To Protect You- A Jounouchi/Mai Fanfic

Chapter 11

It was only for a few seconds, but time stood still in Mai's mind for the second time that night.

What's happening? she thought. She felt frozen to the spot as Jou's lips pressed against her own. Desperately, her mind raced for an answer to her question, but it came up with nothing. The fact that Jounouchi Katsuya, a friend, a boy she'd always felt a special closeness to, was now kissing her in her kitchen...She couldn't comprehend it.

Jounouchi pulled back as though in a trance. Quickly though, his amber eyes popped open, and he realized just what he had done. Stepping back, he released her shoulders and put a hand over his mouth. His mouth opened to give an explanation, but there was no way he could speak. Nothing was sufficient. His cheeks afire, Jou quickly walked past a dazed Mai and headed for the door. However, he stopped has he grabbed for his jacket.

His voice was soft and gently as he said, "I-I'm sorry, Mai. I shouldn't have done that. It was out of line."

Mai remained glued to the spot, unable to look over to Jounouchi's nervous figure.

"But..."

She found the strength to turn and look at him.

"I can't do what you're asking," he said, his voice raising only the slightest bit. "I just can't."

"Jounouchi, I..."

"No, Mai," he interrupted by looking into her violet eyes. "It's my turn."

She closed her mouth, surprised by his sudden attitude change. Once again, she saw a spark flicker within his golden eyes. This time, though, it wasn't out of rage or anger, but passion. However, she only was it for a minute because he quickly turned towards the door again.

"I know it seems like I'm just some macho, pig-headed moron, and maybe I am, but for whatever reason I can't just stand back and watch when I see you in danger. If you ever got hurt...I don't think I could forgive myself..."

I could never forgive myself.

That phrase echoed through her mind just as clearly as it had earlier that evening.

"Anyway, it's just the kind of guy I am. I know you think I'm just some dumb kid, but I can't help it. Sure, maybe it is stupid for me to take on five guys in a back alley by myself...and for me to walk over broken glass to catch you...but Mai," he paused. "I don't care. I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe....whether you want me to or not."

Mai fought back the tears once again. "But..why?"

He looked at her and flashed one of those loving smiles he was famous for.

"I...I don't really know."

Mai felt the blood rush to her cheeks. Why was she acting that way?

Before Mai could say another word, Jounouchi slipped on his sneakers and went out the door. She heard his retreating footsteps turn into an all out run. By the time she could find her breath, she knew he'd already be out in that storm, running down the sidewalk.

Slowly, Mai sat in the chair that Jou had sat in. She simply sat and stared at the glass on the ground, still unsure of what had happened. Her eyes fell on the towel she still held. She smiled to herself in the quiet apartment and put the towel in her lap.

"Ok, Jou...you can be my knight."

THE END

Author's notes: There was a different ending for this story originally, but I personally like this one better. The other was a bit too drawn out, and it really didn't make much sense in my eyes. Eventually, I might put up the other ending, but for now, this works XD

I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. I've got another Jou X Mai story in the works, so keep checking back if you like my writing. I really appreciate all the feedback I've gotten from readers. Knowing that my writing has brought even the slightest bit of joy to you makes all the work worth it. Thanks so much!