Joy: I'm BACK! Yipee and hugs to all who are still with me after a TWO MONTH limbo. As promised, I am posting this little fic because you all voted at the end of PoL that you wanted the second option. However, I have kind of changed it in the way that the first and second options have been melted into one option. The first five chapters of this story will be the second option, while the last five chapters will be option one where Joy loses her memory. Following me so far? Good. Without further delay, here comes the first chapter.
Disclaimer – I do not own YGO. Sorry. It disappoints me to. (Sob)
Problems in Paradise
"Yugi! Joy's here to see you!"
Yugi Moto looked up from the book he was reading when his grandpa called. "Okay, grandpa! I'll be right down!" Yugi found Joy alread seated in the living room. She was wearing her business attire and had her hair in a ponytail. Yugi smiled and was about to greet her when he noticed the look on her face. "Joy, what's wrong?"
Joy sighed. "Problems in paradise. That's all. Nasty rumors about Kaiba that I am not too thrilled about hearing. I mean," she stood and started to pace as she continued talking, "I know they aren't true, but they just bug me. It hurts his reputation."
Ohhh...Kaiba's precious reputation for being an egotistical maniac, Yami's voice floated in Yugi's mind.
Yami, be nice. Joy seems really upset about it.
Fine, Yami said with a sigh.
"What rumors, Joy?" Yugi asked.
"Some of his employees are talking and saying that lately Kaiba's secretary is trying to get into more that Kaiba's pocket."
It took a moment for Yugi to realize what Joy had meant. "Why would...oh, Joy, you don't think he's -"
Joy shook her head. "Of course not. I know he wouldn't cheat on me, especially with that wench. The rumors are just that, Yugi. Rumors. And I don't like hearing them, but I know they aren't true."
"Maybe you should talk to him about it," Yugi suggested.
"I can't. I don't want to sound like I'm accusing him of anything. I won't do that."
...Two Weeks Later...
Marik Ishtaar took a deep breath as he stepped off the plan at Domino Station. Ever since Marik had been in Domino City last time during Vargon's dose of evil, he had tried to stay in contact with his friends in Japan. Most importantly a certain black-haired girl by the name of Joy Houyoku.
He had developed quite a crush on the female duelist over the course of the past few months, a crush that had wrapped around his heat and refused to release it. He wouldn't dream of saying anything to Joy about it, out of respect for the girl's relationship with Seto Kaiba, but their confersaion a few nights ago had made him rethink his decision to keep quiet.
...Flashback...
"You seem a bit down today, Joy. Is it because Katilli's off with Bakura for a few weeks?"
Marik heard Joy sigh on the other side of the line. "If only that was it, Marik. I..."
There was a pause. "You know you can tell me," Marik coaxed.
"All right, but you have to promise to keep this between the two of us," Joy insisted.
"Absolutely. Your secret is safe with me," Marik promised.
"All right. It's Kaiba. Lately he seems so cold-hearted, and whenever I mention it, he and I just end up arguing. The other day he muttered how it felt like he was being sufficated whenever he and I were in the same room." She sighed again. "Maybe he has a point. Maybe I am too pushy."
"I don't think you are. Kaiba's not known for his conversational and social skills you know. This relationship is totally new for both of you to get used to."
That made Joy laugh a bit. "That's for sure. Anyway, enough about me and my problems. When in the hell are you finally getting down here!"
Marik smiled, even though Joy didn't see it. "Yeah. Actually, I'm packing right now. Want me to bring you anything from Egypt?" he asked.
"You don't have to do that. Hey, maybe we could hang out at the mall or something while you're here. I hear they are having a huge sale this weekend."
"Heh. You women and shopping. All right. I'll call you when I get to Domino."
...End Flashback...
Joy's words played over in Marik's head as hewaitedforJoy in the airport. Gods, she is so strong, yet she is doubtful of herself. But by the end of our conversation, she sounded more at peace. Maybe even happier. I dare to hope it was because of me...
"Marik!" Marik looked up to see the object of his dreams waving to him. He went over to her with a smile on his face, which she returned and when they drew closer, she gave him a hug.
"Whoa! What a warm reception! I should come visit more often!" Joy smirked and gave him a friendly swat on the shoulder.
"I need to give Kaiba something he left at my place before we can go hang out. Is that okay?"
"Of course. Lead the way, tenshi." SHIT! I can't believe I said that out loud!
Joy blinked at the name, but brushed it aside as they made it to her car and climbed in, heading off toward Kaiba Corporations. "Oka. Stay here while I go inside. This shouldn't take long." Marik nodded and Joy ran inside.
As usual, Joy bypassed the main desk and headed straight for her boyfriend's office. Seto had told her not to bother to knock earlier in their relationship, so she went ahead and opened the office door. "Hey, Kaiba, you left your - "
Joy's world stopped when she saw them - Seto and his secretary... kissing! Seto pushed the woman away when he heard Joy gasp. "Joy! I...I can explain...It's not what you think," Seto stuttered.
"I don't think that's necessary. To think I put your integrity above the rumors of your employees." Joy struggled with her emotions as she continued. "Boy, do I feel foolish. Well, if you want this ugly bitch, you can have her!"
The secretary glared at Joy. "How dare you call me a bitch!" She slapped Joy across the cheek. It only took a second for Joy to recover from the blow. Then she sent the prissy witch flying with a right hook. (A.N.: Don't you just have this urge to start chanting: 'Jerry! Jerry!' right about now?)
Seto stood between them. "Enough! Joy, this really isn't what you think."
"Don't bother with her, sir. It's obvious she doesn't give a damn. Teenage girls are such sluts anyway. I'm sure she'll be with another guy in a matter of minutes. That is, if she isn't already seeing three or four on the side."
Joy's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Um... Sorcerer's voice echoed in Kaiba's mind. Kaiba...I'm sensing something -
Suddenly all the windows of the office exploded.
What the hell? Kaiba said, staring at the damage in shock.
Joy's magical energies have doubled in capacity, Sorcerer explained. You best calm her down somehow.
"Joy," Seto got as close as he dared. "Calm down. You're upset over something that I can easily explain."
"No, Kaiba. I - I think it would be best if I just leave. I wouldn't want to be a third wheel or anything." Joy sounded calmer, more in control. She turned and walked out of the room. Seto wanted to follow, but he had one thing to deal with first.
His secretary.
Joy: Well, there is the first chapter! I hope to get the rest posted soon, but my word program is acting funny now. (GROAN) if it isn't one thing it's another. I'll probably post the next one in the next few days. Till then, review and see you soon!
