When We Were Friends

Realizations

Dreams.

I have never really understood dreams. For years they have haunted me both while I am asleep and awake. I dream of pain and sorrow from my past that never seems to go away.

It hasn't always been like this. I used to dream of better things, like my parents still being alive. I dreamt of Mokuba's happiness and safety. Then it all came crashing down.

That night in the hospital was the start of all my nightmares. The same nightmares that strike fear into my heart, even today. It all started because of my damn guilty conscience.

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I was standing in the middle of a huge, dark room. I could see streaks of moonlight coming from the windows. I looked around the room. I was alone.

That's when I heard the cries for help.

"Help me Seto!" Mokuba! I had to help Mokuba. "No! Leave me alone. Save me Seto! Come help me.please" The cries for help started to die out.

I listened to where the cries for help were coming from, but I couldn't tell. Mokuba's cries were coming from all directions. I didn't know what to do.

I searched for any sign of a door, but there was none. I looked to the windows for a way out, but the were gone too. It was now completely dark. That's when the cries came back, but this time he was yelling at me.

"Seto! Why didn't you come save me? Don't you care about what happens to me?" I couldn't see him but I could feel the hurt in all of those words.

"Yes Mokuba. I would do anything for you." I looked around for Mokuba, but he was no where in sight. Plus it didn't help that I could see my hand 5 inches from my face either.

"Then why didn't you come help me? You promised to always be there for me. Why weren't you there for me? Why, Seto? Why?" Mokuba's voice faded out.

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Beep. Beep. Beep.

I was brought back to reality by that the horrible beeping sound. Well, that and the voices around Joey's bed.

"Well Mr. Wheeler," it was the same nurse from last night. "I think he is going to be ok. He had lots of cuts and bruises all over his body."

I didn't move. I didn't want them to know I was awake. If they saw that I had woken up. I wouldn't be able to listen to the privet conversation now would I.

"Was there any sign as to what cause all of it?" That most have been Joey's dad. He most have been too drunk to come last night. Men like him make me sick.

"None that I know of. And sir. There were also signs of.um.rape sir." Oh my god. No! Joey was raped? How could this have happened?

"Oh my god." Ok, maybe it was just me, or he didn't seem all that surprised. He did have the nurse convinced though.

"I know this must be horrible to hear. Would you like a moment alone with your son?" Any father in their right mind would want a whole lot more than I moment. The boy was just raped and you really have to ask?

"No." Well, I guess maybe you do. Or, maybe he just isn't in his right mind.

Then I heard the nurse and Joey's dad leave the room. I waited for a second to make sure they weren't coming right back before I looked over at Joey.

Joey looked so scared for some reason. Almost like he was having a nightmare, but not in the same way. I got up and glanced at his face again. Joey was awake.

"About time you got up." Joey voice was horse, really horse. He blinked at me a few times, then I blinked. We were both pretending to be asleep so that we could listen to their conversation.

"How are you feeling?" I asked. He looked better than he had last night, but he wasn't exactly awake last night either.

"I've been better I guess." Joey closed his eyes. I could tell he was tired. Anyone would be after what he went through.

"What happened to you?" I didn't want to beat around to bush. I wanted some answers. That sounded really selfish of me I know. But it was true.

"Well, the last time I saw you was before your chess match. Who is that guy anyways? You've never told me."

I thought back. It was hard to believe the chess match was only yesterday. It felt like weeks had gone by with everything that had happened. "That was Gonzaburo Kaiba." I didn't really want to tell Joey anymore. Not while he's in bad shape and all.

"Kaiba. Kaiba. Where do I know that name?" Joey leaned his head back and thought for a moment. "Oh, yeah. My dad works for a Kaiba. Yeah, I hear he is a real jerk."

I knew that. Well, sort of. Gonzaburo had mentioned some things about Joey and his dad. I thought better than to bring that up know.

"Joey, why don't you get some sleep? You look tired. You can tell me the rest later." I needed some time to sort a few things out.

"Oh can I really." He replied with lots of sarcasm. Soon he fell asleep.

I walked back to my bed and sat down. Soon the door open, and I saw the person that could always put I smile on my face.

"Mokuba. What are you doing here?" I asked when he jumped up and hugged me. I felt so good to hug my little brother. It felt weird spending a night without him.

"Ms. Lux brought me. She is right outside the door talking to somebody." He pause. His smile turned into the saddest face I had ever seen on him. "Why didn't you come for me?"

Why didn't I go home to Mokuba last night? I really didn't know. Maybe it was because I wanted to stay with Joey, but was that really a good enough reason not to protect my little brother?

"I needed to stay with Joey." There was more to it, but that's all I could tell him.

"I was really scared without you. I wanted you to protect me. I had a nightmare and you weren't there to make it all go away. Why Seto? Why?"

Why indeed. I shouldn't have stayed. I should have gone home to protect Mokuba. But no. I put someone else before him. Never again. Mokuba will always come first from now one. No matter what. Mokuba comes first.

A/N - Well that's another chapter. I am coming to the end of the story, and I hate to tell you, it's not exactly going to be happy. Don't worry. No one dies or anything. It just won't be happy.

Another note. I started up another story. Its called "Cabin Fever" Its another fic staring Joey and Kaiba. However, it's a yaoi for anyone here who likes that.

Anyways, till next chapter then.