Seth: Last chapter, I made the mistake of using his American name instead of his Japanese one which I originally started out with. Sorry about that, I will get to editing it and fixing my mistake. Also, I've learned the proper way of spelling his name. His Japanese name is actually spelled "Jyonouchi".

Forever Scarred

Chapter 05

"Are you sure?"

He was quieter than usual as he walked down with Mokuba, "Yes, I am." Stopping in front of his private office he took out his keys from his coat pocket "Let him sleep for a while. Besides, his friends are coming over later- he'd most likely want to be well-rested."

Mokuba smiled lightly, "Seto,"

Kaiba opened the door but turned to face him, "What is it Mokuba?" He asked, lost was the usual coldness and replaced with hesitant distance.

"It's nothing, just" He paused, he didn't want to anger his brother but, "You're being awfully considerate to Jyonouchi today. Does that mean you're starting to like him more?" He asked, hopeful.

Kaiba held back the urge to laugh, "Hardly. But it's been a few months; he needs to start getting his head and his life back together. He hasn't seen his friends since the incident at Domino High, it's about time he found enough sense to talk to them." He smiled softly and ruffled his brother's hair, "I'll see you later, Mokuba."

The raven-haired youth slung his backpack over his shoulder and smiled meekly, "Seto is there any way you could be home for dinner tonight? I know it's been hectic lately but you haven't been home for a while now and-"

He sighed warily and frowned, "I'll try to be here early." He stated, and the younger one nodded sadly. It was the same thing every morning, "I'll try," was the same response given everyday, Kaiba bit his lip as Mokuba turned, there was nothing he could do. He could run a million-dollar company, could hack into a password-protected computer system and could conquer the business world but couldn't make it home in time for dinner.

Shaking his head he closed the door behind him and blended with the cold quiet vibe his office emanated. Sitting at his desk he thought long and hard about this predicament before him. Apparently, allowing the mutt to stay in his house was a bigger problem than he thought. Kaiba frowned at his clumsy mistake. When Mokuba asked if Jyonouchi could stay with them, he outwardly refused the idea- though he had already agreed to the plan inwards.

But never had he once thought on how long the Mutt was to stay. It hadn't crossed his mind until last night. 'What was I thinking letting him stay here? I will be stuck with him forever if I don't think of something…' He frowned. The deal was he could stay until everything settled down…

But how would that happen? The blonde had nothing. "He has no money, no residence, not even decent clothing." He said distressingly. He propped his elbows on his desk, interlocking his fingers. As his chin rested upon his hands his lips straightened in a thin line. With eyes narrowed and his mind focused on his dilemma he pondered on a viable solution. "He has nowhere to go. Since his Father has been released on bail, he can't go home or to Yugi's. If he did, the man would just track him down and force him back." It was true. Kaiba had spoken with Yami a week previous after discovering the horrific truth that was the blonde's pitiful life.

He walked into the restaurant and glanced around until his eyes settled on the man sitting in the far corner. Approaching with a set mind and stoic expression he sat down across the serious other. "So, I trust Yugi has filled you in on the situation." He started off.

He nodded. "Jyonouchi has been through a terrible ordeal. It's hard to believe that it has been going on, when he's always cheerful and excited."

"It's called acting." He informed grimly.

He sighed mournfully, "I must say I'm rather shocked to hear you've taken him in. I admit I wasn't sure of your intentions but from how much calmer he sounds on the phone, I must thank you." He spoke sincerely.

Kaiba frowned, "I'm not here to obtain your gratitude Yami. I'm here about the situation Jyonouchi has gotten himself into. It seems things are a lot worse than expected."

The somber other quirked an eyebrow, "I don't quite understand."

His eyes narrowed, "His Father is a more anxious and possessive man than I first thought." He stated rather tentatively.

"How so?" He asked, curious and concerned.

Kaiba was silent for a moment, glancing around the room before continuing, "His Father is watching all of you closely." He paused. "He's watching Anzu, Honda, Yugi and you." He clarified further.

Yami took in this and folded his arms across his chest, "He's waiting for Jyonouchi to show up at the Game Shop or to one of the other's houses." He figured. Kaiba nodded. "His Father is in police custody at the moment, but-"

"Come on, Yami put it together. This man has no money, but he has plenty of contacts. Trust me, you have no clue what your friend lives with. His Father isn't rich- he isn't even smart but he has connections with lowlifes and men who make their money illegally." He cut in bitterly, "He can't afford to have Jyonouchi out of his clutches. There are things the Mutt has seen that could put Jyonouchi senior and a few others behind bars for life." He grimaced.

Yami was left speechless and surprised, "I can't- I don't know what to say." He mumbled guiltily.

Kaiba glowered, "And you're supposed to be his friend." He chided. Yami looked at him and glared. The brunette shrugged it off, "Not that it matters why you and the others ignored his situation. The fact is it's only gotten a lot worse with time. I'd rather not elaborate on his personal business though as it is only the story of a street dog's life." He said unremorsefully.

"Kaiba, don't disgrace him that way. He doesn't deserve your heartless insults." He scowled.

The brunette smirked though his eyes held no amusement, "Don't snap at me because you and your little friends didn't stop to help Jyonouchi out of the hole he'd fallen into." He countered, "Besides, there's nothing he can do but stay indoors. I am certain now, that Mr. Jyonouchi will be out on bail and waiting for his son to return home. I would suggest you tell your friends to be careful and don't talk to anyone." He warned, his tone dead serious.

Yami swallowed hard, "Are these people part of a gang or something?" He asked.

"I won't give you anymore details. Just tell the others and your Grandfather to be wary of any and all strangers."

He nodded, "I will. But I don't understand one thing; why did you risk coming here and speaking with me? Chances are if I'm being followed they now know where Jyonouchi is."

He shook his head, "Yami- they already know where he is. They know everything about him, and they'll probably learn everything there is to know about you and your friends. I'll say it one more time, you don't have any clue on what goes on at the Jyonouchi residence." He stated fatally.

He made his way to the bathroom yawning and stretching. He felt so tired, "I guess that's what happens when I stay up so late…" He muttered under his breath.

With a long stare at himself in the mirror and smiled softly, "At least I now got the privilege to stay up late. Sure Kaiba doesn't want me to leave the mansion but at least I get all the food and service I want. Bet ya hate me even more now huh dad?" He teased at no one ignoring the break in his voice. Standing up straighter and with a smile, "Yugi and the others are comin' today." He said excitedly.

He stared at the blank computer screen unable to focus on his work. There was just too much going through his head. The one thing that kept gnawing at him was Jyonouchi. What was he going to do with him? He wanted the loud-mouthed freeloading idiot out of his house but doing that would only send him back to his old life and that was something Kaiba didn't and couldn't do.

But, with the information he had about his Father and most likely his father's contacts, the chances of Mr. Jyonouchi backing off were slim to none. The only other alternative was for the weak little dog to stay with him in his well-guarded estate. He ran his hand down his face and sighed, if he did that though… They might get desperate and come after him. That meant before long, Mokuba might not be safe going to school anymore.

Not that he was afraid or felt threatened by these lowlife human beings. Still, people who are set on making sure their secrets are kept safe will do desperate things. Kaiba closed his eyes and shook his head, "Why did I get myself mixed up in his problems? I should've just left him at the school and never listened to Mokuba." He fumed but soon regretted. Because after all it was useless to deny he felt comfort knowing the blonde mutt was safe and sound.

He could ask why he let himself be tricked into inviting him to stay, why he caved in so easily and why he was wasting his days thinking about the welfare of the annoying, foolhardy teenaged mutt but the answer would come faster and louder than he ever wanted it to. Why? -Because he cared. Because Jyonouchi's life reminded him so much of his-Because, seeing him so ashamed and alone was like staring at him self. And all he wanted was to help Jyonouchi the way he wished someone would've helped him.

That's why he gave in and wasted no time getting the blonde settled in, why he felt the need to learn more about his life; about his pain and all he had to endure, because finally… Finally, there was someone out there he could talk to, someone he could relate to.

Kaiba swallowed hard, he was getting too soft and childish. Still, he couldn't discard the longing to read more, to experience the agony of being Katsuya Jyonouchi. He only wished someone could read just how agonizing it was for him when Gozaburo was still alive…