Kano: Heh heh. Yes, you are not hallucinating. Two updates in one day. I think that makes up for nearly a month with nothing. Admittedly, it's short, but still. Okay..so maybe not.

- We are: Insincerity -

' It looks like I'am saving your ass. What are you doing here? '

Honda kicked the unconscious Jonas in the ribs. Sure, the guy looked tough, but one well-placed knock to the head and that was it.

' ..I live here. And you still haven't answered my question. '

The taller boy shrugged, a ripple running through his blue school jacket.

' I followed you here. '

Honda put up a hand in defense before Jounouchi could become angry.

' I just wanted to know where your bruises are coming from Jounouchi. I know you aren't telling me the truth. I thought you trusted me more then that? '

The blonde edged along the wall, farther away from Jonas and closer to the staircase.

The only question was..could he run faster then Honda?

' Lay off man. It's none of your business. I can take care of myself, okay? '

For a moment Honda looked angry. He gestured to the motionless Jonas.

' You call that taking care of yourself?! I saw it Jounouchi. He could have killed you.. he could have- '

Jounouchi nodded grimly.

' Yeah, I know Honda, I'am to young ta be doin' the things I do. I mean, this is me we're talking about. I'am not exactly the smartest guy around. Sweet fuck, I shouldn't even be allowed to go out alone. I might hurt myself. '

His tone was self-mocking, utterly without humor. Honda blinked in surprise, trying to remember when his slightly dense best friend had been replaced with this cynical clone.

' Jounouchi, you know that isn't what I meant..I'am worried about you, really. '

He reached out to Jounouchi, who suddenly seemed like a cornered animal, always keeping the same amount of distance between the two of them.

' Honda, will you just leave me alone! I don't need you looking out for me all the time, alright?! I'am sick of it! '

Jounouchi turned and began to walk upstairs, but Honda, with his longer legs, easily tackled him. They both landed hard on the steps. Jounouchi began struggling almost immediately, but when he saw that Honda wasn't going to be backing off anytime soon he stopped, contenting himself by glaring up at his best friend.

Honda glared right back.

' I'am not leaving until you tell me. '

There was a silence that seemed to stretch out past the apartment buildings, beyond Domino City. The whole of the earth had paused, waiting for the revelation.

Jounouchi sighed.

And then he began to speak.

**