Path of Self Destruction

A/N: Ok, I'm just telling you all right here, right now: DRUGS ARE NOT COOL. I don't support drugs or do them, despite the fact that drugs are like the center of this story. Same goesfor drinking, despite the fact I do drink, but dammit, I'm legal…in…Quebec. Anyway, I just wanted to let you readers now that I'm not suggesting you do drugs, so yeah…those of you that do, that's fine- if I have any of this in here wrong, let me know- I'm not going from my own experience, I'm going by others.

Disc: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! And thank your lucky stars I don't.

Chapter 1

The door creaked as it opened, making the boy cringe. He hoped his father wouldn't wake up from the noise, but the man was probably passed out for the night. Jounouchi Katsuya flopped onto his bed, still wearing his shoes (despite the fact that you're not to do that, but it was safer for his feet if he did) and released a long sigh.

This was his first time being home after Battle City. He had been thinking a lot during his time in Battle City about all sorts of things. Like how he was never respected by anyone no matter how good he was at duel monsters, or how many people he helped or saved. Mai would never return his feelings for her, no matter how much he tried to be a mature man. She would always see him as a stupid boy. It didn't matter how many bills he paid and how hard he worked, his dad would never respect or love him, but just continue to expect him to support them both. He thought about the type of person he wished to become and the types of people he feared becoming.

He had come to the conclusion on the ride home from Kaiba's Duel Tower that the only place that he had ever had respect was in his gang with Hirutani. It was like an epiphany. He was highly respected and even a legend in those days- he was the Yugi or Kaiba of the streets. So after Mai left…well he decided instead of going home, he'd go visit some old…friends.

Of course, they at first were angry at his presence.

"Who the hell do you think you are showing up here?!" One lackey, whom Jounouchi had never learned the name of demanded.

"An old friend, come to visit. Is that a problem?" Jounouchi walked right in and sat on the couch, as if he had never left. He jerked his head to get his blond hair out of his eyes-which only lasted for a second before they fell into his face again. He glanced up coolly at his old leader and friend, Hirutani.

"I'm a little bit confused Jounouchi… do you have a death wish?" Hirutani said bitterly.

"Not really. I've been thinking." The blonde leaned back, with his arms behind his head. Despite the fact he was pleased to not hear any wise cracks like 'don't hurt yourself', he was still a bit nervous on the inside, although his cool exterior would suggest otherwise. There was a good chance that Hirutani was very sore about the last few encounters and would rather kill him then take him back, but Jounouchi was willing to risk it. He could beat them all down. The truth was he was more stubborn then strong- he wouldn't quit till he was the last guy standing. He had built up a tolerance for abuse and pain over the years, making him able to take more punches then any one else he had met. "You still need that right-hand man, Hirutani?"

It had taken Hirutani a moment to process what Jounouchi had said, or maybe he was just debating whether or not he wanted Jounouchi in the gang still. The blue haired youth never acted on impulse like Jounouchi, he always thought things through.

"Sure." Hirutani smiled, in an unfriendly and cocky manner. "Let's have a drink Jounouchi. Tomorrow we will further discuss the issue." Hirutani handed Jounouchi a glass, and smirked.

Jounouchi went home after they had a few drinks and he was introduced to all the new members, and caught up with some guys from back in the day. Now he was lying on his bed wondering if he SHOULD go back tomorrow.

"Why not? As long as I keep it a secret from Yugi and the others…" He actually feared Honda finding out the most, despite the fact that Yugi would probably be the most sensitive to it. The short duelist would probably think of it as a betrayal or something, but Honda would get very, very angry. He'd probably kick the crap out of Jounouchi. He'd done it once before, and it was tough to get back in the good books. Honda had been his best friend since they were in middle school, and the thought of loosing that support seemed devastating. It was like losing a brother.

Jounouchi decided a few things that needed to happen before he came back to the gang was 1) he didn't have to surrender all his time to Hirutani and 2) they would NEVER do wrong by his friends. He would of course have to explain to Hirutani that he was trying to keep it a secret from his friends, therefore he couldn't miss school, or else they'd come looking for him. He'd probably have to talk to Hirutani one on one; otherwise he'd never get a deal with him. He felt a little drunk right now, and looked at his clock. It was only 11:00 pm. Not too late. He somehow, despite his lazy drunkness, managed to get to his feet and stared out the window.

Things were going to change.

A/N: yea, that was way short, but no worries, chapter 2 is 3 times longer and done. It'll be up very soon! )