Author's notes: ok, here's the next chapter.
Thank you so much for your reviews- you won't believe how much I appreciate them, and I know how much I sound like someone accepting an oscar, but I really do love your reviews.
To:
mandapandabug: thanks for your review!! and by dirty dancing I mean dancing with another person, like in "Dirty Dancing" - I'm really sorry I didn't reply in the 2nd chapter- it was because I didn't get your review until after I put up the chap!! I'm really sorry!!! - and umm.. Joey will "dance" for Kaiba after... after- you'll see... Yeah, it's like dirty dancing except without a partner
Tariki Rania: None of them are really too suspicious about it, though if they thought about it I'm sure they could figure it out.. they just don't think Joey would do that kind of thing though.
!#$%&()
Chapter 3 stalkers and hospitals
Prince stared at his friend, knowing that there was something different about the way Joey moved and talked.
He's happy about something, Prince thought. But what?
"Okay. Speak." Prince commanded, throwing himself into the seat opposite Joey.
"What?" Joey looked up, surprised.
"Something's happened." Prince said. "And I want to know what.
"Nothing's happened." Joey protested, not able to meet Prince's prying eyes. He walked over to the door. "I've got to go.
"Are you sure you don't want to take a night off?" Prince asked, concerned. "You've been working long hours for a while now Joey. You should take the night off and just relax. Go out, do something fun, hang out with your friends.
Joey shook his head. "I need the money. Besides, nothing bad can happen, right?
Prince just gave a small sigh, looking extremely doubtful, and looked away. Joey threw up his hands at the disappointed look on his friend's face. Whenever Prince did that, he always felt a deep sense of guilt.
"Fine, I'll take one night off, how's that?" Joey asked.
Prince grinned victoriously. "Good. Now go home and get some rest.
"Alright. Well, see you later." Joey exited Fire and Ice, and started to walk home. It was a cold night, and the blond pulled his jacket around him tighter, trying to stave off the chill that was determined to settle into his bones.
I wonder where Kaiba is, Joey thought, glancing up at the large mansion of the Kaiba family. I wonder if he's at home.
Glancing up at the top floor of the mansion, Joey could see that the lights were on in one room of the house, and one room only.
Maybe Kaiba's in there, Joey mused. He shook his head wildly, trying to get rid of the image of the brunette. I've got to get Kaiba out of my mind! He's taking over my life.
He sighed and picked up his pace, soon leaving the Kaiba mansion behind. All of a sudden, someone grabbed his shoulder and pulled him down an alley.
Joey struggled madly, and soon managed to free himself.
"What the fuck-" he started to yell, but the person wrapped his hand over his mouth, effectively muffling any attempts of speech.
What the fuck's happening? Joey wondered wildly, and he managed to twist around to see his attacker clearly.
His eyes widened in surprise. His attacker let go of his mouth, and took a step back.
Joey realised that the man had managed to pin him against the wall, cutting off any chance of escape.
"Saato? What the hell are you doing?" Joey gasped. He had instantly recognised the man as the first person he had slept with.
"You weren't at the bar." the man whispered. He was in his early thirties, with thick, black hair and the darkest eyes Joey had ever seen. "I've been looking for you.
Joey felt a shiver of fear run through his body. "Why were you looking for me?
"I wanted to see you again." he took a step forward.
Joey took in a shaky breath. "Look, Mr. Saato-
"Kenji." he interrupted. "Call me Kenji.
"Fine, look, Kenji, I'm not working tonight. I'm on tomorrow night, if you want to see me then, but-" he broke off as Kenji kissed with bruising force.
""I'll have you tonight, whether you like it or not." the older man hissed, shoving Joey against the wall.
The blond knew that there would be bruises on his lower back tomorrow. He also knew that Kenji was obviously not in his right mind- alcohol fumes reeked off the man's body.
Joey tried to shove Kenji off, but the older man was a lot stronger than he was, and held fast. Kenji held Joey's forearms in a vice like grip, not letting the blond move an inch.
I have to get away- but how? Joey wondered desperately. He's too strong for me! Kaiba- his mansion's so close- could I manage to get away?
Joey mustered all of his strength and kicked Kenji hard in the shins. The dark haired man cried out in pain, and glared venomously at the younger man.
"You little whore! You'll pay for that!" he growled.
Fear drowned all of Joey's senses as Kenji pulled out a long, thin knife, a murderous glint in his dark eyes.
"I'm going to get you good, boy." he whispered.
Joey backed away, until he couldn't get any farther away from his attacker. "Please- please don't." he begged, feeling tears gather in his eyes. "Don't- you'll regret it.
"Oh really?" Kenji laughed, and advanced slowly, grinning maniacally at Joey's fear. "Watch me.
Joey looked desperately for a way out but found none.
Oh god, he's going to kill me! Joey felt tears slide down his cheeks. He's going to kill me and leave me here to rot.
"Beg like the worthless mutt you are, Wheeler, and I might spare your pitiful life.
How does he know my name? Joey wondered, panic running through his veins as Kenji drew even closer.
Kenji laughed again. "Oh, I know more than you think, Wheeler. A lot more. Now, give me what I came here to get.
Kenji reached for Joey's pants. When he found no resistance, he gave a victorious grin, and started to swiftly unbutton them.
Joey waited until Kenji stashed his knife away before kicking him hard in the groin.
Kenji groaned in pain, beads of sweat forming on his face, and before Joey could stop him, the older man grabbed his knife and stuck it through his shoulder.
Kenji pulled his knife free, ignoring Joey was clutched his heavily bleeding shoulder, in obvious pain, and stabbed him again, this time in the arm.
Joey thanked his lucky stars that Kenji had bad aim, and tried to think straight. He yelled out for help, hoping depserately that someone would be taking a walk.
Kenji slapped him hard across the face, successfully splitting Joey's lip and leaving a large, reddish purplish bruise on his cheek.
Joey staggered back, hitting the wall hard. He felt a wave of nausea roll through his body as he watched blood run down his chest and arm, staining his skin.
Please... please let someone find me... please let someone help me...
!#$%
Seto glared at the seemingly neverending pile of documents on his desk. He glanced outside at the darkening sky and stood up.
"I'm going for a walk." he announced to Mokuba, who was looking questioningly at him.
"Alright. But be quick, Seto." Mokuba said. "It looks like it's going to rain soon.
"Hn." Seto grunted and pulled on his trench coat, and made his way outside. It was a fine night, slightly chilly, but nice for a brisk walk.
Seto couldn't help but smile as he reached the place where he and Joey had kissed.
I wonder why the mutt kissed me back, the brunette wondered.
He quickly hid his smile, and walked briskly down the road. He was lost in his thoughts when he thought he heard a pained yell.
What in the name of God...? he wondered, picking up his pace. Did someone just yell for help?
Seto strained to hear anything else, but no other sounds drifted into his earshot. He shrugged, and slowed down. Seto was walking past an alley when he heard another cry of pain.
Seto only hesitated for a split second before running down the alley, his trench coat billowing behind him.
The sight before him caused all the breath in Seto to leave his lungs. It was his puppy being stabbed by a stranger!
"Joey!" he yelled, running over to the blond, who was leaning heavily on the wall, his honey brown eyes bleary and unfocused. "Leave him alone you fucking son of a bitch!" he shouted at the dark haired man, and grabbed the knife off the man while he was in a state of surprise.
Joey... Joey! Seto promptly ignored his puppy's attacker who ran off, and rushed over to the injured boy. Please let him be alright...
"Joey?" he asked, hoping that his puppy would be fine. "Joey- can you hear me?
The blond groaned, his head lolling from side to side. "S- Seto?
Am I hallucinating? Joey wondered in his dazed state of pain. Is that really Seto? Or is the pain getting to my head?
"It's me." Seto assured him. "Come on- I'm taking you to the hospital. Just hold on, alright?
He wrapped one arm carefully around Joey's waist, and the other arm around his knees and lifted him up. Seto ran down the street, hoping that his puppy wasn't seriously hurt.
He burst into the hospital and soon Joey was rushed off by several nurses to get help.
"Is he going to be alright?" Seto asked the doctor in charge anxiously.
"He should be fine. He's just dizzy from blood loss." the doctor assured him. He smiled kindly at Seto. "Is he your partner?
Seto stared at him, his mind buzzing furiously.
Wheeler.. my partner? he smiled inwardly. I wish. But if I say I'm his partner, then will I be able to see him?
"Yes." Seto lied, wishing that he was Joey's partner. "Is that a problem?
"No, of course not. You may see him soon, if you want. We just have to tend to him right now." the doctor disappeared into the hospital ward that Joey was in.
Seto paced the corridor nervously, wondering what to do. He could wait in the waiting room, or he could phone Yugi or the others.
He flipped open his mobile lid, and speed dialled Yugi's number. Seto changed his mind and swiftly hung up, and dialled his home number instead.
"Mokuba?
((Seto? Is that you? What's wrong?))
"I'm at the hospital-
((NANI?!?!)) Mokuba's panicked voice rung in Seto's ears. He winced and held the mobile away from his ear as Mokuba raved and ranted for a while.
"Mokuba!" Seto snapped.
Immediately his little brother settled down. ((Seto, are you alright?))
"I'm fine. It's Joey.
((Nani?! Is he alright? What happened?))
"He was attacked." Seto drew in a shaky breath. "He was stabbed.
Silence settled between the two brothers. Finally Mokuba broke the silence with a tiny sob.
((Is he going to be alright?)) he asked quietly.
"He'll be fine." Seto said confidently. "Joey will be absolutely fine. The doctor's just checking him right now, but he'll be fine. I'm staying here tonight, alright Mokuba?
((Alright. Tell Joey that I hope he gets better soon. Should I tell Yugi and the rest?))
"If you wish." Seto said reluctantly. He wanted to be the only one to be with Joey, and didn't want the others around, stealing his puppy away from him. "Maybe it would be better to do that after Joey wakes up.
((Sure thing. See you later Ôniisan!))
"Bye." Seto shut his mobile with a soft click, and settled down on a seat outside the ward Joey was in.
Approximately an hour had passed when the doctor came out. Seto instantly jumped to his feet and rushed over to him.
"Mr. Wheeler will be fine." the doctor said, smiling at the obvious relief on Seto's face, though the brunette tried his hardest to hide it. "He's still unconscious from the blood loss, but should wake up some time soon. You may stay with him if you like.
"Would it be alright if he's moved to a private room?
"It would cost more [1], sir.
"I'm willing to pay." Seto replied with hesitation.
The doctor peered more closely at him, and let out a soft gasp. "You're Seto Kaiba!
"Hn." Seto's brows shot together and downwards, forming a frown on his face. "And?
"Sorry, I didn't realise- Mr Wheeler will be moved immediately, sir." he rushed off to do Seto's bidding.
Soon Joey was moved into his own, private room. Seto sat down on a chair next to his bed. He gently stroked the bandage that covered Joey's shoulder, thanking God that his puppy was alive, and that the stranger hadn't stabbed a vital organ.
Joey stirred in his sleep, and his long, dark lashes fluttered for a few seconds, before opening fully. Confused honey brown eyes darted around the room, trying to piece together what had happened.
"Joey?" Seto leaned forward, his chair creaking as he sat on the very edge, leaning across the hospital bed. "You awake, pup?
Joey stared up at him, surprise, relief and confusion written on his face. "Kaiba? So I wasn't dreaming after all..." he whispered, his voice soft and slightly hoarse. "Did Kenji really attack me? What happened after I passed out?
"I took you to the hospital." Seto replied, reaching out and brushing a golden bang from his puppy's eyes. "You're going to be alright. I was so worried...
You were worried?" Joey asked incredulously.
Maybe Kaiba has emotions after all, Joey thought, laughing inwardly.
Seto glared at him, though it wasn't whole hearted. He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against Joey's, shutting his eyes briefly.
"Don't you ever do that to me again, mutt." he muttered. "I thought you were badly injured.
"It's just my arm and shoulder." Joey whispered back, slightly unnerved by their extremely close proximity. "Thank you.
Companiable silence settled over the pair, and after a while, Joey's breathing became even and relaxed. Seto realised that his puppy had fallen asleep, and slowly pulled away, unable to believe that Joey had come so close to dying- if Kenji had stabbed him just a couple of inches down...
Seto shook his head. It wouldn't do to think about it. Suddenly his mobile rang. With a frown, Seto answered it, wondering who was phoning him at this time- no one at his office was idiotic enough to disturb Seto outside of office hours.
"Kaiba." he snapped.
((Mr. Kaiba, it's Mr. Yoshiro from-))
"I know where you're from." Seto said rudely. "What do you want?
((We need you at the office now- there's been a slight glitch with your program and-))
"Can't this wait?" Seto asked impatiently.
Trust the Tokyo office to interrupt me now of all times, Seto thought, unconsciously clenching his fist tigter and tighter.
((I'm afraid not, sir. This really is urgent.))
Seto let out a groan of frustration before giving his affirmative. He pocketed his mobile, and glanced one more time at Joey's sleeping face before leaving.
Today's been... exciting... Seto thought, somewhat sarcastically. Tomorrow everything will be back to normal, he promised himself. As soon as the mutt gets out of hospital.
He caught sight of the doctor who had taken care of Joey and beckoned to him.
"Will you give my regards to Mr. Wheeler?
"Your partner?
Seto blinked at him, before remembering his lie, and nodded. "Yes, my partner. Oh, and give him this." he handed the doctor his mobile.
The doctor nodded and rushed off to do the CEO's bidding, looking a tad confused.
!#$%&
Joey woke up to the sound of Fur Elise.
What the fuck? was the first thought that flitted through his mind. Where is that sound coming from?
He glanced to his left and saw a vibrating mobile sitting on top of his bedside table.
What? Ok- I definitely did not own one of those last time I checked, Joey thought, staring in surprise at the slim blue cellphone.
He hesitated before flipping open the lid.
I'm sure that whoever owns it will want to know who phoned them, Joey thought reasonably. Besides, it might be the owner calling, wanting to know where their mobile is.
"Hello?" he asked, half shyly.
((Good, you're awake pup.)) Seto's mocking voice floated through the line.
"Kaiba?" Joey asked incredulously. "Is this your mobile?
((Of course. Well, I had to communicate with you somehow. How are you feeling?))
Was it just Joey's imagination, or was there was a hint of concern in Seto's voice?
The drugs must be acting up [2], Joey thought.
"Better." Joey replied. "Where did you go?
Why did you kiss me? Joey really wanted to ask. He still couldn't figure out why the brunette had done what he had.
((Business meeting.)) Seto replied. There was a small pause, then Seto asked ((When are you going to be let out?))
"I don't know. I haven't seen the doctor yet.
((He didn't give the mobile to you?)) Seto asked, confusion in his voice.
"No- I just woke up and found it on the bedside table.
((Awww... did I wake my poor puppy up?)) Seto asked sarcastically.
Joey could practically see the smirk on Seto's face. He ground his teeth together.
"Shut it Kaiba." Joey muttered.
((Well, anyway, when you get out, come around to the mansion.))
Surprised silence fell. Joey wasn't sure how to respond to that.
Is Kaiba worried about me?
((Mokuba wants to know how you are. He was worried.)) Seto said by way of explanation.
Joey felt tears of disappointment rise. Maybe wanting Kaiba to have a heart is too much to ask for.
((Well, I have to go.)) Seto said abruptly. ((See you soon.))
Joey waited for Seto to hang up, but the brunette didn't. Minutes ticked by, until Seto broke the silence.
((Are you going to hang up or not?)) he snapped.
"You first." Joey grinned.
((I am your superior mutt, so therefore I command you to go first.))
Yep, that bastard is definitely wearing that I-am-so-much-better-than-you smirk, Joey thought.
"Why should I?
((Because you're wasting my money.))
Joey snorted. "You've got way too much already. It would do you good to lose some.
((Whatever. I don't have time for this.)) another pause stretched out, then Seto muttered ((get better soon, puppy)) and hung up.
Joey stared at the phone in surprise.
Kaiba's mood is as predictable as the weather, he thought.
He snapped the mobile shut, and looked around his personal ward. Ok... how do I get out of here? he wondered.
As if someone was reading his thoughts, a nurse walked in.
"Mr Wheeler." her crisp voice condradicted her round and rosy appearance. "You're awake.
Well talk about stating the obvious, Joey thought.
"Yes." he replied, not sure what else to say.
"Your clothes are over there." she pointed to a pair of clean pants and shirt. "Your partner left them for you.
My partner? Joey wondered. He however, didn't say anything.
"Thank you." Joey said politely. "May I leave?
"There's a few forms for you to sign, then you may leave." the nurse replied before walking out of the room.
Joey got dressed, filled out the forms, and left. His body still ached from yesterday's attack, and he wondered how much time had passed since he had last woken up.
The last he could remember it was Friday evening, almost 8pm, but how much time had passed?
Joey checked the time on Seto's mobile, and gave a tiny gasp of surprise.
Noon?? Saturday, noon??! It's later than I thought- I wonder what I can do now, Joey thought. His shoulder twinged, and the blond grimaced. I guess the best thing to do would be to go back to my apartment and sleep. Then I'll go to Kaiba's mansion.
Joey returned to his apartment, and collapsed onto the sofa, clutching his shoulder which was starting to ache again.
I guess the painkillers or whatever they gave me have stopped working, Joey thought groggily. His thoughts were starting to blend together, and he couldn't form a coherent thought or word. Soon he was fast asleep.
[1] - not sure if it does or not, I'm just making it up. So sue me! (please don't)
[2] - No, Joey doesn't take drugs- it's the morphine and stuff that doctors give you that I'm talking about.
!#$%&()
Author's notes: Well?? How was that?? Kaiba was a OOC in the hospital, but imagine how you would feel if someone close to you was hurt. I hope I haven't made him too soft. I'm not sure why but many of my speech thingies have disappeared, so I'm really sorry about that.
Ok- next chapter is.. um.. let me see some dancing, and er- haven't decided the rest. Oh yeah, and Kenji makes another appearance.