Author's Notes: Last time, Joey learned the truth about Mai's indiscretions. Angry with her for the lies she spun, he went on a drinking binge. Their argument was a harsh one, but what were the consequences? I tried to come back at you with a somewhat quick update! Thanks to the following for reviewing: major-rocket-fan, Jieli, Liviania, wateryfairyglitz, One Who Enjoys Ur Stories, ficreader, Lina567, Ashley, Digital Damita, and pheonix-tabuutz! I apologize for the appearance, but QuickEdit is a piece of shit that ruins my formatting.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! (Boo hoo! ;;)

An Exile's Stone Heart

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Chapter Nine: I want you to trouble me, I wanted you to linger. I want so much so bad!

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Mai just didn't understand. She would never be happy; she would never be whole until she saw the beauty in growing hope. While the both of them had made grave errors—mistakes that would haunt them in the future unless corrected now, there was a foreboding sense despair following her. She underestimated herself, their daughter, and Joey. She was a jaded woman, allowing Joey to stomp on her heart, without thinking of the consequences of his actions. He wanted to find her, hold her in his arms and allow the words that remained unspoken between them fall from his lips. Would they fall from his lips like the water from a glass? Could he still his beating heart long enough to let her know that despite her actions, hell even despite his behavior they could still move forward.

He was afraid that she would take the coward's way out. They hadn't spoken in three weeks. At first, he thought that she might have bailed out on him, and skipped the country. Thankfully, his old buddy in airport customs had reported no unusual behavior. She was a woman on the run. Perhaps not physically, but mentally, Mai wanted to escape from the situation she was in. He could understand that very well. He himself felt as if he were covered in loser dust. Had some magical fairy come for him as he slept, to drench him in failure and despair? Had it happened for both of them? As much as he himself would like to imagine that the world they lived in was ripe with happiness, the truth of the matter was that real men and women faced their adversity head on. Cowering like a weak fool was neither admirable nor charming. All of the things that mad him what he was: his vices, failures, triumphs and tragedy was something he would have to face, and so would she.

He tried calling her at her numerous numbers, but it was useless. She refused to speak to him, which was really beginning to bother him. Mai was opting for the chicken shit way out of things. She couldn't duck and cover for long. He was almost certain that the woman was hiding out in some godforsaken one horse town in the middle of Japan's boondocks. Her futile attempts at escape were heartwarming at best. She honestly believed that she could keep him from his child, as well as her. They belonged together dammit! She'd just have to be forced to see things his way. Granted, he would not physically harm her, but she needed to be taught a lesson. There were a family, a dysfunctional family mind you, but that counted for something. As much as he wanted to turn back the clock and do it all over again, shit happens. He slept around with her best friend, and a daughter was created. Mai raised his child and for that he was grateful. As the days passed, his animosity dwindled, but his forgiveness would take time. She had kept him from his offspring, his legacy, a daughter he already cherished. Hearing her childish voice, and learning about her existence guaranteed immediate love on his part.

He tried calling Mai again, but the little minx blocked his calls. He allowed a small smirk to grace his face. If she wanted to play games, they could play games, but ultimately more was on the line. Mai seemed to believe that now things were out in the open she could hide from the meaning of these recent revelations. She had a lot to learn about how private wars are waged. If he had to break down her walls, he would because underneath her hard shell, a vulnerable woman existed. Shy, and timid, Mai's hard as a rock façade didn't work with him. He could see through her bullshit with relative ease. Before their falling out, they were best friends after all. He knew her like the back of his hand. He placed his phone back on its charger, and revved up the engine to his car. So far Antoné had been very helpful. Joey had no idea his partner had so many contacts in the world of private investigations. He now had her country home address. Through Antoné Joey was able to find Mai's permanent location rather quickly. His daughter had only lived six miles from him all this time. Six miles! He had been so close yet so far away, and it was all thanks to Mai.

His knuckles gripped the steering wheel until his hands were milky white. No, he would save his anger, and turn into something positive. He could think of more entertaining ways to expel his excess energy. As he drove, his eyes scanned the beautiful countryside. He was not very familiar with this area of Oshida, but it was very beautiful indeed. He could see that Mai had excellent taste. The roads abandoned the pavement, to become dirt filled gravel roads. The cherry blossom trees were in full bloom, and they gave off an intoxicating scent. This would be a perfect place to raise a family. The community was not too far from his job, and Mai's place of work was a few more miles to the east. Yes, she had the perfect place to hide and play mommy. He intended on making himself and his intentions known immediately.

He was undeterred by what he saw on television, books and film. The reunited fathers in those stories always gradually entered their children's lives. He unfortunately did not have this luxury. Their lives weren't some afternoon special. The reality in which they lived was cruel; they had been cruel to one another. He had damned her existence and hated her for so long he had no clue what love was. Despite his previous behavior, he loved her, and he loved Sarah. They were his special girls, and whether they knew it or not, he would be apart of their lives come hell or high water. He swerved through what little traffic he encountered, silently thanking Buddha that he kept the top up. All of Sarah's gifts were neatly packaged in the back, and he'd hate to present them to her covered in pollen and dust. He also packed a suitcase of clothes, along with other toiletries. He was exceptionally nervous, but it would be okay right? He was Joey Wheeler, a master of the universe. One of Japan's best and brightest young stars, he was going places. The fear was good though, it was an indicator of his anxiety. The fact that he was nervous meant that he cared what they thought of him, he wanted their approval, and their love.

He could be confident without being arrogant? He couldn't single-handedly fix his family could he? Could he mend the broken trust that he had with Mai before she created some hare brained scheme, leaving the country with his daughter? Could he forge new bonds with his young daughter, could he be the father his father wasn't too him? Would he be a good dad, or would he make mistake after mistake. Joey slowed down a little. What if Mai was right? What if they were better off without him? What if they didn't need him at all? Joey slowed to a stop, right in front of a western style colonial ranch house. In the driveway he saw an old 98' Toyota Corolla, along with the tomato red Mitsubishi Mirage. That was the car Mai drove to work in. He breathed deeply. This was it. 4429 Edenbrook Lane. This was the house! He put the car in park and sat there for a few moments. Inside that house, his daughter and family awaited. Joey looked in the mirror, checking his impeccable appearance one last time. He smoothed down his hair a bit, and dusted imaginary lint off of his suit.

He locked his car, grinning slightly at his behavior. He was in the deep country with houses separated by miles and he was worried about car thieves. No one would be able to hotwire it anyway, because it was custom made. He ambled up the walk, taking his time getting to the front door. Everything about the home was quaint and cozy. From the hanging plants, to the beautiful flowers, he could tell that someone spent a great deal turning the house into a home. He knocked on the door gently, pulling the screen door as lightly as possible. The screeching of the rusty door hinges was annoying, but he didn't live here so he didn't need to make assumptions. He was about to knock again, when the door swung open and greeting him was a middle aged blonde woman with warm green eyes. Her smile was strained, as if she thought he were a salesman of some sort. A glimmer of recognition flashed across her eyes, but Joey didn't pay that much mind.

"Excuse me ma'am. I was wondering if you could tell me if this was the residence of a Mai Valentine."

She looked him up and down briefly. Her hand was tight on the doorknob, and she looked ready to slam the door in his face. She took a deep breath relaxed, and invited him in. She locked the door and led him into the sitting room. The house was just as beautiful and inviting as it was on the outside. She sat in front of, staring him down evenly. Joey was beginning to get freaked out by her constant glaring, but suddenly she smiled at him. She offered him a glass of tea, which he politely accepted.

"Mai is not here right now. She's in the middle of carpooling. It's her turn today, but she'll be back any minute. Who might you be, young man? What is it that you want with Mai?"

She asked, raising a delicate blonde brow. Joey blushed, slightly feeling a flutter in his stomach. Why did he feel like a grade school boy getting permission to take out a young girl? The woman laughed openly then, breaking Joey from his reverie.

"My name is Joey Wheeler ma'am. Mai and I have some, uh… unfinished business."

She sipped her lemonade calmly, nodding as he spoke. Her stature was ladylike and unimposing. He believed if given the time he could grow very comfortable around her. This woman seemed very familiar to him. Something about her hair and eyes jarred his memory somewhat, but he still could not place her.

"You don't remember me do you?"

She whispered, folding her hands in her lap. Joey shook his head no. She did remind him of someone though. Joey just couldn't for the life of himself remember who that person was.

"I am Leila Valentine, Mai's mother."

She was Mai's mother? She didn't look anything like the mother Joey had seen when they still lived in the inner city. She was beautiful, not that she hadn't been otherwise, he just didn't really ever get a good look at her. Mai would always be out the door before he could come and really see the woman for himself.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Valentine. I must say that I didn't recognize—"

Her smile faded.

"Cut the crap okay son. I know why you're here. You somehow managed to track my daughter down; because I know that she wouldn't give you our address. Now, my guess is that you're here to meet your daughter for the first time."

Joey started to protest, but Leila held her hand up silencing him.

"What are your intentions with my daughter and granchild? I don't know what is going on with you and Mai, but I know I will not stand for you walking all over my daughter's heart. Sarah needs her father, so are you going to be there for her? You two need to work out your differences, but I refuse to let you enter my home and break both of their hearts. They deserved to be loved. I know what goes on between you and Mai your business, but you both have a little girl to think about. She needs both her parents right now."

Joey nodded silently, taking her words to heart. She was exactly right. Despite their own petty needs and wants, Sarah needed them both. They would have to put their own drama on hold and take care of Sarah's needs first. Just as he was about o go in depth with her, Leila spoke again.

"I am sorry to say, but Sarah is sleeping at a friend's house tonight. She'll be back tomorrow morning."

"I wonder what Mai will say when she sees me—"

He stopped abruptly, hearing the sound of the door being opened. Joey gulped, and stood to his feet. He and Leila face the entrance way, hearing the sounds of shuffling and bags being out down.

"Mom, I'm home! I just dropped off Sarah and I picked up a few things from the store. Do you want to have teriyaki, or chicken for dinner? I bought extra cheese because I know how you like—"

Mai walked in carrying a few paper grocery bags. When saw Joey her eyes widened and she dropped the bags on the floor. The sound of glass breaking did not stop her from glaring open mouthed at the man she had been desperately trying to avoid. Narrowing her eyes, she cut to her mother who was silently backing out of the room.

"What are you doing here?! How did you find out about this place? Mom did you tell him to come over here? How dare you show your face here? You said it was over, and it is. Stay away from my family, Joey! Now get out before I call the police."

He shook his head, and stepped closer to her.

"I am not leaving. Not unless your mother kicks me out, and I don't think she wants me to leave."

The sound of Leila muttering not yet anyway would have made him chuckle but the situation was serious. What was said between them must be said. He had to get it off his chest, or he would never be able to make things right.

"Mai, I want to be in my daughter's life. I want you in my life, and I want to be apart of your lives. I came here to work things out with you. I want to talk with you about what has happened between us."

Leila watched silently from the stairwell as the young man before her daughter tried to talk some sense into her head. They both had made mistakes, and were now learning the hard way about the consequences of their actions. Leila didn't want to pry into their personal lives, but she loved her daughter, and her grandchild, but she also knew that Mai was in love with Joey. It would take mass effort on both their parts, but there was hope for their threesome yet. Sighing, she headed upstairs to give them much needed privacy. She could feel that they were about to have a breakthrough.

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Footnotes: That is it! There are like maybe one or two chapters left! What did you think? I know I have taken forever with updating, but just think the story is almost over! I like this chapter very much, but tell what you thought about it. I promise I'll give this story more consideration especially since it is nearly complete. Will Mai be willing to work things out? Is Joey ever going to meet his daughter? How wise is Ma Leila? All of these questions answered in the next chapter. Peace! Oh yeah, I really, really HATE QuickEdit! Get rid of it Xing! This thing sucks!

-Shanni