Chapter 19:
"Joey wasn't at school all week," Yami said, raking his right hand through Yugi's hair as the younger one laid serenely with his head in his boyfriend's lap. They lay under their favorite tree within the park despite the apparent chill in the late-autumn air. This past week had been quite uneventful as the pair settled back into the routine of their blooming relationship. Yugi's grandpa was beyond delighted to see Yami return, and luckily for them, he didn't ask questions about his sudden reappearance. Again, Yugi had to wonder just how much the old man truly knew about all of this and if he was simply playing the role of the oblivious elder a little too well.
Yugi hummed, partly in agreement and partly in response to the skilled fingers that began to gently massage his scalp. The sound enticed a happy grin from the Immortal who bent down to kiss his lover's forehead.
"I know. I tried to call him, but he didn't answer. We're so close to finishing our project, but if we don't meet soon, I'll have to finish it on my own." Yugi sighed and closed his eyes. "I hope he's okay. Even though he said he understood how I felt, he had this weird look on his face the when we parted ways last Sunday, like he was nervous about something." Yami frowned, but decided not to interrupt. He had still yet to inform Yugi about his suspicions about Joey and his connection to Tristan's murder, as he still had no proof. He had continued his vigil throughout the week and still come up empty-handed. There was no need to upset Yugi without reason, especially now that he had assured the youth that he trusted him.
"I'm just being paranoid, huh? Maybe he's just sick or something. I should drop by and check on him." Yugi suggested, causing Yami to pause his ministrations. "I could drop off his bio homework and see how he's doing." Yami's sudden hesitance provoked Yugi to open his eyes again, and he found Yami staring back at him with a guarded expression. "Yami?"
Yami allowed his hands to fall back to either side of him as he leaned back, and Yugi sat up in concern. "What's wrong?" Yami averted his eyes, and Yugi finally understood. He mustered up a small smile and took his boyfriend's hand tenderly in his own. "Yami...I thought you said you trusted me."
"I do, Little One, I do," Yami assured his partner, the old nickname sending a small pleasant shiver down Yugi's spine. Yami tightened his grip on the smaller hand within his own. "You say Joey has changed, and I trust your judgement. Just be-"
"-careful, I know, Yami." Yugi said sympathetically. "Trust me, Joey isn't the same person he was a few weeks ago. He's changed. He respects my feelings for you. You can relax."
Yami's eyes softened at the vulnerable expression on Yugi's face. The younger teen still suffered from the fear that Yami would disappear again, and any time he mentioned Joey, the slight panic and anxiety always externalized in his eyes. Yami brought Yugi's hand to his lips and pressed warm lips to his knuckles, attempting to soothe his unease.
"I trust you, Yugi," he said softly. He was rewarded with a bright, grateful grin and sparkling amethyst eyes.
"Thank you, Yami."
Yugi pulled his jacket tighter around him as he made his way up towards Joey's apartment just as the sun was beginning to dip behind the old buildings and run-down businesses along the street. His backpack, full of a week's worth of Joey's missed school work, bit into his shoulders, and he had to readjust it as the brick building finally came into view. He stopped just before reaching the stairs, looking around him a bit nervously. It was strangely quiet for a Saturday evening. Yugi was used to living on a busy street, as the game shop was strategically placed to attract lots of customers who were out and about. Though Joey's apartment was also located on a what one would assume was a busy expanse of road, Yugi could only hear the faint sounds of traffic a few streets over, rather obscene music pumping from someone's speakers in their apartment upstairs, and someone or something rummaging through the garbage in the alley behind the building. Yugi shuddered, remembering that not too long ago, that alley had been coated in blood.
He knew Yami wasn't happy about him being here alone despite reassuring him of his trust in Yugi's judgement. He didn't blame Yami's distress; this place definitely gave him the creeps even without the previous murder of his former schoolmate sitting in the back of his mind. Nonetheless, he strengthened his resolve and began his way up the rusting stairs as they creaked beneath his feet. Stop being nervous, he told himself firmly. Joey is your friend. He's different now. He's probably just been sick. The guidance counselor at their school was pleased that someone had stopped by to check on renowned bully Joseph Wheeler the day prior, and even more pleased when Yugi offered to drop off his schoolwork. She praised Yugi, and when the teen asked about Joey's whereabouts, she seemed concerned, informing Yugi that Joey's father had not called to update the school on why his son was absent all week. She, too, had called multiple times with no answer.
If Joey's admission about his abusive father was true-and Yugi had no reason to believe the strong-willed Joey would lie about something that would make him out to be a victim-then Yugi didn't wonder why he had not called to update the school about Joey's absence. He probably didn't know, and if he did, he probably didn't care. Yugi shuddered slightly. How terrible to live in this life without someone who cares about you, he thought idly. No wonder Joey was so rough around the edges. Had he ever known true kindness? As Yugi arrived before the scratched door of his friend's home, he decided that he would pour as much kindness and warmth into his friendship with Joey that he could.
He brought his fist to the door to knock, but was surprised as it creaked open with very little pressure. Yugi felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand at attention, his breath caught in his throat. He looked around him, finding no one. Turn around and go home, his subconscious screamed at him. Something was wrong. Joey could be in there! He could be hurt, he countered. With that final thought, he pushed the door open fully and stepped into the dark living room. The blinds on all the windows were drawn tightly, and like last time the room reeked of cigarettes. With the only light coming from the open door, Yugi slowly maneuvered around empty beer bottles and makeshift ashtrays towards Joey's bedroom.
"Hello?" he called out blindly. "Joey? Mr. Wheeler?" Nothing. This is insane, his subconscious urged. Go home now. Call the police! Yugi bit his lip so hard he almost drew blood. At least call Yami! Yugi stopped in the hallway, admitting that even that was a good idea. If something had happened to Joey, then the person responsible could still be here, and what could he do? He needed Yami. He turned around, ready to make his exit towards the nearest phone-
-and ran face first into none other than Joey himself.
"J-Joey?" Yugi released a shuddering breath. Joey was here. He was okay. "Where have you been?" The light from outside was dimming, and Joey's face seemed shrouded in murky darkness, blocking his eyes. Yugi shimmied the heavy backpack off his back and let it fall to the floor with a loud thunk. "Joey? Are you alright?" He was met with more unnerving silence, but he forced his panic down.
"Yugi," Joey finally said, his voice impassive and lacking in its usual goofy informality, "what are you doing here?" Yugi chose to ignore the odd undertones in Joey's voice and instead nervously scratched the back of his head.
"You've been absent all week. I brought your homework. Are you okay? Have you been sick?" Maybe illness would explain Joey's currently odd behavior. His face split into a slight smirk.
"How generous of you, Yugi." This time, Yugi couldn't deny that something was off about his friend. He was too calm and collected, his posture too rigid for the laid back and ungainly teen he had come to know.
"Have you been sick?" he repeated.
"On the contrary," Joey replied, the smirk deepening. "I've never felt more like myself."
"Where's your dad?" Yugi asked suspiciously, taking a slight step backwards. His eyes shifted to the open front door behind Joey. His only means of escape. Joey chuckled softly as if amused by a pleasant memory.
"He's preoccupied," he responded. At Yugi's narrowed eyes, he added, "It is Saturday night, after all. He's...out." Something about the way Joey said out did not sit well with Yugi. Again, he glanced at his only exit. Joey's gaze remained transfixed on the floor, his bangs blocking his eyes. Yugi hesitantly lifted his hand and reached for Joey's, ignoring the churning of his stomach. Joey flinched as he did so, but didn't pull back.
"Joey, what's going on? Something's...not right."
Yugi watched as an almost violent shiver ran across Joey's body. He went to pull back his hand from Joey's grasp, but the larger hand tightened around it painfully. A small cry escaped Yugi's mouth, but it died in his throat as Joey suddenly looked forward, his eyes strained but clear. It was as if it was taking every muscle in Joey's body to simply keep his head up and his eyes open. Yugi stopped resisting, instead focusing as Joey's voice shakily filled the room.
"Yug', listen to me. I dunno how long I can keep this up," Joey said breathlessly, as if in pain. He squeezed his eyes firmly, as if holding something back and grunted with the effort. "You need'a get out of here. Right. Now." There was a warning in his voice that made Yugi gasp, but he returned the squeeze to Joey's hand with determination.
"What's going on Joey?" Yugi asked evenly, lowering his voice. If Joey was in trouble, Yugi wanted to help him. "Is someone here?" A thought suddenly struck him. "Is it your dad?"
Joey shook his head furiously. "My dad is dead." The confession knocked the wind out of Yugi, and Joey took the opportunity to release Yugi's hand. "Please, Yug', I can't keep control much longer. Please!" At Yugi's hesitance, Joey growled. "Run!"
Yugi quickly darted out of the apartment, navigating around Joey as it seemed the last piece of his self-control withered away. He practically flew down the stairs, nearly tripping but regaining his balance instantly as Joey's plea rung in his ears. He didn't stop until his head finally caught up with his legs, and he realized he wasn't quite sure where he was. His lungs begged for mercy as he doubled over, his heart racing and his body attempting to swallow lungfuls of the cold evening air. The sun had finally set, and now only streetlamps gave him any indication of where he was. Only now did the severity of the situation hit him. Something was wrong with Joey. His father was dead. He needed help.
Yugi vaguely considered calling the police, but wondered what he could even report. Help, my friend kinda threatened me and kicked me out of his house. No, that wouldn't do. Joey hadn't technically hurt him, after all, and he had no proof of his father's demise, but Yugi knew something was seriously wrong. He looked back in the direction he had run, worry evident in his eyes. Joey had practically begged Yugi to stay away from him, but he couldn't forget the haunting look in his brown eyes. Joey was afraid of something-of someone-and seemed to be afraid of it hurting Yugi, too.
He needed Yami.
Forcing himself to calm down, he took in his surroundings. With difficulty, he was able to spot Yami's extravagant and well-lit apartment building peeking out behind others blocks away. With a bit of work, he could make his way to that part of the city, but it would take him time. He inwardly groaned. He had no cell phone, could see no payphone, and most businesses were closing up by now. He would have to make the journey alone. His decision made, he began a walk-run in the direction of Domino Heights, where Yami was.
He could already imagine Yami's response to Yugi's sudden visit. Gods knew how frazzled and disheveled he probably looked at the moment. He was already barely holding together as it was. The only thing preventing him from giving into a full-fledged panic attack right there in the middle of the sidewalk was the fact that his friend needed him, and hysterics would do neither of them any good. Yami sure wasn't going to be happy, though. Yugi would bet that it took everything in the Immortal not to follow him to Joey's house in the first place. For the first time, Yugi briefly wished that he had.
Almost there, he assured himself, still trying to quell the horror that sat like a stone in his stomach. A couple more blocks, and he would be there, wrapped in the safety of Yami's arms. Together, they would figure out how to help Joey. He was about to turn the final corner to the street that led to the flashy area of Domino Heights, when two hard arms pulled him off the ground and into their grasp. Yugi let out a breathless gasp but otherwise made no other sounds as a hand covered his mouth. His heart dropped as he was dragged back around the corner, away from his safe haven, away from Yami.
The reality of the situation finally caught up with him and his eyes widened with panic. He shouted, but the calloused hand easily muffled the sound. Yugi's eyes searched wildly for someone, anyone, to notice his situation, but there was no one but loud cars whizzing by him on the street. Memories of the last time someone forcing him away from Yami flooded his mind and his body shut down, hysteria finally taking over. He felt boneless as the person carried him further and further away from Yami, from anyone. Snap out of it! You are not a victim! Suddenly angered, Yugi gained his wits and bit down hard on the hand covering his mouth and nose. The person shouted more out of annoyance than pain, but it was just the gap Yugi needed to pull away from his captor. His body still had not quite caught up with his brain, and he stumbled back into the wall of whatever building he was being dragged behind. He looked up, only to almost lose it again as he was met with frustrated lilac eyes.
"Joey!" was all he could manage out, shock lacing his voice. "Your eyes!" Again, something about lilac eyes jostled something unpleasant in his mind, but his mind was too frayed to connect the dots.
"You're coming with me, little Yugi," Joey said in that same weird tone of voice, approaching Yugi slowly. Yugi opened his mouth to yell, but not for the first time, found himself entranced by those eyes.
He found himself obeying without question, body relaxing and mouth shutting with a click.