Author's Notes: Hiding away in a god forsaken hiatus, I have returned (as if anyone cares) with the next chapter to my still unfinished angst ridden M/J story. Where have I been, you might ask... Life goes on my friends, and this little ditty is coming to a close very soon. I branched out and wrote something that I hope was angst filled, depressing, but in the end left everyone feeling something. Whether it is anger, or happiness, if I invoke an emotion then my job is complete. I've learned a good story can make you feel good-almost as if you know the characters, and could easily imagine seeing them in certain situations. Oh, this chapter is for the lemon fans! Once again, this chapter has sexual content. Nothing above the R-level, but dear reader you have been warned. I think I'll end this with a nice healthy ten chapters.
Disclaimer: I do not own YUGIOH.
An Exile's Stone Heart
Chapter Seven: I've spoken, though broken—here's a token of my love…
Joey woke the next morning to discover Mai had left. She trusted him enough to leave him alone in her own apartment? He didn't know if he should be appreciative or suspicious. The bed was warm, and he debated whether or not he should get out at all. Her apartment may have been well heated, but there was nothing like a soft, heated bed to make him want to snuggle deep into the covers. His body relaxed as he felt the tension break away in waves. He yawned, stretching like a stealthy animal. He did his usual morning roar, in that mysterious way a man could make his throat bellow. Going into the bathroom, he washed the night's sex off himself. He hated what some called 'afterglow'. He turned on the shower, grimacing at the girly products she had in her bathroom. Apple-kiwi shower gel would just have to do. The feeling of exhaustion coupled with sweat, and bodily fluids weren't something he wanted to keep on his body. The shower was warm and welcome to his lithe body, signaling that he was eager for another round of sex. Unfortunately, his partner had left him again.
He dressed in one of Mai's robes, thankful it wasn't overly frilly. He, unlike some of his unsavory associates had no problem putting on yesterday's clothes, but he had the common sense to wash them in her luxury washer. As the clothes washed, he walked through her apartment looking for any signs of an explanation as to why she left so early. He went into the kitchen and brewed the morning's coffee. He preferred his coffee to be brewed with a slight tinge of sweetness. A bit of marshmallow, and cream, and he was ready to face the day. He walked through the various rooms smiling slightly. He could still smell Mai's scent of sandalwood wafting through the air. Even when she was gone, he found peace in her smell. A frown marred his handsome features. Did Mai feel that way about him when he was separate from her? He shook his head, sandy blonde hair covering his earthy brown eyes. He jarred all thoughts of her from his mind—even if were only momentarily. Joey ate what she had left for him, touched by her thoughtfulness. Mai had never gone to such lengths before with him. Perhaps she had finally was coming to terms with what she felt for him, as he was for her. He wanted things to be right between them again.
He was jarred from his thoughts however, when his cell phone rang. Chopin floated in the room softly, and on the third note, he answered. He smiled when he saw her name on the screen. He swallowed the last of his orange juice, clearing his throat to address the little minx that had been occupying his mind as of late.
"Why did you leave?"
He asked, not bothering with a hello. He heard her laugh; a musical trilled that brought a smile to his face. She sounded like she was having fun. Where was she that she couldn't share that laugh with him, where she rightfully belonged? Did he just think such thoughts about Mai? Sure he cared about her, deep in his heart of hearts, but was it on a physical level anymore?
"I wanted to give you a gift. I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go. Actually, that's a lie. I'm not dressed up. In fact, I am completely naked, waiting for you in your bedroom."
She answered in that husky voice that she knew drove him wild. He nearly choked on the bacon he had been nibbling on, pulling the phone away from his ear. Already 'little Joe' was getting antsy. He composed himself; bring the phone back against his ear.
"You're joking right?"
Joey asked while scanning the morning newspaper.
"You suck Joey. Here I am going through all this trouble to do something nice and romantic for you and you just write me off!"
He smirked wryly, putting the newspaper down.
"You shouldn't be talking Mai, not with all the kneepads you've worn out."
Joey said cheekily, smiling when he heard Mai laugh again.
"I never heard you complaining. Are you coming home or not?"
Joey nearly fell out of his chair. The way she easily referred to his home to his home as theirs, made him feel… good. She probably wasn't thinking that at all, but to hear speak like that was like amazing.
"Yeah, I'll be there. I need to call a cab. I'll see you then okay?"
"You might want to hurry though. I'm so sticky. If you know what I mean."
She moaned into the phone, knowing full well what she was doing to him—his body. Joey's hand fell to his lap and he grimaced as he felt the tightening in his groin, barely able to answer.
"Of course, I'll see you then."
He disconnected, throwing his clothes on as quickly as possible. He ignored the burning feeling of his fresh-from-the-dryer attire. The pain would have to be disregarded, because he was about to be rewarded. He hailed a cab, and he gave her house a last cautious look before the taxi driver was zooming off into the morning sun. The ride to his house was quiet, and as usual the driver took it upon himself to engage him in conversation. That was one drawback of living on the coast, but other than that no one could ask for a more pleasing drive home. Now he was miles and miles away from the city, he could enjoy the scenery of Japan's coastal neighborhoods. The privacy and the quiet was more than he could ever ask for. Joey was tempted to take the rest of the week off, but he supposed he could take off another day for a change. He had 247 unused sick and off days at his disposal and he barely used twelve days. The cabbie was a quick and skilled driver despite his urge to learn everything he could about his fare's life, and in less than thirty minutes, Joey was at his driveway. He gave the man an extra twenty for his trouble, eager to see him peel off his driveway quickly.
He had hoped Mai would be at the door, ready for another round of fun, but she didn't answer him when he called her name. Was she playing with him, or did she really mean what she had said on the phone? No, he was a fool to expect more than casual sex from her. Hadn't they made it clear that they shared nothing beyond the physical? It was not healthy to want her like that. If they could not be more than sex partners, then he would simply have to sever all ties. But somehow, she had wormed her cute little butt into his heart, sex fetishes and all. Shocked and afraid of the truthful knowledge—that could fall in love with this woman, if he hadn't already. Of course, having never known the romantic love of a woman the way, the way she loves her man, he had no idea what he was feeling. For all he knew that kind of love didn't, and would never exist in his life. Life was after all, nothing but moments. Love was just a grand delusion for the poor schmucks that thought they could survive on just that. He loved her at one point. Yes, Joey had loved her in that friendly way best friends cared for one another.
Now however, she had managed to reshape his idea of what love was without his knowledge. When he thought of what it meant to be in love images of her beautiful visage shot through his mind. Her violet eyes and that blonde halo of hair was everything he could ever ask for in a woman. Her long legs, perfect breasts, swaying hips, luscious lips, and soft voice were what he realized he wanted more of. He wanted all of it, all of her. Mai's skin, teeth, hair and nails were what should be his, they were rightfully his. Looks aside, she wasn't too bad in the brains department either. Her mind was sharp, and she was known for her witty remarks. Had his lust for her suddenly turned to love so quickly? No woman, not even his former best friend should have such an effect on him. She was breaking the rules. She was crossing invisible lines that he had worked so hard to keep up, only to have them fall down just by one night of sex. That was what he didn't get the most. Why last night? Why was that time out all the other nights they had sex, the one night that had given his cause to reevaluate their relationship? Throwing his coat lazily upon his beige leather couch, he wearily headed upstairs, avoiding the expensive vases he stupidly put in the hallway. He would have to fire his interior decorator. Obviously the woman had no idea how much of klutz he tended to be while in the privacy of his home.
"I just don't get it."
He said aloud, his voice barely above a whisper. He opened the door to his bedroom, shocked at the sight that greeted him. Not only was the vision welcome, but also confusing. There lying on his silk sheets, in his king sized bed, in all her glory was Mai, wearing absolutely nothing. Well, there were strategically placed strawberries, and was that licorice? Placing his briefcase on the bureau, he didn't even bother asking what she was doing in his house. At the moment he could care less, what was more important was his need for her, with him. Immediately, he began to strip himself of his burdensome clothing, all thoughts of their pseudo-rapport gone out the window. His first thoughts were to ravage her, taking her in his arms roughly, pounding into her as if he'd never have her again. But the thoughts which Joey had thought he willed away, resurfaced. He wanted her to enjoy this as much as he would. She went through so much trouble the other night to make him feel better; surely he could return the favor.
He kissed her warm lips hungrily, enjoying the natural fruity taste. She moaned under him, pulling him closer, spreading her legs eagerly. When the need for air became too much to handle, Joey released her from their kiss. She breathed deeply, a lustful smile upon her face. Joey trailed his kisses down from her face to her neck, biting gently on the strawberry she placed their. He brought it back to her lips and the shared the sweet fruit, continuing this action until he eaten every single one. He marveled at the lengths she had taken to please him. The licorice, he noted was his favorite flavor, which she had somehow managed to place right between her legs. He looked into her eyes impishly, at the silent request. He licked at her inner thighs, his mouth trailing up towards the juicy center in which his treat rested. He could hear her moans, despite the having her legs wrapped around his head.
He was tempted to make a sly remark, but stopped himself. In any case, whenever Mai gave him he always reacted in a similar fashion. Mai's hips undulated against his mouth; creating a pleasant rhythm as he licked her inner walls. He stopped suddenly, hearing the whimpering sound she made. Joey inwardly sighed, knowing exactly what she wanted to do. He lay on his back, and Mai moved atop him, with a mischievous glint in her eye. She stroked little Joe to attention although he was nearly there anyway. He could feel her slide unto him, feeling her clamp around him. She moaned in pleasure stroking his chest. Then she began to ride him, hard. He could see in her eyes, the need to be one with him. She loved this position the most, because she powerful, like he was her horse and she the cowgirl. Her nice round little ass was slapping against his balls, and she was leaning back against him on purpose.
"No fair! You can't pull away from me. Those are my play toys."
Joey said with mock anger, when she covered her breasts from his reach. His bouncy orbs were being pulled out of his reach! Mai reached behind her back and fiddled with his own, causing to cease his complaining immediately. She loved being in control, and he knew it. While he did want to please her, there was no way in hell he was going to let her forget who the boss in the bedroom was. He quickened his thrusts, smirking at the giggle she hid as a cough. Pulling out of her completely, he flipped her over, so that she was under him, and slammed back into her picking up speed as he went. This was it, that perfect moment when all felt right. When their bodies came together as one, when he could wrap his arms around her and truly belong to her and her to him—this was what he had been waiting for. Was this love? Did this desire to share his life with her, to wake up to see her face what he wanted? Was she what he wanted, what he needed?
Her kisses brought him back to reality, and he continued his efforts. He could feel her ready to come, and met her thrusts with his own. She was screaming, wanting him to go harder, faster, and then he would have done anything she had asked of him. They came together, their fluids meshing together as he collapsed on top of her. Their breathing was laboring, both of them were exhausted. He pulled out of her, rolling on his back. She snuggled closely to him, already falling asleep. He ran his hands through her silky hair. Yes, he thought silently. He really did love her. Closing his eyes he drifted off to sleep, still clinging to his woman.
(Thought I left it there didn't you? Psych!)
Joey awoke half an hour later, heading for the bathroom to relieve himself. There he found most of Mai's clothes folded neatly on the counter. Her purse and shoes were placed tidily by the bedroom door. She must have been talking in the bathroom, because she left her cell phone right by the sink. He flushed the toilet and washed his hands, ready rejoin his love on the bed, when the phone. Mai was knocked out, so he hoped she wouldn't mind that he answered.
"Hello."
He expected to hear the voice of one of Mai's friends or employer, not the squeaky voice a child. A girl is what the kid sounded like.
"Hello, Mai Valentine's phone."
"Can I speak to my mommy?"
The girl asked softly, in a sweet voice Joey was sure would have melted diamonds.
"Uh, I don't think you have right number kid. Who are you looking for?"
"I need to speak to my mommy. Her name is Mai Valentine."
"Who is this?"
He asked, getting a sudden chill throughout his body.
"She's your daughter."
A third voice called out, and Joey turned to face Mai, who had awoken. Wearing nothing but a green silk sheet around her body, she sat on the bathroom counter. There were unshed tears in her eyes, and Joey wondered just how quickly his world could turn upside down.
Footnotes: Booyah! I give you chapter seven. How will Joey react to the sudden news? What will happen between Joey and Mai? Will she ever feel the same way he does about her? Does this new discovery ruin their chance for romance? Was the sex scene too cheesy? If so, I apologize. I stink at lemon-writing. That's all for now, but don't worry only three more chapters to go! Well that's all for now. Peace!
-Shanni