Joey pulled himself to sit up. The sun was still bright. He dug through his pocket to find a little loose change, just enough for a drink. He stood up carefully, brushing the grass from him back. He shook with sickness slightly when he felt the scar tear. He smiled. It didn't matter anymore. He made his way to a vendor and began to scan the menu. His last drink…what to choose?

'I'll take…a cola, please.' He smiled handing the change over to the vendor, before sitting down on a bench to watch the ducks. He had never felt so peaceful, so at ease. It had been a beautiful day. He thought back to himself. He thought about how strong he had been for his friends, he thought of all their good times, Duellist Kingdom, he thought of Mai and their first kiss. He thought of Kaiba's recent rantings. He smiled. It had been a good life. Mostly. It would be spring break on Friday. He paused. He had been looking forward to it. They were all going to go camping near the woods, the whole gang. Duke was going to get some alcohol, Bakura would go too, in case the sale was refused…and Malik for backup. He smiled, he really wished he could be there. A tear fell from his eye. It didn't matter, he wouldn't be there anyway. Suddenly the tears streamed faster. When had it come to this? When had he given in? If his friends weren't there, why did that make it the end? He stood up quickly. He was stronger than this. He could handle it. He was going to graduate, without them. He was going to work hard, and make it alone, have kids and give them the life he never had. Yes. That was right. He had a new dream. Something to live for. Something he needed, an aim to carry on and to keep him going. Tears streamed down his face. There was more to life than friends, there was himself. His future. His goals. He pushed his shoulders back. He could do this.

He began to walk home, the light breeze hitting him. He could endure it. All of it. If he got home at the right time, he'd avoid his dad and survive another day. As he rolled up to the end of his street, a car pulled up besides him. A black window rolled down, and Kaiba glared from the inside.

'Where are you going, mutt?'

'Home?'

'Get in the car.'

'Now, why would I do that?'

'I fucking said so. Get in before someone sees me in this…area.' Joey's eyes narrowed.

'I'm not much in the mood for your insults Kaiba. I have things to do.' Kaiba rolled his eyes, his temper burning.

'I won't tell you again.'

'I'm not coming.'

'Tough.' With that the brunet stomped out of the car and wrestled the blond in. 'Drive.' He barked at the man in the front, before sitting next to the door, ensuring there was no escape for Joey.

'What the fuck! This is illegal.'

'So is abuse.' Kaiba's eyes narrowed dangerously.

'What?'

'You really are a fucking idiot, Wheeler.'

'Care to explain, Richboy?'

'I know you're been abused, dumbass.'

'What? No I'm not.'

'Like hell I don't know.'

'You know nothing.'

'I know more than you think.'

'What are ya, a stalker?'

'No, just smarter than you.'

'Care to elaborate?' Kaiba's eyes wandered over the blond, and he bit his lip. He really didn't want to go into this.

Hey.

A short chapter, but I felt bad leaving on a cliff hanger so here you go!

Please R&R

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