Unconditional Friendship

Author's note: WOW!! I got over ten reviews, so here is the next part, just like I promised. I'm sorry it took so long, but I had to work over the weekend, and was too tired to write, but I hope this chapter will be worth the wait. Also this story is not going to be a Yaoi. It's not because I'm against that stuff, I just can't write it. So this story will be a Mai/Joey pairing instead, and I might put in Seto/Serenity. Well, anyways, on with the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh

Part Two: The Signs Begin to Show

Seto stared out of his limo with his usual annoyed look. It had been another long day at school, and Kaiba was not looking forward to returning to the office so soon after his patients had run out. "Driver, drive around the city for awhile, I don't want to go home yet," Kaiba ordered watching the man nod his head hesitantly. Obviously this new guy was offended that he hadn't bothered to learn his name yet. Seto only scowled at the fact, if the guy had any sense, he would know that Kaiba very rarely took the time to learn people's names. It was an unnecessary act that was only reserved for the people he had to do business with, or some that were too annoying to ignore. The man should be glad that Seto didn't know his name, since the only reason why he would have to learn it would be to lay the guy off.

"Is there any place you would like to go Mr. Kaiba," the driver asked, looking behind at the dark haired teenager. Kaiba stared at the man in disbelief.

"I said drive around the city. If I wanted to go somewhere, I would have told you," Kaiba stated turning back to the view outside his tainted window. Domino City was a fair sized city, small enough to be peaceful, but big enough to avoid unwanted company. Yes, Kaiba liked this city so much more than the city the orphanage was in.

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Mai glared at the three men standing in front of her. All three of them were about twice her size, and had a weapon of some sort in their hands, but Mai Valentine was not intimidated by them. She stood tall, and wore a look of disgust in her nearly flawless feature. Dealing with horny bastard was nothing new to the blonde, in fact, it was almost a daily routine. The only thing that bothered her about these men, was the that she highly doubted that she could get out of it with a friendly game of duel monsters. But she remained confident, she wont allow these men to get what they wanted.

Mai's purple eyes flashed for a second when one of the brutes reached out to grab her, and she instantly slapped the hand away. A look of triumph crossed her face, before another one of the men grabbed her. An alarmed cry escaped her lips, before she was violently swung against the brick wall. "You fucking bastards, let go of me!" she demanded lashing out with her legs and her free arm. But the man held her firmly, and his two companions were soon able to restrain her. Mai's eyes widened in horror, her confidence squashed by the sudden helplessness. She couldn't do anything but close her eyes and hope for some sort of distraction.

"Hey, get your filthy hands off of her!" Mai's eyes snapped open to meet with familiar brown eyes.


"Joey?" Mai exclaimed feeling a small sense of hope rise inside of her. Joey gave her a confident grin before he pulled the main man off of her. As soon as the man's grip released her, Mai kicked out at the other two men, forcing them to lose their hold on her too. She landed softly on her feet, and made a dash to were Joey was currently fighting who she figured was the leader.

"Thanks for the help Wheeler, but I could have handled it myself," Mai pointed out, feeling the need to redeem some of her pride. Joey gave her a knowing smile before he dodged anther punch.


"Of course Mai. I know you would have had no problem taking out these idiots, but where's the fun in watching. I wanted some of the action too," Joey yelled without tearing his gaze away from the fight. Mai smiled ready to reply with another sarcastic remark, when she noticed that the other two men were starting to team up on Joey.

"Oh no you don't," Mai said grabbing onto one of the men, and digging her long nails into the flesh of his arm. The man gave off an involuntary yelp before Mai gave him a hard kick to his knee. A satisfied smile graced Mai's face as the man's knees buckled underneath her. Giving the man her best "don't mess with me" look, Mai finished the fight by a devastating kick to the face. The man went down without a sound, and shortly afterwards, the other two men joined him.

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Seto watched amused as Joey led Mai out of the alley. He had noticed the fight, and had ordered the driver to stop. There was just something so familiar with the way Joey would show up and protect someone from the many thugs on the streets. Of course that would explain why Joey had so many enemies, but it was still amusing watching the "pup" brawl. True, Joey's fighting abilities were nothing compared to the martial arts Seto had learned, but Joey was still a pretty impressive fighter. As a matter of fact, so was Mai, though her fighting abilities were far less impressive. Curious, Seto decided to follow the couple, and see just how he could make their lives more miserable. It would at least provide some entertainment before he had to return to his business. With his mind made up, Seto quietly slipped into the shadows.

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Mai couldn't take her gaze off of him. Joey was standing next to her, protectively watching the area around them, while he led her toward the small coffee shop at the corner. But Mai couldn't help but notice how much his change of attitude made him seem far more mature then the Joey she knew. Joey had always seemed like a carefree overly happy guy that was very devoted to his friends and family. But here he was, standing next to her like a prince out of a fairy tale. His brown eyes shined with protectiveness, while he walked in a defensive position that was barely noticeable to the people passing them on the streets. The impressive thing was that Joey was keeping his distance, understanding just how much Mai needed the security and support, but also how she was wary of being close to anybody. A knowledge that Mai didn't think Joey had, but she had to admit that she wasn't completely surprised. He knew how to help she had lost her star chips and Yugi had one them back for her. She could still feel the way his hand pressed against hers as he tricked her into taking them back. Yes, Joey had changed, he was far less predictable, and yet, it only made her want to be near him more. "Great, get a hold of yourself Mai. Joey is no different then any of the other guys that have drooled over you," Mai silently told herself watching as Joey opened the door to the coffee shop and stood aside so she could enter. Mai nodded her thanks as she was lead toward a private table.

Joey smiled at her kindly as he placed a cup of chilled coffee in front of the blonde girl in front of him. "Are you alright Mai," Joey asked in a compassionate and concerned tone.

"Of course, I told you I could handle those thugs," Maid replied lowering her head as she felt her cheeks burning in embarrassment. Her gaze dropped down to the coffee in front of her, while she waited for Joey to reply in some sarcastic way. Instead, all she heard was silence. Looking up confused, Mai's eyes met with Joey's patient soft brown ones. "I am Joey, do you really believe that what those guys wanted to do would make me break apart?" Mai said her lips turning into a small frown. "I'm made out of stronger stuff then that," Mai pointed out watching the relief wash over Joey's face.

"I know you are Mai. You're the strongest girl I know," Joey said standing up.

"Where are you going?" Mai asked feeling a sudden uneasiness.

"Home, I have a ton of homework to do," Joey said, his face twisting into a grimace in his normal joking nature that everybody knew him for. Mai felt a small giggle escape before she covered it with a nervous cough.

"Um, thanks Joey, I owe you one," Mai said bending her head down till her golden locks were covering her face. She was bright red now, and the last thing she wanted was to show that she was falling for village idiot.

"Hey, no prob," Joey said cheerfully choosing to ignore Mai's discomfort behind his ignorant act. Mai waved goodbye with out even lifting her head, and Joey couldn't help but chuckle softly. Turning around, Joey headed toward the exit, and walked right into Seto Kaiba.

To say Kaiba was annoyed was an understatement, and it wasn't long before the dark haired boy was giving death glares to anybody who looked his way. "Kaiba? What are you doing here, shouldn't you be off at some meeting or something?" Joey said picking himself off of the ground, and waiting for the death glare he knew Kaiba loved to give him. What he saw confused him. Kaiba was staring at him in disbelief and hope. Nervous, Joey scratched the back of his head while looking over at Mai for some help. Mai was staring at Kaiba with the same confused look on her face, and only shrugged her shoulders when she saw Joey's questioning gaze.

"It can't be," Kaiba said barely loud enough for Joey to hear. Kaiba was still sitting on the ground, but his demanding nature was gone, and he looked rather lost and confused. A trait that few had ever seen in the rich genius.

"What can't be?" Joey demanded feeling his frustration rise. The rich brat always made him feel like trash, but right now, Joey wasn't sure what to feel. Finally Joey decided to help the boy stand up. There was no need for him to leave the guy sitting on the ground, so Joey lowered his hand in a silent offering of help. Kaiba took the hand without removing his gaze from the blonde teen. And as soon as Kaiba was on his feet, Joey felt the other boy pull him into a desperate hug.

"I can't believe I found you," Kaiba muttered while Joey's eyes widened further.

"Is Kaiba really hugging me?" Joey wondered before he slowly began to struggle against the embrace. Kaiba may have done some strange things before, but this had to have been the strangest. And as far as Joey was concerned, he didn't like it. Enemies just don't start hugging each other for no apparent reason.

When Joey finally pulled away, he was visibly shaking, and Kaiba only stared at him with a hurt look on his face. "Joey, don't you remember? We were only kids when you found me on the streets, and took me to your apartment. I spent the night at your place before you took me back to the orphanage," Kaiba said in a voice that was almost begging Joey to say yes. Instead, Joey was slowly backing away with his hands held in front of him defensively.

"I have no idea what you're talking about Kaiba, I never took anybody to my place. Not even Yugi or Tristan. Why would I want to bring you there?" Joey pointed out, but Kaiba still wasn't convinced.

"It was before you even moved to Domino City. You brought me to your place because you thought I would be safe there. Remember Joey? You told me to hide in the closet when you father got home because he…" Seto tried to point out when a fist connected with his jaw.

"Your crazy Kaiba! Crazy!" Joey yelled ignoring the shocked looks that he was receiving by the people around him.

"No I'm not!" Kaiba yelled back before his expression softened. "I know what your father does to you, and it is nothing for you to be ashamed about," Kaiba whispered, moving to the side before another fist could hit him.

"Shut up Kaiba! Just shut up!" Joey yelled, but Kaiba could see the pain and humiliation cross the boys face.

"You told me one thing that I have never forgotten, and that was that you had to play on your strengths if you want to survive. That little advice has saved me numerous times, and it's about time for me to pay back the favor," Kaiba said, glad to notice that Joey had stopped struggling, and was silently listening to what he was saying. "Your strength is your friends. And we are willing to help you, you just have to let us help you," Kaiba said reaching out to touch the teen's shoulder. But Joey snapped his shoulder out of the way and gave Kaiba a untrusting look.

"My friends? First off, my friends have done enough for me, and second, since when were you my friend?" Joey demanded moving toward the side so that Kaiba was no longer blocking the doorway.

"You were always my friend, it just took me awhile to realize it. Joey, you need my help," Seto said turning so that he could keep eye contact.

"Sorry Kaiba, but I don't need anybody," Joey said before he made a mad dash for the door. Kaiba lunged toward the blonde, but years of evading gangsters made it so that Joey was able to dodge Kaiba, while at the same time, making it safely out of the door. Kaiba growled in frustration, preparing to take off after the boy, but a strong hand grabbed onto his arm. Kaiba turned to tell the person to stay out of his business when he felt a hand slap him firmly across his face. Kaiba reached his hand up to his burning cheek, while his gaze fell on the infuriated purple eyes of one Mai Valentine.

"I have no idea what sort of sick twisted game your playing at, but leave Joey alone," Mai warned, her eyes flashing dangerously. Kaiba's lips curved into a sneer while he prepared to challenge the threat, but he silently reminded himself about how Joey seemed to care deeply for the girl. Deciding he would let the incident slide, Kaiba ripped his arm out of Mai's grasp and pulled out his cell phone. After barking orders to his driver, Kaiba turned around, straitened his coat, and gave one last glare to the occupants inside the coffee shop. Without another word, Kaiba made his way toward the waiting limo. Joey was going to need his help soon, Kaiba just knew it, and he was going to be there for the boy when the time came. It was the least he could do for his only friend, even if Joey never returned the feelings.

TBC.

Author's endnote: So how was that? I hope that Joey didn't seem too out of character, I really don't think he's that mean, but remember, he's in shock and denial at the moment, and I don't think he is ready to except Kaiba's change of feelings towards him. So how's it sounding so far? I hope it's not too boring, this story should get a little more exciting soon. Does anybody know what age Seto was when he was adopted by Kaiba? I'm not exactly sure, so I've been trying extremely hard to avoid mentioning ages, but I would really appreciate it if someone can tell me. I promise to update as soon as possible, but I'm leaving tomorrow to go the my cousin's graduation, and then I have to work as soon as I get back, so I might not be able to update until Monday. But I promise to do it as soon as I can as long as I get enough reviews, like seven possibly even five. Well please review, and feel free to point out any mistakes. ^_^