Disclaimer: I don't own YuGiOh. I'm not making any money. Nuff said.

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HIKARI STRONG

Chapter Five

Seto Kaiba was completely and utterly a wreck until he'd had his coffee in the morning. It was common knowledge that you shouldn't speak to him of even be in his line of sight until his coffee was in his possession. Most importantly, you should never ever surprise him.

So when Seto came into his kitchen to find it filled with the smell of pancakes and eggs, it left him confused, which easily led to anger unless the proper amount of caffeine was in his system.

"Here ya go, grumpy," said the voice of a certain blonde girl as she pushed him a cup of the very steaming black liquid he craved. Seto rose a brow at Joey, before his eyes widened.

Joey was wearing one of Seto's shirts, but that wasn't all. Though the shirt was obviously too big, the light blue apron tied tightly around the girl's waist made her curves very visible. Seto snatched his cup and to a long drink. However, as much as the beverage made him awake enough to handle the sight in his usual calm manner, it didn't make it any less...alluring. There was something about Joey wearing his shirt and being domestic in his kitchen.

Finally, he spoke. "What are you doing, Pup?"

"What does it look like? I'm makin' breakfast." Joep replied proudly. "I told ya I would make it up to ya."

Seto frowned. "I meant in my shirt."

"Huh? Oh, yeah," Joey grinned, putting some scrambled eggs and a couple of pancakes on one of the plates on the counter beside her. "I just found in da closet in that room. Sorry i didn't have anythin' else ta where." Her eyes shifted and Seto's raised brow. I can just take it off if ya want."

"No!" Seto blurted, causing Joey to jump. He mentally cursed himself for his outburst. It really annoyed him that whether a boy or a girl, Joey could drive him nuts.

"Okay," Joey said, placing the plate of pancakes and eggs in front of Seto. Seto blinked at them but began to eat them anyway as Mokuba entered.

"You cook, Joey?" he asked in shock as the blonde put another plate in front of the boy.

"Sure do, kid," Joey said, sittinging down at the table himself. It still baffled Joey that the Kaibas had a table in the large kitchen and then a formal dining room. "Hope ya like it alright."

Mokuba took a bite and nearly passed out. His eyes were wide and almost teary as he chewed and swallowed. "This is so good, Joey!"

"Eh, it's nothin' much," Joey said, poking at her own food. "I had ta make the pancakes from scratch since ya didn't have any pancake mix."

Seto was surprised the say the least. The food was really good. The pancakes were fluffy and perfectly cooked and whatever Joey did to the eggs was amazing.

"Not bad, Pup," Seto said, keeping his face as void of emotion as possible. His puppy made it hard to do sometimes. And yes, that's right, his puppy. "Apparently we've found something your good at." Joey glared.

"Do ya really wanna start dis when i got a fork in my hand?" Joey warned, waving the utensil for emphasis.

"I'd like to see you try, Pup," Seto said with a smirk. Mokuba gave a loud giggle.

"You two fight like an old married couple," he said.

Joey's breathing hitched and her face went beat red. Seto narrowed his eyes at his younger brother, making a mental note to remember to ground him later. He decided to change the subject. "So Mokuba tells me that the two of you and Gardner are going shopping today."

Joey almost choked, coughing a bit as she struggled to swallow a bite of eggs. Once she recovered, she turned to Mokuba. "Ya told him?!"

"Well since he didn't kick you out last night I figured it was okay," Mokuba replied. "Besides, it is his money."

Joey grumbled and Seto smirked. "Do you think she'll put in a skirt, Pup?" Unconsciously, Seto found himself staring at Joey's legs under the table, imagining what they would look like in a skirt. The growl in back of his throat was covered by eating more pancakes. He was far too distracted to defend against the swift kick that connected with his shin. His eyes narrowed at Joey.

"You pervert!" Joey accused, looking flabbergasted. "Keep lookin' at my legs like dat and I swear I'll break yours!"

Seto's first instinct was to get angry, but upon seeing how red Joey's face was, he thought of a better idea. "You do have nice legs, though." The look of the blonde's face was priceless.

Mokuba giggle again. "Well I'm gonna go get ready before you two flirt more heavily," he said as he got up from the table.

"Mokuba!" Seto scolded. The pre-teen merely laughed as he left the kitchen. Joey got up and began cleaning things up. She brought the dishes to the sink and began to wash and rinse them.

"You don't have to do that," Seto informed her. "I do have maids."

Joey shrugged. "It's not a lot and I don't mind doin' it." She gave him a grin. It was almost eerie that many of Joey's features were still the same: the thick, messy blonde hair that hung in her eyes, the smiles and glares. Even the muscle tone was the same, only now it was more subtle to fit her feminine form. Seto mentally groaned.

Why, of all the people in the entire world, did he have to be attracted to Joey fucking Wheeler.

"Kaiba yer starin' again," Joey informed him, her amber eyes narrowed. Seto blinked before frowning.

"Don't flatter yourself, Pup," he said folding his arms. Then, he smirked. "I almost wish I could come with you. A dog shouldn't be without its master."

The glare Joey threw at him was deadly. "I'm warnin' ya, Kaiba. I don' wanna kill ya 'cause then Mokuba'll be an orphan but I don' mind puttin' ya in da hospital."

"Whatever, Pup," Seto replied. It was quiet for a bit, the only sound being the clanking of Joey washing dishes.

Joey sighed suddenly. It was the kind of sigh one gave after a long debate. This perplexed Seto. They hadn't been arguing.

"You should come with us," Joey said, keeping her eyes on the dishes. If her tone hadn't been so solemn Seto would have laughed.

"Seriously?" he asked her, wondering if his pup has hit hear head somewhere, or if merely becoming a girl had caused her to lose her mind. Seto would have thought he was dreaming, but dreams about Joey usually contained more action and less clothing.

"Well, it would be good for Mokuba," Joey explained, still not looking at Seto. "I mean, he'd be da only boy there otherwise. That way you two can go do stuff if he gets bored." She blushed suddenly. "And then I can sneak away and join ya and then we can ditch Tea at da mall." Joey's grin was almost evil, and Seto began thinking he may have underestimated the blonde this whole time.

"You'd really leave your friend alone at the mall?" Seto asked.

Joey shook her head. "Of course not. What kinda man do ya think I am?"

Seto chuckled. "You're not a man anymore, Pup."

"I can't believe everyone else if enjoyin' dis so much!" Joey yelled to no one. She finally looked at Seto, her face serious again. "You really should come. For Mokuba if fer anythin'."

Seto sighed, not liking this conversation. He didn't like leaving Mokuba behind, but Kaiba Corp wasn't going to run itself.

"I have to work, Wheeler," he told her.

Joey had finished drying and putting away the dishes when she turned around completely, swaying her hips slightly. For someone who was not happy about being a girl, Joey was rather good at it.

"'You don' need ta call inta work 'cause yer da boss,'" Joey sang, moving her hips side to side, leaning over the table and getting right into Seto's face. The brunet took a deep breath.

"Wheeler, what did I say about getting too close to me?" he warned. Joey grinned but backed away. "What are you singing, anyway?"

The blonde rose a brow. "Really, Kaiba? You don't know 'Ego' by Beyoncé?" When Seto just stared she let out a sigh. "Look it up and listen to it sometime. Seriously if there was ever a song dat makes me think of Seto Kaiba-," she cut herself off and a red tinge enveloped her cheeks. She turned around and began taking off her apron and hanging it. "Ya know what, come or don' come, I don't care. But you should. For Mokuba." She stalked out of the kitchen, clearly embarrassed about something. Seto however, couldn't help but feel a little satisfied about the idea that Joey thought about him from time to time.

"I'll get it!" Mokuba shouted as the doorbell rang. He flung it open and smiled. "Hi, Tea!"

"Hey, Mokuba," she looked up to see Joey coming to the door. "Hey, Joey. You guys ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Joey replied in a bored tone. She then noticed Tea was not alone. "Mai?!"

"Hello there, sweetie," Mai Valentine said. "You know, I almost thought Tea was pulling my leg, but considering all the other weird stuff that's happened to us over the years." She looked Joey over for a bit. "You know, you're actually a really cute girl, Joey."

"I swear I will kill ya all," Joey growled, though she was very happy to see Mai. The younger blonde turned her attention to Mokuba. "Are ya sure you're gonna be okay wit' all these girls?"

Mokuba stared. "Joey, you're a girl."

"Reluctantly," Joey grumbled. Mokuba let out a laugh.

"Okay, I'll just call the car," Mokuba said, pullingout his phone.

"Already done," Seto's voice spoke as he came to the door. His blue eyes suddenly narrowed when he saw Mai.

"Seto! You're coming with us?" Seto let his gaze soften as it fell on his brother. He nodded. "Yes!" the raven-haired boy cheered. "We're gonna have so much fun, big bro!"

"I bet," Mai said as the group headed out of the mansion. Mai suddenly grabbed Joey's arm and held her protectively. "Now, Kaiba, I want to know what your intentions are with our little Josephine ("Don'cha call me dat!") I can't imagine you letting her stay here out of the kindness in your heart."

Seto tried to keep his expression impassive, but it was hard when all he wanted to do was destroy Mai where she stood. "That is none of your business."

Mai released Joey, looking smug. "Fine, fine, sheesh calm down, Kaiba. Joey's like little brother to me...er well, sister." She then teasingly looked Joey up and down. "Not that I wouldn't swing that way."

"What is wit' everyone and checkin' me ou?!" Joey complained. "Seriously when I was a guy no one checked me out!"

"Oh trust me, Joey," Mai told the younger blonde, still looking smug as she watched Seto, "people checked you out then, too." Seto glared at her this time. Mai merely smirked.

Once at the mall, Joey wished she were dead. Tea and Mai dragged her all over the place, making her try on several outfits. Mokuba laughed at Joey's discomfort, and though Seto was just as amused he made an effort not to show it.

"Do you have it on, Joey?" Tea called through the closed dressing room door.

"I will neva' forgive ya for dis, Tea," Joey growled back. Tea sighed.

"Come on, it won't be that bad," Tea insisted. "You had nice legs as a guy so I bet as a girl you're a knock out!"

"You thought I had nice legs as a guy?" Joey asked.

Tea rolled her eyes. "If I had told you your ego would swell to three times its size," she told her friend. "And at times it already rivals Kaiba's."

Seto blinked as Mokuba giggled. Mai sighed. "Come on now, Josephine you might as well get it over with."

"Stop callin' me dat!" Joey yelled. She made a frustrated noise before the group saw the door begin to open. When she stepped out there were gasps from Tea, Mai and Mokuba and Seto's eyes were wide.

Joey was in a form-fitting shirt that fell a bit off the shoulders in a deep crimson color. Below it was a black miniskirt. Seto swallowed, trying keep his mask of indifference in place.

"Joey," Tea said, trying to recover from her shock, "You look...amazing!"

"I'll say," Mai said with a smile. "You look better in a skirt than I do."

Joey blushed. "I doubt dat, Mai."

"No, really, look at yourself," Tea said, turning Joey to face the mirror. She stared at herself for a while turning a couple of times.

"Yeah, I guess I do make a pretty hot girl," she said arrogantly.

Tea sighed. "Oh no, I've created a monster."

"Maybe," Mai said. "But the way I see it I definitely need to start stepping up my game."

Joey frowned. "Whaddya mean?"

Mai flipped her hair. "Well, with the story Tea tells me your spinning, people will 'find out' you were a girl the whole time. And, come on, a girl who was second in Duelist Kingdom and fourth in Battle City? Not to mention you're confidant, determined, have a spit-fire temper and you're smoking hot." Mai folded her arms and gave Joey a wink. "Really, I have some serious competition now."

Joey blinked. She hadn't thought about that before. She had been too busy being extremely unhappy about her change in gender to think about the repercussions. The way Mai talked it made it sound like Joey's story could start some sort of revolution. Unsurprisingly, that didn't make her hate being a girl any less.

They headed for the food court after going to a couple more stores. Joey really didn't understand why girls needed so many clothes. She'd been perfectly happy with a t-shirt and jeans for this long, and that wasn't about the change just because she had boobs.

The group was mostly silently, exchanging mild conversation. Seto made a comment about Joey's eating habits, which earned him a punch in the arm. Tea groaned. Somethings just wouldn't change.

"Seto," Mokuba asked, his puppy dog eyes in their fullest form. "Can we go over to the arcade? Please?"

Seto kept his face straight but sighed, "Sure."

"Yes!" the raven-haired boy yelled, jumping from his seat and dragging his older brother by the hand. Mai chuckled.

"Nothing but a sucker, is he?" she said.

Joey watched them leave but said nothing. Tea then replied. "Just for his brother. Honestly I'm pretty sure he doesn't care for one single other human being."

When Mai's eyes fell on Joey, the younger blonde gave her a warning look. She ignored it, saying, "I wouldn't say that."

Before Tea or Joey could say anything to this, they noticed four people they hadn't been expecting to see. Yugi and Ryou jogged over to them, followed by Bakura and Yami.

"Hey guys!" Tea said brightly.

"Hello, ladies," Bakura said. Joey growled and Ryou gave him a swift smack on the arm.

"What brings you here, Mai?" Yugi asked in friendly tone.

"Well, Tea said she needed some female back up to get a reluctant girl to be more girly," the young woman explained. "But when she said the girl was Joey, I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't April Fools." She looked back and forth between the two pairs of boys. "Is it just me or is there double trouble here?"

"Oh, that's kind of a long story, too," Tea said. "I forgot to tell you about that."

"More hocus pocus?" Mai asked. Everyone nodded. "Then don't explain. Just leave me out of it. I love you kids to death, but I've had enough of the freaky things that seem to follow you around."

"Eh, you get used to it after a while," said Yugi.

"Speak for yerself," Joey told her best friend.

"Is that Kaiba?" Yami asked, pointing toward the arcade.

"Oh, yeah," Tea said. "He decided to come along in case Mokuba got bored I guess."

"Maybe her had some other reasons, too," suggested Mai. She eyed Joey out of the corner of her eye. Joey gave her a short glare before looking over at Seto and Mokuba. Her heart stopped.

He was smiling. Seto freaking Kaiba was smiling. It was small and reserved, just big enough to barely be noticed, as the CEO watched his younger brother. They were at the air hockey table, and anytime Mokuba let out his excited laugh, Joey could almost see the sparkle in Seto's eyes. She nearly melted on the spot.

"On my freaking gosh!" Tea said, her astonished voice breaking Joey out of her stupor. "Joey Wheeler how long has this been going on?!"

Joey blinked. "What are ya talkin' about?"

"You don't think we didn't see the way you were looking at Kaiba?!" Tea continued. There was a strange excitement to her voice, and that along with her words left Joey frightened. "I want details. Now. Spill it."

Joey panicked, her eyes darting from an overly ecstatic Tea, a smug Mai, a smirking Bakura, a sympathetic Ryou, and an engrossed Yugi and Yami.

"I dunno what'cher talkin' about," Joey said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I think the heat today is goin' to yer head."

"Oh, come on, hun, it's nothing to be ashamed of," Mai said looking over at Seto herself. "I mean that boy is one hot piece of ass." A sudden feeling of possessiveness claimed Joey, and she suddenly wanted to scratch Mai's eyes out. Mai winked. "Don't worry, sweetie. I got my own man. Valon's pretty jealous himself as I'm sure you know."

It didn't really surprise Joey that Mai was with Valon. It had surprised her to find out that Valon had actually thought Mai and Joey had a thing for each other. Joey, even as a girl, still found Mai extremely attractive, but she could never shake a certain CEO out of her system.

"Now come on, Joey," Tea said, getting to her feet. "Details. How long have you liked Kaiba?"

Joey wanted to disappear into the floor. "Please drop it, Tea."

"Joey, it's not like we'll tell him or anything," Yugi said. Joey's amber eyes grew wide. "Come on, you really think we never noticed?"

"If it means anything I personally think he likes you too," Ryou added. "I mean, sure, he teases you, but I think he just likes to see you all riled up."

"What. The actual. Hell?" Joey said, completely lost by Ryou's far-fetched statement.

Bakura sighed. "What my overly innocent hikari is trying to say is that the priest wants to fuck you into next week."

"Bakura!" Ryou scolded. Joey felt like her face was on fire.

"I'm gonna go now," she said, picking up her tray to go throw away her trash in the trashcan farthest away from the table. Preferably one in Narnia. Tea grabbed her hand.

"Not until you tell me the truth," Tea said. Joey knew this was just Tea being desperate to have a close connection to another female, but Joey was already frustrated and feeling slightly humiliated. She snapped.

"Since da whole Dartz thing, okay?!" Joey shouted. Tea let go, jumping away. The rest of the group looked just as shocked. "I mean...I always thought he was attractive but he was an asshole and then during dat whole mess and before dat big battle I realized dat-," she stopped, not being able to continue. She was angry and annoyed, and talking about this only saw to remind her that Seto Kaiba would never feel the same about her - boy or girl. "Are ya happy, now?!"

Tea's gaze softened. "Joey, I-,"

Joey stomped off before she could finish, heading for that far off trash can. She tossed her trash in and laid the tray on top before discerning how distracted her friends were. When she saw them to be in deep conversation - she hoped about scolding Tea or something - she headed inside the arcade. She hardly noticed a pair of shaded eyes that followed her movements.

"Joey!" Mokuba piped as the blonde approached the air hockey table. "Seto is insane! He keeps beating me!"

Joey grinned and ruffled the boy's hair. "Want me ta kick his butt, for ya?"

Seto snorted. "Please, Wheeler, you couldn't beat yourself out of a paper sack."

"You'd be surprised how many time I've had to do that," Joey joked. "Look, Kaiba, you may da shit at Duel Monsta's - next ta my pal, Yugi, o' course -," she took a bit of joy in Seto's flinch, "but dis ain't Duel Monsta's in case ya haven't noticed."

Seto folded his arms. "Fine, Pup. But don't start crying after I kick your ass."

"Same ta you, Moneybags."

They played an intense game that had the rest of the arcade looking on. It was a close game, Joey keeping up with Seto for the most part, but ended in the CEO's victory. Joey wiped her forehead.

"Aw, Joey you almost had him," Mokuba said reassuringly.

"Just goes to show that I'm still better than you, Pup," Set said, smirking.

Joey rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Kaiba, ya have got ta get ova' yerself." She froze, feeling several sets of eyes on them. She looked over her shoulder, noticing two more guys in shades.

"You noticed them too?" Seto asked in a low voice. Joey looked up to see that he had moved closer to her and Mokuba. She nodded.

"There's another one like 'em outside the front," Joey muttered. "They ain't paparazzi are they?"

Seto shook his head. "I don't think so. Then again I haven't really done anything interesting. Not to mention it's common knowledge that they don't take pictures of Mokuba or I ruin them."

Joey wasn't all that surprised. If there was one thing she knew about Seto Kaiba, it was that he cared about Mokuba above all else, and that included the boy having a normal childhood. Too bad the boy chose to make friends with teens who had Ancient Egypt always coming up to bite them with monsters and magic and whatnot.

A terrible thought hit Joey. What if these people were after Mokuba? She cared for the younger Kaiba like her own sibling. She tried to remain calm. Maybe they were just the paparazzi and they were waiting for the right shot?

"So, if they are da paparazzi, and we do somethin' interestin', they'll take a pitcha'?"

"That's the basic idea of the paparazzi, Pup," Seto replied in a condescending tone. Joey glared.

"Look, if they're paparazzi, you can pay 'em off or kill 'em or whateva' but if not and they're afta' yer brotha' we have ta be careful about dis." Joey said in a low voice. It was strange for Seto to hear the blonde speak like this.

"Then what do you propose we do?" Seto asked, sounding impatient.

"Ya won't like it," Joey replied, looking her shoes. Mokuba was watching the two of them and glancing at the guys in black.

"What is it, Wheeler?" Seto demanded.

Joey bit her lip. "Kiss me."

Seto stared. "Absolutely not."

"Look, Moneybags," Joey barked, "if they're paparazzi they get their pitcha', you threaten 'em wit' death and they go away. But if not they've probably already gotten suspicious of our actions. Either way we get da info we need." She narrowed her eyes at Seto. This wasn't how she wanted it. And she was hurt that Seto didn't seem to want it at all. There wer more important matters at hand though. Seto was still staring at her. Finally she grabbed him by the collar of his trench coat. "For da love of God!" She said in frustration before slamming her lips against his.

It was definitely nothing like Joey had wanted it to be. The kiss was stiff and unromantic in every way, and the fact that she had to keep her eyes opened slightly, watching the men in sunglasses, only made more so. They seemed to be talking into their watches to communicate with one another. Not one took a picture.

Joey was glad she got that information before Seto shoved her off. "Are you out of your mind or just stupid?!" he roared at her.

Joey set her jaw, willing her tears back. Kaiba would never see her cry.

"Trust me, Moneybags I didn't want it anymore than you did," she lied smoothly. Not like that at least, she thought sadly. She looked at the men again. One of them were missing. "We need ta leave."

Seto glared at the blonde but said nothing more as he pulled Mokuba closer to him. They walked out of the arcade as casually as possible, heading for Joey's friends.

Tea looked up. "There you are," she said in her usual cheerful tone. Her face fell as she noticed Joey's face. "Everything okay?"

"Just keep movin'," Joey told them. She stood at Mokuba's other side while Seto held the boy close to himself.

"What's going on?" Ryou asked as Joey began practically pushing them out of the food court. Mai and Tea quickly grabbed the shopping bags.

"Just keep cool," Joey told them in a quiet voice as they left the food court finally, heading for the nearest exit. Yami and Bakura began looking around as well.

"Seto," Mokuba said, tugging his brother's coat. Joey and Seto both looked to see what was making him so upset. Joey swore. The men were following them.

"Just keep going," Joey told the group. They were almost to the exit. So close.

"Ah!" Yugi yelled as on of them grabbed the small boy and took off running. Another man snatched Ryou.

"Yugi!" Yami hollered. Bakura growled as the two darks took off at a sprint.

"Shit!" Joey shouted. She made to run after them, but a third man grabbed her from behind.

"Not so fast, gorgeous," the man said gruffly. Joey made to head butt him but missed. She still had all of her old fighting moves, but being a girl, and therefore a little weaker, made it difficult to use them. Suddenly someone grabbed the man off of Joey. She whirled around to find Seto throwing the man to the floor.

"You punk kid!" The man bellowed, making to get up and tackle Seto. Joey caught him midway, her fist colliding with his jaw. The man fell back down in a crumpled heap.

"Ah, still got it," Joey said, shaking her hand out. She took off out of the mall after Yami and Bakura.

"Dammit, Wheeler!" Seto shouted after her. Tea, Mai and Mokuba followed them also.

The sight Joey found outside the mall stilled her.

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Yeah fair warning, I like to write cliffies