stormy expression on Joey's face, "--I mean, uh, I think they're a horrible match." He finished hastily, feeling uncomfortable about being put on the spot. "Horrible."
"Exactly!" Joey lay back down, drinking the soda with a loud slurp. "I dunno what to do bout it. and then. . . ." he said, looking away at the window. "Somethin' . .. else happened. . . ."
Yugi waited for him to continue, but when he didn't, he prompted, "What? What happened?"
Joey hesitated, looking at his friendly, interested face. They'd been friends for a long time; nearly a year, though it seemed much longer. Still, usually he and Tristan discussed Girls. But Tristan wasn't here, and maybe spilling his guts would help him sleep. Still, he was a bit embarrassed. "Well, tonight . .after Serenity tol me she was with-was with . .. " he stopped, and pushed the disgusting words out. "Kaiba, ugh . . . .me an' Mai we're talking an' we-she ended up . . . .kissing me."
"Oh yeah.That." Yugi said like he already knew. "Well, that's great news!" he went on with a wide smile. " . .. . .Isn't it?"
"Huh? How'd you know about it?"
"Oh well . . .I suspected, cause when I came to fetch you for your duel, you sort of had . .. .um .. . ." Yugi looked away, a bit embarrassed, pointing to his face. " . some.. you know, lipstick. . .. So, I sort of guessed. . . ."
"Say wha? And you didn't tell me I was walking around like dat?"
" . . .. . . well, I didn't want to make you feel embarrassed right before your match . . . .sorry. . .. " he apologized lamely, trailing off.
With a scoff, Joey sat up, swinging his legs over, and stood. "What is it about me that people are too afraid to tell me stuff? First, this. Then, Mai doesn't tell me about the marker. Then serenity doesn't tell me about her and that scumbag. I'm always the last ta know! Is it me, Yuge? Do I scare people off, or something?" he demanded, slamming his fist on the chair with a loud smack.
Yugi jumped at the sound. "Uh, n-n-no .. . ." he stammered.
"Lookit me. Now I'm scarin' you off." He sat back down and cradled his head in his hands. "Ohhhh . .. . " he wailed, as Yugi gave him a reassuring pat on the arm. " . . I'm so confused. . ."
"Bout Mai? Or Serenity?"
" . . . .Both. I dunno what to do 'bout them both." He stared moodily away.
"But . . . at least, that's great, right? I mean, you've liked Mai a long time now, right?" Yugi said in an effort to cheer him up. " Sooo . . . .this proves she likes you too." I think that that's how it works. . .
" . . .I dunno . . . ." Joey sighed and looked off. "I think . . . she was jus' jokin' around. I don't think . . .she likes me. Why would she . . . ." he muttered gloomily to the floor, " .. . . like an idiot who's so stupid that he was completely in da dark about his sista?"
"You aren't stupid. Okay?" Yugi said, stifling a yawn. "It'll all look better in the morning. Trust me. Okay, Joey?" he said, climbing in his own bed and put the covers over his head, asleep a minute later. "Good night."
"' Night," he answered. Sleep wasn't coming anywhere near him though. Joey pushed the trash in the floor and lay back down.. he put back on his headset again. he wouldn't expect Yugi to completely understand. His buddy always believed the best of everyone. But he suspected there was another reason why she'd kissed him.
Did she? Or did I? He couldn't remember exactly, but felt it was important. Tucking the covers around his waist, he stared first up at the ceiling, then out the streetlit window. She'd said something about Serenity, then . . . .
"I think that's cute! So are you . . . ." Then, before he knew it, the soft brush of her lips on his. He barely had time to react, to kiss back, because it was over. But the smell of her shampoo lingered, as well as a feeling . . . . . something like longing . . .. . .
Then, before he knew it, the soft brush of her lips on his. He barely had time to react, to kiss back, because it was over. But the smell of her shampoo lingered, as well as a . . . . . something like . . .. . .Jasimine . .. . . . . Spicy and sweet just like her. Look at me. I'm turnin' into a lovesick sap!
She kissed me, but I kissed back. So . . . . what does that prove? Not a darn thing. No, I'd better play it cool next time I see her. Just until I know the reason why she did it. He wanted to believe it was because she like him, but something was still pulling at him. Some instinct thing. Yeah, it was best this way. . . . he closed his eyes, thinking about it.
Next morning
"Big brother, be happy for me!" Serenity's eyes were aglow with happiness. "I'm . .getting married!"
"WHAT! No, you can't! you're too young, Serenity! I FORBID it!" her sweet face fell.
"WHAT; but, Joey! You're supposed to be HAPPY for me!" she wailed, bursting into sobs. "Why? Why can't you just be happy for me?" she turned and ran away, straight into her boyfriend's arms. Suddenly she was in a white dress and was smiling brightly. ""Wish me luck, brother!" she called to him, waving cheerfully. "You're going to be an uncle!"
"What!" he sputtered, staring down at her stomach. It looked unusually fat. "No, don't! Serenity! You CAN'T have his child! I forbid it!" Soom they were surrounded by trenchcoat wearing, smirking, bad attitude kids, all of them looking exactly like Kaiba himself. "Gah!"
They reached for him. "Uncle Dog!" They said. "Uncle Dog!" they all reached for him as he backed away.
Serenity started crying again. "You don't . .. like them! Wah!" she wailed, hiding her face.
"No! Serenity! I tried to save you! Why didn't you listen! WHHHHY?" The last part was screamed out loud, in real life. Joey woke, shaking, before realizing it'd been a nightmare. It was morning, the birds chirped cheerfully outside, oblivious to his near heart attack. After panting from fright for a few mintues, he recovered and looked over at Yugi's bed, who was thankfully away. Sunlight pouring from outside said late afternoon, not early morning.
"Dat's it!" he said loudly, jumping to his feet. "I'm going to put a stop to this!"
Later
After getting dressed and washed up, Joey walked down the hallway of the hotel, looking for his sister. He had no idea where she'd stayed the night. Last night, he'd been too upset at her, to care. "Spotting Tea, he asked her where she was.
Tea was getting some ice from the machine. "Um, she said something about needing to thank Mai for helping her. Are you going to talk to Serenity?" she wanted to know.
"Yeah," he muttered.
"Well, I have to give this to Yugi, so I'll be up there in a while." She hurried off.
The door wasn't closed all the way, so he gave it a push, hoping to spot his ssiter. Nowhere to be found but mai was there eating with her back turned to him, talking on the phone. Every once in a while she would lift her mane of blond curls up on the top of her head, then release it in a tumble down her back. Talking and eating. Eating and talking. He basically just stood there, like a mesmerized idiot.
"Oh!" she whirled, her long blond curls flying. "Joseph! Don't you dare sneak up on me like that!" she exclaimed, grabbing her chest.
Embarrassed to be caught staring, he stammered, "Um, hey. . . .. I'm lookin' for Serenity. . .. . Is she . . .here?"
"No . . . she was, but she said she'll be back. She had tell Tea something. . . ."
"Well . .do ya know where she is . . . .?"
"Didn't you just hear me?" Turning around and peering up, she asked, "Are you feeling alright? Did you two talk it out yet, or what?"
"No . . "There was a long silence, until he said finally, "Anyway . . . . .. . . we have to talk."
She smiled innocently. "About what?" She very well knew what, but she didn't want to talk about it. Still he didn't move and neither did she. "Is something the matter?" she asked, still playing innocent. She got up and made her way to him. The way he was squirming around like a little kid made her smile. When another long silence passed and he still wouldn't answer, she finally said, "Are you . . .talking about . . .what happened yesterday?"
"Uh, yeah." he said nodding, still looking uncomfortable. He didn't know why he was feeling nervous and awkward and suddenly shy around her. After a pause, he worked up the courage to look at her straight in the eye and ask, "Why'd ya do it?" There that wasn't that hard . . . .
"If you're talking about the kiss, well-" she hesitated, searching for the right words, lifting up part of her hair with one hand in thought. "That is what you're talking about, right?" He nodded mutely. "Well . . . you don't have to worry or anything. I mean, it didn't mean anything right?"
"So . . it was just a sympathetic kiss .. . . .. ?"
"No . .it was a friendly kiss." She smiled, then said an accusatory tone, "You said, 'we were friends', right?"
"Um, right. I did say that . . .. .I did. . . ." he hesitated, pushing his hair out of his eyes where it just flopped back. "So . .. it didn't mean anything . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ?"
"Of course not," she said slowly, studying his face for clues. "It didn't mean anything to you, did it?"
"Who me? N-no." he said shaking his head exuberantly to cover the lie.
"Good. . . .. . So were still friends, right? You don't have to worry. So don't worry. Lighten up!"
"Friends . . right. Still friends." He agreed. "Didn't feel anything." They stood smiling phony smiles at each other for a ridiculous amount of time, then an awkward silence fell. At least it was awkward for him. When he stole a glance up at her, she was smiling amusedly at him. "What? What's so funny?"
"You are. The way you're squirming around like that. Tell me something, how many girlfriends have you had, Joseph?"
" . . tons," he said defensively, with his chin up. He didn't like the way she was always laughing at him. Not at all. "So? Why do ya ask?"
"Tons. Riiight." She rolled her eyes.
"It's true!" She was amazed how his chocolate brown eyes seemed to snap with anger. "Are ya callin' me a liar?"
"Who me? No." she held up her hands in surrender. "Then, what was the last one's name, then, hotshot?"
" . . . . . . .tch. Why should I tell ya?"
"You said friends tell each other everything!" She threw at him. "Didn't you, Joseph?" she poked him with a long, slender finger. "Are you saying you lied?"
"Me, a liar? You won't tell me the reason you quit duel monsters. It works both ways, or didn't you know that?" he shot back. Or the real reason why you kissed me, he wanted to say but didn't.
She lowered her eyelashes as if he'd hit a low blow. Smiling cynically, she turned away, her long blond hair hitting him in the chest. "I already told you million times why."
"Because you've 'outgrown' it? Yeah, riiiight. I know you don't believe that. 's so lame."
"Let's just change the subject okay? Otherwise, we'll just be at each other's throats all the time. Besides, it doesn't matter what anything meant or didn't. Besides .. . you have to talk to your sister and make up with her, right?"
He just stared at her.
"Joseph. .. nod your head if you heard." She attempted a smile and made him nod.
"I'm not joking around here, Mai. Be serious fer once." He said it in a disappointed tone, and she lowered her eyes down like a scolded child. She took his hand and made him shake.
"Friends, right? For-" she hesitated. .. . . .For-now' or 'For-ever'? "For-ever," she finished. " I did it cause I do like you." She gave him her best puppy dog eyes. "You do believe me, right, friend?"
I believe you're trying to get me to regret declaring us friends, he thought. He could detect a faint smile curve her glossy lips and a cynical gleam in her deep violet eyes. She really did think he was dumb, after all. "Right." He said with a firm smile. Two can play that game. And I'll win and show you the one who's dumb! Sheesh . . . . girls .. . . . . .
he thought. He could detect a faint smile curve her glossy lips and a cynical gleam in her deep violet eyes. She really did think he was dumb, after all. "Right." He said with a firm smile.They continued on shaking hands. And then they were holding hands, staring as if to make the other back down first. Then the door was open, and Serenity poked her head in. "Hello?"
They jumped back as if caught, and then Mai said much too loudly, "Oh, hi Serenity. Sheesh, what do you and your brother have in common? Sneaking up on people!" she joked, opening the door wider. "Come in. he's right here." She practically pushed the smaller girl in front of him. "Don't mind me," she called walking away. "I'll be here . .. .eavesdropping," she muttered, walking the her bedroom and pretending to close the door with her ear pressed.
"Joey?" Serenity said to her brother who was still staring after in Mai's direction. "Can we talk?"
"Sure sis." He said absently. "What about?"
Serenity sighed. "Sorry to interrupt you and your girlfriend, but-"
"What! She's not my girlfriend! We're just FRIENDS!" he yelled loudly, in the direction of the bedroom.
"Right!" came Mai's immediate reply after while.
Serenity sat down, looked at the floor then up at him. "Joey. . .first let me say that I never meant to hurt you. I wanted to tell you from the beginning, but . .. I didn't want to upset you."
"Yeah, well .. . I think I was upset anyway, doncha think?" Coming back, Joey paced around his sister. "How could you just leave me there and just walk away wit 'im? I thought you were on my side. I'd never think that you'd betray yer own flesh and blood for your-your--your. . . "
"Boyfriend!" Mai supplied the direction of the bedroom.
"Stay outta this!" he yelled back. Turning back to Serenity, he continued, "I thought better of you than that. But maybe you've been spendin' to much time wit that guy an' changed, huh?"
Sereinty's amber eyes watered. "How could you say that? Your-your opinion means the world to me . . . ."
"Oh, really? Sis, you know I disapprove of the guy. Yet you jus go and waltz off wit him. You made me look like a fool! What am I supposed to think? You never tell me things anymore. An' this is the worst secret you could've kept." He looked down at her, with a disappointed and hurt look.
Serenity gathered up her courage and said, "Maybe . .. that's because you don't tell me things I want to know!"
"Say what? O-"
"It works both ways, or didn't you know that?" She interrupted with a stubborn look he'd never seen before.
Inside her room, Mai winced. Got his own words thrown back at him. Ouch. She took a peek. Serenity had her arms crossed, turned away. Looks like Kaiba'd taught her a thing or two about confidence . . . . A long silence fell.
Joey sighed loudly and then turned her back to face him. "Look, sis . . . .. . exactly how serious is this--this thing?"
"How serious?" she repeated slowly, as if she'd never thought about it before. "What do you mean. . . . .?"
With a sigh he changed the subject. Obviously it was serious enough for her to hurt him like this. "Help me out here. I'm really tryin' to undastan' this. What do ya'll have in common? Why do ya like him? It is just a crush?" he said hopefully.
"W-we enjoy each other's company, that's all."
"So . . .like friends?" he said hopefully. Better than .. . . .
"No. . . . ." Serenity said, chewing her lip. At her brother's exasperated sigh, she added, "It's hard to explain what we mean to each other. It's not . . .. your typical date. The reason we like each other is . . .. he's very interesting and fascinating . . .. . . . He's been all over the world, done a lot of things." A starry look of an obviously smitten girl came to her eyes as she gazed away in thought.
"I can't believe it sis." He said after a shocked silence. "You'd chase after a guy just because of looks and money? How could ya be so shallow an me never realize it?"
""It's not like that! Why don't you ever listen?" Serenity said with a hurt look.
In response he sighed and scratched his head. "Okay okay . . . .you're right . . . .I'm sorry sis." Opening his arms, he pulled her into a soothing hug. She closed her eyes to keep from weeping like a little girl. Stay strong . . . . "Look . .. . " he went on after awhile, "We're family and nothing gonna change dat. I promised ya I'd always be there for ya, and . . . .I'm gonna keep my promise, okay?" She didn't answer, just nodded, waiting from him to continue. "It's stupid to fight over this. So . . .. . . " after heaving a great sigh, he added reluctantly, " . . . if your heart tells you to f-follow dis guy . . . .then I'm not gonna stop ya."
Serenity looked up at him, a great smile spreading over her face. "S-so y-you give your approval!" She was so excited she was shaking all over, her hands clutched together, white knuckled.
He cringed. ". . . . . . . Yeah . . . .I guess . . . ."
"Oh, big brother! Thank you! Thank you!" she hurled herself, hugging him tightly in delight. "You have no idea how much I missed you . . . .I wanna watch you duel. Mokuba is, did you know that?."
"Yeah, I missed ya too." He patted her hair comfortingly, but with a scowl. When she pulled away, beaming, the scowl was replaced with a smile. "Just . .. don't expect me to become buddy-buddy wit 'im. Keep 'im away from me, and we get along fine."
Serenity couldn't help be disappointed. Secretly, she'd wished with all her might that they'd get along for her sake and be friends. But seeing Joey's stubborn look she thought maybe in the future. She hoped so. "So, everything's okay now?" she asked, a little tremble coming to her voice from emotion.
"Of course. nothing's gonna tear us apart, remember?" he paused and said. "I'm so glad we're not fightin' no more . . . ."
"Me too." Her voice was muffled in his jacket. " I remember . . . last time we fought . .. was when I was six or so and you tore the head off my Barbie doll. . .. ."
". . .oh yeah. cause you broke my-"
"Gi Joe doll."
Flushing a little, he stole a look in Mai's direction. "Act-tion figure, sis!" Mai pointed at him and laughed, picturing a tiny Joey and Serenity playing together with dolls. He scowled at her.
"Oops, sorry .. . I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of. . . ." Serenity trailed off, looking at them both. "What's going on with you two. . .? Joey . .. . did you tell her yet how you felt---"
"A-HEM! So sis, what exactly DO you two do on your dates?" he interrupted hastily, steering her away. He didn't want Serenity blabbing about anything yet. Especially not he felt about Mai Valentine. "What do y'all talk about, anyway?" He couldn't imagine them talking about anything. He couldn't imagine Kaiba talking, period.
"We don't do that much talking," Serenity admitted. In the corner of her eye, she saw Mai wince and shake her head fiercely. Serenity realized too late her mistake. Joey stiffened.
"Ohhhhhhh, really? Den what do you do with him stead of talking, den?" Joey pinned her down with a piercing stare. He seemed to tower over her, making her feel tiny and small. "Well!"
"Nothing like that!" Serenity protested, her cheeks flaring pink. Her reaction only confirmed his suspicions further. "Please. . .. you're embarrassing me . . . ." she pleaded.
"Just answer it." he gentled his voice or at least tried to. Serenity was too smart too do anything stupid, he knew, but the dream of a million Kaiba came back, distorting his temper. "And quit elbowing me, Mai!"
"Don't you think that's a little too personal?" she hissed, shooting him a dirty look."It's none of your---"
"Nah. I gotta right to know exactly what goes on on their little dates!" He closed in on his sister. "Well, Serenity? Serenity studied the floor, feeling a bit angry. She didn't want to lie, but she knew he would be livid and overreact. He was SO overprotective! " I know you're smart but I wanta hear it form ya. Well?"
Mai was just about to smack him for acting like an over crazed control freak when the door flew open. It was Kaiba in the fleah, looking ominous at the doorway. Man, but that guy can make some entrance, she thought, not even thinking that he had just burst into HER suite.
"I don't think that's any of your business, mutt." His hands were at his sides in a casual manner but the way his eyes glowed into a glare showed he was angry. .. or at least angrier than usual. There was a short stunned silence, then Serneity said,
"Seto . . .you said you wouldn't insult him." She gave him big pleading eyes.
"I said I'd try." he corrected, scowling over her shoulder.
Mai sat down and took a bag of crackers, and munched away, watching the two boys glare at each other. It reminded her of a program on the nature channel she'd once watched. About two rams locking horns and butting heads to show off. Sometimes boys are just like that . . .she thought shaking her head. Okay, maybe not . . .. they ALWAYS are! she thought cynically,
"Hey, you, youKaiba! Stay outta dis! Get out or I'll-" Obviously ignoring his threats the CEO turned to Serenity, who was still staring at the floor but now looking worried. He said something so low that Mai couldn't hear, then with one last smirk over at her brother, he left, sauntering down the hall. "Yeah! You betta go! Your lucky I promised my sis I wouldn' sock ya out!"
Serenity sighed a sigh of the tired and weary. "Guys, I gotta go help his little brother find his favorite card . .. . " she said softly, looking over at Joey, who was still staring away. "Joey. . .maybe we could have lunch or something later . . . .. ?"
"Huh? Sure sis. Yuge's dueling tonight, so maybe we could watch . . . .?" he said absently.
"Yeah I guess." She didn't sound too eager about it though. She sounded deflated. Maybe they'll never get along . . . .Mai gave her a reassuring pat goodbye as she left and gathered up her stuff.
"Where're YOU goin'?" it came out more accusatory than meant.
"I, Mr. Control freak," Mai said haughtily, "am going to take a dip in the pool. Would you like to know exactly what I do in the pool, too?"
"Hey, dat's not fair." he pouted as she ushered him out in the hallway and closed the door shut behind him. "Didja see the way he bosses her around like dat! 'S like he say 'jump!' and she says, 'how high?' "
"Yeah right," she said dryly, as she walked down to the elevator and pressed the down button as he followed. "Seems all the men in her life have a thing with bossing her around. . . ."
"Very funny." He scowled. "I don't 'boss her' around . . . blah, blah, blah. . . . Don't even compare me to 'im! I'm only looking out for her best interests. I am!" he insisted when she snorted in disbelief. "In fact . . .. " he added, half to himself as they rode down, "I gotta plan . . . ."
Her hand froze in midair. "Joseph, I don't like that sneaky look in your eye!"
"What sneaky look? I don't gotta sneaky look!" he tried to look as innocent as possible.
"You'd BETTER not be even thinking of ways to break them up!" she exclaimed, grabbing a fistful of his collar. "you promised her your approval! Are you going back on your word!" she demanded lethally.
"Of course not! I'm disgusting to even hear you say dat. Say, what's it to ya, anyway? Ms. High and mighty."
"Serenity's my friend. If she's happy, I'm happy. As should you be."
"I'm plenty happy. Hmph." He crossed his arms, sulking. Mai was still amazed at how someone who could be so good looking yet still have the mind of a ten year old. Suddenly, as if he'd read her thoughts, he turned to her. "I'll bet Serenity turned this cause you're a bad influence! Fine, friend." he practically spat at her. There was a crazy blaze in his eyes in those deep brown eyes she'd never seen before. "Ya wanna know my plan? I'm gonna put dat stupid Kaiba to da test, to test if he really is faithful to Serenity, so I'll know if he'll . .. . treat my sis right and won't cheat or hurt 'er. And . . . ." he said to her stunned face. "You're gonna help!"