Chapter Four

Yami cursed to himself as the knock sounded on the door. He cursed at how many guests he was getting today. Standing he looked turned and looked at the other two.

"I'm going to go get that, and while I am gone you two had better behave. And Jou that mean's leaving my food alone. You mess with it, and I will kick your ass," he said giving Jou a glare, which the other boy just smiles back at. Shaking his head and making a mental note not to eat his food, he headed towards the door. Opening it he was surprised to see two police officers standing at his door.

"I am sorry to have bothered you sir, but we need your help. We are conducting a search for a missing boy and was wondering if you could give us any information," he said as he handed Yami a photo.

Looking down at the photo he felt his breath hitch. There looking at him was a sullen looking Yugi and another white-haired boy. He was about to answer the officer, when Jou came in the room behind him.

"Yami what is taking you so long? Eating in there all by myself is pretty lonely," the blond said giving Yami a smile. But Yami could see the hint and warning in his eyes and knew that something was up. Turning back to the officers, he handed the photo back.

"I wish I could help you, but I have not seen either of those boys before. But if I do I will call the police right away. If you don't mind me asking, why are you after him?"

"He is an escaped patient for a mental hospital. His family called the police and alerted us. Please if you have any information please call us and let us know," he said before turning and leaving both boys standing there in shock. Shutting the door Yami turned to Jou and waited.

"The kid bolted when he heard the police at the door. Told me to tell you sorry, then bolted out the back door, and down the fire escape before I could react," Jou said.

"Damn, we have to find him. That kid is in no shape to be out there by himself, and I want some answers from him," Yami said as he grabbed his coat and followed the path Yugi had taken.

The two officers got back in their car and the first one picked up his cell phone and dialed a number. After hearing a click on the other line he said, " The chicken has flown the coup," before the line went dead once again.

Yugi ran the alleyways, trying to get as far away from the police as he could. He could not believe that they had found him, but he knew he would not go back. Not this time. He never did notice the glass on the streets or the rocks that cut into his feet. He just knew he had to run and he had to hide. That is why he wanted to die, he didn't want to go back to the life of false love. To a life where he was made to believe he was loved and only to have his heart broken time and time again. But he knew that it would be only a matter of days before he was back to believing the lies. He always did.

Finally unable to run any longer, he found a small corner to rest in and sat down. Pulling his knees to his chest, he buried his head in his arms and let the tears fall. He felt horrible for running out on Yami and Jou with out an explanation, but he could not stay there. He knew the people that came were not real police, but the hired goons of the person who broke his sprit and soul.

He was lost in his thoughts and never knew anyone was there until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He jumped and let out a scream, and tried to get away.

"Yugi, its me. Calm down," Yami said grabbing the other boy to stop him from running.

He stopped in his tracks and turned to see the other boy standing behind him, giving him a warm smile. He backed away again, wanting to run. He didn't want to involve his new friend in his problems. He turned to run, but was stopped once again as strong arms grabbed him.

"Yugi, wait. I am not here to harm you. I want to help. Please stop," Yami said holding him in his arms.

"You can't help. If you do, you might end up hurt. He won't stop till I am back. Don't you see why I had to die? Don't you? I had to get away from him, now he knows where I am. Please just let me go, please," Yugi cried trying to get free.

"Yugi, what are you talking about? No one is going to hurt you. If it's the cops your worried about, we told them we didn't know anything and they left. Your are safe. I told you, you might stay here at my home for as long as you want. Now please come back with me," he said holding out his hand.

Yugi looked at him and then back to the outstretch hand. Can I trust him? Do I want to trust anyone else again?

He was about to answer when his eyes widen in fear at the two black figures walking behind Yami. Yami turned and looked behind him and he saw the two cops from earlier. Pushing Yugi behind him, he glared at the two men.

"What do you want? He is not going anywhere until I have some answers," Yami growled.

" I am afraid that will not be possible. The master wants him back, and he always gets what he wants," the first officer said.

Yugi backed away from both men and Yami and was about to bolt when a hand grabbed him from behind to stop his running. He was about to scream in fear once again when the voice said, "I do not think he wants to go with you. If I was you I would go back to whoever your boss is and let him know that Yugi is not ready to come home just yet."

Yami smiled as he heard Joey's voice, and then his eyes grew cold as he started the two men down. Finally giving up, and backing down after that look both men turned and left but not before saying, "You know it will be worse for you, when you get home. You know he does not like to be kept waiting."

Yugi whimpered in fear at their words before looking at Yami and Joey both.

"Thank you for your help. But now you both are involved and I did not want that. Please just let me go with them, and everyone will be fine," he said as tears began to fill his eyes.

'Yugi, I do not know what is going on here, but I told you the day that I found you, that you can stay here as long as you want. I am not the type of person to sit by and let someone get hurt over and over again. And by the looks of things some serious is going on. So until I know for sure you will be safe, you can stay at my place. Now come on, lets get back home and plan our day," Yami said as he whipped the tears of his face.

Joey smiled and placed his hand once again on the smaller boys shoulder and the three of them made their way back to the apartment.