CHAPTER ONE: Running

Joey ran through the rain, never once looking back. He should have known better. Everything had been perfect as if created from a dream. He should have known it would end.

His footsteps pounded against the pavement, droplets flying. The wind bit against his cheeks, stinging his eyes. The tears streamed down his face as he huffed.

He ran blindly, only stopping once the familiar staircase came into view. Taking them two at a time, he prayed she would be up this late. Joey knocked hard 3 times and waited. No answer came. As he raised his hand to knock again, he heard the latch unclipping.

"One in the fucking morning. Who the – Joey?" asked Mai, startled at the sight. She looked him over, taking in the red-rimmed eyes and defeated look. Before he could say anything, she grabbed his arm and pulled him inside. He watched, trying to catch his breath, while she turned back and went upstairs. She returned with a large towel and immediately started drying him. "Joey, what happened?"

"It's over."

When the single statement left his mouth, the finality sank in and he started crying anew. "He left me Mai."

She led him to the couch in the living room and pulled her against him. "Start from the beginning." Joey shook his head.

"I can't," came the words as sobs racked his body. Mai sighed and let him cry until finally, he quietened down. He slowly sat up straight and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. She watched as he visibly pulled himself together.

Joey kept his eyes closed as the thoughts of everything that had happened in the last few hours finally slowed down. He ignored the hurt of seeing those blue eyes looking at him in disgust. He ignored the betrayal he felt at the hands of the people who said they loved him most. When he finally opened his eyes, small spark of his old self could be seen.

"Mai, I need to leave."

"Not like this," she answered, observed him. He looked down at himself. He was a mess. Vaguely, he was aware of the fact that he was dripping all over her couch. He started at her suddenly standing up. "I'm going to put the shower on kid. I have some clothes for you back then. When you're clean and warm, we can talk."

Joey followed Mai numbly. He knew what he had to do however inside he was at war. Maybe if he went back, he could explain the situation. He could get those blue eyes to look at him the way the always did. No, he shook his head. He knew the other well enough to know their anger would not be easily abated. Gentle hands pushed Joey towards the shower where he automatically stripped. He stood under the shower.

Soon enough, he was dry, warm and seated next to Mai with a cup of tea in his hands. "I need to leave Mai." There was no uncertainty in his voice, no matter how small it sounded.

"What about the others? Won't Yugi be looking- "

"No," interrupted Joey. He looked up at her. The honey colored eyes brimmed with sadness. "None of them will help me now."

She sighed, putting down her own cup. She knew Joey. While he seemed rash to many, when it came to making decisions regarding his loved ones, he always thought them through. A large part of her was growing increasingly angry. What had they done to him? She returned his stare. "What do you need?"

A small smile of relief showed on his face. "I need to leave as soon as possible and by that, I mean within the next few hours." His brow furrowed in concentration. "I need to do it in a way that no one will be able to trace us." He stopped immediately, realizing his mistake.

Mai grabbed him by both his arms. "Us? Who is us?" she demanded, shaking him a little.

Instead of answering, he gently tugged both her hands down to his abdomen. He gave her a watery smile. "Will you help us?"

She sighed for the millionth time. "Of course I'll help you but how will you manage once you've gone? They'll know if I go with you."

"Leave that to me," said Joey with resolve. "I will make sure we are alright." That and that alone was the only thing he was certain of. He rubbed his abdomen gently, soothing the young life it contained.

"Let me get this right. You want me to help you get away from everything you've ever known, completely alone while carrying precious cargo?" Mai watched him nod resolutely. "Is there anyone else who knows?"

Joey looked down. "Only you and the doctor know but we won't have to worry about him. Seto," he stumbled over the name. It was the first time saying it out loud." Kaiba," he began again, "won't be interested in anything to do with me. In fact, he will make sure he never sees me again." He wiped the stray tear that fell. "So what do you say Mai? Are you willing to help a guy out?"

She leaned in and ruffled his hair gently. If this was something she could do for him, she would. After all the times and things, he had sacrificed for her, she would make it happen. She smiled encouragingly. "You're in luck kid." She pushed her chair back and stood up. "We will have to move fast if we're going to pull this off by dawn." She checked her watch – three am. That left them with roughly 4 hours. "Where are all your things?"

Joey turned back to his tea. "She had them thrown out. I kept my old place though. There should be enough clothing for the journey." Mai wanted to ask who this she was, but thought better of it. They needed to move quickly.

"Alright. Do you have the key with you?" He nodded. She thought for a moment. "Here's what we are going to do. I will have a friend swing by and grab your things for you." She saw him begin to argue. "Don't worry, he owes me plenty of favors. In the meantime, you will choose an area and the best way to get there. Don't tell me." He looked at her. "On the off chance that any one does come after you, this way even I won't be able to answer them. In the meantime, I will sort out the funds. You will have to use cash for a while."

Joey stood up and wrapped his arms around her, shaking gently. "I will never be able to pay you back for this." She smiled and hugger him tighter.

"All I ask is that the both of you remain safe, and one day soon, happy."