Forever Scarred

Chapter 04

"Nah, I'm fine really. Besides, I think Kaiba'd get pissed if he knew I invited you guys over without tellin' him first- he already thinks I'm a freeloader." He said in quiet humor.

"Are you sure, you're alright?" Yugi asked, his voice filled with concern.

The blonde smiled at his friend's apprehension, and he felt a tinge of guilt for keeping his best friend in the dark. It wasn't that he wasn't sure of his reaction because he knew Yugi and the others would be there supporting to no end… It was just, "Yeah, I swear everything is fine, I'm alright." He assured, the other sighed in response. It was just he was afraid of what they'd do if they got involved. He'd hate if his dad hurt any of them.

"Okay, but tomorrow I'm gonna come by and see you." He vowed.

Joey laughed a little, "I'll see you tomorrow then. Bye Yugi, tell everyone hi for me."

"You bet, bye Jounouchi."

Both hung up. He stared up at the clock on the wall across his bed, it was nearing eleven and Kaiba still hadn't come home. "I still don't understand how he can waste his whole day away at his job." He muttered with an exasperated sigh. It just seemed so much work and time misused. "He spends more time at work than he does home. How the heck do ya do that?" 'Maybe he really isn't at work, maybe he leaves and goes to clubs an' then comes home pretending he was at-' Joey stopped his train of thought, "Nah, He's too much of a downer to be able to party." He said with a shake of his head.

Sitting up from his bed he pondered on what to do. "Mokuba's in his room sleeping and Kaiba's maids and butlers are gettin' ready to go home." He narrowed his eyes, "So basically, I'm all alone in this giant mansion." He whined.

None of the help had left yet though, "I guess I'll go an' get a late-night snack before everyone leaves." Standing up from his bed he exited his room. He left his door open so he'd know where his room was. Hey, the house was massive and he still hadn't fully gotten used to his surroundings. So leaving the light on and his door open halfway, he made his way towards the stairs.

Page 5

So today I actually got a passing grade on my math test. Exciting is it not? Well I guess it could been worse- I could've gotten another failing grade. Not that it matters what I get now- I'm doomed for failure anyway.

I feel like an idiot, writing in this. Like a girl I mean come on, what guy writes in a journal complaining about some stupid school paper? Really, I'm pathetic…

Well, I did meet up with my friends, I was lucky my dad was away with his friends for the weekend. If only he'd stay away- that'd be even better. But at least later I'm gonna go with Yugi and them to the movies. Which is great since I haven't been to the movies in ages with school and havin to get here in a hurry afterwards…

Page 8

So like he's finally back I have no idea what's gonna happen when I get home from school. What if he's totally brutal or angrier than he is normally- you know like he hasn't beaten or yelled at me in three days so he's like gonna really give it to me hard. Well whatever it's gonna be worth it since I had the funnest time wit Yugi and Tristan.

Page 9

Oh God it's worse than ever… I've never seen him so mad before. He didn't even talk to me or scream or even hit me- he just stared at me and glared hatefully. It was scarier than any look he's ever given me. I am so worried- what if he plans on hurting me later on tonight? Is that what that look was about?

He walked into the silent mansion. Servants left for the night and his younger brother fast asleep in bed. Upon taking a first step up the stairway he stopped as a noise sounded from the hall to the left. Bringing his attention to the noise that was approaching he furrowed his brow and sighed.

There was only one person who'd be up now and making so much noise. "Mutt, you didn't have to stay up and wait for your master to return." He said as the figure stared up at him.

"Yeah right. Stay up for you? In your dreams, rich boy." He shot back pushing pass the brunette. Kaiba smirked and followed him up.

In quiet eminence the two walked, Joey nervously climbing each step and Kaiba right behind lost in his own little world. But the blonde was impatient and he just can't silence, so he decided to break to ice, "So, you're pretty late. Actually you're always so late why?"

"I do run a company you know." He replied coolly.

"Yeah but you're the only one who spends the whole entire day at his job. I know lots of business guys who only go in for a few hours and come back home."

Kaiba stopped his walking and in turn so did Joey, "First off, CEO of Kaiba Corporation isn't just some job. Secondly, those greedy, lazy no-business-sense businessmen you are referring to, are not me. I take my responsibilities seriously and I unlike them don't hand over my company to underlings and sneaky employees." He spoke bitterly.

Joey didn't say anything in response and a few seconds later Kaiba was pushing passed him. With a long sigh, the blonde went up after him. As soon as they reach the top of the stairs, Joey ran up and in front of the other, "Kaiba Yugi and the others are gonna come by and see me since you'll at work all day ya shouldn't mind right?"

Kaiba narrowed his grim blue eyes dangerously, "Whether I'm here or not- this is my home and what I say goes." He replied clearly and darkly, "If I say Yugi and the rest of the clan aren't allowed on my property then they cannot come into my home, understand?" He asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Joey growled, "Then maybe I shouldn't stay here either! Since it's obvious you don't want me here anyway!"

The annoyed brunette raised his eyebrow unfazed by the threat, "You're right, I don't want you here but tell me Mutt, where would you go? You can't go back home, you can't stay with Yugi or any of your little friends' houses. The only thing left is the street." He took a deep breath, "Then again, you are a dog- I'm sure the street would suit you perfectly." He said as an afterthought.

Joey clenched his fists, "What makes ya think you know everything about me huh? Maybe I will go stay with Yugi, he really wouldn't mind!" He shouted, though he knew he'd be sleeping on the streets before he went crawling to Yugi for help. He shouldn't have to impose on his friends and make their lives change to accommodate his needs.

Kaiba frowned his anger dying slightly, "You forget something important, mutt." Kaiba's hands fell down to his side. "Your father knows who your friends are, he knows their names and where they live. Running to them would only get them in trouble, I can't believe you didn't realize that." He spoke dourly. Joey stood there stunned. 'Kaiba's right as usual…' The brunette sighed softly and walked up to the unresponsive blonde. He was mere inches away from him, Joey looked at him unsure and sorrowful. "You have no choice but to stay and as I made a promise to Mokuba, I won't let you leave." He whispered. "As for your friends…"

The calm, ever kind brunette thought it over for a moment, "Fine. They can come see you- as long as they're out of here before I get home. I don't want them hanging around passed seven, understand?" Without waiting for response, he shoved Joey out of the way and headed down the hallway to the left.

Joey fell onto his bed and swallowed down the lump in his throat. He couldn't decide whether that was a good encounter or a bad one. "At least Yugi and everyone can come over tomorrow." He sighed, he was a bit nervous though. He hadn't spoken with them face to face since before the incident at school. Since then it's been on the phone, thinking on it now the pressure made his stomach flop upside-down. 'I wish I could find my journal...' He thought sadly.