Seth: Thanks for all the info and insight into the name Jounouchi. Thanks Kodachi, for setting the record straight, and 'A Random Person' thank you for your comment, nobody has been hassling me but thank you for your kind comment. And thank you all for reading, I hope you continue to enjoy my story.

Forever Scarred

Chapter 08

----

Page 13

I hate everything… I hate my life, hate my dad, hate all of his friends, I… I can't stand the fact that I'm so alone that all my friends are helpless and can't help me because if they did they'd only be hurt physically and mentally… I'm tired of all the crap I have to be put through, being amusement and a pastime for my bastard of a father and his 'friends'… I hate it all, I'm sick of it all… I wish I could kill myself; unfortunately I'm too much of a wuss to even pull that off. God, I hate my life. I hate myself for being such a coward, for being me, for being born… I just want it all to end! Just all of it end!

----

-----

Jyonouchi walked in hesitantly and nervously. Mokuba had been there in the room when Honda blurted out the latest info about his father. He remember little as he had fallen into shock, seeing Anzu and Ryou trying to stop Yugi and Honda from saying anymore and noting that nothing had come from the young Kaiba's mouth. He wondered now if Mokuba didn't know, that maybe Kaiba had kept it a secret even from his brother. But he concluded at least to himself that Kaiba did not want to put fear and worry in Mokuba or the vulnerable blonde whom ran crying up the stairs…

And his mind then quickly moved onto Kaiba and last night. It was shocking, though at the moment a true welcomed blessing that he came up after him and comforted him. Comforted him; the one he insulted and taunted all the time, the one who was nothing more than gutter trash- not that Kaiba ever came out and called him trash, mostly a street dog or once in a while, a monkey. But he smiled calmly and felt better thanks to the brunette and his assuring words, his warm touch and gentle hugs. It was very peaceful and soothing and even more so as it came from someone whom always used to infuriate him.

He only wished he could relax a little more, trust in Kaiba's words because he knew that Kaiba meant each and every one. He knew the blue-eyed genius wouldn't give up even on him, it just wasn't his style, he believed that Kaiba wanted him safe after all he was the one who defended, who stood up against his father in the school some weeks ago. He was the one who spared him many nights of disgusting torture and offered him a place of luxury and peace- even if he still found time to tease him with making him do house chores and sending him dog biscuits and bedding of the like. The blonde grinned at the thought, Kaiba was Kaiba and nothing could change that…

But he was starting to question, which exactly was Kaiba? Someone who was always so serious and cutthroat, someone who played jokes on those he deemed not up to his caliber and rank, or a person who helped out his inferiors-saved them and vowed to protect them… Who was Kaiba really? He smiled; Kaiba was a jack-of-all-trades when it came to emotion.

He smiled warmly at Mokuba, whom sat across from him. "You're not going to school today?" He asked, and soon noticed the grim look on the other's face. "What's wrong? Are you not feeling okay?" He asked, truly concerned and troubled.

The hazel-eyed teen stared up at him and thought of the talk he had with his older brother some time after Jyonouchi had run up to his room.

"Mokuba, Jyonouchi is upset about his father so I want you to not bring it up. Don't say anything about it unless he asks about it all right?"

"Seto, is it okay if I don't go to school tomorrow and be here in case something happens?"

"I think Jyonouchi will be okay by himself, in fact a little alone-time might be what he wants right now."

"Seto, I know you don't believe that. Please, I'm sure the last thing he needs right now is to be alone. Remember when Gozaburo was here and-"

"That's enough Mokuba."

Mokuba shook his head and smiled, "I'm fine, Jyonouchi. I was just thinking how boring it must get by yourself when Seto goes to work and I leave to school, so I talked my brother into letting me stay and spend the day with you." He explained.

Jyonouchi gulped and stared questionably at him, "Really?" He didn't trust it, he'd never call Mokuba a liar but the look of deep sadness on his face was something else…

He smiled and laughed, "Honestly, it was hard to get him to cave- he kept saying that you'd be fine by yourself and that the staff was here to keep you company…"

"Fine. You can stay home; I suppose you're right. Jyonouchi might need some real company other than the staff, so yes, you can stay home."

"Thank you, Seto!"

"My brother really cares about you Jyonouchi, he doesn't want you to be alone either. I could tell he wanted me to stay and be with you despite his reservations." He stated proudly and sincerely.

Jyonouchi smiled back, "Well, I'm glad you're here Mokuba- it does get boring around here when you're gone." He admitted with a wink. "So, Kaiba has already left for work?" He asked reaching for a slice of toast.

"Yeah, he said he had a meeting to get to, he said it was very important. He said he'd probably go to school for a while and then come home right after that, so" Mokuba smiled, "he'll be here very early- way before dinner."

Jyonouchi smiled, this was the Mokuba he liked to see. A smile so warm and innocent, he very much loved it rather than the disappointed lonely frown that often came when Kaiba was very late or too much in a rush to notice him. It was good to see him smile, a great kid like Mokuba didn't deserve to be hit with pain and loneliness. And he knew that the older Kaiba hated it just as much, he knew the brunette must hate neglecting Mokuba, it was just like how he neglected Serenity. But it was that or have her in danger's path, which was definitely worse.

Jyonouchi shook off the grim shadow which was his life and focused on the one in front of him, "So let's play some games after we eat, 'kay."

He nodded, "Yeah, let's play so I can beat you at all of them again." He teased with a playful smirk.

'Oh that Kaiba charm, you hafta love it…'

He barely heard the bell ring for the final class of the day. He blinked and stood from his seat and made his way out the classroom door. As he walked down the bustling hallway, filled with kids hurrying along to get away from the school, his mind kept trailing off into everything he had learned just that morning.

He opened his locker still in a distant world, his movements all done instinctively and subconsciously as he inwardly pondered and fought on what to do. So lost in his 'debate' with himself that he didn't even notice two people calling his name.

As he closed the locker and turned around, he finally came to and saw them. He glared and became very annoyed with their presence right away, "I don't have time to talk to you, so just get away from me- and stay from Jyonouchi while you're at it." He warned and pushed passed both Yugi and Honda.

"Wait, Kaiba." He frowned, he didn't have time to waste with them, and he didn't want to for that manner.

"No. I don't have anything to say to you two because quite frankly, if you two thought it was a good idea to shatter the peace and calmness Jyonouchi had finally found by announcing his Father's release then you two are too stupid to even understand a thing I'd have to say." He fumed and began walking off again.

Yugi ran up and in front of him, "How's he doing?" He asked anxious and truly bothered.

"Shaky, thanks to you." He answered and pushed passed him once more, "Now go home and leave Jyonouchi alone. He's better off without you." He informed and soon exited the school doors.

Tears fell lightly from Yugi's eyes as Honda frowned and looked away from the retreating form. Anzu and Ryou ran up and asked their held-on questions. Yugi shook his head and all four became silent; lamenting on their friend's strife.

Kaiba walked out and headed for his awaiting limousine, yet as the driver stepped out and headed towards him- to open his door for him- a chill ran down his spine. His eyes narrowed. As the chauffeur opened the door, Kaiba noticed two men in business suits sitting inside. As he backed up, the driver moved behind him, and suddenly there was something poking his back. "Get in the car, Mr. Kaiba." The man ordered and Kaiba inwardly kicked himself. With no other choice he got in and the driver shut the door and quickly hid his gun back into his coat.

"Wait, excuse me!" The driver growled as a teen-aged girl ran up to him, "Please, I need to speak to Kaiba." She begged.

"Sorry, but Mr. Kaiba is in a hurry." He replied coolly.

She frowned and turned to the tinted window, but she couldn't see anything. She banged on it, "Kaiba please I need to talk to you." She pleaded tapping some more.

The man grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back, "Don't disturb him little girl. He doesn't want to talk to you, now beat it." He crudely interrupted.

"Hey, you're hurting me- let go!" The man pushed her to the ground and began walking to the driver's spot.

She rubbed her arm and stood as the limousine drove away. "Anzu!" Yugi called out, and she turned to see Yugi, Ryou and Honda running up to her. "What's wrong with your arm?" He asked.

She frowned grimly and stared down at the luxurious limo, "Kaiba's driver…" Her face fell to concern, "I was trying to talk to Kaiba but his driver just grabbed me and pushed me to the floor…" Anzu stared at her arm; there was something not right. Kaiba was normally snide and crude and yes after last night he'd be understandably upset but he still wouldn't allow any of his servants to act so aggressively. She frowned and stared down at her arm, "I've got a bad feeling all of a sudden." She said out loud and looked over at Yugi and the others, who were watching the fading limo move out of sight.