YA: Whee! I should be ashamed of myself for not finishing my other fanfics
and starting on this one. But it's one of those that you just couldn't put
down (or in my chance couldn't stop thinking about). This might and I say
MIGHT be one of my best ones. But I can only hope right?
So as to not attract any attention from the public, I rushed all the way back home. News would get out soon that I found Jounouchi and I wasn't in much of a mood to answer interview questions. Much to my surprise, they news hasn't gone out yet and I was still able to make it home peacefully and without having to break anybody's neck to try to get there. Opening the door, I was almost run down by Mokuba.
"BIG BROTHER!" I closed the door, barely leaving it ajar so I could speak to him.
"Don't rush to squeeze me with emotions, Mokuba. I'm very dirty." Even from behind the door, I could sense the adorable questioning look on his face. But it would change to utmost revulsion if he saw all the blood on my coat and shirt. "Do me a favor and wait for me in the kitchen until I get cleaned up."
"Okay." I heard his small footsteps move away from the door and fade. I waited a moment before throwing the door open, slamming it behind myself (accidentally) and running up the stairs to my quarters. Dirty or not, Mokuba is known for pouncing on me when I enter the doors. I chuckled to myself as I hid behind the main doors of my quarters like a kid playing hide and seek. Sure enough, Mokuba was right behind me. "Big brother?" he questioned.
"I'm dirty!"
"When will you be out?"
"Go eat dinner without me!"
"But-"
"Go on! I'll have desert with you, I promise!"
"Promise?"
"You have my word as a Kaiba."
"Okay!" He skipped downstairs to have dinner, which smelled lovely from where I was. I haven't eaten breakfast or lunch this morning either. All the more that I hurry and bathe so I can eat. While walking to the bathing chambers, I hurriedly strip every bit of clothing I had on my body, only pausing on my shirt. Completely covered in dark blood, his blood, Jounouchi's. My thoughts ran back to him. I worry if he's alright. From looking at him, he looks like he's been though trauma and jeopardy. I remember how thin he was, it was sickening! I felt bad that he's been living in those standards while many lived in comfort and reassurance, totally oblivious to what he was going through.
I'm now in a thin robe, running the water so that its temperature was pleasing to me. I reached over and grabbed a bottle for scenting the water. Opening it and holding it up to my nose to gather the lush scent of cinnamon and rich juniper. The scent of the spice fills me with a greedy feeling; I pour half the bottle into the water. Standing up, I let the robe fall freely and carefully step into the hot water.
"Aahhh, yes!"
I cover myself in the warmth of the water, grabbing soap nearby and work up a lather. This bath wasn't merely for pleasure, the mixed smell of spice and blood doesn't blend too well for me. I had to wash rapidly and gather my thoughts before they drifted to the sight of that deadly room with the unfortunate teen. Beside the bath on the floor I reached for the remote and turned on the TV. I stood correctly when I told myself that the news of Jounouchi wouldn't be out by the time I came home. Already, they were showing the scene of me carrying him out of the building.
"Seto Kaiba, young billionaire, found the lost child of Domino City, Katsuya Jounouchi. We see him carrying young Jounouchi out of the building and from the looks of it, he is very much alive!"
I laughed at myself when the camera caught me making a run for it to avoid the press. It was a good thing they didn't pursue me. Instead they followed the ambulance to the hospital when there was another shot of Jounouchi. Because he was out in the light I got a better look at him. It was awful! Wounds covered his body; all over him were slashes, cuts, bruises and marks or ultimate torture! He quickly looked into the camera and I saw his eyes, what would usually be perky, bright and brown, were glazed and runny. But not with tears, he looked drugged!
"We now have Mr. Jounouchi driving up to the hospital. He looks very upset, yet relieved that his son is alive and being treated. Mr. Jounouchi, what exactly are your feelings right now?"
"I just want to see my son right now! I have no time to answers questions now. MY BOY NEEDS ME!" The reporter brushed her hair out of her face and faced the camera.
"A loving father waiting to see his child. How tender this family is. But most of all, we would like to thank Seto Kaiba for saving this lost soul and-"
I had enough. I turned off the TV and sank further into the bath. So much I was trying to enjoy the warmth and comforting feeling was getting until I looked at the water. The remains of the duty I have done leaked and floated around me. It wreaked a smell of scandal and the taste of dejection. Why do I feel like this when I haven't committed the crime? I wanted to do much for him and this overwhelming feeling tore at my heart. I couldn't wait any longer and as much as I hated to admit it to myself-I wanted to see him again.
I jumped out of the tub, not bothering to drain it and dried quickly. I would always feel unclean if I didn't see Jounouchi one last time. Swiftly, I pulled out some causal jeans, a black shirt and a small jean jacket. By far, this is the quickest I have ever put on clothes. The same feeling I had earlier was pulling me by the collar to go to the hospital. I had a hard time running down all the stairs to the lower chambers. I was so close to the door and out the house, but Mokuba ran and stopped me.
"Did you forget something, big brother?" he voice was tainted with anger. I forgot I promised him dessert.
"We're going out for dessert." I answered. "I wanted to stop by the hospital while we're out, do you mind." I don't lie to my brother, although I did try to cover up my previous promise. It wasn't too bad; I'm still going to have desert with him. Therefore, I wasn't breaking a promise.
"Yay!" he cheered. I handed his coat from the coat rack and opened the door. Already there was a limo waiting outside for us. When inside, the driver handed me sunglasses.
"Just in case the press would like to speak to you." I thanked him for his consideration.
"Take us to the Dairy Queen, Michael." Our driver nodded with enthusiasm and drove off. Mokuba impatiently dangled his feet from the seat and glanced out the window many times.
"Why are we going to the hospital?" I blinked.
"You don't know?"
"I wouldn't be asking if I knew."
"Mokuba!" I hissed. "Alright. Just for that, I'll make you wait. Besides, you might like the surprise and popularity." Mokuba and I both laughed at my sarcasm. I'm not one to laugh at most things as little as this but whenever I'm with my younger brother; he makes everything in life like cake. We drove up with the Dessert Shop quite quickly. Instead of walking out, we went through the drive-in. While eating our ice creams, I had to prepare myself for seeing Jounouchi. Would he look better? Would he look worse? Would he be asleep when I see him? The latter I hope the condition he was in. I'm not prepared to say nice things to him.
We didn't arrive at the hospital as soon as I thought we would. Mokuba insisted that I bought him flowers. My brother is sweet and has the advantage when it comes to begging for something to be bought, especially toys. No sooner that I stepped out of the limo, we were surrounded by cameramen and reporters. I was prepared for this and shoved passed them. I made a note to answer their questions after I cleared my conscience.
"Mokuba. Would you do me a favor and stay here? I really don't feel comfortable you coming with me." He opened his mouth to protest but knew better than to argue with his big brother.
"Please tell him I said, "Hope he gets well!" I nodded and went to the nurses' desk.
"What room is Katsuya Jounouchi inside?" Without looking up, the nurse answered. "Only family can see him now. Friends can visit tomorrow." That's when she looked up. "But you Mr. Kaiba are an exception. Room 206!" I muttered a thanks and walked down the hall. Before coming to his door, two people stood in front of it, a man and a woman. They were arguing, loudly.
"How could you do this to him?" the woman shrieked.
"I didn't do anything! He was on his way to see YOU!"
"But you didn't bother to drive him to me?"
"You could have came to pick him up!"
From the looks of it, I guessed they were his parents. It didn't please me that they were arguing outside his room instead of inside supporting him. I thought it be best to show my face and get away quickly. I opened the door to a dimmed room. It wasn't too dark and the light was a comforting touch. Maybe the regular setting was too bright for him, especially if he was drugged. I saw him in the corner on the bed, propped up with an arm draped over his knee.
I hoped so much he wasn't as bad looking as when I first saw him. He was bandaged up, most of the bandages wrapped around his head. I approached him slowly so not to startle him. I have a habit of walking in rooms unnoticed.
"Jounouchi?" His head rolled in my direction, his eyes still glazed, like polished glass. "I came to check on you." He nodded and stared back at the wall. I left the flowers on the table beside him and waited a while. He didn't move, didn't smile, and didn't blink. I couldn't conceive the damage that was brought upon him. I thought it'd be best to leave so I turned to leave. A sharp tug on my jacket was felt. When I looked at him, there was fear draped on his face. He looked like he wanted to say something but he kept swallowing his words.
"You want me to stay?" He nodded frantically. I shrugged and pulled up a chair beside him. The silence between us was chilling, so I broke it by asking him a question. "So how are you feeling?" I slap myself mentally. Anybody could see he's in pain. He quietly sighed and continued to swallow his words, getting frustrated with each time he tried. What puzzled me was that he spoke to me before. I scary vision came to my mind as I imagine the torturer cut off his tongue. I shuddered quietly. "What's the matter? Can't you talk? You did it before." Still no answer. Instead he gave me a shameful look in his eyes. No, I clearly mistook that look for fear.
"What are you afraid of?" He grimaced and bowed his head. I saw his shoulders shake a few times and then a sniff escaped. "What?" I thought I said that mentally, but was wrong when he looked up at me startled. "Are you crying?" I could slap myself again. I'm desperate for him to speak and come out asking these bizarre questions. He shook his head frantically and wiped his tears. What happened next surprised even me. My actions were being taken over by compassion. I reached out to touch him but he moved over, wincing at his sudden movement.
"Jounouchi." He bit his lip, looking at me with more confusion. What could I do but stare at him with pity. He moved again, and hissed at his pain. "I won't hurt you. I just want to-" I was interrupted by the opening of the door. A nurse came in with a small case. I turned to face her.
"Can you do something with his pain?" I asked a touch of irritability in my voice.
"I'm giving him some morphine right now." She took out a fairly big needle and reached out for Jounouchi's arm. He slammed himself to the wall trying to avoid her. "Come on, young one. You need this to sleep tonight." Again, he pressed himself up against the wall, when she got closer he shrieked loudly and hugged himself. She glared at me. "Can you help me?"
"If he doesn't want to needle, give it to him some other way." I stepped back to let her finish her job. She hopped on the bed and stretched out his arm. He screamed more but didn't struggle much. Her gasp brought him to my attention. They're numerous holes him his arm. I grab her by the arm and pull her back. "Stop! He's afraid of the needle. He's been abused by one." She nodded and stepped away. A cold sweat ran down his face as he shook in apprehension.
"Do you mind if you leave me with him for a while." Without hesitation she left the room and closed the door behind her. After she left, Jounouchi turned his back toward me and removed his shirt, bearing his back as if offering it to me. "What are you doing?" I asked.
"I screamed. I'm sorry." He whispered. "Please punish me." My jaw dropped. What kind of sicko would punish someone for screaming from fear? "Please do it quick. I promise I won't do it again." I sat on the bed; he flinched sharply when I reached out and pulled him toward me.
"I know I can be obnoxious and arrogant at times. But I'm not heartless." Still tense in my arms he nodded. "I'm not like the person who beat you. I would never do something like this to you." I heard a small patter and felt my jeans get moist. "And most of all Jounouchi don't be ashamed to cry. This is the first step to recovery." He loosened up and put one arm around me, burying his face into my shoulder where he wept violently.
TBC
YA: Aw, how sad. Poor Jounouchi! Just to let any of you know, he still has his tongue! And Seto is getting a little out of character. I don't think he would ever admit his arrogance! That's a no-no! Sorry for the sentimental crap but I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
So as to not attract any attention from the public, I rushed all the way back home. News would get out soon that I found Jounouchi and I wasn't in much of a mood to answer interview questions. Much to my surprise, they news hasn't gone out yet and I was still able to make it home peacefully and without having to break anybody's neck to try to get there. Opening the door, I was almost run down by Mokuba.
"BIG BROTHER!" I closed the door, barely leaving it ajar so I could speak to him.
"Don't rush to squeeze me with emotions, Mokuba. I'm very dirty." Even from behind the door, I could sense the adorable questioning look on his face. But it would change to utmost revulsion if he saw all the blood on my coat and shirt. "Do me a favor and wait for me in the kitchen until I get cleaned up."
"Okay." I heard his small footsteps move away from the door and fade. I waited a moment before throwing the door open, slamming it behind myself (accidentally) and running up the stairs to my quarters. Dirty or not, Mokuba is known for pouncing on me when I enter the doors. I chuckled to myself as I hid behind the main doors of my quarters like a kid playing hide and seek. Sure enough, Mokuba was right behind me. "Big brother?" he questioned.
"I'm dirty!"
"When will you be out?"
"Go eat dinner without me!"
"But-"
"Go on! I'll have desert with you, I promise!"
"Promise?"
"You have my word as a Kaiba."
"Okay!" He skipped downstairs to have dinner, which smelled lovely from where I was. I haven't eaten breakfast or lunch this morning either. All the more that I hurry and bathe so I can eat. While walking to the bathing chambers, I hurriedly strip every bit of clothing I had on my body, only pausing on my shirt. Completely covered in dark blood, his blood, Jounouchi's. My thoughts ran back to him. I worry if he's alright. From looking at him, he looks like he's been though trauma and jeopardy. I remember how thin he was, it was sickening! I felt bad that he's been living in those standards while many lived in comfort and reassurance, totally oblivious to what he was going through.
I'm now in a thin robe, running the water so that its temperature was pleasing to me. I reached over and grabbed a bottle for scenting the water. Opening it and holding it up to my nose to gather the lush scent of cinnamon and rich juniper. The scent of the spice fills me with a greedy feeling; I pour half the bottle into the water. Standing up, I let the robe fall freely and carefully step into the hot water.
"Aahhh, yes!"
I cover myself in the warmth of the water, grabbing soap nearby and work up a lather. This bath wasn't merely for pleasure, the mixed smell of spice and blood doesn't blend too well for me. I had to wash rapidly and gather my thoughts before they drifted to the sight of that deadly room with the unfortunate teen. Beside the bath on the floor I reached for the remote and turned on the TV. I stood correctly when I told myself that the news of Jounouchi wouldn't be out by the time I came home. Already, they were showing the scene of me carrying him out of the building.
"Seto Kaiba, young billionaire, found the lost child of Domino City, Katsuya Jounouchi. We see him carrying young Jounouchi out of the building and from the looks of it, he is very much alive!"
I laughed at myself when the camera caught me making a run for it to avoid the press. It was a good thing they didn't pursue me. Instead they followed the ambulance to the hospital when there was another shot of Jounouchi. Because he was out in the light I got a better look at him. It was awful! Wounds covered his body; all over him were slashes, cuts, bruises and marks or ultimate torture! He quickly looked into the camera and I saw his eyes, what would usually be perky, bright and brown, were glazed and runny. But not with tears, he looked drugged!
"We now have Mr. Jounouchi driving up to the hospital. He looks very upset, yet relieved that his son is alive and being treated. Mr. Jounouchi, what exactly are your feelings right now?"
"I just want to see my son right now! I have no time to answers questions now. MY BOY NEEDS ME!" The reporter brushed her hair out of her face and faced the camera.
"A loving father waiting to see his child. How tender this family is. But most of all, we would like to thank Seto Kaiba for saving this lost soul and-"
I had enough. I turned off the TV and sank further into the bath. So much I was trying to enjoy the warmth and comforting feeling was getting until I looked at the water. The remains of the duty I have done leaked and floated around me. It wreaked a smell of scandal and the taste of dejection. Why do I feel like this when I haven't committed the crime? I wanted to do much for him and this overwhelming feeling tore at my heart. I couldn't wait any longer and as much as I hated to admit it to myself-I wanted to see him again.
I jumped out of the tub, not bothering to drain it and dried quickly. I would always feel unclean if I didn't see Jounouchi one last time. Swiftly, I pulled out some causal jeans, a black shirt and a small jean jacket. By far, this is the quickest I have ever put on clothes. The same feeling I had earlier was pulling me by the collar to go to the hospital. I had a hard time running down all the stairs to the lower chambers. I was so close to the door and out the house, but Mokuba ran and stopped me.
"Did you forget something, big brother?" he voice was tainted with anger. I forgot I promised him dessert.
"We're going out for dessert." I answered. "I wanted to stop by the hospital while we're out, do you mind." I don't lie to my brother, although I did try to cover up my previous promise. It wasn't too bad; I'm still going to have desert with him. Therefore, I wasn't breaking a promise.
"Yay!" he cheered. I handed his coat from the coat rack and opened the door. Already there was a limo waiting outside for us. When inside, the driver handed me sunglasses.
"Just in case the press would like to speak to you." I thanked him for his consideration.
"Take us to the Dairy Queen, Michael." Our driver nodded with enthusiasm and drove off. Mokuba impatiently dangled his feet from the seat and glanced out the window many times.
"Why are we going to the hospital?" I blinked.
"You don't know?"
"I wouldn't be asking if I knew."
"Mokuba!" I hissed. "Alright. Just for that, I'll make you wait. Besides, you might like the surprise and popularity." Mokuba and I both laughed at my sarcasm. I'm not one to laugh at most things as little as this but whenever I'm with my younger brother; he makes everything in life like cake. We drove up with the Dessert Shop quite quickly. Instead of walking out, we went through the drive-in. While eating our ice creams, I had to prepare myself for seeing Jounouchi. Would he look better? Would he look worse? Would he be asleep when I see him? The latter I hope the condition he was in. I'm not prepared to say nice things to him.
We didn't arrive at the hospital as soon as I thought we would. Mokuba insisted that I bought him flowers. My brother is sweet and has the advantage when it comes to begging for something to be bought, especially toys. No sooner that I stepped out of the limo, we were surrounded by cameramen and reporters. I was prepared for this and shoved passed them. I made a note to answer their questions after I cleared my conscience.
"Mokuba. Would you do me a favor and stay here? I really don't feel comfortable you coming with me." He opened his mouth to protest but knew better than to argue with his big brother.
"Please tell him I said, "Hope he gets well!" I nodded and went to the nurses' desk.
"What room is Katsuya Jounouchi inside?" Without looking up, the nurse answered. "Only family can see him now. Friends can visit tomorrow." That's when she looked up. "But you Mr. Kaiba are an exception. Room 206!" I muttered a thanks and walked down the hall. Before coming to his door, two people stood in front of it, a man and a woman. They were arguing, loudly.
"How could you do this to him?" the woman shrieked.
"I didn't do anything! He was on his way to see YOU!"
"But you didn't bother to drive him to me?"
"You could have came to pick him up!"
From the looks of it, I guessed they were his parents. It didn't please me that they were arguing outside his room instead of inside supporting him. I thought it be best to show my face and get away quickly. I opened the door to a dimmed room. It wasn't too dark and the light was a comforting touch. Maybe the regular setting was too bright for him, especially if he was drugged. I saw him in the corner on the bed, propped up with an arm draped over his knee.
I hoped so much he wasn't as bad looking as when I first saw him. He was bandaged up, most of the bandages wrapped around his head. I approached him slowly so not to startle him. I have a habit of walking in rooms unnoticed.
"Jounouchi?" His head rolled in my direction, his eyes still glazed, like polished glass. "I came to check on you." He nodded and stared back at the wall. I left the flowers on the table beside him and waited a while. He didn't move, didn't smile, and didn't blink. I couldn't conceive the damage that was brought upon him. I thought it'd be best to leave so I turned to leave. A sharp tug on my jacket was felt. When I looked at him, there was fear draped on his face. He looked like he wanted to say something but he kept swallowing his words.
"You want me to stay?" He nodded frantically. I shrugged and pulled up a chair beside him. The silence between us was chilling, so I broke it by asking him a question. "So how are you feeling?" I slap myself mentally. Anybody could see he's in pain. He quietly sighed and continued to swallow his words, getting frustrated with each time he tried. What puzzled me was that he spoke to me before. I scary vision came to my mind as I imagine the torturer cut off his tongue. I shuddered quietly. "What's the matter? Can't you talk? You did it before." Still no answer. Instead he gave me a shameful look in his eyes. No, I clearly mistook that look for fear.
"What are you afraid of?" He grimaced and bowed his head. I saw his shoulders shake a few times and then a sniff escaped. "What?" I thought I said that mentally, but was wrong when he looked up at me startled. "Are you crying?" I could slap myself again. I'm desperate for him to speak and come out asking these bizarre questions. He shook his head frantically and wiped his tears. What happened next surprised even me. My actions were being taken over by compassion. I reached out to touch him but he moved over, wincing at his sudden movement.
"Jounouchi." He bit his lip, looking at me with more confusion. What could I do but stare at him with pity. He moved again, and hissed at his pain. "I won't hurt you. I just want to-" I was interrupted by the opening of the door. A nurse came in with a small case. I turned to face her.
"Can you do something with his pain?" I asked a touch of irritability in my voice.
"I'm giving him some morphine right now." She took out a fairly big needle and reached out for Jounouchi's arm. He slammed himself to the wall trying to avoid her. "Come on, young one. You need this to sleep tonight." Again, he pressed himself up against the wall, when she got closer he shrieked loudly and hugged himself. She glared at me. "Can you help me?"
"If he doesn't want to needle, give it to him some other way." I stepped back to let her finish her job. She hopped on the bed and stretched out his arm. He screamed more but didn't struggle much. Her gasp brought him to my attention. They're numerous holes him his arm. I grab her by the arm and pull her back. "Stop! He's afraid of the needle. He's been abused by one." She nodded and stepped away. A cold sweat ran down his face as he shook in apprehension.
"Do you mind if you leave me with him for a while." Without hesitation she left the room and closed the door behind her. After she left, Jounouchi turned his back toward me and removed his shirt, bearing his back as if offering it to me. "What are you doing?" I asked.
"I screamed. I'm sorry." He whispered. "Please punish me." My jaw dropped. What kind of sicko would punish someone for screaming from fear? "Please do it quick. I promise I won't do it again." I sat on the bed; he flinched sharply when I reached out and pulled him toward me.
"I know I can be obnoxious and arrogant at times. But I'm not heartless." Still tense in my arms he nodded. "I'm not like the person who beat you. I would never do something like this to you." I heard a small patter and felt my jeans get moist. "And most of all Jounouchi don't be ashamed to cry. This is the first step to recovery." He loosened up and put one arm around me, burying his face into my shoulder where he wept violently.
TBC
YA: Aw, how sad. Poor Jounouchi! Just to let any of you know, he still has his tongue! And Seto is getting a little out of character. I don't think he would ever admit his arrogance! That's a no-no! Sorry for the sentimental crap but I hope you enjoyed this chapter!