YA: I beg you please not to hurt me. We're once again on the countdown to
figuring out who was the fool to hurt poor Jounouchi. I can do this chapter
with a clear conscience because I updated the other story. ^___^ Not much
to say now. This chapter is pretty much safe, except for the teeth rotting
fluff! Onward!
Two weeks has already passed and blast it, he's healing too slowly. Both mentally and physically. But my popularity has won the vote of having me rest with him from work. Everyday, I watch him carefully as he slowly begins to make progress. Its early morning when his cries of pain wakes me. For the most part, most of his wounds are almost healed, except for the ones on his back and head. Right now, he's suffering from another nightmare. I'm getting ever closer to finding out who this person is. He keeps muttering his name! But I can never make it out! I CAN NEVER MAKE IT OUT! Once again, his cries pierce the silence of the room.
"What is it now?" I ask sleepily. He shivers for a short moment and then opens his eyes, gazing into mine.
"Seto?"
"Yes?" His face flushes a heavy red.
"Could you, could you rub me?"
"Huh? What?" Now my face is reddening with embarrassment. He reaches out to me.
"My arms and legs. They kinda ache. Could you-"
"Massage you? Sure." I sit beside him and take one of his arms, rubbing them gently. I occasionally glance at him to see if his face shrinks with pain at certain places. It isn't long until I'm finished with his arms, leaving a satisfied smile on his face. Now on to his-I swallow hard-his legs. It was making me nervous to sit between his legs and look at him at a certain perspective. I swallow again.
"Do you think you could roll on your stomach?" I ask. Without replying he rolled over, without knowing he was making it much more comfortable for me to complete my task. While rubbing the pain from his legs, there's a muffled hum coming from him. I thought he was groaning from pain, until I listened more carefully. It was a soft melody he was humming, much like what a mother would do if her child was injured.
He was comforting himself. Whatever song it was, it was a lovely melody. I wish I could hear him sing it. Not only is his laugh something melodious, but he can do it on his own will. I reach up a little higher, to his thighs and he stops abruptly.
"No?" I ask.
"Just be careful." He noted. After which he continues humming. I have succumbed myself to the lull sound of his humming. It's entrancing; such sounds should have pretty words alongside of it. "Is my humming bothering you?" he asks, breaking me away from my thoughts. I shake my head, asking myself if I should ask him to sing it to me. I shake off the thought. He'll do it when he's ready.
"Aah! Aah! YAAAAH!" I stop abruptly, my hands a feel of moist stickiness. They were tainted with red blood.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention!" I quickly leave the bedroom to wash my hands. Feeling terrible that I hurt him when I promised him I wouldn't do such a thing. I curse myself, slamming a fist into the mirror, without breaking it thankfully. From the reflection, I see him limping into my room, looking for me.
"Seto?" he asks softly.
"I'm sorry, Jounouchi." I say.
"It doesn't matter. Just don't leave so quickly." I turn to face him. My serious look clashing with the soft forgiving one of Jounouchi. I sigh and open my arms to him. He limps in my direction and falls into my arms again. My embrace was a loving one. It was loving to me, but it could have been nothing to him but an apology.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So, is that where the small dog is hiding?" A silhouette stands above on a building near the Kaiba Mansion.
"That's where I read in the newspaper, sir."
"How do you suppose I get to him now? Do you think Kaiba knows what I did to him?"
"I doubt it sir. Not after what you taught him. I'm afraid that boy will never speak again, nor give you away." The silhouette chuckles.
"True. But once he retreats from the household, that's when I'll make my move! Keep a close eye on the Kaiba mansion."
"Yes, sir."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Neither Jounouchi nor I could go back to sleep early that morning. It was mid-morning when the both of us retreat to the library. I had more work to catch up on, while Jounouchi looked around the library. I watch him again, for the longest I can never take my eyes of him. He keeps pausing by the piano, passes it and stops by it again. His fingers ran across the keys and his curiosity arouses. I can tell he wonders what sounds will come from it. A few notes are sounded and he looks at me with panic.
"It's okay." I said. "You can play something." He smiles and takes a seat on the bench. The same thing he played was the same lullaby he was humming this morning. It was more gorgeous when he was playing it. I could actually feel the comfort flowing from it. Mokuba waltz in the room, curious from the music. Jounouchi gestures him to sit beside him. My book drop in surprise as I see him opening his mouth. My moment has come, he was about to sing to Mokuba!
Heart will do you good
Courage will also help me
Please don't stop me now that I'm here
My arms are opened wide
Time to heal, heal like a remedy
The love you seek is near
Take one step at a time
When you step the stairs of recovery
Let this feeling last
Never looking back to the past
He froze. His hands frozen on the keys as if he was lost. Mokuba looked at me with confusion. Before I spoke up the phone beside me rang.
"Hello?" It was Yugi. "I'm fine, how are you? Yeah, he's fine, he's doing much better. I don't think that'll hurt. He should enjoy it. Sure, okay. Bye." I remove myself from my seat and walk over to Jounouchi who is still frozen over the piano. "Jou? Yugi wants to come over with his friends and pay you a visit."
His eyes brightened but he didn't move. Something was troubling him, something I couldn't pick up right away. I motioned Mokuba to go into another room. I followed him and left Jounouchi to his own thoughts.
"What's wrong with him big brother?" Mokuba asked.
"I don't know. Maybe he just needs to be left alone." I met Yugi, his Yami, Ryou and his Yami, Honda and Anzu and invited them inside. They all sat around in the main room in silence. Not knowing what to expect, not knowing what to see. "It's not that bad. But I have to warn you, he's still a little uncomfortable with speaking." I told them. "See for yourself." Jounouchi made his entrance into the main room with a large smile on his face.
"Jounouchi!" Yugi squealed excitedly. "You look excellent!" Jounouchi grinned bashfully and invited Yugi for a hug. Unknowingly, Yugi hugged and squeezed tightly. I reach out protectively, but Jounouchi stops me, silently wincing. Although this went on for a while, the small hellos and interludes into conversation, something was still troubling Jounouchi. He seemed uncomfortable with so many people around.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, leaving the room. I wanted to chase after him but I figured this is something he needed to figure out on his own. What I didn't know, was Bakura followed him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jounouchi ran to the kitchen area away from the happy company. When behind closed doors, he panted softly and poured himself a glass of water. He drank in big gulps, nearly choking at the sight of Bakura suddenly in front of him.
"What's your problem?" Bakura asked. "Why are you so quiet? That's not you at all!" Bakura approached Jounouchi, so closely he pushed him against the wall. Jounouchi trembled against the wall in fear, perspiration dropping down his face.
"Am I scaring you?" Bakura asked again. "If I'm scaring you, then let me know." Bakura reached up and brushed the damp bangs away from the fearful brown eyes. "Why won't you say something? Speak boy!" Jounouchi remained silent, only shaking more under Bakura. He begins to cower, trying desperately to hold a whimper inside.
"Say something!" Bakura's hand travels to a thicker section of Jounouchi's blond hair and he pulls at it. "If this hurts you, tell me!" Jounouchi drops the glass he was holding making it shatter on the marble floor. Bakura pulls harder, bringing Jounouchi's head close it his. "TELL ME!" Jounouchi's eyes become moist and tears blind his vision.
"Why are you making me do this to you? Tell me to stop! Say something!" With his other hand, Bakura grabs his cheek and pinches it. "I know this hurts! Tell me it hurts!" Jounouchi stops refusing to let his tears flow, and even let's a small sob escape. Bakura snags his hair, throwing his head back, making a sharp thud on the wall. "I'm smaller than you! And you're still letting this go on! Fight back! SCREAM FOR HELP!" More muffled sobs are heard from Jounouchi, Bakura clutches his fists. "And I thought my hikari was weak. Look at you! Limp as a noodle and won't even fight back."
On the other side, Mokuba walked passed the kitchen and heard Bakura yelling with a few sobs from Jounouchi.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"BIG BROTHER!"
Mokuba holds me from behind, from the sound of his voice he was near to tears. I kneel beside him and look him in the eye.
"What's the matter, Mokuba?"
"Jounouchi! He's getting attacked!" My anger rises. I was sure that he was safe in my own house. Who would have the nerve, the stomach to attack him with me nearby?
"Who's doing it? Where is he?" I ask.
"In the kitchen!" Meanwhile, Ryou just now notices that Bakura is missing. When running towards the kitchen, Ryou is behind me, just as panicked as I am. I throw the doors opened to see Jounouchi cowering up against a wall with Bakura standing near him.
"Get away from him!" I scream. I rarely scream, but I have no time to think. Jounouchi is at my mercy and it upset me that Bakura would pull a stunt like this. I turn to Ryou. "Get out! All of you!" Maybe if this hadn't happen, everybody would have thought me to be rude but I'm more than sure Ryou would explain what happened.
"Come, Bakura. We'll discuss what happened when we get home." Just like that? A small slap on the wrist for Bakura. If I had a weapon on me, I would have done him in already. I edge my way to Jounouchi. But when he looks at me, he cut me deep from the glare he gave me.
"I had no idea." I mouthed. I understood that he was upset with me. He pushed me out the way and ran away. I could do nothing but stand and watch him disappear from me. I curse myself again. It's now at this point where I feel like giving up, but not until I get that sick feeling in my stomach again. Warning me that Jounouchi was in danger again. Upstairs, I follow where he went. Into the bathroom, I hear the water running but the door is locked.
"Jounouchi!"
"Leave me!" he responds.
"Come out now!" I pause. "Come out, please!"
"I DON'T WANT TO LIVE!" he screams. "I CAN'T LIVE LIKE THIS ANYMORE!"
"Listen to me before you, go." I say. Hopefully what I say to him will help him change his mind but I don't intend to stop him from taking his life. "Think of what you're leaving behind, Jou. A sister who loves you, your best friends and a caring father." I swallow the lump that's rising in my throat. "Me." There's a long pause before the water stops. "Jounouchi?" The door clicks and he opens the door. His face is weary from sorrow.
"You care about me?" he asks.
"Of course I do! I wouldn't have done so much to care for you because I do! I do Jounouchi!" The stinging of tears are there, but I refuse to let that show. "Right now, you don't know how much you mean to me." He casually walks past me, out of the room and into my bedroom. I follow him, watching him crawl on my bed and lay there.
"Come here." He says. "I want to tell you something." Without hesitation, I join him on the bed. He moves closer and lays his head on my lap.
"Why I don't want to live? Why should my life end now, Seto? Let me tell you what happened that first day of summer."
TBC
YA: I'm gonna get pummeled for that Cliffhanger! Please don't hurt me. I have to do homework, but another update is expected soon. Very soon, get your weapons ready! It will be revealed! The monster who abused Jounouchi!
Two weeks has already passed and blast it, he's healing too slowly. Both mentally and physically. But my popularity has won the vote of having me rest with him from work. Everyday, I watch him carefully as he slowly begins to make progress. Its early morning when his cries of pain wakes me. For the most part, most of his wounds are almost healed, except for the ones on his back and head. Right now, he's suffering from another nightmare. I'm getting ever closer to finding out who this person is. He keeps muttering his name! But I can never make it out! I CAN NEVER MAKE IT OUT! Once again, his cries pierce the silence of the room.
"What is it now?" I ask sleepily. He shivers for a short moment and then opens his eyes, gazing into mine.
"Seto?"
"Yes?" His face flushes a heavy red.
"Could you, could you rub me?"
"Huh? What?" Now my face is reddening with embarrassment. He reaches out to me.
"My arms and legs. They kinda ache. Could you-"
"Massage you? Sure." I sit beside him and take one of his arms, rubbing them gently. I occasionally glance at him to see if his face shrinks with pain at certain places. It isn't long until I'm finished with his arms, leaving a satisfied smile on his face. Now on to his-I swallow hard-his legs. It was making me nervous to sit between his legs and look at him at a certain perspective. I swallow again.
"Do you think you could roll on your stomach?" I ask. Without replying he rolled over, without knowing he was making it much more comfortable for me to complete my task. While rubbing the pain from his legs, there's a muffled hum coming from him. I thought he was groaning from pain, until I listened more carefully. It was a soft melody he was humming, much like what a mother would do if her child was injured.
He was comforting himself. Whatever song it was, it was a lovely melody. I wish I could hear him sing it. Not only is his laugh something melodious, but he can do it on his own will. I reach up a little higher, to his thighs and he stops abruptly.
"No?" I ask.
"Just be careful." He noted. After which he continues humming. I have succumbed myself to the lull sound of his humming. It's entrancing; such sounds should have pretty words alongside of it. "Is my humming bothering you?" he asks, breaking me away from my thoughts. I shake my head, asking myself if I should ask him to sing it to me. I shake off the thought. He'll do it when he's ready.
"Aah! Aah! YAAAAH!" I stop abruptly, my hands a feel of moist stickiness. They were tainted with red blood.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention!" I quickly leave the bedroom to wash my hands. Feeling terrible that I hurt him when I promised him I wouldn't do such a thing. I curse myself, slamming a fist into the mirror, without breaking it thankfully. From the reflection, I see him limping into my room, looking for me.
"Seto?" he asks softly.
"I'm sorry, Jounouchi." I say.
"It doesn't matter. Just don't leave so quickly." I turn to face him. My serious look clashing with the soft forgiving one of Jounouchi. I sigh and open my arms to him. He limps in my direction and falls into my arms again. My embrace was a loving one. It was loving to me, but it could have been nothing to him but an apology.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So, is that where the small dog is hiding?" A silhouette stands above on a building near the Kaiba Mansion.
"That's where I read in the newspaper, sir."
"How do you suppose I get to him now? Do you think Kaiba knows what I did to him?"
"I doubt it sir. Not after what you taught him. I'm afraid that boy will never speak again, nor give you away." The silhouette chuckles.
"True. But once he retreats from the household, that's when I'll make my move! Keep a close eye on the Kaiba mansion."
"Yes, sir."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Neither Jounouchi nor I could go back to sleep early that morning. It was mid-morning when the both of us retreat to the library. I had more work to catch up on, while Jounouchi looked around the library. I watch him again, for the longest I can never take my eyes of him. He keeps pausing by the piano, passes it and stops by it again. His fingers ran across the keys and his curiosity arouses. I can tell he wonders what sounds will come from it. A few notes are sounded and he looks at me with panic.
"It's okay." I said. "You can play something." He smiles and takes a seat on the bench. The same thing he played was the same lullaby he was humming this morning. It was more gorgeous when he was playing it. I could actually feel the comfort flowing from it. Mokuba waltz in the room, curious from the music. Jounouchi gestures him to sit beside him. My book drop in surprise as I see him opening his mouth. My moment has come, he was about to sing to Mokuba!
Heart will do you good
Courage will also help me
Please don't stop me now that I'm here
My arms are opened wide
Time to heal, heal like a remedy
The love you seek is near
Take one step at a time
When you step the stairs of recovery
Let this feeling last
Never looking back to the past
He froze. His hands frozen on the keys as if he was lost. Mokuba looked at me with confusion. Before I spoke up the phone beside me rang.
"Hello?" It was Yugi. "I'm fine, how are you? Yeah, he's fine, he's doing much better. I don't think that'll hurt. He should enjoy it. Sure, okay. Bye." I remove myself from my seat and walk over to Jounouchi who is still frozen over the piano. "Jou? Yugi wants to come over with his friends and pay you a visit."
His eyes brightened but he didn't move. Something was troubling him, something I couldn't pick up right away. I motioned Mokuba to go into another room. I followed him and left Jounouchi to his own thoughts.
"What's wrong with him big brother?" Mokuba asked.
"I don't know. Maybe he just needs to be left alone." I met Yugi, his Yami, Ryou and his Yami, Honda and Anzu and invited them inside. They all sat around in the main room in silence. Not knowing what to expect, not knowing what to see. "It's not that bad. But I have to warn you, he's still a little uncomfortable with speaking." I told them. "See for yourself." Jounouchi made his entrance into the main room with a large smile on his face.
"Jounouchi!" Yugi squealed excitedly. "You look excellent!" Jounouchi grinned bashfully and invited Yugi for a hug. Unknowingly, Yugi hugged and squeezed tightly. I reach out protectively, but Jounouchi stops me, silently wincing. Although this went on for a while, the small hellos and interludes into conversation, something was still troubling Jounouchi. He seemed uncomfortable with so many people around.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, leaving the room. I wanted to chase after him but I figured this is something he needed to figure out on his own. What I didn't know, was Bakura followed him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jounouchi ran to the kitchen area away from the happy company. When behind closed doors, he panted softly and poured himself a glass of water. He drank in big gulps, nearly choking at the sight of Bakura suddenly in front of him.
"What's your problem?" Bakura asked. "Why are you so quiet? That's not you at all!" Bakura approached Jounouchi, so closely he pushed him against the wall. Jounouchi trembled against the wall in fear, perspiration dropping down his face.
"Am I scaring you?" Bakura asked again. "If I'm scaring you, then let me know." Bakura reached up and brushed the damp bangs away from the fearful brown eyes. "Why won't you say something? Speak boy!" Jounouchi remained silent, only shaking more under Bakura. He begins to cower, trying desperately to hold a whimper inside.
"Say something!" Bakura's hand travels to a thicker section of Jounouchi's blond hair and he pulls at it. "If this hurts you, tell me!" Jounouchi drops the glass he was holding making it shatter on the marble floor. Bakura pulls harder, bringing Jounouchi's head close it his. "TELL ME!" Jounouchi's eyes become moist and tears blind his vision.
"Why are you making me do this to you? Tell me to stop! Say something!" With his other hand, Bakura grabs his cheek and pinches it. "I know this hurts! Tell me it hurts!" Jounouchi stops refusing to let his tears flow, and even let's a small sob escape. Bakura snags his hair, throwing his head back, making a sharp thud on the wall. "I'm smaller than you! And you're still letting this go on! Fight back! SCREAM FOR HELP!" More muffled sobs are heard from Jounouchi, Bakura clutches his fists. "And I thought my hikari was weak. Look at you! Limp as a noodle and won't even fight back."
On the other side, Mokuba walked passed the kitchen and heard Bakura yelling with a few sobs from Jounouchi.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"BIG BROTHER!"
Mokuba holds me from behind, from the sound of his voice he was near to tears. I kneel beside him and look him in the eye.
"What's the matter, Mokuba?"
"Jounouchi! He's getting attacked!" My anger rises. I was sure that he was safe in my own house. Who would have the nerve, the stomach to attack him with me nearby?
"Who's doing it? Where is he?" I ask.
"In the kitchen!" Meanwhile, Ryou just now notices that Bakura is missing. When running towards the kitchen, Ryou is behind me, just as panicked as I am. I throw the doors opened to see Jounouchi cowering up against a wall with Bakura standing near him.
"Get away from him!" I scream. I rarely scream, but I have no time to think. Jounouchi is at my mercy and it upset me that Bakura would pull a stunt like this. I turn to Ryou. "Get out! All of you!" Maybe if this hadn't happen, everybody would have thought me to be rude but I'm more than sure Ryou would explain what happened.
"Come, Bakura. We'll discuss what happened when we get home." Just like that? A small slap on the wrist for Bakura. If I had a weapon on me, I would have done him in already. I edge my way to Jounouchi. But when he looks at me, he cut me deep from the glare he gave me.
"I had no idea." I mouthed. I understood that he was upset with me. He pushed me out the way and ran away. I could do nothing but stand and watch him disappear from me. I curse myself again. It's now at this point where I feel like giving up, but not until I get that sick feeling in my stomach again. Warning me that Jounouchi was in danger again. Upstairs, I follow where he went. Into the bathroom, I hear the water running but the door is locked.
"Jounouchi!"
"Leave me!" he responds.
"Come out now!" I pause. "Come out, please!"
"I DON'T WANT TO LIVE!" he screams. "I CAN'T LIVE LIKE THIS ANYMORE!"
"Listen to me before you, go." I say. Hopefully what I say to him will help him change his mind but I don't intend to stop him from taking his life. "Think of what you're leaving behind, Jou. A sister who loves you, your best friends and a caring father." I swallow the lump that's rising in my throat. "Me." There's a long pause before the water stops. "Jounouchi?" The door clicks and he opens the door. His face is weary from sorrow.
"You care about me?" he asks.
"Of course I do! I wouldn't have done so much to care for you because I do! I do Jounouchi!" The stinging of tears are there, but I refuse to let that show. "Right now, you don't know how much you mean to me." He casually walks past me, out of the room and into my bedroom. I follow him, watching him crawl on my bed and lay there.
"Come here." He says. "I want to tell you something." Without hesitation, I join him on the bed. He moves closer and lays his head on my lap.
"Why I don't want to live? Why should my life end now, Seto? Let me tell you what happened that first day of summer."
TBC
YA: I'm gonna get pummeled for that Cliffhanger! Please don't hurt me. I have to do homework, but another update is expected soon. Very soon, get your weapons ready! It will be revealed! The monster who abused Jounouchi!