Amnesiac Dreams

III. Shield Me From Doubt

Despite his attempt to stay awake and watch the brunet type away on that laptop, he had been up doing so for a good couple of hours now, the grips of sleep tugged without relent and he had started to succumb.. He remembered the brunet getting up once more and sitting at the side of his bed. His eyes were very scary, so blue it hurt to look into them. But he stared at him lazily, already nodding off. 'How long before I see you..? Won't I ev…' Thoughts were drifting. "Well, Jounouchi… I guess this may be it…" His ears could barely make out what the brunet was mumbling, something akin to the last of sleep-inducing medication running through him… "You'll be .. … to go.. ..nd…" There were some other things but sleep had been victorious.

When the blond woke up next, the lights were on to full brightness and when his body instinctively rolled to his left, when those brown eyes opened and stared out to that table… There was no Seto Kaiba sitting there. His hand went to his eyes as he rubbed the remaining sleep from there and sat up. His browns widened to see a small-framed girl sitting in the chair leaning forward with her head using the edge of his bed as a pillow.

His hand cautiously brushed the loose reddish-brown strands of hair from her face and folded it behind her ear. But he still couldn't quite make out her face. "Who is this girl?' He questioned himself, attempted to force the memories to come. But they were proving to be quite the discouraging foe. His hand unconsciously ran through her long locks as he tried to picture the girl in his mental eye. His own browns closed. 'I… don't understand it but I feel like, like -' His eyes stared down at her and he smiled warily. He shuts his brown orbs again. 'Like I'm supposed to know you. Argh… This is so frustrating! Damn it! All I know is that I'm Jo-Jounouchi Katsuya and… I have friends that I'm really close to and a mother and a sister…'

So focused on his current concentration, he did not hear the sound of the door 'click' and open. "K-Katsuya?" An astonished, unrecognizable female voice interrupted his thoughts. His hand paused atop the girl's head and his eyes shot open and directed their attention to the short-haired woman, standing at the now open hotel door. She was older and wore conservative clothing. But as with her voice, the face Jounouchi couldn't make out or recognize. He remained quiet and blushed as she smiled wide and approached. "Katsuya! You're awake!" She exclaimed and hugged him tight to herself. "I was so worried." She admitted and pulled away. Jounouchi gave her a small smile, it seemed appropriate, though he still didn't know… Her attention turned to the sleeping girl at his bedside. "Sh-Shizuka, honey!" She eagerly shook the girl to awareness.

The girl gave the older woman a blank stare, blinked, and then turned her attention onto the confused blond sitting up and staring at each of them. Her hazel eyes widened to saucer-size and she 'attacked' him with a big bear hug. "Katsuya! You're awake!" She cried loud and happily in mirrored tone. "Oh mom, he's actually awake!"

'Shi… Shizuka..? Shizuka is hugging me.' His eyes closed and he returned the tender and tight hold. 'I don't know who you are… Shizuka… But I-' Something stirred in his chest. What was that pulsing muscle called again? 'For some reason or another… I feel so happy to see you.' The older woman joined in as well and wrapped her arms around both of them. "It's so good to see you up, finally Katsuya." Shizuka whispered into his chest. "I was scared and so sad, big brother."

His eyes opened somewhat. 'Big… brother?' He smiled soft. 'That explains this feeling. Shizuka - my little sister. Ah!' He gasped as another thought came to him. 'S-Sister? And..? She called her 'mom' right? Then that means…. This is my mother too? And… And… These two are the ones that are taking me out of this hospital, right?' His body went rigid and tense.

The mother sensed this and pulled away. Her eyes furrowed. "Shizuka, honey. Maybe we should give Katsuya some space." She tugged on the girl's shoulder. The young girl released her hold on him, Jounouchi cringed at the tears falling down her cheeks. His heart was aching again. "Katsuya, dear, I'm sorry. How are you feeling? Does it hurt anywhere? The doctors said you might feel disoriented or weak - so are you?" The woman asked concerned. Jounouchi stared into his lap, a deep frown formed on his somber face as he quietly explained his lack of memory.

A Few Hours Later... 4:30 p.m.

"Big brother?" Shizuka called from the door. She gave him a warm smile and reentered his hospital room. "I just wanted to let you know that your friends will be dropping by in a little while. I haven't told them about your amnesia though. Would you like me to explain it to them?" She asked warily. Her large hazel eyes were very gentle and full of patience.

The blond sat up straight and gave her a subtle nod. "Yeah, if you wouldn't mind… Shizuka." He mumbled. His eyes stared ahead of himself as he mulled over what his 'family' had told him. 'I'll be staying with them… So then, where was I staying before?' He couldn't understand it. And when he had asked, they remained quiet for a short while before changing the subject. They showed him a small book called a 'pamphlet' of the temporary apartment and the nearby forms of entertainment it had to offer. They had never gotten around to answering his question - 'Even when I brought it up a second time…'

Shizuka's smile softened into a lethargic frown but it was fleeting as determination settled and she placed her small hand onto his. Jounouchi turned towards her, eyes flashing in slight surprise. It was weird, since upon admitting that he couldn't remember a thing, neither had really touched him whether in a hug or any sort. "It'll be alright, big brother. Just… let it come to you." She squeezed his hand gently. "If you over think everything, you'll end up with a headache or worse. So don't worry so much." Her voice was strong but somewhat pleading.

'Didn't he say something like that?' The blond haired teen nodded once more. "Thank you, Shizuka." He smiled sincerely at her, 'Maybe I am thinking too much.' He sighed softly. "So… These friends of mine…" He started hesitantly.

"What about them?" She asked lightly.

He scratched his cheek idly. "What're their names and what're they like?" He asked dejectedly.

Shizuka's grin brightened as she stood up and let go of his hand for a moment. "Here, let me show you something." She walked a distance to a small white basket on the floor beside the sink and mirror. She rifled through it for a while before pulling out a faded yellow wallet. She returned to his side and handed it to him. He gave her a confused sort of stare. She giggled lightly, "Go ahead. It's yours. Open it up." She explained.

He took it and examined it carefully. It was worn out and had obvious signs of constant use. Jounouchi's eyes lit up for the first time since waking up, 'This is mine. It is. I can definitely tell.' He opened it up and was greeted by the kind smile of his sister. He was happy to see it. "Shizuka… Am I a good brother?" he asked suddenly.

She laughed at the question and gave him a good hug. "You're the best brother anyone could have. No matter how scared or alone I feel, all I have to do is think of you and…" They caught each other's gaze and her cheeks reddened somewhat. "I'm not afraid or sad anymore. You always make me smile, big brother… My best friend always." She pulled away and winked. "And…" She tore her attention to the wallet he held in his hands and she flipped the little flap that had her picture and there was another photo with several people on it. "This is us and the rest of the group." She explained.

Jounouchi studied the picture intently. There were several people and he frowned as he felt like he kind of knew them but nothing was really clicking. He traced over his sister's face as well as his own. 'I look really happy. Hmm… Why can't I remember?' His head began to hurt but he stopped himself from reaching for his forehead. He didn't want Shizuka to worry. He hated when she frowned. "Who is this?" He asked as he pointed to the shortest kid on the picture. "The little guy, there?"

"That's Yugi. He's really sweet and really cool. He's like your best friend. Him and Honda, that is." She pointed out the pointy-haired brunet on the photo. "You've known him a lot longer. And… The girl standing on my left is Anzu, and that's Ryou and right there giving Honda a mean look, is Otogi." She giggled.

He stared at the photo some more. "Why is… Otogi lookin' at him like that?"

Shizuka put her finger to her chin. "I'm not really sure. Him and Honda are always whispering to each other." She shrugged. "But they're both really sweet guys. They've always been there for me when I needed help too." She assured.

Jounouchi took a deep breath. "R-right… And that is Honda…" He eyed everyone carefully. "Ryou, Anzu…" He stared at the shorter teen wearing all the black and a strange triangular necklace hanging from his neck. 'Y-Yugi?' "And Yugi…" He furrowed his brow. He wished he could remember. That headache was numbing.

Shizuka nodded. "That's right."

"Shizuka," He began but didn't look away from the open wallet, "There's been another guy, comin' in. He said his name was Seto Kaiba." His voice was soft. "He said he was payin' for my stayin' here. My hospital… bills. Who is he? To me, I mean?" He asked and finally broke away to stare at her intently. "Isn't he a friend too?"

The girl gave him a quizzical blank stare before sighing. "Well, Katsuya…" Before she could finish, the door flung open and in popped a crowd of blue collared uniforms. The two stared up at them as they fumbled in. "Oh… Uh, hey guys!" Shizuka stood in major surprise - the sound had seemed so sudden.

Jounouchi tensed up and shut the wallet in his lap. His eyes immediately fell to the faded yellow material. It was them. He knew it had to be. "Jounouchi! It's about time ya woke up, man!" Shizuka pulled Honda back as he was about to pat the silent blond on the back. "And Shizuka, it's so good to see you again." The same male added cheerily.

Anzu grabbed a hold of his ear and pulled him backwards. "You idiot. Don't you remember anything?" She scolded. The short haired brunet looked over to Shizuka. "You wanted us to talk first, right?" She asked in a whisper. Shizuka gave her brother a quick glance and nodded in Anzu's direction. "Come on you guys, I told you not to burst in like that." She muttered and dragged Honda by the ear. The white-haired Ryou and the anxious Yugi followed as Shizuka ushered them out.

Shizuka turned to look at her frozen brother. "We'll be right back, Katsuya." She promised in a sort of concerned tone.

As he was left once more to quietness, he flipped the wallet open and stared at the picture. "I am happy around them. They are my friends. My good friends." "You have an unnatural attachment to those bumbling idiots." Jounouchi sighed to himself. "Right." He sat up straight and ran his hands through his locks. His hair was thick and well, messy. "I just wish I could remember that attachment to them… I wonder… If he calls them idiots - does he also see me the same way?" As he eyed the photo once more, he grinned. "Alright, I… I can do this." He promised himself. He could smile and get through the awkwardness. He would. "And I'll see Seto Kaiba again." The blond nodded as he vowed his second promise. A few more minutes passed and everyone shuffled back in. It was silent at first.

Jounouchi stared around the room and could feel his nerve slipping away. "Uh… Thanks for always comin' guys." He started with a mumble.

Yugi stepped up and smiled. "Jounouchi, you don't have to thank us. We're your friends. We'll always be here for you." The blond stared at him and seemed to relax some.

"O… Yeah, thanks. Yugi. I appreciate it." He replied softly. It didn't take long before everyone else began to offer their relief.

Kaiba stared at his brother with a scolding glint shining through his serious blue eyes as he finally regained his breath. "Mokuba, what are you doing?" He asked as the boy hid under the blankets. The brunet tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the boy to answer. But nothing came. "Mokuba." The CEO reached over and pulled the comforter off from the boy's curled body and tossed it to the floor.

The raven-haired boy gasped in shock. "Seto, that isn't fair!" He shouted and then put his hands over his mouth in wide-eyed defeat.

The brunet quirked a brow. "Listen, Mokuba, that is quite enough games. I've had enough of this childish behavior. Why didn't you go to school today?" He questioned irately. No answer came. He clenched his jaw and remained silent. Still no reply. "Mokuba-"

"I'm not talking to you!" He exclaimed and folded his arms across his chest. A large pout across his features.

The brunet loosened the tie around his suffocating work attire. He had some pretty important meetings today and well, had to suit up. Literally. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Mokuba, you're way too old to be acting like a spoiled little brat." He chided and took hold of the boy's arm. "Come on." He ordered.

Mokuba held his ground. "No! I want to stay here in my room!" He shouted and pulled his hand free. He sat down on the floor.

Kaiba glared down at him and tapped his foot impatiently. "Why are you acting like such a brat, Mokuba?" He asked, though he knew the answer. His long haired hazel eyed little brother was silent again. "Mokuba." He muttered. Still nothing. The brunet pinched the bridge of his nose once more in frustration. "Are you really that upset about it?" He growled. The boy huffed but didn't offer any other sounds. It was quiet for a long time more.

The brunet shook his head and turned away - facing the door. "Whatever. If you want to stay in here and sulk the rest of the day away, go ahead Mokuba." And with that, Kaiba walked out of the younger's bedroom. When the younger Kaiba was sure his brother was far enough away, he reached for his discarded oversized comforter and clung to it. His eyes began to water but he forced the tears back.

The brunet stomped off towards his own bedroom. "M-Master Kaiba?" A nervous older maid called for his attention. She readied herself for-

"What is it?" He glowered as he turned towards her seething.

She bowed and nodded. "Forgive me, Master Kaiba, but your secretary called and would like to know if you plan to return today or would you prefer her to cancel your appointments for the remainder of the afternoon?" She informed. "She asked to please call her back when you can."

Kaiba's demeanor softened, then. His eyes returning to their usual indifferent glow, "I see. Thank you." He muttered under his breath before bidding her leave. He continued to his bedroom in a much calmer character. Once behind his door, he slouched against it and sighed exhausted. He rubbed his neck and sauntered over to his nicely made bed. He fell with a thud and leaned back against its soft cushioning. He groaned irate and threw his arm over his face. 'Mokuba, I love you, my little brother…' "But sometimes you are such a little pest!" He gritted through his teeth.

He sat up and pulled out his cell phone, "You just have to understand…" He rubbed at his neck again. He still hadn't recovered from all those uncomfortable nights spent at the hospital. "We aren't his friends. There isn't any reason for us to 'see him off', or 'visit him at his new home'." Kaiba went through his contacts and dialed a number all-too-familiar to him. His eyes rolled in annoyance as he stood to his weary feet. He was tired and his nice soft inviting bed looked so tempting - 'especially after having chased that exuberant little brother of mine all around the damn mansion.' Kaiba listened to the rings. There were three of them before his secretary answered. He exchanged a few words with her before confirming that he was on his way back to the office. As he hung up, he gave his bed one last look before walking out of the safe haven that was his bedroom.

As he made his way down the stairs and to the front doors, fixing his tie along the way down, the same older maid from earlier approached hesitant, "Master Kaiba." Kaiba halted and acknowledged her once again. "A receptionist from the hospital has called. Jounouchi Katsuya is scheduled to leave tomorrow morning at nine-a.m. with his Mother and only sister." She informed.

Kaiba affirmed with a stiff nod and left without anything more. 'Mokuba. We aren't his friends… Besides in the state that he's in…' Kaiba entered through the open door his chauffeur held for him and slinked against the leather cushioning inside. The sky looked dark against the tinted windows. 'The way he looked at me last night. Like if…' Kaiba shook the thoughts away. 'No. It was all in my mind.'