Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ An Exile's Stone Heart ❯ An Exile's Stone Heart IV ( Chapter 4 )

Author's Notes: This is a Romance/Angst, and I'm still debating whether or not I'll let things end happily. I do not consider this story as hentai. As for the length, I suppose I could make it longer, but I make no promises. This is not going to be of an epic length. Thank you for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I disclaim for the duration of this story.

An Exile's Stone Heart

Chapter Four: I'm like Estella, I like to reel it in, and then spit it out! I'm frustrated by your apathy.

"Those things will kill you, you know."

Antoné Keoghs reprimanded his favorite coworker as he lit a cigarette in his plush office. He watched as Joey inhaled the precious nicotine of his cigarettes. Joey rolled his eyes at his assistant, ignoring his warning. He didn't smoke often, and he wasn't addicted, but sometimes, he needed a break from the rat race. He needed a release, and since there was no one around he could have sex with, cigarettes would have to do. He blew the smoke like an old pro, watching with a small smirk as he blew smoke rings that billowed out of his mouth, and out of the window.

McNair International was a smoke free building, but Joey didn't give a flying fuck. When he wanted to smoke he would. All of the money he had made his company ensured that he could smoke in peace and no one would say a word to him. He looked at Antoné smiling at how much the older man cared. Keoghs was a good man; his hands were mostly clean from years of working at their ruthless company. Despite a stroke, two divorces, and a bald spot, the man had managed top maintain employment at McNair with out sullying his reputation.

"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."

Antoné laughed at the bad joked and rose from the plush chair in his young friend's office. He checked his watch. Dropping his memo's on the desk, he gathered his things and headed to the door. Joey waved him off, looking at his computer screen. He had no new appointments, and already his day was free. He could grab an early lunch, see a few contacts, and maybe get in touch with Mai. If she thought that her hanging up on him and blocking his number would end their discussion, she was dead wrong. She'd just have to learn the hard way that Joey Wheeler got what he wanted, when he wanted it.

Joey drove his sleek 2003 mustang through the streets of Hiroshima, thankful that he lived in the countryside of the island. Years ago, he had made the decision to leave the hustle bustle world of high rise apartments, and stuffy condos. Of course, he still lived the fast paced life. Fast cars, fast women, and pricey booze was the life he loved. He figured he could live the life he loved, but reside in the country, waking up each morning to see the sun rise over the oceans horizon. He sped down the crowded streets angry with the traffic; soon he found the building he was looking for. Johnny's was a quaint little bistro that served Afro-Caribbean cuisine at reasonable prices. After calling Mai's office using Keoghs phone, and learning she was out to lunch, he knew he'd find he could probably find her at Johnny's. They had visited the restaurant together quite a few times.

As soon as he walked into the restaurant, he almost immediately saw her. Mai was sitting alone, sipping white wine. Her food hadn't come yet, so he wouldn't have to worry about her skipping off. He walked over to her table, and took a seat, ignoring the twitch of Mai's eyebrow at being disturbed. Picking up a menu and choosing his meal, he handed the menu back to the waiter that been hovering over Mai's table. He was obviously trying to get a look at her breasts. Joey glared dangerously at the waiter's audacity, smirking when he saw the waiter shiver, and hastily exit. Just because they weren't a couple didn't mean other men had the right to stare at his woman's breasts. Especially since they were his personal playthings.

"Why were you blocking my calls?"

"What are you doing here?"

They stared at one another, as if sizing the enemy up. This was dangerous ground Joey was treading and he knew it. Mai stared at him, waiting for him to make the first move. He was on the offensive because he was the one that came here looking for her. Mai crossed her legs and arms waiting to hear his excuse. Joey smirked, and leaned back into his chair. Mai resisted the urge of reaching over and slapping him squarely on the face. Sure, she liked things rough sometimes, but she'd get no sexual pleasure from seeing him in pain. Maybe, she would see him squirming in both physical and emotional pain, ruing the day he crossed her.

"I asked you first."

"Fine, Joseph. You calling me while I am at work is unprofessional, lacks class, and is extremely annoying. Then again, since you do work at McNair International that's not surprising."

Mai said batting her eyelashes. She grinned as she saw his brow furrowed, and his anger slightly showing. She'd struck a nerve. It was so fun to see him get worked up and angry. He deserved every single jab that came his way. After what he had done to her, she didn't trust him, and she wasn't going to let him get away with what he had done. Vengeance was a dish best served cold, and continuously. Toying with him was so delightful. Breaking his heart would be very fulfilling.

"Cute, Mai real cute. Are you going to stop by tonight or what?"

"I told you already Joey. No. I've got to work on my briefs for my client."

"You can do that at my house."

Mai glared at him for that last remark. There was now ay she'd bring work to his house so he could take sneak peeks. Joey was far from chivalrous, gentlemanly, or anything remotely amicable. She didn't trust him at all, and they were already mixing business with pleasure. She had already broken a vow to she had made to herself. Never sleep with the enemy. For him to suggest she take her work, to his home, was ludicrous. Asking too much from her was his specialty, and she had thought after years of saying no, he'd give in. The last time, she gave into his whims; she ended regretting it for the rest of her life. Mai would never let a man, especially a man like Joey, try to run her life. She was free fucking spirit, and if she wanted to keep things from him that were none of his business, eh had just better damn well get used to it.

"I'm kidding Mai. Loosen up."

They spent the rest of the lunch eating. Very little words were spoken. Although Mai was adamant in her decision, Joey had turned a deaf ear through everything she was saying. Frankly, he would not accept 'no', or whatever other excuses she had. They finished the meal, both paying for their own courses. Joey was not a cheapskate, but even he had offered to pay, Mai would have refused him. What use was he? He walked her to her car, and when he leaned in for a kiss, Mai backed away. She shook her head, her golden curls bouncing off her shoulders. Lifting a delicate brow, she waited for him to explain his actions.

"What are you doing?"

Joey was getting very annoyed with Mai's behavior. Since when did she become so standoffish? It wasn't like she was ashamed to show him affection in public was it? He snorted absently at the thought. The day Mai Valentine showed affection in public would be a day when pigs flew, and hell as cold. She probably didn't want to kiss him in public, and when they did have another 'meeting' he would definitely bring the topic up for discussion. Then again, it was very difficult to have a conversation when they were having sex. Things were mechanical, he was a cog, and she was a screw, and what t6hey did was a simple as a plus b. Those were the rules after all. There was to be absolutely no deviating from the routine. The routine itself was very exciting, and he would never tire from doing the same moves on her all of the time.

"Huh? Oh sorry, I'm going to go now so see you later."

Mai rolled her eyes, and stepped into her car.

"Let's hope it's later than sooner."

Mai mumbled quietly. She started her car, not bothering to give Joey a second glance. Mai sped down the freeway, only stopping for groceries, and a few other personal items. Soon, she was out of Odaiba, and in the country. She passed by farms, and trains taking in the scenery. The air was cleaner, fresher, and she couldn't help but feel humble by all the beauty surrounding her. Soon, she was driving down a familiar dirt road she recognized. A faint smile grazed her lips. She was home. Mai parked her car next to old station wagon, and entered the large country home. She entered, looking for the residents of the home. Mai walked into the kitchen, putting the groceries away.

It was only 2: 45 in the afternoon, so everyone should be in the house somewhere. Mia went up the stairs, coming to the smallest room on the right side of the hall. She knocked on the door once, and when she heard, a faint 'come in', she entered. The young child immediately smiled, and raced into her arms. She smiled lightly, kissing the girl's cheeks. Her face was chubby in a cherub way, with rosy cheeks, and peach skin. She giggled tugging on the older woman's blonde locks.

"Hello Bit. Do you know where your grandma is?"

"She's in the garden, Mommy. We were planting tomatoes, and I got dirty so Grandma made me take a bath. Look at what I colored. It's you and me, and Grandma, and Soda Pop too!"

Mai smiled at the picture, with a sad smile on her face. She kissed her daughter, and they went downstairs. The girl followed, clinging to her mother's hand. Mai watched as the girl raced into the den, looking at the many items her mother had brought home. She searched through he clothes, toys, and food. Something would catch her interest, but she'd put it down again.

"Mommy, are you staying over tonight, or do have to go back to work, and leave me again?"

The girl asked in a hushed voice, almost afraid to look at her mother.

"Sarah, you know Mommy has to work. I have to support you and Grandma, even Soda Pop. I'll see if I can work something out, okay?"

The girl nodded, her red hair hiding her eyes. Mia sighed, and took Sarah's chin in her hands.

"Look at me sweetheart. It won't be much longer. I promise, one day soon, I'll live her all the time, and we can spend as much time together as you want. Mommy's just working so we won't ever have to worry about paying bills again okay?"

"Okay Mommy."

Mai smiled at her daughter, hugging her.

"Now be a good girl, and go get your Grandma for me okay?"

Sarah ran off to fetch her grandmother, while Mai began putting away everything she had purchased. Mai worked quietly, humming a tune she had picked up from her daughter. She was working so diligently, she hadn't heard her mother enter the kitchen. Leila Valentine was a kind woman, of good fortune, and middle age who loved her daughter, and grandchild dearly. She was wise, and protective of the things she held dear, and she made sure to instill these principles in her loved ones.

"You're back again."

It was not a question. Mai turned, and looked at the middle aged woman with a smile.

"Yes Mom. I've got a new client, but I'm going to try to arrange things so that I can work from here. I think, after this deal, I'll be done, and everything will be finished?"

"Everything indeed."

Mai sighed. She knew where this conversation was headed.

"He didn't care Mom."

"He was a just a stupid, young kid then. Maybe if he knew-"

Mai whirled around to chop vegetables, not wanting to face her mother.

"He will never know Mom. He had a chance, and you know what he did with it. Sarah deserves better than him."

"If you never tell her, she'll be very angry with you when she gets older."

"So you think I should tell her about her father?"

"How can you defend him after what he did Mom? The lives he destroyed- he didn't care Mom. He hasn't changed, unless you count changing for the worse. If I had things my way, he'd never have even had the first chance."

"This isn't about you though Mai. This is about that little girl. Your daughter, whom you love and would do anything for her."

"You know I would Mom. I am protecting her from him. He deserving everything he gets. He will pay for what he's done Mom. Of this I am certain."

"I hope you know what you are doing."

"Trust me Mom. I know what I'm doing."

Leila sighed, and went back to her gardening. She could only hope her daughter was right.

AN: That's it. I made it longer, so no whining! Yes, Mai is a mother, but not the way you think! Please leave a review, and we'll find out what happens next! Thank you for reading! I'm still debating whether to make things happy for our favorite blondes. What do you think? Too short? Too long? Help me out here peeps! J