Joey stared down at the pile of broken glass that was a very expensive vase. He blinked and looked up at Kaiba and smiled weakly "Opps"

Kaiba scowled, crossing his arms over his chest, glaring down at the blond idiot in front of him. He cocked and eye brow. "Oops?"

Joey laughed nervously "Y-yeah..well..I better hit the old dusty trail" he said turning to leave.

Kaiba reached out and grabbed his shirt collar. "Nu-uh," Kaiba said, pulling him back in front of the vase. "Do you have any idea how much this vase was worth?"

"Ummm 20 bucks?" he asked looking at it.

Kaiba smirked sarcastically. "Try 50,000, mutt. It was a gift from a very close business associate in celebration of Kaiba Corp's anniversary. It just so happens he's coming for a visit later this month. Now how do you imagine him reacting when he sees the gift he so warmly gave me not on it's pedestal?"

"50,000!" Joey screamed as his face paled. He looked down "Look I'm sorry! I didn't mean to break it!"

Kaiba leaned forward, giving him a hard glare just inches from his face. "Sorry will not cut it. I expect to be paid back."

"But! I'm poor! I don't have that kind of money!" he yelled.

"You think I'll but that excuse Wheeler?" Kaiba straightened. "You can always work it off."

"Work it off? How?" Joey asked blinking.

Kaiba gave him a"are-you-really-that-stupid?" glare. "How do you think? You'll work here at my mansion until every single penny is paid back. And I don't pay my maids much."

"I have to be a maid!" he asked blinking.

Kaiba smirked and looked him up and down "Well...You certainly have the height for it..."

Joey blushed brightly. "Nyeh!"

"You heard me. I'll have one of the maids held you with your uniform..." Kaiba scowled. "And get that look off your face. All of my maids are properly dressed."

"I have to wear a dress! Why can't I wear pants?" he asked looking up at him

"Last time I checked maids didn't wear jeans and sneakers." Kaiba rolled his eyes.

"But I'm a boy! Not a girl!" he yelled.

"...Your point? The more you hate this, the more likely you'll never step foot in my house again."

Joey growled "you invited me here so you could rub your richiness in my face!"

: Kaiba raised an eyebrow. "I never gave you permission to come in." He made shooing motions with his hands. "Now go get your uniform on. I'll show you to the way to the servant's quarters."

Joey frowned "Fine! Ass!" he stormed off. He return shortly wearing a maid uniform which was a bit small on him. He blush brightly.

: Kaiba cocked his head, putting a hand to his chin as if thinking. "You look almost tolerable in that. ...Almost." He pointed to the mess on the floor. "First you can pick up this mess."

Joey blinked and frowned and grabbed a broom and dust pan. He began to clean it up. He blushed feeling his skirt move up every time he bent down.

Kaiba smirked and watched, enjoying this maybe a little too much. He watched Joey's skirt move up and down, showing and then covering his thighs. "Make sure you get everything. I don't want any glass shards on the floor."

Joey growled "Shut up. I'm getting it" he said.

"Ah ah, missed some," Kaiba said, pointing over to the edge of the vase's previous pedestal.

Joey sighed and went to clean up the remaining mess. He cut his finger 'ow! Damn it!"

Kaiba rolled his eyes. "Suck it up and be careful. Don't get blood everywhere."

"Prick!" he yelled. He continue to clean.

Kaiba scowled. "Oh fine then, show me the the boo boo."

Joey looked away "No" he said. He finished cleaning up the mess. He looked up at the time. "Shit. I got to go." he said going to change back into his clothes.

"Ah, where do you think you're going?"

Joey had changed back into his normal attire. "I have to go!" he said seeming really upset and even a bit scared."I be back tomorrow to pay off my debt!" he headed out of the mansion.

"You aren't going to work it off in one day!" Kaiba tried to yell back, but his door slammed halfway through the sentence. He rolled his eyes and headed to his office to calm down

The next morning. Joey came back. He had a bandage on the corner of his head. He began to help the other maids but he wasn't wearing that outfit again. He wore his normal clothes.

Kaiba waved nonchalantly as he saw Mokuba off to school, the turned on his heel. He'd check in on the mutt, then get back to work on those documents he needed to read over. He walked towards the area where all the other maids were cleaning and singled out the mutt. He was out of uniform...Well then.

Kaiba cleared his throat, all the maids looking up at the sounds.

Joey continue to clean ignoring Kaiba.

Kaiba cleared his throat again, this time directing all of his attention on Joey.

Joey frowned and turned "What do ya want Kaiba? " he asked.

"Well I was just wondering why you're out of uniform."

"because I'm not wearing it! The shoes gave me blisters and the outfit was too small and itchy! I'm wearing my normal clothes!"

"Then you're paying for the vase with cash...Up front." Kaiba narrowed his eyes.

Joey frowned and lowered his head defeated. He went to go put on the uniform

Kaiba watched him. "That's what I thought."

He turned back to the other maids, who were staring at him. "Get back to work!" He snapped.

Joey came back wearing the maid outfit. He sighed softly and went to get back to work.

Kaiba nodded, watching as they all worked. He turned on his heel and left the room.

Joey saw he was gone and removed the high heels. he continue to clean with out them on

The sun was setting and Joey hurried to remove the uniform. He changed into his clothes. He ran to the front door and saw it was storming outside. He sighed and stood thinking what he should do.

Kaiba let out a long exhaled and walked down the stairs. "What's wrong mutt?" he demanded, seeing Wheeler at his door. "Your 'shift' is over. Leave."

Joey looked at him "It's storming out and I didn't bring any kind of umbrella..ah whatever. I can't be late!" he yelled running outside

Kaiba blinked and finished climbing down the stair, striding quickly to the open door. "Idiot!" he called after the other boy. "You don't get sick days!"

Joey didn't listen. "I HAVE to get home or I'm in trouble!" he yelled back. He crossed the street and turned the corner. He was out of sight.

The next day. Joey arrived at the mansion. He put on the stupid uniform but wore a long sleeve black shirt under it. He was sweeping the kitchen slowly, his cheeks flushed red with fever.

Kaiba sighed as he walked down the hall, looking for Joey. He was just checking up on him, he had told himself earlier. That was all.

He walked around the corner and into the area where he was cleaning. He raised an eyebrow at the flushed face. Was he working too hard? Or had he gotten sick?

Joey continue to sweep. He began to sway back and forth. He collapsed to the ground. Everything was spinning

Kaiba made a surprised noise and started forward. Joey fell to the ground. He quickly made his way over and kneel beside him. "Wheeler, get up." He growled.

[Joey stirred and slowly got up. He was stumbling a bit and fell to the floor again.

This time Kaiba was there to catch him, though he sincerely wished he wasn't. He stood and pulled him to his feet. "Damn it, Wheeler...Stand up." He sighed again when it seemed the boy wasn't about to do that anytime soon, so he began moving him towards the couch.

Joey tried to follow the best he could. He collapsed on the couch panting a bit. His fever was getting worse. His mind was fuzzy.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kaiba demanded, crouching in front of the couch to look at Joey's face. He felt his forehead. "I said you'd get sick if you rain in that rain."

Joy whined a bit "Slept..outside..." he said weakly.

"What? Why would you do that, you idiot?"

"Dad..kicked me out..said I should sleep like the dog I am"

Kaiba blinked. "You have no where else so stay?"

"No..he wouldn't let me leave the yard. He watch me..all night"

"What an asshole." Kaiba said, glaring. He thought for a second, then rolled his eyes. "As soon as you're better, you're working twice as hard. You're going to live here until you can find another place to stay."

Joey shook his head "I can't.." he whined said.."It..so hot in here"

"It's only because you're wearing long sleeves..." Kaiba noted. He stood and went over to the nearest window, opening it to let the air flow.

"To cover the bruises" he mumbled half asleep.

Kaiba looked back at him. "Bruises?"

Joey had his eyes closed. He nodded slowly.

Kaiba walked over to him. "Let me see."

Joey looked away. He just held out his arm which was beginning to tremble.

Kaiba sat on the couch by him and took it gently, pulling up his sleeve. He stared at the bruises on his arm for a moment before turning back to look at him. "What are these from?" he said softly, even though he already knew.

Joey rested against Kaiba. He felt so weak. "my...dad" he said softly. "drunk"

Kaiba nudged him a little so his weight fell more evenly against him, making both of them more comfortable. "You're staying here tonight. No exceptions."

"No...he would be even more mad..if I don't go home.." he said weakly.

"You can't go back if he's going to beat you..." Kaiba held his arm again, eying the bruises.

Joey shook his head. "I know but..it's something I have to deal with.." he said getting up. He was still pretty bad looking. "Let me finish my shift."

Kaiba reached out and grabbed his wrist. "You're off today." He pulled him back onto the couch.

Joey blushed brightly as he fell back against Kaiba. He closed his eyes and sighed "Okay" he mumbled

.

Kaiba's face reddened. He hadn't meant to pull Wheeler into his lap, but he'd just fallen like that. He supposed it was alright for now. "Just get some rest," he said, wrapping his arms loosely around his waist.

Joey's body twitched He nodded and fell into a deep slumber.

Kaiba frowned, leaning back and resting his chin on Wheeler's shoulder. He couldn't believe he was doing this, but he couldn't do anything about it. Nor did he want to. He shut his eyes, dozing off soon after

Sammy: Joey woke up hours later. His fever had passed but he still wasn't feeling well. He looked at the clock and his eyes widen. It was well past midnight. He got up slowly not to wake up Kaiba. he headed to the changing room and changed out of his clothes and into his normal ones. He hurried out of the building and home. Maybe his dad wouldn't know he was gone.

The next morning, Joey didn't come in for work.

Kaiba looked out the window and scowled. Where was that idiot? He should have been here hours ago. He closed the curtain and sighed, crossing his arms. He shook his head. Might as well go check on him.

He went outside and told his chauffeur to take him to "the pound". He arrived there in a few minutes.

Joey's door was unlocked. The blonde laid against the corner of the bathroom covered in bruises and some blood which seep from his nose. Most of the bruises were on his back which was raw and bleeding a little. The wounds were caused by a belt.

Kaiba knocked when he reached the apartment. After he received no answer, he turned the knob. He stepped inside. "Hello?" He called. He was left in silence. He whistled a little. "Wheeler?"

Joey stirred hearing foot steps. He struggled to his feel. He winced in pain and grab his school jacket. he put it on and zipped it up. He wiped the blood away from his broken nose and limp slowly out into the living room. He spotted Kaiba. "Kaiba..I'm coming..sorry I'm late" he said

Kaiba's jaw managed to unhinge itself somehow when he saw Joey. He rushed forward and reached out, but hesitated, the thought that he could somehow hurt him entering his mind. He was...speechless. He gave Joey a helpless look.

"I've had worse days" he said sitting down on his couch. He winced in pain. He glanced around and found his smokes and lit his cigarette and began to smoke it.

Kaiba blinked and watched him. "Worse than THIS?"

[Joey blinked and nodded. "Yeah if you can believe. You must be getting a thrill from seeing me like this" he said frowning. HE looked away.

Kaiba frowned. "Why the fuck would you think that?"

Joey blinked. "You hate me" he said

Kaiba sat down beside him. "You annoy me. Get under my skin and act like a fool. But I don't hate you."

Joey blinked and closed his eyes. "oh really now?"

"I don't hate anyone...Except people who are WORTH hating."

Joey looked at him. He smiled a bit. "I feel the same way"

"Your father..." Kaiba closed his eyes and leaned back against the couch. "Is worthy of my hate."

Joey blinked and nodded. "Yes. he is" he said. "Mine too but I can't leave.."

"You can. You can come live with me and Mokuba. We'll make sure your father doesn't hurt you."

"it's not that easy" he said. "I can't go with you...my dad is paying for my sister's operation..I need to stay until it's paid for..even if it kills me.."

"Your sister would hate it if you died for her sake..." Seto said.

"Still. I want her to see again" he said. "No matter what" he said closing his honey color eyes."After..she regain her sight..then can I move in with you?" he asked looking at Kaiba in the eyes.

Kaiba pursed his lips, thinking. He didn't want Joey to get beat up anymore, but he still wanted him to be able to see his sister. He might look like a nonchalant ass to everyone else, but his brother was still important to him. "No. You'll move in tonight." He stood up, stepping in front of Joey. "I'll pay for her operation."

Joey looked at him with widen eyes. He looked down and then up. He looked at the brunette. "Then add it to my debt!" he said standing quickly. He cried out in pain and began to fall backwards towards the floor.

Kaiba reached out to grab him, Pulling him to his feet by both shirt sleeves. "Stop. Falling." He mumbled. "You're going to give me a heart attack." He eased him down back onto the couch. "And I plan on it. I do no one favors."

Joey smiled weakly and looked up at him "I'm..happy" he said. He put out his cigarette. He froze hearing a car pulling into the drive way.

Kaiba heard it too. He looked towards the window, guessing why Joey stiffened. "Something to worry about?" He asked softly.

Joey got up and grabbed Kaiba's wrist and pushed him into his bedroom. "Stay quiet!" he yelled and shut the door locking it. Joey rested against the door as his father came in.

"What are you doing boy?" he asked with a slur. Joey frowned "Nothing...just cleaning up" the father frowned "Why is a limo out side?" he asked taking a drink from his vodka bottle.

" I don't know , dad" he said. "Maybe someone from another apartment. " the bottle flew and hit Joey's left eye. He hit the door hard. He held his bleeding eye and cried out in pain.

Kaiba jumped back as something-Joey?- was thrown against the door. He heard yelling. Lots of yelling. Cries of pain. He tried the door knob, but it was locked. He growled and stepped back, crossing his arms.

The blonde stared in shock as pain rushed through his body from being hit so hard in the head. Then he felt an intense rage fill his being. Joey stood up and deck his dad hard. "You don't control me anymore!" his dad hit the floor and was knocked out cold. He unlocked the door. "Lets go!." he yelled. "Lets get the fuck out of here!" he said gathering some of his clothes, his deck and whatever he needed. He stuff them in a duffel bag

Kaiba nodded and grabbed his hand, stepping over his dad and pulling him out the door. He slammed it behind him. He pulled him out the apartment complex and into the limo.

Joey sat down in the back holding his eye. The cut was right above his eye. "I must look hideous too you"

Kaiba leaned over and examined his eye. "No, not at all." He pulled Joey's hand back to get a better look at it. "This will need stitches."

"Okay" he said. He smiled weakly at him. "Thank you...Seto."

Kaiba met his eyes. "Yeah...No problem." He smirked. "Joey."

Joey blushed and looked at him. His heart was still racing and slamming against the blonde's rib cage.

Kaiba looked back and raised his eyebrow. "What?" He half-laughed.

"Nothing" he said looking away quickly. He was blushing madly.

"No, just tell me," Kaiba said, watching him.

"No. You will hate me" he spoke softly.

: Kaiba frowned. "If I didn't hate you already for just being you, I won't hate you just because you tell me something."

: "It's something more of an action" the honey eye boy said.

"Do it then." Kaiba looked at him, almost in a bored tone.

Joey blushed and leaned over quickly giving him a very light peck on the lips before moving away again.

Kaiba took a deep breath, closing his eyes. A few seconds passed before he opened them again. "You thought I'd hate you for that?" He asked with a soft smirk.

"I..just wanted to thank you..for all your help..I don't have any money..so this was the only thing I can think off"

Kaiba smirked again. "Well...By my calculations...The cost of the vase, plus your sister's operation, plus living expenses...You owe me a lot more than one."

Joey blinked and blushed. He leaned over and began to kiss him again. His head finally stopped bleeding. Maybe he was just suffering from a concussion but he didn't care at this point. The blonde just wanted some attention..and maybe..just maybe some affection.

Seto threaded a hand into Joey's hair, pulling him into a long kiss. After a minute or so he pulled back, seeing blood stain his hand. "We should get you to the hospital..." he murmured.

Joey blushed and nodded. He kissed him again. "Take the long way. I"m okay" he said.

Kaiba nodded and rolled the window down half way. "Take us to the hospital. But take the long way. We have things to discuss before we get there." He told him.

The man nodded and they drove off. Kaiba turned back to Joey, looking over him again. He leaned in and kissed him again.

Joey leaned up a bit kissing him tenderly. His shaky hands resting on the broad shoulders. He wanted this moment to last. This moment of feeling loved; it felt like his hands reaching out of the darkness and into warm, basking light.

Kaiba pulled Joey into his lap, hugging him close. He pulled away, murmuring against his lips, "What are you doing to me, Joey?" He nuzzled his neck, kissing him there.

Joey blushed. "I don't know..maybe the same thing you did to me.." he said. He lifted up his neck. "You...gave me attention...you acknowledged me as a human being" he ran his fingers through his lovely brown locks.

Kaiba hummed, liking the feeling of Joey's hands in his hair. "Yeah...Maybe that's it..."

Then the car pulled up to the hospital.