Disclaimer: Drat! I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Author's note: FINALLY!!!!! The exams are over! (Sigh) My brain still hurts… Anyway, I'm so happy with the reviews that this is an extra long chapter just to thank you all. Now, to answer all those wonderful reviews: -
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To The Reviewers:
DayDreamerz: Glad you think it is. Thanks for the review!
Galux Kitty: Here it is, the next chapter!
Yun Fei: You think this fic is good? (Blush) Thanks.
Lily of the Shadow: One of my fav reviewers! Thanks for reading!
Sakura: Thank you!
Elusia: I updated! Read and enjoy.
The Six of Hearts: Thanks a lot for reviewing. You're one neat author!
InuyashaKogaRULZ: Thank you! Keep those reviews rolling!
Pisces071: Thank you for reviewing!
FungiFungusRayne: I wish I could get rid of that blasted writer's block…and I think I'm starting to get some new idea… Just keep your fingers cross and wish me luck!
Jade Wu: Another one of my fav reviewers. Thank you!
Darkhope: I started reading some of your fics. They're great! Keep writing!
Luthien-Anwaman: Thanks for the review. I love your "Mind Game" fic. Please update it as fast as you can!
Platinum Playa: Umm…I'll try to change their arguments later. It's just hard to think up witty insults when your brothers raid your room and start jumping up and down on the bed, all the while trying to remember the chemistry formulas. Darn, why did I choose chemistry over biology?
Speedy-anime-angel: I'll try to update. I can't promise you anything, but I'll try. Thanks for the review!
MystiKoorime: Thanks a load!
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Title: The Bridesmaid's Best Man
Author: Deena
Rated: PG13
Genre: Romance
Main Pairing: Joey/Mai
Summary: Serenity is going to get married – to Seto Kaiba! She has invited Mai to be one of the bridesmaids…but the best man is Joey, Serenity's cute yet goofy brother. Mai is determined not to fall for Joey's charms, but when they're stranded overnight on a tiny island, things might change…
Of Happy Weddings & Stormy Weathers
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" You look great, Joey!" Serenity smiled happily as she approached her brother, who had come out of the dressing room looking moody. He was attempting to tie his bow, and the result was his fingers tied together with it! Plus, his back was itchy. He needed to scratch badly! He struggled to pull his fingers out. " Hey, Serenity. Can you lend me a hand?" he asked desperately.
" Oh, sure!" Serenity walked to him…and walked past him when she saw Seto, dressed in a white tuxedo like Joey's. " You look wonderful, Seto!" she said breathlessly. Seto drew her into his arms and stared into her eyes.
" Hey, I hate to break up the love fest, but can you help me here? Hello?" Joey said loudly.
They ignored him. They were lost in la-la land, and Joey was bristling. " Hey, stop ignoring me! I need help! Serenity? Serenity?"
" Ugh. Fine then! Forget you. I'll go find somebody else!" He stomped out of the room, pouting.
Meanwhile, Mai was in the ladies dressing room with Téa, changing into their bridesmaid's dresses. " You look so beautiful, Mai," Téa exclaimed as Mai finished applying her make-up.
" I do, don't I?" Mai smiled, twirling in front of the floor length mirror. The dress was light blue, with sequins that glittered brightly whenever she moved. A wreath of flowers on her hair was the final touch. " You don't look too bad yourself."
Téa's dress was identical to Mai's, except instead of pink roses on her hair, she had sunflowers. " You better hurry up. We have to help Serenity with her wedding gown. Oh, I'm so excited!" she exclaimed.
" Me too…"
" It's too bad Tristan and Duke didn't want to come. I guess they were jealous of Seto. I mean they were in love with Serenity after all…"
" Uh-huh…" Mai was half-listening to her babbling. Falling in love…weddings…happy-ever-after … Serenity was probably the few lucky ones who got to experience all three…
" …I have to go now, Mai. Remember to head to Serenity's room later, okay?" Téa said as she walked out of the dressing room, leaving the door open.
Mai sighed, staring into the mirror. Sometimes…she just wished…
" Hey, anyone here?"
She looked up, frowning. Who could that be?
Joey stepped into the room, his fingers still tangled up. " Hello?"
" What is it, Joey?" Mai raised an eyebrow when she saw the blond.
" Oh, Mai! Good thing you're here. See, my hands are kinda tied up…" Joey showed her his fingers.
" I see. Humph. How typical of you," Mai said as she got up to save the day.
" Well, I always hated these monkey suits anyway. It's hot and itchy. After today, I'm never gonna wear another tux ever again!" Joey vowed.
Mai smirked. " Oh? What will your future wife say if you wear some casual clothing to such an important event like your wedding?"
Joey shrugged. " I'm never gonna marry. It's better to stay single and live the bachelor life."
Mai chuckled, shaking her head. " Taking the easy way out, I see."
" That's right. All I need is my beloved refrigerator," Joey said almost proudly. " Of course, the ladies still can't take their hands off me…"
" Stuff it, Joey. Your head's so big I think it might explode." Mai looked up when Joey towered over her. She had never realized it…but Joey sure was taller now…
" Hey, I didn't think I was that good-looking you'd be speechless," Joey said half-jokingly.
Mai's cheeks reddened slightly, but she crossed her arms. " Don't be silly. You're not so gorgeous that I'd fall head over heels for you."
Joey sighed. " That's a pity. Because I think I'm madly in love you. Ah, I feel the pain…" He touched his heart as if he was truly in heartache, but the tug at his lips gave him away.
Mai glared at him. " Stop being so melodramatic, Joey." Strangely, although he was only joking, her heart had pounded rather quickly than usual at the 'madly in love' part. Must be the wedding excitement, that's all, she assured herself. She stood up, untying the knots and freeing his fingers. When his fingers brushed against hers, a shot of electricity ran through her arms.
" Hey, what's wrong?" Joey asked, noticing her sudden stiffening. He put his arms on her shoulders, and electricity was sparking off all over her. " L-Let me go, Joey. I'm fine," she said as she quickly pulled his hands away.
" Okay…" Joey smiled, pumping his fist into the air. " Now that's I'm free, I think I'll pay the refreshment table a visit. Thanks a lot, Mai!"
Mai smirked as Joey hurried out of the room to attack the food. " You're a pig…a cute pig…but still a pig." She sighed, glancing at her watch. Only half an hour left before the wedding. " Better get moving."
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The organ played the Wedding March as Serenity walked down the isle, wearing a breathtaking white gown and Sakura flowers adorning her hair. Joey walked beside Serenity, smiling. His smile faded a little when he saw Seto at the altar, his eyes only for his beloved Serenity. Joey wasn't overly enthusiastic with Serenity's choice in men, but as long as his sister was happy…
" You look beautiful," Seto whispered.
" Thank you." Serenity blushed and stopped beside him on the altar. The priest coughed to get everyone's attention and began the sermon.
Téa grabbed a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. " Weddings always make me cry," she said blissfully. Mai smiled, looking at the happy couple and keeping an eye on Joey as well. She told herself it was only to make sure he didn't goof up, that was all.
" …If there is anyone who objects to this marriage, please speak now or forever hold your peace."
Joey was tempted to raise his hand but Mai stepped on his foot. " Ouch! I wasn't really going to do anything. Honest!" he insisted when Mai shot him a look of doubt.
" Stop!" A yell interrupted the silence and Mokuba ran into the chapel, panting. " Sorry I'm late. The plane got delayed," he explained.
"We're glad you made it," Seto said, smiling at his teenage brother. He cast a sour glance at Joey. " You would've made a better best man. Ouch!" Serenity nudged him painfully in the ribs.
The priest coughed loudly and everyone returned their attention to him.
" I now pronounce you, wife and husband. You may kiss the bride."
Seto pulled Serenity into his arms, lowered her and they kissed…for a very long moment. So long that everyone gaped and Joey was fuming like mad.
Finally, he let go of her and Serenity looked absolutely dazed.
" Wow. That's one hell of a French kiss," Téa said, wide-eyed.
" Isn't it amazing how two souls become one with this ritual, Malik?" Isis was blowing her nose into a handkerchief. Malik nodded, his eyes on Téa. " Oh, sure. Amazing…"
Everyone else was clapping loudly, cameras flashing as Seto and Serenity smiled at each other. Serenity turned and the crowd waited for the much-anticipated moment – the throwing of the bouquet. " Catch!" She threw it high into the air, flying past disappointed single ladies.
" I got it!" Téa jumped up but fell forwards. Malik managed to catch her on time before she kissed the floor. " Thanks, Malik," she said gratefully.
" You're welcome… Ouch!" Malik cried out when Isis smacked his head.
" You pervert! How dare you touch Téa like that!"
" But I was saving her – "
" No excuses!"
The bouquet was forgotten as it landed…straight into Mai's hands. " What in the world –?" Mai sputtered, staring at the bouquet. Téa looked up and sighed disappointedly when she saw the bouquet with Mai.
" Heh. Guess it's your wedding next, Mai," Téa teased.
Mai raised her eyebrows when she saw the dumbstruck look on Malik's face as he stared at Téa. " I'm not so sure…"
" Everyone, quick! It's time to take the photos! Hurry!" Serenity quickly urged them outside into the garden. Mokuba was taking the pictures. " Okay, who's first?" he asked.
" Why, the newlyweds, of course!" Serenity pulled the embarrassed Seto next to the statue of Cupid. " Here, Mokuba!"
Mokuba's camera flashed. Next, Yugi, Isis and Ryou were standing together a. After that, it was Téa and Malik under a tree. Of course, Mokuba took it as his personal mission to sing out, " Malik and Téa, sitting on a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes marriage, then comes a baby in a carriage!"
" Mokuba!" Téa griped, cheeks red.
Then, Joey and Mai sat on a bench, keeping their distance. " Why don't you hold hands?" Mokuba suggested impishly.
" Are you nuts?" Joey voiced out Mai's exact thoughts. " It'll look like we were a couple or something! And we're not!" he added as an afterthought.
" Okay, okay. Jeez. You act as if you liked the idea or something." Mokuba grinned and Joey stood up, ready to pounce on him. Mai smacked his head, scolding him for bullying a little kid, and Joey muttered that it was Mokuba who bullied him.
By evening, everyone was tired. The limo took them all to the boats that would take them to New York and then fly back to Domino. Mokuba was the first to board the boat. Isis was going home to Egypt, but Malik said he was going to stick around in Domino for a while. Isis didn't seem to mind. She smiled mysteriously when Téa asked her why Malik was so keen to go to Domino when for he'd been avoiding it for years. " The answer will come to you soon enough…" was all she said.
" Even without the Millennium Necklace, she's still puzzling!" Téa complained as she boarded the boat with the Ishtars.
" There's a storm coming," Ryou spoke up, looking upward at the darkening sky.
" We still have time to go," the boatman said. " Everyone, hop on quickly!"
" But there's only two seats left!" Mai suddenly said, eyeing the two empty seats beside Yugi.
" I guess two of you must be left behind," Yugi said.
" Joey, Mai, you two should go. We'll just stay here and…and waste away our honeymoon…" Serenity looked downcast, obviously upset. Mai guessed Serenity must have planned for months for her honeymoon. She pushed her friend into the seat firmly. " Oh no. You're not going to stay on this island. Every girl deserves her perfect honeymoon and should not waste a single moment of it," Mai said sternly.
" B-But Mai!" Joey sputtered when Seto sat beside Serenity. " We'll have to stay on the island for hours more! Maybe longer if the storm doesn't get going!"
" So what's the problem?"
" My refrigerator would miss me!" Joey exclaimed.
Mai smacked his head. " Stop thinking about food, Joey! Think of your sister! Think of how much she had looked forward to this!"
Joey looked at Serenity and she shot him a puppy dog look. He sighed. " Alright, alright."
" Thank you, big brother! You won't regret this." Serenity smiled, but she glanced meaningfully at Seto, who rolled his eyes and took out his handy-dandy cell phone. " I'll make arrangements with the manager to book rooms for you two until the boat returns. All expenses paid, of course."
" See you later!" Serenity waved her farewell as the boat started to move out.
Once they were out of earshot, Seto turned to look at Serenity. " You know, I could have easily chartered a plane to get them," he muttered.
Serenity laughed. " True…but…"
Seto sighed. " You shouldn't interfere with other people's lives, Serenity."
" Ah, but I want everyone to be as if happy as I am. I know Joey and Mai are perfect for each other," she said softly, glancing furtively at Malik, who was talking animatedly to Téa about Egypt. " And I think I've found another promising pair…"
" Oh no. I married a matchmaker," Seto smiled fondly.
Serenity laughed and kissed him. " Trust me, Seto. By the end of their time together, Joey would be admitting his undying love to Mai. You just wait and see. In the meantime…"
" Right. To Paris."
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Author's note: Must dash. Thanks for reading!
