Disclaimer: How many times do I have to tell you I DON'T OWN YU-GI-OH!!!!
Warnings: abuse, swearing, shounen-ai/yaoi
Jou's POV
Everywhere in my body ached but I wouldn't let it show as I walked to my next class, art. Art was my favorite class and my only class away from Kaiba…I swear he's in all of my classes except art. We have math, English, gym, world history, and BMMT (Business Management Marketing Technology). Most of the teachers keep us far away from each other because we fight so much. It takes all my concentration to not pass out as and I try not to limp or show any signs of the pain I'm going through. No one's noticed my pain so I guess I'm doing a really good job. Then again I have had lots of practice…Today we get our projects and we have to do four 8X10 pictures using Realism, Imperialism, Cubism, and Surrealism. Art may be my favorite class and my best but I prefer to sketch or paint. The bell rings as I just sit in my seat, which means I don't have detention today! Well I guess that's one thing to look forward to considering I usually get detention every day.
So far we were only going into the new computer lab located in the library and printed off pictures of what we want to do our project on. Looking through Google images I search 'Ryoma Echizen' and come up with multiple pages. My favorite pictures are when he looks chibi. Choosing one of the pictures I print it off and wait for everyone else to get done. My friends Yugi and Ryou are in this class so I won't be too bored. I shut down the computer and walk over to Ryou. "So how's your search going?" I ask casually.
"I found what I want to do and have it planned out," Ryou told me smiling slightly. When I look over his shoulder I start to chuckle despite the pain it causes me. He was looking up 'Dumb Signs' on Google images. People are surprised that such an innocent person can look at this but then again I think it's partly his yamis influence and partly mine. While he prints off his picture quickly and goes back to looking at the signs I grab his picture and hand it to him so he doesn't have to get up. Before the teacher tells us that we have to go Yugi joins us with his flower picture and we read a few more signs.
Our teacher is a grump and told us to shut down we're going back in a gruff voice. All of us pout slightly but comply so he doesn't yell at us. He can be so annoying and his eyes are always squinting even though he has glasses! Anyways Yugi, Ryou, and I walk back to the classroom chatting about absolutely nothing. When Yugi hugs me I resist the urge to cry out in pain or flinch. I've had lots of practice so he doesn't notice a thing. That kind of makes me sad in a way.
So far most of the block was spent in the computer lab so I only got the realism and cubism sketched. I'll work more tomorrow since we have four more days to do it. I take Yugi and Ryou's pictures and put them away while Yugi puts our rulers away and Ryou puts up our chairs. I joke with both of them until the bell rings and we start heading out.
Ryou's locker isn't too far from mine but Yugi's is on the other side of the school so we split up. I walk Ryou to the front gate where his yami, Bakura is waiting impatiently. Surprisingly they are a couple. I couldn't see why they were especially since Bakura was violent, but toward Ryou he was gentle. If he ever caught me saying that I would be dead.
I gave them a carefree smile and waved goodbye to them before starting my trek to my house. Every day I loathed going home and tended to try to distract myself until I had to absolutely be at my house. Today was no different than all the rest. I tried to waste as much time as I could before it was required for me to go to my house at six. Since for once I didn't have a detention that gave me loads of free time. Checking my pockets I looked for any spare change. Today seemed to be my lucky day because I found a five in my pocket. Not questioning my good fortune I went to the arcade.
The arcade smelled distinctly of pizza, slightly of sweat, perfume/cologne, and minty. I think they tried to cover the other smells with mint but overall it wasn't a horrible smell, it was in fact intoxicating. It was slightly sticky from the many pops that have been knocked over during the years. You couldn't call the arcade the most sanitary but it was cleaner than most places and was safe. Music was blaring over the sound systems but you could still clearly hear the noise from the games. Flashing lights were flashing everywhere and I decided to try DDR first to get out all of my pent up energy. Actually it was surprising I had energy left, but this place always seems to give me energy.
There wasn't a line for DDR so after getting five dollars worth of tokens I placed them in the machine. I chose a semi-difficult song and put it on its hardest setting. When the music started I concentrated on getting the rhythm before hitting the arrows as best as I could. Ever since this games been out I've played at least once a week if not more and had become an expert. Tea is about the same level as me since she goes to dance and so far we've tied almost every time. I put all of my energy into my legs as I danced and even though it caused me pain it also gave me relief. When I was done my score was an A and I had only missed a couple arrows.
"Jounochi!" a voice called. I turned around to barely catch a mass of black hair.
"Mokuba! What are you doing here?" I asked hugging him back. Pain erupted in my back from the strain of catching him but I put on my best smile.
"I wanted to play some shooter games, and check up on who has the best scores for games and see if I'm still the champ," Mokuba explained. He was a great kid that I loved to hang with. "What are you doing here Jou?" he asked smiling at me innocently.
"Just hanging out until I have to go home," I replied casually. I was glad to see Mokuba, but usually when Mokuba was around….
"Mutt what are you doing here?" A cold voice questioned. Usually Seto wouldn't be far behind. Slowly I turned toward the voice.
"I'm here to hang out, but if you're here I'm considering leaving," I ground out. Seto pissed me off a lot and right now I don't think I could handle it. You see I had a slight…crush on the guy and well physically I'm not doing so well.
"Please don't leave Jou I just got here!" Mokuba pleaded. Don't look into his eyes. Don't look into his eyes. Don't…I looked to see him using his puppy dog eyes on me.
"Fine, I'll stay," I agreed.
"YES!" he shouted jumping up and down. No one could say no to Mokuba when he pulled the puppy dog eyes, hell even Seto couldn't!
Seto's POV
I watched as the pup tried to resist Mokuba's pleading by not looking at him. A second later he was agreeing to stay. Secretly I'm glad but on the outside I scowl. Mokuba could get anyone to agree to his demands which right now I'm thankful for since now I can spend some time with the pup. Jou is a decent guy and if Mokuba wants friends then he could do no better. Jou is loyal, protective, and always there for his friends and I know for certain that he won't try to get money out of Mokuba. It's obvious he dislikes me thought by the fact he wanted to leave the place he enjoys the most because I'm here. It hurts to know that but also very understandable. When we first met I put him down because I was told repeatedly that friends are weaknesses… After seeing Yugi save the world multiple times because of his friends I reevaluated that opinion but I don't think Jou could ever forgive me.
"What game do you want to play then?" Jou asked brining me out of my thoughts.
"How about Jurassic Park?" Mokuba suggests.
"That's a good game. You lead the way I'll be right behind you," Jou agrees. They both go off to play the game leaving me to follow them just to make sure Mokuba doesn't get hurt. Not that Jou wouldn't try to protect him, but old habits die hard. I make my way through the crowd and watch as Mokuba inserts the coins and Jou laughs merrily what Mokuba said. They play that game for about a half an hour before Jou says, "One more game then I have to go home."
"How about that Motocross Racer game?" Mokuba suggested already running toward the game. Jou has no choice but to follow behind.
"Fine squirt let's play," Jou says ruffling Mokuba's hair affectionately. Is it weird to feel jealous of your own brother? I love him, but I'm just a bit envious that he can be that close to Jou.
Jou's POV
Mokuba convinced me to play Motocross Racer with him before I go home. Not my favorite game but I really don't care since it's just great to have someone to play with. We started playing and I would start to lead and then Mokuba would speed ahead. I would try to cut him off with my bike but he maneuvered his bike expertly. Frustrated I pouted and kicked the machine lightly when I lost. My mood however didn't stay sad for long when Mokuba said, "Thanks for playing with me Jou! I had a blast! Will you play one more game with me please?" I shook my head.
"Sorry Mokuba but I need to get home soon or my dad will get angry," I apologized.
"Okay then, see you tomorrow!" he exclaimed.
"Maybe…" I mumbled then aloud said, "See you squirt!"
"I'm not a squirt!" he called after me which I waved off and left. It was around five and if I wanted to be home by six then I would have to run. My body protested and I wanted to collapse as I started to run. Sometimes I really can't believe that the coach wanted me on the track team. The trek home was okay besides the fact the closer I walked toward my house the more my awareness went up. I lived in the bad part of town that many people didn't bother to come to because it was infested with gangs. You always had to be wary of your surroundings or you could get killed. Sadly I was part of a gang but ever since I've entered high school and met Yugi I quit. A few gangs still want me to join but I refuse and get in fights with those stupid enough to face me.
For a few minutes I just stand and face my apartment door. Looking at my watch I now I have to go in sometime and soon. Reluctantly I open the door as silently as possible and stand on my tip toes sneaking into my own house. Closing the door I make sure it's unlocked just in case and walk further in. Even though I was so quiet a loud voice shouts, "Boy! Get in here now!" Cringing I obey the command and walk into the living room.
"Yes father?" I ask meekly. Before him I feel so weak. My name is known throughout the bad side of town as the man who can fight a gang singlehandedly but before this man that doesn't matter. Right now I'm just a boy.
"Where were you?" He asks spitting on the floor right in front of me.
"I…I was at the…arcade," I manage to say. Flinching at his growl I try to step back.
"You were where?" my dad repeats angrier. Clearing my throat I answer him.
"I was at the arcade," I tell him in a more clear voice.
"What did I tell you about going to the damn arcade?!" my father shouts.
"Th…at…I'm…not allowed," I managed to say.
"And you disobeyed me?!" He shouts.
"I didn't mean to!" I exclaim but it's too late. My father punches me in the stomach making me double over as he hit yesterday's bruise. Clenching my jaw I made sure that I didn't let out a groan of pain or else he would make my punishment longer. Kicking my leg I collapse onto the floor hitting my elbow on the wood floor. Pain shot through my arm but I held on. Grunting he grabbed the closest sharp object which was a broken vase that he must have broke earlier and stalked toward me. If I even attempted to move away he would punish me harder. Kneeling down he cut my chest from my left nipple to my belly button. Biting my tongue I try not to cry out and while he punches my chest.
"You get off easy today, now go make dinner!" he demands. Shakily I get to my feet and went to the bathroom first. I wrapped my wounds so he wouldn't complain about blood being everywhere and beat me even more. Yeah like that would make the blood go away. Of course I can't say that to him without getting hit. When I'm sure my wounds won't bleed everywhere I go to the kitchen and search the cabinets for any food. Well the only thing defrosted is hamburger….and we have Mac and Cheese.
Putting the meet in a pan I brown it while starting the Mac and Cheese. Once both are done I add the completed mac and cheese into the pan with the meet and add some chili pepper, and onion powder. The taste is okay but it's not exactly a four star meal. Grabbing the bowls I fill my dad's up and eat a ladleful before he notices and take him his dinner. Setting it down by him I back away in case he doesn't like it.
He eats slowly and when he's done slams the bowl onto the table next to him. "This tastes like shit," he complains glaring at me. It's not my fault we don't have much and I can't make a wonderful meal. "Get over here now," he demands. I walk over lowering my head. My father backhands me, but I don't fall. Then he pushes me to the floor and grabs a bat out of the 'torture closet' and slams it down on my upper thigh. A few swings later and I pass out completely unaware of anything else he's done to me slipping a pain free sleep.
TBC!
^-^ R&R!
