Ok so this is my first Yu – Gi – Oh fanfic so don't kill for anything. Criticism is always welcome. So enjoy.
Flashback 'Joey's thoughts'The present
Heartache'Serenity, my younger sister. I tell her everything, she tells me everything. I'd protect her with my life. I remember sitting here, under the cherry tree. Watching the delicate blossoms dancing in the breeze. She told me something that day that changed my life forever. It had already been a bad day, Mai had left me in favour of Varon. Now Serenity was leaving. She ran towards me. The autumn wind caught her caramel hair, she looked so happy.'
"Joey, I've got something great to tell you!" Serenity's voice lifted Joey's spirits slightly.
"What?" Joey spoke to his feet.
"Seto asked me to marry him! Look!" she pushed her hand under Joey's nose. An expensive diamond glittered on her hand.
"You've been having a relationship with Kaiba!" Joey growled and leapt to his feet. Fists clenched.
"I thought you'd be happy for me..." Serenity's face fell.
"Maybe someone else but not Kaiba!"
'I left her at that point, sobbing under the cherry tree. I went to the cliffs, to think. My enemy and my sister. He always calls me a second rate duellist. He didn't think I was good enough for battle city, but I made the semis. He probably is a better duellist. He doesn't have a millennium item.'
"Hey Mutt, you're in the way." Seto stood in front of Joey, glaring at him.
"And what if I am?" Joey glared back.
"Just, move will ya, oh and Serenity is looking for you." Seto pushed past Joey who looked to where Kaiba had come from.
The hall that Serenity had rented for her engagement party was packed with family and friends. Joey stood isolated next to the exit that Seto had just used.
'I don't belong here. Serenity's really happy I should be happy for her, but... her and Kaiba... it won't last.'
Joey glanced over to Serenity who was surrounded by all her friends. Her laughter rang round the room and echoed in Joey's ears. Staring at his feet Joey shuffled from the room.
His spirits low he moved to the edge of the balcony. He looked out to the snow topped mountains that over shadowed the valley below. The reds and oranges of the trees were reflected in his blue eyes.
"What are you doing out here, Mutt?" Seto stood the left of Joey. He too looked at the mountains.
"Nothing" Joey snapped in response.
"Why are you always so distant?" Seto edged closer to Joey.
"What do you expect me to do? You insult me all the time!" Joey protested.
"Can't you see it's a cover – up?" Seto closed the gap between himself and Joey further.
'A cover – up? What does this mean? Seto...'
"Seto..." Joey reached towards Seto, who pulled Joey closer to him. A sly grin on his face. Seto leaned towards Joey.
'Seto, I had no idea... but Serenity, I... I can't hurt her. This is wrong. What am I doing? He's engaged to my sister, and he's my worst enemy!'
"No." Joey pushed Seto away. His head in his hands, he turned away.
"What's wrong?" Seto put his hand on Joey's shoulder.
"Everything! You're engaged to my sister!" Joey cried.
"Don't cry..." Seto brought Joey into a tight hug. Joey cried into Seto's shoulder. He pushed his fingers through Joey's blonde hair.
"Do you even love her?" Joey broke the hug, his eyes were bloodshot.
"I... I don't know!" Seto replied, confusion creased onto his usually calm face.
"then why are you marrying her? This will never work Seto." Tears streamed down Joey's face.
"but." Seto started to protest.
"no buts!" Joey left the balcony, leaving Seto alone.
"I love you, Mutt." He whispered to the closed door with joey on the other side.
Joey propped himself up against the wall. He thrust his head back in exasperation. The party was still going strong and no – one seemed to have noticed Joey and Seto's disappearance. Serenity was twirling gracefully across the dance floor, a pang of guilt hit Joey.
'I'm confused! I love you Serenity I'd do nothing to hurt you, but I am hurting you. I don't know what I think any more. I thought Kaiba hated me, but he doesn't. I want you to be happy, you're my baby sister and I have to protect you from myself.'
His mind made up, Joey walked swiftly across the dance floor towards the main entrance. A task that is easier said than done in a hall full of dancers. When he had weaved his way successfully to the door, he turned to look at his sister.
'The happiest girl in the world.'