Here we go again. Thanks for the reviews. all the best for you who write comments. Please don't stop. They are helping me. And they motivate:)

Although Kaiba couldn't eat much for breakfast he felt better after it. The agreement made a lot of things easier even it was still awkward. Kaiba was astonished by himself. He accepted being weaker than normal without many regrets. Maybe this little break was a refreshing of his old powers he thought. Comparable to a short vacation for his restless mind. And Joey was just a fellow traveller he met. After their journey they wouldn't see again. Kaiba liked this idea and told Joey about it. Joey who was sitting on the floor started to laugh "I am your fellow traveller? Better a male nurse you hired temporary. Nevertheless it reminds me to old fashioned books."

"You can read?" Kaiba asked in played confusion "I asked for a stupid companion who wouldn't' bother me. I have to complain!"

"Well, I lied in my application. I am a skilled student at the Western University for progressive left hand writing", Joey replied while lifting his right hand and started squinting.

"Oh, I think you lied about your lie", Kaiba laughed.

"Never trust a lefty", Joey smiled and with his left he threw the peel of the banana Kaiba had for breakfast into his face. Kaiba didn't hesitate and threw it back to Joey. The peel landed on his head and he looked like being decorated with a yellow octopus. Finally Joey stood up to bring the tablet back into the kitchen. "You should call Mokuba. I am sure he will be happy to hear from you."

When Kaiba was alone he thought about Mokuba. What should he say? The truth was not possible. But pretending to be seriously ill wasn't fair. Mokuba was such a caring little person. He would be scarred and he has done so much in the last days. Kaiba felt guilty. He would not be honest to his brother. And he was leaving him alone. But Kaiba couldn't be with him right now. He felt too fragile and he doesn't want to upset Mokuba. This nightmare-scenario showed him that he needed some time on his own to sort things out. Well, Joey was with him but that was okay. Deep down inside him he was even glad not to be really alone. But now he had to make his call. He stepped out of the bed and walked to the cupboard. This time he avoided fast movements and he had no problems standing up. Inside the cupboard all clothes were folded up and a fresh smell was coming from them. He found his clothes and on top his mobile. He took it and sat on the bed. Dialling the number he decided that he wouldn't stay in this apartment if Mokuba was showing any sign of unnecessary confusion. But the talk with his little brother was surprisingly easy. His business partners were leaving the mansion and Mokuba was of course concerned about Kaiba. He could come home now but Kaiba told Mokuba that he has done such a great work and now he should enjoy a little rest. Caring for Kaiba wouldn't be a very nice reward and so it would be a better plan to meet when both of them were fit again. Mokuba sounded disappointed but not really sad or worried. Kaiba promised to call Mokuba and hung up. Relieved he sunk back into the pillows and fell asleep.

When he woke up again everything was silent. He was alone and the sun was shining through the window. How different the room was looking now. Last night darkness played tricks on his mind and the crying voice was all around. Kaiba shivered by the thought of it. Now it was obvious that it all has been a dream. This child was him. He knew for sure and it came to him in stress situations since a long time. His sickness made it worse and so he had this breakdown. Normally he awoke from this dream and everything was alright. But why was he dreaming of himself as a child? His alter ego was angry about something and accused him. Kaiba couldn't understand. All was fine in his life. Okay, he had his quarrels with Yugi and his company. But nothing to worry about. He would win. He knew. And there was Mokuba he had to protect. Sometimes he didn't get Mokuba's personality but he did all he could do. So what was wrong? His head started aching and Kaiba decided to find some painkillers. He stood up and walked through the floor into the kitchen. The mattress Joey was sleeping on stood in one corner. Joey wasn't there and so Kaiba opened some boards. In the end he found what he was searching for. He swallowed the pills and drank some water from the kitchen sink. Then he sat down at the table and stared out of the window. He noticed the sound of a shower and guessed Joey was in the bathroom. After a while he heard a door opening and Joey came into the kitchen. His hair was still wet and water drops were running down his neck and moistened his shirt. Kaiba observed the pattern which originated on Joey's shoulders. Joey smiled at him "Hey, you are awake. Did you call Mokuba? I saw your mobile."

"Yes, I did. He won't come over until I tell him so."

"Okay. You should were something warmer when you are running around."

"I just wanted some painkillers. I am going back to bed now."

"Wait. You seem to be fit enough to make it into the bathroom. Honestly you need a shower", Joey grinned and made a disgusted face.

Kaiba could image his smell of old sweat. The shirt he wore must have been soaked with it. Suddenly he felt dirty. "That's a good idea. I'll go and take a shower." Kaiba left the room but again he moved too fast and a short dizziness came over him. Joey took his arm.

"Well, maybe you should wait with it until tomorrow."

"No, I just have to watch my step. Don't worry. Now you told me I cannot tolerate my own smell."

"Oh, I didn't mean you are stinking. Your natural smell has just intensified the last days. Nothing to worry about."

Kaiba smelt the sweet scent of Joey's washed body and his own smell became overwhelming for his nose. "No, I want a shower. I watch my step and everything will be fine."

"Yes, of course and then you will slip on the wet floor and break your neck. No chance."

"I will be suffocated by my own."

"Aha. Interesting idea. In this case the only chance for you to survive is to let me go with you into the bathroom."

Kaiba stared into Joey's face. "I am old enough to wash myself."

"Oh, I hope so. I will be your personal pool attendant and not your hygiene inspector", Joey laughed. "Come on. The possibility that you will faint is given. And I don't want you to get hurt." Joey pushed Kaiba into the bathroom. Kaiba was irritated but he really wanted a shower. In the bathroom the tiles were still damped from the previous shower. "I will sit on the toilette lid and you can have a shower" Joey said and sat down. Kaiba looked around. Of course he had used the bathroom before but he felt nervous and the bathroom articles were very interesting now. He got angry about himself. Why was he nervous? He could take a shower with Joey in the same room. In his sports class he was taking showers with others all the time. Kaiba took off the shirt and the shorts. He glimpsed to Joey who was busy with reading the containing of a tooth paste. He opened the shower cabin and stepped into it. The floor was still wet and in one corner stood soap and shampoo. Kaiba was freezing and turned to the tap. It was wonderful. The water sprayed on his body and the smell of soap animated his spirits. He sighed and reached out for the shampoo but the slippery bottle fell from his hands. Suddenly the cabin door flung open and Joey stood next to Kaiba in the shower. "Are you okay?" he asked breathless. Kaiba was perplex and couldn't say a word. The water was pouring down on them. He wanted to say something but his brain had turned into a big hole. "I heard some noise and groaning", Joey said. He was now completely wet and his clothes were sticking on his body. Kaiba noticed very bony shoulders. "The shampoo bottle" was all he could answer. Joey flushed and picked up the bottle. "Here" he stammered and left the cabin. Kaiba didn't move. The only sound was the water falling on the floor. But then he heard Joey from outside "I am sorry. Do you think you need much longer? I am a bit wet now and would like to change clothes." This is so embarrassing, Kaiba thought when he heard the stifled laughter. The door opened again and a towel appeared. Kaiba took it and put it round his waist. He stepped out of the cabin and saw Joey standing in a puddle. They stared at each other. Joey still trying to suppress his outburst and Kaiba still shocked. But Kaiba couldn't stand Joey's funny face for too long. Both started laughing. What else could they do?