Seto woke up to the seldomn comfort of his desk. A rippling pain stabbed at his brain heavily. Great hangover he thought.

He hadn't the slightest clue when he could have possibly fallen asleep. A half skimmed, half read contract of binding words laid in a series of scattered pages across the surface of his desk. His laptop remained open revealing a firm and steady decline of a project proposal left unsent.

He sighed to himself, he wanted to drink and he had only just woken up.

The brunette picked up his phone to check the constant reminders, calls, messages and anything else that may have resembled importance on the hand held device. He glanced at the time displayed across the touchscreen.

7:23 A.M Ugh it's way too early for this. He thought.

There were a series of missed calls and messages from the previous night. 3 missed calls from Joey, 2 missed calls from Mokuba, 4 missed calls from his secretary and a few forgotten messages regarding work from Roland. Being needed was so nice first thing in the morning Seto scoffed to himself.

When did Mokuba even come home last night?

Mokuba was always out late, always doing something. He was still so young and yet, so reckless. Seto could have sworn his brother only had very few friends. They never talked like they used to, but at least he knew Mokuba was okay. The young Kaiba still checked in, he still called, that was worth something. He knew when to say no, and when something wasn't right.

He listened to the voicemail left behind, "Hey, its late. Just wanted to let you know I'm staying over. So, don't get worried, love you. Bye. " That was it, he would probably be here later on, maybe in the afternoon.

No voicemail from Joey. Looking at the call logs, Seto pondered what had possesed his boyfriend to call so late. He dialed the number in and waited.

Joey woke up to the loud ringing and buzzing coming from his pocket. he quickly fished it out and answered without giving anything a second thought. "Hello?" his voice was still thick with sleep, he sounded groggy to Kaiba's ears.

"You called?" Seto questioned. He was going to be careful with the words he chose. There is no good reason to call someone at 2 and 3 in the morning.

The blonde was trying to figure out where he was, and why he was freezing. The sun is out, but there is such a fierce breeze whipping by. He shook his whole body for a moment, in a shuddering motion. It was Seto on the other line. He actually got the calls, now Joey wishes he had only left a message. No way in hell did he want to talk about it and relive last night.

Besides, who knows? What if Seto will react as badly as Yugi did? The blonde wasn't ready to lose his boyfriend when things are ok right now. He was going to keep it to himself.

"I was gonna ask if I could had spent da night last night. And if ya could had picked me up." Joey said rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"Well, I'm up, so I can now." the brunette stated.

"Nah, its aight. I'm going home right now, so don' worry. " the blonde wasn't careful with his words in the slightest.

"Where are you?" Seto asked. If Joey had wanted him to pick him up last night, then where did he stay? Where did he go? More importantly what happend to make him want to leave wherever in the first place? Joey was a puzzle to figure out. Sometimes Seto wondered if Joey could even figure out himself.

"Uhh, " The blonde genuinely looked around, but nothing was familiar. He had no clue, but he didn't want Seto to go looking for him, he didn't want to be a burden. He didn't want to be a problem, a chore. Another thing the CEO would have to scratch off his 'to do list'. Joey needed alot of his man's attention, and he was begining to realise that he is just a pain in everyone's ass, especially Yugi's.

Truth be told he still felt terrible about last night. He was still in pain, maybe Yugi was just saying things because he was upset. Everything was shit, he treated everything like shit. He didn't need Seto down on the 'fuck you train' too.

Joey went with a lie "I'm at Tristan's place." he continued, "You know how he can be a bitch sometimes..." He trailed off.

"What happend?" Seto was unwavering. Tristan is Joey's best friend, together they treated everything like a joke. Something had to happen if Joey wanted to leave at 3A.M. The brunette was only growing concerned with every word the blonde spoke.

"We were arguin' " He said. "Tristan couldn't admit he was wrong, so I got pissed." Joey had no idea where he was going with this at all.

"What really happend Joey?" Seto wasn't stupid. Sure, Tristan is pigheaded as much as Joey was, but a petty argument? Can it really spiral that out of control?

"We can talk 'bout it later." The blonde seriously didn't want to to, not right now. If he had a choice, he'd never talk. Hell, he didn't even want to go back home. But, his father needed him wether Joey liked it or not, he was supporting his old man.

"Tristan is your best friend." The brunette emphazied the last words sternly. "You can't let your friendship end over a petty fight." Seto knew better than that, and he felt that Joey knew better too.

"It's not up t me Kaiba." He said in a low voice. It wasn't. If Yugi still wanted him as a friend, he'll let Yugi decide. He didm't want to force his little bud into something he wasn't ready for. He loved Yugi, it had to be his decision.

Kaiba can hear the sadness drip from the blonde's tone. Whatever it was must have been serious between the either of them. Seto pulled up his tracking software and pinned the phone's location. This was the part of the relationship, the brunette was hoping to skip. He wasn't good with reasurance and feelings. But, Joey needed someone right now. Seto could admit that he was an asshole when it came to things such as this, which was probably why they never clicked until after the sex was established.

The dot on his screen began to move at a steady pace. "Okay, so, I'll see you today?" Seto asked.

"Yeah, of course, babe." his tone was lighter, softer now. But, there was something else there, something hidden. "I promise." the blonde added.

Seto laughed at that, "I don't need promises, Joey. See you soon." Click. Real soon he thought.

Joey started towards his place. Pulling up the Kmap app on his phone. He pulled up his address and kept moving.

xxx

Seto was gonna beat him there, confront him. He knew from the start Joey was lying, a fight with Tristan? Ha! he thought. But, the brunette couldn't understand what he could have been hiding. Seto was going to drive it out of him, finding the truth was his specialty.

He went into his car and had someone drive him.

Of course Seto didn't leave right away, he wanted to give Joey a chance to get where he was going. The CEO knew better than to have querrel on the street for everyone to see, not that it eould ever come to such. Joey was more or less an open book who was bad holding his secrets. The dtive was long.

xx

Joey reached the front door. It had been nearly 3 hours on foot, his feet killing him. His whole body was stiff and aching, he'll know better to sleep on the side of the road next time. He wasn't even drunk, he could have made it safely to one of his friend's places. Dat's what I get, shoulda used my head. he thought.

He placed the key in the lock, sighing heavily as he twisted the metal jingling the handle. He didn't want to deal with his father right now, he didn't wanna hear it. Not today, not right now. The reluctant door nudged open to reveal a messy living room. He shook his head, knowing he'd have to clean it up.

He stepped through the door, noticing his old man fast asleep on the floor. Musta' rolled off da couch he thought to himself. He picked up his father slowly and placed him on the couch, making sure he was on his side.

Prolly should get started. He wasn't in the mood, but the mess bothered him, it always did. He knew better to leave it sitting, it would only grow and he didn't need that. If it sat who knows what it'd turn into. He knew he'd better get something cooking soon, he was starving and he was sure his father would be expecting something when he woke up. Bein' a parent is hard he sighed.

Just then stern knock came to the door. The blonde was confused, no one came to his door. At the very least, not this early. For a moment, he was worried it was CPS, in which case, he wouldn't answer.

He put his broom down, but didn't turn off the stove. He looked the peephole. Joey began to cough, and rubbed his eyes over and over. He was shocked to see his boyfriend at the door, he couldb't believe it.

Joey was considering leaving him at the door. He had no idea Seto knew where he lived. And the blonde sure as hell knew not to let anyone in. If he were to open the door Seto would know he was home, and he couldn't think of any excuse for him not to come in. He waited.

A knock was placed at the door again. His father mumbled a slurr " Gon' see who'ssit " Joey didn't move he was determind to blow Seto off, he sat in front off the door waiting for the other man to leave.

The doorbell rang. The elder man sat up "Good for nothing," he grabbed a glass bottle "Get the fuckin' door Joe! " He chucked it at the younger man, hitting him right at the back of his neck the glass shattered into small pieces all down his body "Don' make me ask ya again." he spatt. Joey wasn't about to sit there this time, ain't no way he's gonna get this door covered in bruises. He brushed the glass off, and swept it to the side with his foot. He turned the door handle.

"Seto... what are ya doin' here?"

"Joey, fuck, are you ok? Why didn't you answer the door?" Seto questioned with a soft voice, those blue eyes shone with concern.

"I.."

"You're bleeding. Who did this to you?" Seto touched the blood trickling down his neck, pouring slowly. His words sounding more serious as he touched the blood.

Joey was so lost with words, he didn't know what to say. Seto sounded so sincere, so worried. It was almost as if he was seeing a different side of the usual cold and distant man in front of him. Joey knew it wasn't the time, but he felt his heart melt. He went on his toes and kissed the brunette lovingly and slow.

Seto let it last for only a few moments before he pulled away. "You didn't answer my question, Joey. It still looks fresh."

"Oh, well--"

An older voice came from within the house causing Joey to stop his words. "Who'ssat the door?"

Seto's face became near emotionless, except for a glare that seized his gaze into the house. "Did he do this?" his voice was deep, unwavering, serious, and cold.

Joey's breath stilled. Seto caught him off guard, he didn't know what to say, he didn't know what to expect. Lie or truth, Joey didn't know what his boyfriend would do. Truth Joey thought. He was bound to find out sometime."Yes, bu-"

That was all Seto needed to hear. He started to move to get in the house. But, Joey had moved to block him. "Seto, what are you..? " the blonde was confused "Seto, don' do anythin' stupid!"

Seto picked Joey up by the shoulders placed him outside on the porch the brunette walked through like he owned the place.

There was some glass by the door accopanied with blood, and something was burning. The smell of burnt, vommit and beer melded together in a putrid, toxic wiff of air. Seto walked through long legs striding as his eyes searched for the one who was responsible for his bleeding puppy, his eyes fell upon a man on the couch.

He got there in no time, and landed heavy fists against the elder's face. Seto wasn't holding back, his knuckles turned white from clenching too hard, he swung over and over, relentlessly like a broken machine.

When Joey walked in the room he was stunned. It only felt like seconds he was outside and now Seto was beating his father to death.

"Seto! Stop!" He yelled loud and clear. Joey ran over to Seto and tried with all his strength to pull him off. It was useless, Seto was firm and unmoving as he brought his fists down, he wouldn't stop. There was heavy thud that echoed throughout the room, as something fell at the back of Seto's ankles rather forcefully almost knocking him over he stopped.

The old man was stained in purples and blues with thickets of blood oozing from his lips and nose. Seto turned and looked down.

Joey laid on the floor, bleeding heavily,

Struggling to breath...

A/N: Sorry for the long wait, it took awhile for me to visualize what would come next.