**The stress has got me
I'm giving in**

Giving In

Jou groaned as he sat up and looked around, thinking, 'Where am I?' It was obvious he was outside. Images of last night came back to him suddenly and he groaned. As he remembered, Jou looked for his bag. He realized it had been under his head, used as a pillow.

He stood unsteadily and looked at his surroundings; he knew where he was. He was near the school. But where would he go now? What would he do?

He couldn't go to Yugi's house; that wouldn't be very kind of him. Sure, he hadn't been very kind lately anyway, but he would never do that to him. Yugi was too innocent. Jou had corrupted him enough already. He stood and thought. He could go to Honda's house ... But, that was so far away! It was twenty minutes in a car, it'd take five times longer to get there on foot! Jou sighed.

It was truly his only option. He picked up his bag and started down the road.

He walked about twenty minutes before realizing he should be hungry. Was it because of the cocaine? Why wasn't he dead? He thought he was truly going to die last night ... He shook his head gruffly, before focusing on his direction again. He could hear a car coming up slowly behind him. It slowed slower and slower until the passenger window was rolled down, and a sad voice could be heard from out of it.

"Jou? Jou, is that you?"

Jou turned to see Yugi yelling to him. Jou stopped walking and stared.

The car stopped, and Yugi hopped out of the car and ran towards Jou, slamming himself into the taller boy.

Jou nearly fell over from the force of the boy's hug but caught himself in time. Jou blushed from the affection, but returned the hug slightly. Yugi's face turned up to him suddenly, filled with tears.

Jou looked shocked. "Yug'?"

"Jou! I thought you were dead! I was watching the news this morning and it said your house caught on fire! ... I was so worried ..."

Jou squeezed Yugi tighter, saying, "Don't worry, I'm fine." He thought for a moment, then said carefully, "... Now what's this about a fire?"

"The reporter said a house on Domino Lane had caught fire. When they said it was your address I was so worried!" Jou sighed and hugged Yugi, reassuring him.

"Jou ... do you have a place to go now?"

Jou thought. Did he really want there to be a chance that Yugi could find out what he had done? But he really didn't have any other place to go. Jou shook his head reluctantly.

Yugi nodded, pulling away from Jou. "Then it's settled. You'll stay with us."

Jou sighed but nodded in agreement.

Yugi dragged him toward the car and they both got in.

Jou noticed the driver was Yami. Jou looked surprised. When had Yami gotten his driver's licence? Jou dropped the thought as Yugi got in next to Jou and latched onto his arm. Jou blushed again from the affection; he knew Yugi enjoyed touching but Jou wasn't used to it. The last time he recieved any true affection was from his sister, and that was almost eight years ago.

Yami started the car up and headed towars their house, willing himself to keep his eyes away from his friend and his light.

***

When they finally reached Yugi's house Yami quickly got out of the car, leaving two surprised teens inside. Jou blinked and suddenly realized why Yami had left so quickly. He let out a soft chuckle which confused the smaller of the two. Jou just shook his head and started to get out of the car and head for the door.

Once inside he realized all his friends were there as well; it was a good thing Yugi had picked him up. Honda was clearly sitting on the couch; Anzu and Ryou were also there. The three ran up to him immediately upon his entry and barraged him with questions. Jou put on a false smile, placing his hand behind his head in embarrasment.

"I'm okay guys, really!" Jou hoped stating this would get them off his back, but it only launched Anzu into one of her friendship speeches.

"Honestly, Jounouchi! We're only worried; that's what friends do!"

Jou sighed and said, "Yes ... you're right, Anzu. I'm kinda tired. Yug'?"

"Yes, Jou?"

"I'm suddenly very tired. Mind if I crash somewhere?"

"Oh! Of course, Jou. Follow me." Yugi walked towards the stairs of the gameshop, Jou following.

Their friend looked on as the two walked towards the bedrooms.

Honda looked at Ryou and Anzu, saying, "Do you think Jou knows about his dad yet?"

Anzu shook her head. "If he did, he'd be in a worse mood than he is right now. I mean, if I found out that my dad was hospitalized for severe burns, then I'd be worried."

Ryou nodded, still looking towards the stairs. "Indeed."

-_-_-_-

JI: *dun dun dun* So Jou's father isn't dead! *scary face* ^^;; Yes, short chapter, I know. But pleeeeease pleeeeeeeease review! ^_^ I'll get the next one up right away.

Betty: Yeah! Review! *dances* Also! Thanks to Blue Lagoon Loon, Dark Nation, Pat Thetic, and *blush* Megami no Shi! I can't believe you put GI on your favorites list! ^_^ Thanks so much everyone! Chapter four will be up soon!

JI: O_o