Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, Yu Yu Hakusho, Sailor Moon, or Yu-Gi-Oh. I do not own some of the OCs in this series, including borrowed from Belletiger, LazerWulf, Ninetalesuk, and a few others.

Yes, I'm still working on this. Honestly, I've been fresh out of new Gaiden ideas until now. I have quite a few Gaiden plot bunnies I want to write, including another mini-arc! It'll feature Himura and Kotori during their past journey through the Underworld. It's there that they meet Inumon, Seadramon, and Anubimon. Yep, that mini-arc will be written very soon.

But, first, I've decided to do a quick one-shot. I haven't done a Gaiden featuring the main Yu-Gi-Oh Duelists yet. Time to rectify that.

Here's a short Joey and Mai fluff.

Enjoy!

xxxxx

Joey and Mai: I Can't Live a Lie

xxxxx

Royal Flush Arcade/Domino City/August 12, 2006/8:09 PM

Mai Valentine stood poised, her seductive eyes quickly took her opponent off his game. Seizing the advantage, the blonde-haired vixen called for her three Harpie Ladies to attack her poor, unfortunate opponent.

"Now, attack him! Go, Harpie Ladies!" She called out in a commanding tone.

The three Harpie Ladies flew at a man in his late-twenties, whom was taken out by the deadly vixen's whips. With no monsters on his field, he was prone to attacks and subdued. He fell to his knees, succumbing to absolute defeat as his life points dropped to zero.

"Well, is that all, hon? Nice try, but better luck next time," Mai smirked coolly as her Harpie Ladies vanished. "Anyone else want to come up and duel me? Come on! I haven't even gotten warmed up!" She scanned the crowds, noticing the vast majority were young men who started backpedaling. "You guys are a bunch of wimps, seriously!"

Meanwhile, Joey was behind a counter while handing token cards for a group of kids. He looked across and watched Mai calling out a duelist to face her.

"Ah, Mai. I'm glad ya haven't lost your dueling passion," Joey smirked as he stepped out of the counter and turned toward Morpheous. "Hey, Morph, can you handle things here? I'll be back."

Morpheous, who assumed a human disguise, replied. " Sure, but how long are you going to take…?"

"A few minutes. Be right back."

With that, Joey passed through the crowds as he saw a teenage boy walking up on a dueling platform to duel against Mai.

"Man, having Mai as a celebrity duelists is drawing in the crowds!" A random duelist exclaimed, which Joey could attest to.

"Ya got that right! That's my girlfriend up there dueling," Joey answered the duelist.

"You're lucky to have her as a girlfriend, Joey!" Another duelist called out. "So, when are you going to duel again?"

The blonde-haired duelists responded. "Until the next local tournament comes up, I guess. I'll tell you what. I've been building up my deck and getting ready. So, anytime you want to see me duel."

"Yeah, we'll be there. I hope Yugi will be apart of it, too," the duelists said amongst themselves.

As he turned to focus on Mai's duel, Joey cheered her on. "You've got this in the bag, Mai!"

Chuckling to herself, Mai shuffled her deck before turning on her duel disk. "Of course. This'll be a breeze." She shifted her focus on her duel opponent and smirked. "Ready for the pain, little man?"

As the duel commenced, Joey watched his girlfriend make her first move and began reflecting events that led to their official relationship. It was a long, rocky road, but these two finally managed to become a couple following the Rajita invasion. This was nearly three years ago, but they've known each other even long before then.

In September 2002, the Duelist Kingdom tournament was the big event at the time. It was during this event that Joey and Mai faced each other as opponents. Joey's first impression of Mai was a negative one, proclaiming that she was a vain woman only dueling for the sake of money and luxuries. Joey claimed he was out to duel to earn the money for his sister's operation, a noble act which baffled Mai.

Mai. At first, I couldn't stand ya. I mean the way you presented yourself to me, Yug, and our friends. You didn't even take me seriously as a duelist, Joey thought as he watched his girlfriend summoning her first Harpy Lady on the field. Those Harpies of yours were a real pain. Though, if there's one thing a duelist should never do… never underestimate Joey Wheeler!

The Harpie Lady launched towards the opposing duelist and struck him down, causing him to lose life points.

Sheesh, why did I have to be the one to attract all the cheaters? First, there was you, Mai and your perfumes. I really thought you were a freakin' psychic, but you can't fool my nose. I smelt those perfumes. I took you down, but that wasn't the end of it.

During his duel with Rex Raptor, that was when Mai started to witness Joey's skills progressing. She even, without thinking, cheered Joey on much to Rex's disbelief. Once he faced Bandit Keith, she lent him her entry card to keep him from being disqualified.

If you hadn't been there to give me your entry card, I would've lost that match to that punk Bandit Keith! That lowlife tried to deny me the chance to duel with Yugi and take the prize money for my sister's operation! But, in the end… you came through… I think it was there you started to respect me as a duelist… and that respect turned to friendship. When it came time for Battle City… things completely turned around.

Fast forward to November 2002. Two months following Duelists Kingdom, Seto Kaiba announced the Battle City tournament. The event occurred near the end of the same month. Joey and Mai were participants. Both of which qualified for the quarter finals. It was during this event when Mai was introduced to Serenity, who developed a deep admiration for Mai.

Serenity really liked you. She admired and wanted to become strong like you. I kept telling her to never become conceited like you, but I digress. You were there for me when Marik brainwashed me and forced me to duel Yugi. You, Serenity, Yugi, and the others tried to revive my dueling spirit.

Then, when I fell unconscious against Odion, I remember when you asked me.

'Was I in your dream?'

I had a dream with all my friends there. I remember your reaction when I lied and said 'no.' You looked like you were ready to kick my butt. You were so mad that you refused any support from us during your duel with Marik. Yeah… that's when things got really ugly.

Predisposed by her pride to beat Marik, Mai temporarily claimed the Winged Dragon of Ra. When it was revealed that she needed to decipher the incantation, Marik regained control of the Dragon and utilized the dark magic of his Millennium Rod – in which if Mai loses a monster, she would a memory of one of her friends. This included even Joey.

I couldn't stand by and let Marik try to kill you! So, being the stubborn fool that I am, I rushed in there and played the hero. I tried to save you, but it was Yugi who took the final shot from Ra to protect us. Then, Marik sent your mind to the Shadow Realm… I failed to save ya… I hated myself for letting that happen to you… for not telling you that you were in my dream. You were in my dream along with Yugi, Tea, Tristan, Duke, and everyone!

After Yugi defeated Marik in the Battle City finals, Mai was revived and she parted ways with everyone.

When you left, I asked where you were going. You seemed to cherish our friendship and one day we'd see each other again. I was happy that you acknowledged us… me namely as your friend. When we do meet again, good times would come.

By the end of March 2003, Joey reunited with Mai during Pharaohmon's Shadow Tournament.

Joey smirked while watching Mai dueling. He reflected on the events of the Shadow Tournament. You have no idea how happy I was to see you again in the Shadow Tournament. We were all thrilled we could hang out again like old times, but you still didn't seem to get over what happened with Marik. I couldn't blame ya, but you worried me.

You weren't yourself when you and I dueled in the tournament. I practically… well, I beat you. Yet, I couldn't feel proud. I may not have had a Millennium Puzzle or some magic item to see right through you, but I could tell you lost your passion for dueling. I could see it from your eyes.

When I confronted you after our duel… I was convinced, but I didn't give up hope you'd regain your passion. You actually did well with Henry before our match. You kept asking myself… 'what's with Mai?'

I'll never forget our dance after Omegamon and Athenamon's wedding. I had a good time. But, like all good things, they had to end and we parted our ways. I went back home with my friends. You pursued for America to look for minor tournaments to take part in, but we never heard you again.

But, every night, I'd tell myself… 'just you wait, guys. Mai will come back and all be right in the world.'

Joey was wrong. Mai returned to his life, but as a member of Dartz's Doom organization. The one who brought her into Dartz's services was a duel biker named Valon. Feeling overshadowed by the likes of Yugi, Kaiba, and Joey, Mai maintained that fear of defeat after suffering recurring nightmares of Marik's dark magic. Valon viewed the girl as a 'loner' like him that needed to be encouraged to forget about her friends.

You wanted power and that freak Dartz gave it to you. He made you believe that we, namely Yugi, me, the others, abandoned ya. We never abandoned ya. We hoped that you'd come back and see us. I was hoping to see you again. Hell, I kept thinking about you! You were never alone to begin with, but Dartz… he turned you against us. He only used you for his own means just like any other nutcase we've come up against.

But, out of us, you projected your hatred towards me the most. You wanted to defeat me. Valon… he made you think that I was the freakin' source of your loneliness. That I was the reason you lost your passion for dueling… that you couldn't get out of the slump you've suffered after Battle City. Who cares if people started to forget you? Fans are like that. We never forgot about you.

Once I faced Valon, I managed to make him see the light. I defeated him in our duel. He saw the kind of person I truly was… he realized Dartz was just using him. Mai, you still wanted to face me. Even Valon couldn't stop you… this time we dueled again. This time… when I was about to pass out… you saw through Dartz's deception and you recalled everything we've been through… everything. Our previous duels… our hardships… and through all that we became friends.

Then, Joey could never forget that image of him falling into Mai's arms. He watched as his soul was being absorbed by the Orichalcos Seal. At the sametime, he overhears her apologize.

You tried to apologize, but I couldn't let you lose your soul. I wasn't gonna let you die for my sake. I saved you from Dartz's influence by getting rid of that stone… and pushing you out. I wasn't able to see you again after that… you left to somehow 'reevaluate' yourself. You wanted to find a way to regain your passion for dueling.

In truth, that was partially true. But, Mai would later reveal that she couldn't face Joey, Yugi, and the others until she can 'face up' to the terrible actions she's committed when she was apart of Dartz's organization.

However, by the end of November 2003, there was one person she managed to find the courage to tell.

Joey's sister: Serenity.

Joey sighed as he continued to follow Mai's duel. The match was in the opponent's favor as Mai was struggling with 560 life points. Out of all the people, Serenity was the last one you'd go and tell. Once Serenity told you to find me, I blew up. Before the Rajita launched their full scale attack on our city, there was the incident at the night club. You came to me… I literally took my frustrations out on you and nearly caused a scene. Well, I did cause a huge scene. I take that back.

I mean… how was I supposed to react after you deliberately left me without saying goodbye. For betraying me and my friends… to become apart of Dartz's crew. I wasn't angry with Valon anymore. I even told you how much I hated you and told you to stay away from Serenity… I was a fool. A freakin' idiot. I should've handled things better.

That'd all change when you and Serenity tried to stop me from killing when. When that bastard Kuiiza turned me into a dark dragon, he used the source of my darkness… my anger… all the frustrations I had for you… to turn me against all of you. Mai, it was you that allowed for Kuiiza to turn me into a monster. But, it was you who enabled Serenity to find the courage to awaken her Ka power to expel the darkness out of me.

The next image Joey reflected on was Serenity utilizing her newly awakened Ka to save him. He could never forget this as he nearly wanted to kill himself for being used by Kuiiza, fulfilling the demented general's cruel desires.

Thankfully, you were there, Mai. You and everyone else… I could no longer stay mad at you. You repented… and I forgave you. Serenity forgave you. I was happy… now all of us were friends again, but… when the Rajita and Yami Houou battle ended, our kiss sealed the deal.

Since then, you and I have been dating. Besides Yugi and Kaiba ruling the rankings, the talk of the duelist community was us… as a dueling couple. Many romantic duelists envied us. Then, once this arcade opened up, I took the job and asked the manager if you could be offered a job as a 'Dueling Celebrity'… well, here we are.

Just then, Joey's train of thought was interrupted as Mai announced her final attack on her opponent.

"…Now, my Dunames Dark Witch! Attack his life points directly and end this duel!"

With that, Mai commanded her red-haired, armored fairy (whose wings were metallic and shaped like gliders) flew towards the teenage male. The armored fairy delivered a forward kick that knocked the duelist off the platform.

"And another guy gets spanked by yours truly," Mai smirked as she turned and waved to the viewing audience.

"Yeah! Way to go, Mai!" Joey cheered on his girlfriend. He jumped up on the platform and raised Mai's arm in victory. "Who wants to take her on now?! Any volunteers?"

Mai rolled her eyes. "Trying to steal my spotlight, Joseph?"

"More like… our spotlight," he said with a big grin.

"Eh, good enough," she shrugged as Joey led her through the crowd.

Meanwhile, as the crowd followed the duelist couple, Morpheous and Serenity watched from behind the counter. Serenity was especially happy to see her brother and Mai together.

"It's been almost three years, Morpheous."

The former Rajita general nodded. "Yes, I know."

"I'm glad Joey was able to move away from our father. Now, he's been enjoying life better with you, Mai, and Yugi."

"You're more than welcome to move in whenever you're ready, Serenity."

Serenity turned as she kissed him on his left cheek. "Thanks, Morpheous."

As he turned to watch Joey and Mai leave, Morpheous thought about what the couple had in mind tonight.

"More time to themselves on the rooftop, perhaps?" He murmured, blissfully humming a song for Serenity.

"That sounds very romantic. Don't you think, Morpheous?"

"I suppose. I've fully comprehended how you humans convey love to one another. It's fascinating."

Serenity giggled a bit. "Oh, you and your scientific ways of trying to comprehend love. It all comes from within two people's hearts. My brother and Mai… I'm so happy for both of them."

"Likewise, Serenity," Morpheous said as he took Serenity's hand.

xxxxx

Rooftop/Royal Flush Arcade/Domino City/11:21 PM

Later, after signing autographs for their fans, Joey and Mai stood together. They got a good view of Domino City from the height they were standing on. The skies were already dark with stars glistening above the city.

As they turned and faced each other, Joey and Mai took each other's hands.

"Thanks to you being a celebrity duelist at the arcade, this place has been getting packed."

"Beating a bunch of rookies gets kinda boring, but hey... anything for more publicity. Now, we just need to get Yugi involved in this hun," Mai winked as she gave Joey a warm embrace and pressed herself against Joey.

Joey gave his girlfriend a smile and returned his own warm embrace. "I love you, Mai."

"Likewise, Joseph."

With that, the two lovers gave each other a passionate kiss, definitely not their first. But, most certainly not their last.

xxxxx

A/N: This only took me a day to complete. I based the chapter title on the name of an AMV video dedicated to Joey and Mai. Look for it.

Hope you liked the short Joey/Mai story, guys. I desperately had to give the Duelists a Gaiden slot. Moreover, this section hasn't been updated since March! Yeah, I need to keep series this active.

The next Gaiden will be another multi-parter. It will be the Underworld mini-arc. Himura and Kotori take center stage, which I hope you will enjoy. I hope you already know about their history from the Wrath of Pharaohmon story. I assume you do since it's the first in the YuYuGiDigiMoon series. This mini-arc entails their journey and other events that haven't been fully covered.

Well, send a review when you're done reading. Take care and see you later!