Update!

Amme: Here's chapter 2!

Ryou: That was a long break.

Amme: I got distracted, sorry, but it's here now and I hope everyone's enjoying this. It was hard because, as I've said before, I'm not good at family scenes.

Joey: I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me.

Amme: Never! I love you Joey! You're the funny and free-loving character we all need in every anime.

Yugi: Yup, you're special to us Joey. But before that, how about some review answering?

Amme: Alright, let's get this going, I've got 16 reviews to answer, thanks a lot everyone ;)

Otakugirl41 & flyingmintbunnyisreal & Animelover133 & dancing elf: Thank you all very much!

BlackAndrey: The singing has had mixed opinions, but it's Mulan so there's got to be some compromises. I'm glad you liked the puppyshipping and the gambling, I wanted to have some fun with it in this chapter. I hope you like the update.

Cascade00: I'm glad you liked the puppyshipping and the singing, after some alterations. And yep, I've got Peggy as the Hun King. He should be fun to play around with in later chapters. Phew, I'm glad they're all in character, it's not easy making them do these scenes without having some OOC-ness mixed in. And don't worry, Seto's relationship status will change now.

Master Kurai: *pulling you by the ankle* you get back here! How dare you try and leave this fandom! Don't make my call my crazy OC's to go after you, but I'm glad I changed your mind :) I'm glad you liked the puppshipping moment and the singing, hee hee. You liked everything? Yay! You want a proposal? Well alrighty then, please read on.

SoWhatever: You liked Serenity's flirting? I'm glad someone noticed, it's good to let the little sister have her moments. I'm glad you liked the song and how it came about, I think Joey deserves to be a role model after all the first movie. Hypothetically, the three princes will arrive and choose their brides there, one will marry Peggy's daughter and the other two will marry some high ranking women such as other nobles, they're all getting married, hypothetically of course. I'm sorry to say that you're song will have to wait until chapter 3.

Kaoru-Yuki: I'm glad you liked the 'set up' scene at the beginning and I hope I can change the movie enough to make it better than Disney (omg blasphemy!). I'm glad you liked Yugi and Ryou as twins and Malik as the eldest, I'm glad they're all in character and I hope to keep them that way. Peggy's daughter is not Vivian or Teá/Teana/Anzu ect. I hope you'll like this chapter, it has all you want to see in it ;)

0055jess: 0500 Miss Madness I have received your call :P I'm glad you liked the song and the brotherly love-fight relationship of the blond twins, and I'm sorry for making the prince's cry, forgive me? You thought Serenity was OOC? I was aiming for playful and sneaky, I'll work on that. I'm glad you like the Puppyshipping, and I promise to return Red Eyes from stone back to the story :)

Magi Magi Magician Gal: Hey, yes I'm using your 'Vivian idea' you suggested in your message, but I'm twisting it again, hopefully it'll turn out good. I'm glad you like all the relationships and the interactions and the puppyshipping. And Yea, Huns don't like divorce, sorry hikaris! I'm glad you liked the singing, and don't worry about Peggy, he'll liven up later. Red Eyes is appearing and the proposal is happening my Magi-Magi I hope you enjoy.

Animesaki: YAY! I like making people's days :) I'm glad you liked the puppyshipping and the family relationships, I'll be keeping the characters in character as much as I can, but let us have a little fun, the yamis can't hurt me! I'm an authoress! I'll give you your puppyshipping now, I hope you enjoy!

Animelover0818: I'm so happy you like the sequel, sorry, but you can't kill Peggy, he's actually a good character in this story ... I'm glad you like Jono and Joey playing around and the puppyshipping. I'm not doing the weird part with the ghosts because everyone loves Red Eyes and he's too loyal to break Joey and Seto up like that.

Leviathan of the Sea: No Jono's not scheduled to meet anyone, but I'm open to suggestions.

RAINY-RAIN: Sorry! I entirely forgot about the messaging thing! I hope you're collage stuff is going okay, and I hope this lives up to your expectations.

Usagisama68: Disney withdrawal symptoms?! That's the very worst kind! Never let that happen to you, it's awful. I'm glad you liked the 'secret chamber', I'm sorry the songs can't be helped, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Noah, Leon and Rebecca were the only ones I could think of for being the children, so they had to act that way, I don't like using OC's where I can help it. I'm glad you like the puppyshipping, and Ryou's coming in chapter 3.

Amme: That's all of them!

Yugi: Thank you so much for all the support you give to Amme, it really helps.

Ryou: By the way, if you've just gotten a short replay, its because you gave a short review, unless you answer all of the questions at the ends of the chapters they're going to be short unless a question is asked or you've made an important point.

Amme: That's right. Feedback is really good for writers so I hope you'll be nice enough to tell me your thoughts. But anyway, Seto appeared last chapter, and in this one we're going to meet another little friend! She's so cute!

Joey: what? Who?

Amme: Read to find out. I hope everyone enjoys, I still don't own mulan 2 or Yugioh- but one day I shall rule the world and everything will be mine! Muhahaha!

Ryou: *facepalm* please enjoy guys.

The gardens were blooming with flowers of every colour, the summer heat making them smell twice as sweet, and the pollen in the air only added to it. Leah Wheeler had put a lot of work into keeping her garden healthy through the heat wave summer, and it paid off now. The grass was still lush from the small river that flowed through the garden and down to the fields, and it was very peaceful, especially so since even humans didn't make as much noise here since there was the family shrine up on a small mound towards a wall. Red Eyes' statue was frozen granite on the roof, and the many others were inside.

Joey glanced around as they entered the garden and then pulled Seto just behind a few rose shrubs, pulling so they were flush against each other.

Seto smiled down at the blond hikari, but spared a glance over his shoulder "Where's your-"

Joey grinned and put his arms around Seto's neck, using one hand to turn him back "Mum's cooking, Tristan and Jono are in the woods and Serenity's inside, no one's going to see us," he assured the taller man, who still wasn't used to showing affection. But then again, neither was Joey. Joey leaned up and winked "I think we're safe," he whispered.

Seto snorted before holding Joey back, one arm around his waist and another at the back of his head "Alright," he agreed and then allowed their lips to meet.

Joey relaxed into the kiss and pressed up against him a little harder. Seto's dominant side was sparked and he nipped Joey's bottom lip just hard enough to cause a whimper, and tilted his head to deepen the contact. Fire and Ice battled out between them, causing electric currents and sparks and steam from their make out session.

Joey moaned slightly as Seto pressed him closer and slipped his tongue between his, which Joey promptly bit to give a challenge for his dominance. Seto growled when he felt the teeth and the tongue battle stepped up until they broke for air.

Joey was panting with a pink blush across his cheekbones, Seto just tightened his arms, smiling tenderly when Joey tucked his head under his chin cutely. Joey could be adorable sometimes. Seto suddenly chuckled "You never told me you could sing," he said softly.

Joey stiffened and pulled back slightly, blushing brighter now "O-oh … you saw that?" That was embarrassing; to kids it was fine, but to Seto? Joey thought his blush would light up the shade.

Seto smirked a little and let Joey go, seeing that he was feeling uncomfortable, "You're a good singer," he said calmly.

Joey looked up at him in surprise "Really? I've only ever done the humming thing," then something else came back to him "I never knew you were good with kids," he pointed back.

Seto shrugged slightly "I have younger brother," he explained shortly.

Joey rolled his eyes "I have a younger sister, it doesn't always mean you're good with kids," he argued, but only slightly, he'd missed him too much to just get into one of their verbal wars within the first fifteen minutes.

Seto thought about it then nodded again. "They've just never bothered me, they're not old enough to be selfish and two faced like adults," he thought aloud for a moment, then his eyes lit up a little, he took Joey's hand "I've got someone I'd like you to meet," he stepped out of their hiding place and jogged over to his horse.

Joey leaned around the archway in confusion "Someone I should meet? Should I be worried?" he asked jokingly.

Seto didn't answer, but reached into the saddle and pulled out something white and scaly, he cradled it as one would a sleepy infant, and bumped his arms a few times to wake whatever it was up. Joey walked over, interested "What's that?"

Seto turned and Joey's jaw dropped, half in delight and half in shock "Wha- oh gods, he's cute," the blond exclaimed slightly.

In Seto's arms, rubbing it's eyes sleepily, was a plump little dragon spirit with White scales and Blue eyes, tiny wings, little tusks, even smaller paws and a triangular tail. The little dragon looked up at Joey and squawked a little. Seto smiled at the spirit "Yes, this is Joey. Joey I'd like you to meet Blue Eyes," he said, the dragon jumped up onto Seto's shoulder and then jumped onto Joey's.

Joey yelped at the claws, but after handling Red Eyes' antics for months he was used to it. Once the lizard had settled he smiled at it "Hey there Blue Eyes, nice to meet ya buddy."

Seto rolled his eyes "It's a she."

Joey glanced at Seto then back at the baby white dragon who looked a little insulted. Joey grinned at her "Well of course she is, she's adorable," he complimented. The dragon chick squealed a little and nuzzled into Joey's neck and shoulder, she was even smaller than what Red Eyes was as a chick, about as large as a Chihuahua. Plus you could tell she was only a chick because her body was chibified and out of proportion in head and body, tiny limbs which only just held her middle off of the ground and a tiny tail more like a stump, yet she was really cute.

Joey fussed over her, making her love this hikari even more, and Seto watched, secretly glowing at the fact they got along so well, she was his signature guardian after all. Seto wasn't one to believe in spirits or guardians, but the Ushio fight with Joey summoning his signature guardian had given him a new perspective. He accidently summoned her whilst praying in his shrine for luck and help. But he couldn't say she was a bad accident, she'd kept him company and made a good companion, plus he was a bit more like Joey now.

Joey laughed as Blue Eyes jumped onto his head and began to mess his hair with her claws. Joey suddenly pulled her off "Let's go get Red Eyes, I'm sure they'll get along," he said.

Seto nodded "I brought her with that intention," he agreed, and followed Joey and his own flying dragon through to the garden again. The brunette stood back as Joey walked up to his shrine.

Joey raised a hand and closed his eyes, concentrating on his companion and guardian, remembering all the times they had together, every protective moment, their ups, their downs, then finally his tattoos glowed a little and the stone statue glowed in response. A moment later the statue became flesh, then shrunk again to the size of a small cat, though as an adult dragon he remained adultly proportioned though he was
shrunk.

Red Eyes landed on the floor and looked up just as Joey opened his arms. The dragon squawked and launched himself at Joey, wrapping arm and tail around his left arm "Joey! At last! I thought I was going to die of boredom," the black dragon whined.

Joey laughed and hugged him as best he could "Sorry buddy, life on a farm sucks at times, but someone wants to meet you," he turned to Seto and pried Red Eyes lose so he could perch on his shoulder "Red Eyes meet Blue Eyes Chick, be nice to her," he warned the older dragon.

The two spirit guardians stared at each other for a moment, then Blue Eyes turned to Seto and crilled something to him. Seto smirked a little and pushed her forwards "Then go say hello," he told her.

Red Eyes lowered his head a little and, if his scales weren't black, Joey could have sworn he was blushing "She's cute …" he mumbled, showing every sign that he was crushing on her.

Joey shook his head "She's a baby," he protested, making Blue Eyes squeak indignantly.

Red Eyes laughed a bit "She's like me when we first met, she's nearly ready to grow … hi Blue Eyes," he finally said, sounding happy but nervous.

Blue Eyes turned her head into Seto's neck and warbled something back, appearing shy all of a sudden.

Red Eyes beamed "Thank you, Mrs Wheeler lovers her garden so takes care of it, that's why it's so nice … I could show you around?" Joey heard him offer, it seemed only the human who was linked to the spirit could understand them.

Blue Eyes looked delighted and spread her wings. Red Eyes made to follow but Joey snatched his tail "Hey! Hold it mister," he scolded.

Red Eyes crossed his forearms and pouted "What?" he snapped.

Joey poked him between the eyes "One don't snap, and two you'd better have her back at a decent hour, and what happened to asking Seto if it's alright?"

Red Eyes looked embarrassed "He can't understand me …" he weakly tried to excuse.

Joey sighed "Blue Eyes could translate, she's only young you know. Is it alright Seto?" he asked on his behalf, Red Eyes in too much of a sulk to do so.

Seto looked an inch away from laughing, if his wide smirk was anything to go by "It's fine with me, but if she gets so much as a scratch she'll never be alone with you again," he warned, his guardian already had a place in his life.

Joey nodded "Too right, have fun then," he sniggered, throwing Red Eyes up into the air so he could soar away with Blue Eyes and show her around the farm. The two humans watched as the tiny dragons circled each other like birds for a moment, then Red Eyes glided over to the fields and Blue Eyes followed.

Tiny scapegoat yawned a little and nuzzled Joey's neck for a moment before jumping back to the shrine.

Joey fondly waved goodbye and then nodded for the brunette to follow him, he took them to the willow at the edge of the wall. It was the most private place in the garden, the silvery green leaves hid whoever was under them from prying eyes. Joey leaned against the wall and smiled shyly "So … how've you been? What were you doing for just over a month?" he asked, honestly curious as well as making friendly conversations.

Seto smirked and crossed his arms loosely "Checking that the army was getting itself back in shape, we've got a long way to go though," he scowled a little into the distance before turning back to the sad looking blond, Joey had unintentionally mentioned Seto's dead twin brother again. Seto sighed "Then Mokuba insisted we share some quality time together … I took him to Seth's resting place, I think we both needed to say goodbye properly," he admitted lowly, sounding down though calm.

Joey looked up sympathetically, his hikari aura working it's magic, and he reached out without thinking. He took Seto's hand and said "I'm sorry … how did he take it?" The calm and the honest, open, understanding sympathy reached out and made Joey look like he was glowing with a strange light you only just could see, it made Seto feel better since there was someone there for him.

Seto held Joey's hand back "He cried all the way home," he said bluntly "But he said it was good that we went, we feel better for it," he explained.

Joey smiled slightly, holding Seto's hand warmly to help with the hurt "You didn't do anything nice while you were away?" he pressed, needing to hear that there was something good the brunette had to look forwards too, or had done. Joey didn't want Seto feeling sad or continually grieving in secret.

Seto smirked suddenly "Mokuba wants to meet you," he said.

Joey raised an eyebrow "Really? Well I wanna meet him too, I think he'd got to be the only guy who can properly stick you for more than a week," he sniggered.

Seto snorted "Not much else happened, had to prepare for a few things, life gets rough sometimes."

Joey's cheeks went a little pink as he said "Just how I like it."

Seto blinked, looking shocked, then he saw Joey's blush and laughed at his joke. "Are you flirting with me Wheeler?"

Joey smiled as Seto laughed "So you do have a sense of humour," he shot back, avoiding the question.

"Damnit, aren't they going to do anything interesting?"

"Tristan shush!" Jono hissed, enforcing his order with a smack to the back of Tristan's head. "They'll hear us! Joey's got ears like Valon," he worried, peeking over the garden wall again, crouching low on a hay barrel to see them.

Serenity peered over his shoulder "What's happening?"

Jono sighed "Talking, not doing anything!"

Tristan "There was holding hand action a moment ago," he commented.

Jono snorted "Serenity and I sometimes hold hands, big deal, I'm going to win this bet!"

Serenity sighed "In your dreams, oh! They're talking again," she whispered, moving a little closer to the archway to try and hear them.

Joey leaned against the tree trunk "As far as I'm concerned everything's fine here. I mean, the fans and messengers get a little annoying …" he snorted and unconsciously pulled a pout. Seto saw how it made Joey look; so very soft and submissive but not in a meek way, and wondered yet again how this hikari had managed to fool him for all those weeks. How had he managed to fool them all?

Seto smirked a little as he came back from his side-tracking thoughts. "Messengers? For what?" he asked, curious.

Joey's face went into a grimace that was a little comical, he slouched a bit "Messengers from mostly stuck up lords, even a few ladies can you believe it!" he ranted off topically. The blond scowled "And all of them asking me to marry them, damn I hate it when you're right," he muttered, remembering how Seto had warned Joey of noble's behaviour. They liked 'ornaments' to hang on their arms or family trees, and many lords would have been interested. Joey wasn't your average hikari by many standards.

Seto blinked and his hands became fists for a second "Proposals." he muttered.

Joey nodded "The fans I could deal with, but … it's like a proposal a day and they don't even bother to come themselves, they send a poor messenger and, sorry to say, I've had a few rages at the poor guys a few times." He chuckled bashfully and scratched the back of his head "But Jono and Tristan promised to chase them away before they got to me, they're the guys who give the 'all-clear' on who gets to ask me," he laughed.

Seto raised an eyebrow "I can't see your brother doing much chasing," he pointed out.

Joey rolled his eyes "He's got a killer throw and aim, so believe it when I say they run," he advised. Jono would sometimes pretend to be Joey to see what the guest wanted, if it was an innocent fan then he'd invite them in and switch places with Joey, but if not, then the poor messenger was turned away.

Seto nodded after a moment, feeling a little nervous. He knew that there was virtually no chance of Joey being overlooked by the nobles and lords, especially after he became the 'hero of Japan', his stories were legendary already. It would be any a great honour to any family who managed to 'get their hands on' him now. Seto steeled his nerves, hearing Blue Eyes whisper encouragement from the treetop.

She and Red Eyes were watching anxiously, Blue Eyes Chick had felt her master's distress when she had first been summoned, he was asking for help to propose. Her master was worried he'd be rejected, though, in her eyes, Joey would be an idiot not to say yes to Seto. And she knew from Red Eyes that Joey was not an idiot.

Seto cleared his throat a bit, the small ring in his pocket felt twice as heavy because he was so aware of it. "So … what would you say to someone who didn't send a messenger, and asked you directly?" he asked, curious and a little worried, but he'd never admit it!

Joey blinked and though about it, a hand moving to his chin as the thought it through "Well whoever it was must have guts," he said unhelpfully. Seto waited, his icy eyes impassively staring at Joey's. Finally the blond shrugged "I guess it would depend, I've never really been giving the direct approach before …" he suddenly smirked. "What's with that question all of a sudden? Up to something Rich-boy?" he snickered.

Seto smirked as well "What if I am?" he mocked back, the flirty routine they fell back on – second to their arguments – relaxed him in a way, because they were familiar.

Joey laughed a little "Well you'd be the first guy who's even been that bold," he gave at last. He turned and looked into the distance as a pink dusted his cheeks again. Damnit, what's with all the mush? Am I going soft? Must be. He decided, rubbing his hair in a slightly awkward way. He had decided to keep it short, instead of keeping with the traditional long haired hikari style. It suited him better anyway, and he liked it better than the traditional style.

Seto smiled, a kind one he only gave to a special few. "Bold?" he repeated softly. Blue Eyes cooed again and Seto took a deep breath. He wanted to do this, but the fear and anticipation … he felt like he'd rather fight Ushio one on one all over again than face these extreme emotion levels.

Seto took a step up to Joey and caught the hand that was messing his hair. Joey jumped and turned to face the icy eyed man, only for any response to be silenced by the look in Seto's eyes. They were the types of eyes that could freeze you with one look, scare grown men into rank, make the enemy run, but they could also be warm. They could be open, and they were tender …

Seto was never very open … but now … he looked almost vulnerable, entirely open for Joey to see, just as Joey was to him. Seto squeezed Joey's hand between his and prolonged the moment just another few seconds to search and admire Joey's golden eyes. They were always so warm, fiery at times, so expressive they were they key to reading their owner's inner thoughts. They could hold you in place because he opened up to you and welcomed all your pains and burdens, they were kind eyes … trustworthy. Seto read them very carefully and then leaned in to Joey's ear.

"Joey, will you marry me?"

Joey gasped and leaned back, disbelief written all over his face. "What!" was his intelligent and gasped response.

Seto had expected that and simply kept a hold on Joey's hand while the blond caught up with his question, Seto reached into his pocket quickly and revealed a ring. Joey's face flooded red but he didn't resist when Seto attempted to slid the ring onto his hand. Joey straightened his finger so it slid on easily, a perfect fit.

The two stood admiring the ring for a moment before Joey wrapped his arms around Seto's neck "Yes!" he agreed with a wide smile.

Red Eyes and Blue Eyes cheered and danced around each other in the treetop, making leaves fall around the couple.

The two humans leaned back from the hug, but didn't let go, and smiled up at their spirit guardians celebrating. Joey felt his cheeks go rose again "Huh … I just got engaged," he realised, making Seto chuckle at his oblivious-cuteness. Joey smiled at Seto again "And I thought I'd never want to hear another one again, though … you were away so long I was half tempted to accept a random one just so you could fight him off," he teased.

Seto scowled "If you had done that I'd have to remind the both of you that you're mine," he growled a little.

Joey rolled his eyes "Possessive jerk," he grinned.

Seto smirked as well "My adorable puppy," he agreed, letting Joey hug him again. Blue Eyes landed on his shoulder and nuzzled them both happily, positively trembling in excitement. Seto scratched her head and nodded "Thanks girl."

Blue Eyes purred and then ran off to join Red Eyes again. Joey smiled at her "So … what was that about?"

Seto looked embarrassed for a second before clearing his throat "She told me that she was right and I shouldn't have been nervous before," he said as quickly as possible.

Joey's eyes widened and he sniggered a little, trying to cover them up with his hand for Seto's sake "Nervous huh? So the ice-man does have a heart," he said, jabbing the yami's chest a little.

Seto nodded and covered Joey's ring hand over his chest "Keep it safe mutt," he playfully threatened, but it sounded more like an endearment to Joey.

Joey felt a small giggle rise to his lips "And he can be romantic too, wow, you're full of surprises ice-man," he said as he pressed his forehead against Seto's affectionately. Seto smiled contently. Joey sighed "I sure did lose my heart to the right person."

Seto raised an eyebrow "Lose your heart?"

Joey pouted "You stole it asshole," he grumbled.

Seto just laughed and captured Joey's lips in a chaste kiss. It wasn't claiming like before, because the ring on Joey's hand did that for him, so he allowed himself to be gentler, he wasn't scared of losing him to another anymore.

Serenity squealed into her hands behind the wall "He said yes!" she shouted, excitedly, but forced her voice down so that she wouldn't disturb the boys on the other side having their moment.

Tristan and Jono high fived and then each swung Serenity around in happiness. Jono leaned around the corner and saw Joey and Seto holding each other tightly "I knew it," he hissed and turned back to the other two who were skipping around each other in glee.

Serenity squealed again "Joey's getting married! This is the best day ever!" she laughed, throwing her arms around Tristan. Tristan's grin went from ear to ear as he held her waist and swung her around playfully, so her feet were off the floor slightly.

The brunette put the sister down and pretended to wipe an eye "Ah dear Joey, he will be missed," Jono and Serenity both smacked his head lightly in reprimand. He sniggered for a second then pulled on Jono's collar as he turned his back "Hold it! Who won the bet?" he asked.

Jono pulled the box out from his inner pocket and opened it "Damnit … Serenity," he said at last.

Serenity smirked uncharacteristically before bursting into giggles "I know Joey best!" she sang happily, until someone cleared their throat.

Each teen froze and turned to Mrs Wheeler, each looking guilty as if they had been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. The Mother frowned "You three are shameless, betting on such a thing as if it were gambling," she scolded. Each bowed their head until Leah smirked "And what of my bet?" she asked.

Jono spluttered "Yours? But you didn't-" he looked into the box and gasped as he saw a fourth note-bet in with the other three.

Leah nodded "I put it in when I took the box from you, you all bet during the afternoon, and I bet an hour after noon," she said smugly as Jono opened the note and nearly fell over with shock. The grey-brown eyed woman held out her hand for the money box with a victorious smile, "Hand it over," she encouraged.

Jono grumbled and gave up the money.

Serenity sighed "Mothers do know best," she said, admitting defeat.

Mrs Wheeler nodded "And don't you forget it," she laughed, then put an arm around Serenity "Did you see it? How did he ask?" she questioned, acting like a gossiping schoolgirl. Serenity at once burst into a babble of details as the questions came, excited though she lost her money.

Jono and Tristan exchanged a glance before heading back to the house.

"Women."

"I hear ya."

The second Joey went to tell his Mother the news she smothered him and nearly cried over the fact her boy was growing up and leaving the family. Joey glared at his siblings and 'best friend'. "I should have known you'd be snooping into my business!" he shouted at them over his Mother's shoulder.

Serenity hid behind Tristan with an innocent smile "Jono's idea!" she giggled, Tristan also passing the blame with a few stutters.

Jono waved his arms angrily at his fellow conspirators and then scratched the back of his head as Joey deadpanned him with a few murderous actions behind his Mother's back.

Leah smacked Joey's nape and then moved onto Seto, grabbing his hands and having her own gush at him. Joey felt embarrassed just watching, and so turned to the other three who were torn between running for their lives or congratulating him.

Joey smiled suddenly and held up his hand, the small band of silver catching the light "Guess I can't keep myself away from that guy," he grinned, happiness practically shining off of him.

Serenity squealed and jumped on him, arms around his neck and her constant giggles in Joey's ears. She bounced back and clapped her hands "Let's see it! Let's see the ring," she begged, reaching for Joey's hand.

The ring was a simple silver band with a dragon chasing his tail in a forever circle, there was a single stone as the dragon's eye, it was a topaz the same shade as Joey's eyes. The eye was outlined in a thin red trail, reminding Joey of Red Eyes a little.

Serenity turned it this way and that, his hand with it, and then she grinned "He picked it well, it's so you Joey," she complimented, squeezing his hands again. "I can't believe you're getting married!" she laughed again.

Joey nuzzled her nose playfully "How do you think I feel?" he exclaimed jokingly.

Tristan put a hand on Joey's shoulder "Joey Kaiba, eh?"

Joey frowned "Yeah," he said nervously, rubbing the back of his head "That'll take some getting used to after the 'I dos'," he confessed.

The brunette thumped Joey on the back with a big smile "Get over yourself," he teased "All I wanna know is when I'm becoming an uncle," he leered.

Joey's face went beet red. His hands came up in worrying gestures "H-hey, we're not talking about that- and since when will you be an uncle to my kids!?" he exploded at him, realising the implications of that sentence.

Tristan ducked under Joey's fist and held up his hands in surrender gasping "I only have one head!"

Jono sniggered "Soon you'll have none," he put an arm around his twin. Joey crossed his arms and they smirked at the nervous brunette, Serenity rolling her eyes in the background, holding the scapegoat who had come to join them. She quickly filled her smaller friend in, the creature bounced in joy with every passing sentence.

Joey reached over and scratched the spirit's head fondly before facing Jono, who said "We always thought I'd be hitched first … quick breaking tradition!" he said while giving Joey a headlock and messing up his hair.

Joey laughed and neatly hit Jono's weak point, pinching the back of his upper arm, Jono yelped and let go. Joey stood up and said "Yeah, we did think that. I guess that was before I decided to make my own place instead of forcing myself to go along like you zombies," he stuck his tongue out and poked Jono between the eyes.

Jono waved him off fondly "I'm happy for you Joey, but warn me, the second he starts acting like a jerk I'll rally the country to take him on for you," he promised with a thumbs up.

Joey snorted "We all know I have the best chance of knocking him on his ass and you're too weak to land a punch," he smugly pointed out.

Jono rolled his eyes and then turned to Seto "Oi! General," he called. Seto looked over at the yami twin and stood up a little straighter unconsciously. Jono crossed his arms with a smirk "Take care of Joey, or I'm going to murder you so hard you'll never know what hit you," he threatened, but winked to ease the tension.

Seto smirked back and indicated his head in respect, and agreement.

Joey jabbed Jono in the back as he returned to Seto's side, they held hands and exchanged a secret smile at the entire family glowed at. They were in love and happy, it was all they had ever wanted for the both of them.

Leah looked up as a knock sounded at the door, Valon at once ran to meet them. She chuckled and said "I hope you don't mind Joey, but I invited a few friends around to help celebrate," she said as she left.

Joey stiffened and groaned "Mum!" he whined, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Seto watched half amused and half confused at Joey's reaction, he squeezed Joey's hand gently to get his attention. "What's wrong?"

Joey made a traumatised face and looked to his siblings for help. Serenity fiddled with her fingers shyly "Er … Mum has a habit of going over the top on things she gets excited about," she murmured, Seto's intense gaze making her a little shy.

Tristan put an arm around her "Well … see you if you survive Joey," he said and with a peck on Serenity's rosy cheek he ran and scaled the wall. "Oh, and if you could save me some of her cake I'd owe you one," he added just before he jumped over the wall.

Joey growled "You get back here you deserter!"

Seto looked mildly shocked and glanced at Jono, who was staring after Tristan longingly. Seto leaned over and asked in a low voice "Should I be worried?"

Jono winced a little "Terrified," he advised, then sniggered a bit "At least you can intimidate them away, Joey's too nice to turn them away like that. Come on Serenity, let's get some things out to drink, we'll need them," he sighed. Serenity beamed and followed her older brother quickly.

Joey crossed his arms "Where's the nearest boarder?" he asked.

Seto laughed a little and held his hand "We'll be fine, come on, let's freshen up a bit before the invasion."

Joey laughed a bit too "What's the strategy?"

Seto tapped his chin for a moment "Stay together and fight back to back," he suggested. "Or divide and conquer," he added.

Joey shivered "Don't leave me to the wolves," he begged, then let go of Seto's hand as he got to his room "See you in a few," and he shut the door to get changed and made up. Joey glared at the floor for a moment as he got out of his dusty clothes and into some of his finer ones, I swear I'm going to get you back for this Mum, you too Tristan.

Seto did a double take when he saw how many people had turned up to celebrate his and Joey's engagement, he suspected many were fans who just tagged along, but it was quite shocking how many people managed to fit into the courtyard and garden. Blue Eyes made a shocked noise on his shoulder and chirped something to Seto quickly.

Seto nodded "She really went all out."

"That's my Mother."

Seto looked over his shoulder and smiled when he saw Joey approaching. He was out of his scruffy looking work clothes and he had washed off so his skin was clean from the day's activities, he looked really nice. Seto had to admit he couldn't picture Joey any differently than the yami-like-hikari, so the normal long hair couldn't even be applied to the blond even in imagination, but he did look very nice.

Joey was having similar thoughts, without the cape and small parts of armour Seto looked very handsome, yet still held that icy sharpness or electric static that intimidated all but himself. Joey peered around the corner and sighed, Red Eyes jumped up from the floor onto Joey's shoulder and nuzzled him comfortingly. Joey patted his head "Mum invited Japan to this party."

Red Eyes nodded "It's like she was expecting it, look at all the food- ooh! Meat!"

Joey caught his tail as he tried to leave "Not on your life, buddy. If I have to suffer, so do you." The black dragon at once sulked.

Seto put a hand on Joey's shoulder and they gave rueful smiles to each other before lining up to join the party. "You ready?" Joey asked.

Seto shrugged "It's not exactly the Palace celebrations," he pointed out.

Joey nodded "But this is home and my Mother," he rubbed his forehead "I survived camp, an avalanche and Ushio only to be killed by my own Mother's no-self-control," he complained.

Seto chuckled and they stepped outside "We'll manage. It's not exactly a mountain pass," he assured him.

Joey plastered a smile onto his face as the crowds noticed and began to cheer and offer toasts to them, he nodded his head modestly and shot a playful glance at Seto "Really? Then see you on the other side." And he stepped down the porch to mingle, leaving Seto smirking, amused, behind him.

Blue Eyes giggled and wagged her tail a little.

Seto nodded "He is always like that," he felt Blue Eyes purring in contentment; they were just perfect for each other. Seto took a breath and went to the refreshment table to start this celebration.

Joey felt a hand on his shoulder and smiled, his face lighting up to those who were watching, at the sight of his fiancée. Joey took the drink Seto was offering and allowed him to lay a possessive arm around his waist, secretly feeling warm as the electric current hummed through them. Over time the two had learnt to accept and even like the strange static they caused in each other.

Serenity leaned on Jono a little "Joey's so happy," she whispered.

Jono nodded "Well we wouldn't stand it if he wasn't," he agreed, Serenity giggled and silently cheered over her brother's relationship.

But what made her glow even more was that Jono was accepting Seto into Joey's life, she was worried that Jono's harsh words months ago had still left some scars, but that was not the case. True Joey had changed because of them, but it was for the better. Serenity sipped her drink and glanced as her Mother went to the door again, how she managed to hear the knocks over the party chatter was a mystery.

Serenity looked at Jono suddenly "How many people did Mother invite again?" Jono shrugged.

Leah opened the door and blinked as a familiar and not liked face stood waiting to enter "Lady Vivian?" Mrs Wheeler said in shock "What brings you here?" she asked, her posture shifting slightly so she appeared more hostile.

Vivian tossed her black hair over her shoulders, the pink buns and yellow dress making her look ready for the party though she hadn't been invited. Her brown eyes cut into Mrs Wheelers "I heard your second son got engaged, I have said before that the fates declare him unfit for marriage, I have come to see if he has wormed out of his fate or sealed it," she said smugly.

Leah glared at her, openly hostile. She remembered all too well what hell this woman had put her son through on his matchmakers day. She stepped aside grudgingly but said "Since it's a party I'll let you in, but don't make yourself comfortable," she warned. Valon growled at her too, hackles raised and teeth bared.

Vivian looked down her nose at the both of them and then began a stern walk towards the oblivious blond hikari.

Jono spat his drink back out when he spotted her, he growled lowly "What's she doing here?" his hands became fists.

Serenity's eyes widened and she took Jono's arm and held him back from attacking her, verbally or physically. Her eyes warned him that this wasn't the time or the place. Jono let out a fuming breath as he realised all he could do was intimidate her, the siblings stood to the side as they watched Vivian approach their brother.

Joey jumped as a hand tapped his shoulder impatiently. He looked over his shoulder and felt his eyes widen at the unpleasant sight. "Lady Vivian," he greeted, sounding shocked.

The matchmaker smiled pleasantly "Hello Joseph, I heard you got yourself engaged, I came to make sure that you weren't trying to upset the balance of matchmakers' decisions," she warned, her tone edging on threatening in the end.

She hadn't forgotten this teen, he had caused chaos in her house, though it was actually the tiny scapegoat getting revenge on her for insulting his master. In the end she had knocked over her stove and both her skirt and house were on fire. Joey had put out the fire and saved her from injury, but Vivian was more worried on how it made her look, she had ran out screaming and, like the spiteful woman she was, she returned the embarrassment by declaring to the entire village that Joey would never be married. Matchmaker's word was virtually law, and the woman was not happy that Joey had managed to catch someone's eye though she had publically disgraced him. Basically she didn't want her word undermined.

Joey frowned at her slightly "I've decided I'm not going to follow too many traditions, since they never turn out good for me. But you can meet him if you want," he offered, he wasn't worried about her opinion, he didn't care anymore.

Vivian nodded "Please point him out," she ordered calmly.

Joey smiled and made his way over to Seto, who was talking with some neighbours. Joey cut into the conversation with an apologetic grin "Hey everyone, sorry, but the matchmaker's here, wants to stir up some trouble. Can I borrow this guy for a while?" he asked.

The neighbours smiled in sympathy and told him that it was fine. Seto leaned down to Joey "Stir up trouble? I didn't consult a matchmaker so their opinion shouldn't matter in this," he whispered quickly.

Joey nodded "She has something against me, I told you about it remember?" he hinted. Seto's eyes widened and an amused smirk flitted around his lips for a moment as he recalled that story. Joey ran a hand through his hair and pouted "She doesn't want me to get married because she loves being right and bossing people around, just say whatever you need to get rid of her fast, she's not nice to hang around with," he warned.

Seto nodded and linked his fingers through Joey's, Joey smiled and leaned into him briefly before stopping in front of Vivian. Vivian looked surprised at the loving exchanged and her eyes narrowed at once.

Joey felt Seto's hand squeeze his comfortingly and Joey found his voice "So Seto, this is Lady Vivian, and Vivian this is Seto Kaiba," he introduced quickly.

Seto extended a hand confidently, his professional aura and emotionless glare making many edge away unconsciously. Vivian took his hand and they shook briefly. She tilted her head as she scrutinized him, "Nice to meet you … you do know what the matchmaker's view of this hikari is, don't you?" she asked sweetly.

Seto smirked "Yes."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she coughed girlishly and recovered "Then you do know that he's not suitable for someone such as yourself, Mr Kaiba?" she said slyly "I on the other hand could find you the best match, it is my job."

Seto's free hand twitched, he wanted to hurt her so badly; how dare she talk Joey down, with him right there beside them too! He knew that Joey needed lots of confidence boosting occasionally, and he was going to make damn sure this woman never faced them again out of fear. He smirked indifferently "I don't need your opinion or services. I didn't consult a matchmaker, I find their views too narrow and selfish," he said coldly.

Vivian gasped "How dare you!"

Seto raised an eyebrow "You're selfish and shallow for trying to break us up. Joey's the only one I'm interested in, so give up and get over what your own actions caused you," he snapped, making everyone shrink back from his anger.

Vivian took three paces back and looked frozen in fear for a second, Joey was glancing between them, half proud and half gleeful.

The matchmaker's eyes narrowed and she brought out her personal crest, holding it above her head imperiously "I tried to warn you Kaiba. The Divine Lights that guide our lives and worlds gave me a vision, this path won't make you happy and this wedding will never happen," she pocketed her crest after showing it to all and marched back outside.

Seto looked less than impressed. He calmly turned to Joey, who was looking nervous and said "I don't tend to let fate rule my life," he assured him.

Joey relaxed and grinned at him "I could get used to having you around."

Seto smiled back as well, but it was a small and secret one only Joey could see "I could get used to being around," he returned, making Joey lean up and kiss his cheek in a silent thanks.

But before Seto could comment a woman had approached and was pulling Joey's arm to get his attention, Seto was also pulled away, a pleasant lady asked "So will it be a big wedding?"

Joey, who had been asked the same question, scratched the back of his head "Well I hope not, though knowing my Mother it'll end up being that, maybe I could reign her in a bit."

Seto shrugged "It probably will be, we're both influential in the country, and it's all I'm used to."

Serenity overheard and bit her lip at the conflict, oh dear, that doesn't sound very accepting.

"Children?" Rebecca asked Joey who at once picked her up with a cuddle.

"Well of course," he said, hugging her and making her and her friends crowd him and giggle "One or two special ones would be great," the children at once began pestering about names or genders.

Serenity glanced at Seto and saw the same question being asked. He nodded "Definitely, a large family would give Joey something to run his energy on," he chuckled a bit.

"Boys or girls?"

Joey put Rebecca down "I'd hate to see what boys turned out like if they're a mixture of me and him."

"I've always wanted a son or two. But I'm sure we'll have to think about it only for a short while."

"Not for a long time, I'm not ready to sit at home forever."

"What colours for the wedding?"

"Red."

"Blue."

"Mild."

"Spicy."

"Yes."

"No."

Serenity covered her ears at last and sighed. Wow, they really are different.

"That's a problem."

Serenity jumped at the voice and looked over her shoulder to see her Mother and Brother looking concernedly at the couple who were still being bullied by questions, the answers more often than not differed entirely. "Mama …" Serenity trailed off and looked at her hikari brother with a worried frown, "Should we do something?"

Leah hummed and tapped her cheek before smiling "I think we should give them a little something to remind them that Ying and Yang can exist together," she said with a smile, she turned to go back indoors when the doors of the wall premises opened with a bang.

Everyone turned to stare at the fancily dressed messenger who had invited himself in. The young man bowed deeply and said "I'm searching for Joseph Wheeler and Seto Kaiba," the two named exchanged a glance before approaching.

Seto nodded at him in a silent greeting while Joey smiled "Hey, what's up?"

The messenger brought out two scrolls and handed them to the two, each one had their own personal crest sealed in wax on the ends. "A message from the Emperor, he wishes to see you right away," he said formally.

The two glanced over their messages and nodded. Seto glanced at Joey as he said "We'll leave right away," Joey nodded in agreement. The messenger bowed again and rode away, still more messages to give before he returned to the Palace.

Joey turned to Seto "We'd better pack fast, race ya?" he offered.

Seto rolled his eyes and just headed inside, Joey following after a snort at his reluctance.

Leah pouted "Leaving so soon? The party is just getting started," she sighed.

Jono leaned over to Serenity and muttered "I bet that's part of the reason why he's leaving," Serenity just giggled and waved at him to be quiet before their Mother heard.

Joey slung the backpack over his shoulder and smiled at Red Eyes and tiny scapegoat "It must be important if the Emperor is asking for both Seto and me," he mused as the tiny creatures brought him thing to pack that he had forgotten.

Red Eyes grinned "He knows you two are the best around, that's why," his tail swayed happily.

Joey nodded absently "But, to send for both … maybe it's serious or dangerous? You know why my luck has done to me in the past," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in a very Seto-isk manner.

Tiny scapegoat bleated in a deadpan way and Red Eyes nodded with a few laughs "Seto's rubbing off on you Joey," he said. Joey just looked at him in confusion.

"Eh?"

The door opened before the spirit creatures had a chance to elaborate. Seto leaned into Joey's room, Blue Eyes trying to climb into his hair "Are you ready yet?" he asked, trying to knock the overfriendly reptile off of his head.

Joey smiled and nodded, before reaching up and plucking the spirit form his fiancée's head "I'm ready, and you do know she only wants some attention right?" he asked, tickling her soft underbelly to prove his point. Blue Eyes squealed in delight and squirmed happily as they played.

Seto sighed and smoothed his hair back into place "I'm not good at that stuff," he complained.

Joey rolled his eyes, picked up his bag and his two friends and led the way to the stables "That's why she was climbing all over ya, she want attention, don't you girl?" he smiled. Blue Eyes nuzzled into his chest contently.

Seto smiled at the sight of his spirit guardian and his fiancée cuddling, it was adorable, but you won't catch him saying that out loud. He was slightly impressed that Joey could understand her so well though he couldn't understand her, and he could hear her voice normally and didn't always understand her. He smiled, it's a Joey thing, he decided.

Joey let Blue Eyes fly off with Red Eyes as he approached his horse, Mai. She was a palomino stallion with both a gentle and fierce nature, she loved Joey more than anyone knew, and would follow and protect him to the ends of the earth. She whinnied loudly as Joey approached her.

Joey beamed "Hey girl, up for a ride to the Palace?" he asked her, rubbing her neck while she butted his chest with her nose. Mai stomped her hoof and seemed to nod her head in eagerness. Joey nodded "I thought so, come on ice-man, tack up," he said as he bounced over to the saddles and reigns.

Seto chuckled as he tacked up his borrowed horse, unlike Mai it was boring and so well behaved it was almost a zombie horse, no personality. When it tried to get along with Mai she normally ignored or bullied it.

Joey smiled at Seto's laugh and felt Mai nibble at his fringe "Look who got engaged Mai," he said, showing off the ring, she didn't know what it meant, but he sounded so happy, so she whinnied in delight. Joey beamed "I'm glad you approve," he laughed as she tried to gum his collar.

Seto rolled his eyes "She really likes you," he observed.

Joey nodded "I knew her from a foal, you won't believe how small she was as a baby," a fond and faraway look crossed Joey's face "Ever since we picked her out from the herd she's always been with us, she's family." Mai nuzzled his hands adoringly. A grin passed over Joey's features "Though she can be a mother hen at times." Mai stomped her hoof and snorted.

Seto chuckled. "It's like she can understand you," his horse just stood silently, boring and over trained.

A girlish giggle sounded by the door "I think she can sometimes." The boys turned to see Serenity, Jono and Leah waiting for them to get ready. Serenity smiled ruefully "Do you have to go so soon? You just got here and got engaged," she said sadly.

Joey sighed and left Mai standing to give her a hug "Sorry Sis, duty calls," he assured her.

Leah smiled and put a flower in Serenity's hair "Duty or not, there's something we have to say before you ride off like the heroes you are," she said motherly. Joey and Seto turned to her and she calmly pointed at Serenity's flower "To create such beauty a harmony between Ying and Yang must be struck, the Chinese idea that opposites can both cause chaos and create the most beautiful things on earth. See the willow?" she pointed "The leaves reach up to the sun, while unseen the roots reach down to the water below. To create such a thing the world relies on the harmony of the sun and the rain," she finished.

Joey smiled at the tree, and his Mother "I've heard that one before," he remembered.

Seto looked confused.

Jono bought out a box and Mrs Wheeler opened it quickly, after blowing off a fine layer of dust. She turned to the newly engaged "I was going to give these to you after the ceremony, but I think now is the time." She held up two beautifully crafted necklaces, of Ying and Yang, and clicked them together. They were a perfect fit.

Joey stared "Father and yours necklaces," he breathed, they were very special to her, she hadn't worn them since their father had passed away, but whenever she did wear them in his memories she was always smiling.

Mrs Wheeler shook her head "Not mine or his, they were crafted by the very first Wheelers, and now you two must carry them," she stepped forwards and placed the rope of Yang around Joey's neck, the blond having to bow his head slightly to make it easier for her. He touched his necklace feeling slightly awed.

The Mother touched his cheek before doing the same to Seto. Seto had to stoop because of his height, but the Ying necklace fit him perfectly, he held it, feeling privileged to hold something so special to her and Joey's family. "Thank you," he said with a small bow.

Mrs Wheeler smiled fondly "Wear them proudly, but be careful, Ying and Yang can be a heavy burden as well as a blessing," she finished. "Like the Sun and the Rain."

Seto and Joey looked at each other and nodded. Joey mounted Mai smoothly and patted her neck as she trotted into the yard, Red Eyes and tiny scapegoat jumped into her saddle packs and Blue Eyes into Seto's. Joey reached a hand down to hold Serenity's and his Mother's hand in turn before fist bumping Jono "I'll be back before you know it!" he laughed as Mai reared up and raced into the open road, Seto and his steed keeping perfect pace.

Serenity ran out after them, waving "Good luck Joey! Goodbye Mr Seto! Come back soon!"

"Don't get into any trouble Missfit!" Jono hollered.

"Just make sure Tristan doesn't make a move on Serenity!" Joey yelled back. Jono saluting in promise.

Seto smirked "You don't like the guy?" he guessed.

Joey snorted "I don't like him flirting with my sister," he countered then jabbed his heals into Mai's flanks "Come on slow poke, we'll race ya to the river!" he shouted as Mai took off like a steed of legend.

Seto rolled his eyes, though was impressed with the mare's speed. Blue Eyes stuck out her head and roared in encouragement. Seto chuckled "Let's show him who's boss," Blue Eyes nodded with a squeak and they cantered ahead, the Palace coming ever closer, and the farm ever further away.

Amme: And there you have it!

Ryou: Joey got engaged!

Yugi: And the mystery guest had to be Blue Eyes White Dragon Chick, she's sweet.

Joey: Well someone's got to thaw that guy out, is can't be me all the time.

Amme: She was a spur of the moment character, but then again I couldn't resist :) I hope you all liked it, please answer the questions, it's very helpful for me.

1) Fav part?
2) Least fav part?
3) What do you think of Blue Eyes White Dragon Chick?
4) How was the proposal?
5) What did you think of the (fail) party?
6) How was the Wheeler family reactions and interactions?
7) Any Questions?