A/N: Hello. New chapter for you all. Another painful chapter. Baby Ryoga is suffering, we find out just how cruel his father can be and Kaito does his best to keep him safe. Next chapter we get flashbacks for Kaito and Ryoga (and the Arclights get in on the act too) which means cutie babies suffering. (Because no matter how much you suffer in canon I will make your backstory worse). Anyway, thanks for reading, enjoy and review, ok?


"Ryoga?" Ami called softly, pushing open his door. Ryoga glanced up from where he was buried in his pillows for a moment before burying himself in his covers again. His body was killing him. He didn't want to move. He'd hidden it from everyone in case they insisted he stay in hospital but he'd seen the bruises over his body. "Sweetie, don't be like that. I'm sorry about your grandfather. But he and your father want to talk to you over breakfast."

"I don't want to talk to them," Ryoga murmured. "They'll try to make me stop seeing Kaito."

"Kaito…" She sighed and shook her head. "He was incredibly rude yesterday."

"Because he was defending me," he argued. "You can't expect him to sit quietly and do nothing when he's worried about me." He sighed and pulled down his sheets a little further. "I shouldn't have told him to leave."

"This is a family matter, Ryoga," Ami said, folding her arms. "He needs to stay out of it. You know I love you and I'm glad that he makes you happy but if want there to be any future for you two, you have to keep your grandfather happy."

"Future? I'm fourteen, I just want a normal life, I don't want to be thinking that far ahead."

"You know that's not what your grandfather will want to hear." He huffed and pulled his covers back over him, wanted to hide away from everything. "Come on, get up. You're lucky they decided to wait until this morning. Get up."

Ryoga sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. After a moment of silence, Ami rubbed his side. "Is it so bad that I want to be with him?"

"No, love," Ami said gently. "I think your father was in denial. You'd think that catching you in the arms of that IV boy would force him to face facts. Hindsight is a marvelous thing and looking back, I think it's been obvious for a while that you're more interested in boys than girls. I think Kaito's forcing your father to accept this isn't just a phase."

"It's not," Ryoga snapped into his pillow. "It's not exactly easy feeling like this in this family."

"I know, sweetie. Your father is insistent that you're just exploring and learning." She sighed and pulled the covers away again. "He thinks you're with Kaito just to experiment. To taste the forbidden fruit, as it were."

"It's not like that! If it were like that it wouldn't hurt like this!"

"I know," she murmured. "I know. I've seen what a hold he has on your heart. I know you're mad about him. Just try to talk quietly and calmly with them. Try to explain to them like an adult." Ryoga nodded slowly. "Ryoga, tell me honestly, have you really had such a bad life?"

"What?" Ryoga murmured. "I don't understand."

"Did you really tell Kaito that he makes you happier than anything ever has?" Ryoga frowned but nodded slightly. "Ryoga…" She sighed and stroked his cheeks. "Are you really that miserable?"

"That's… that's not what I meant."

"Then tell me," she said, shaking her head. "Please, sweetheart, tell me what's wrong. Tell me why you'd say something like that. I've always loved you, don't you understand that? I've only ever loved you and wanted to protect you. I know I haven't always been the best at that. I know that sometimes your father has been harsh and I haven't been able to protect you completely from that but I love you. I hate the idea that you've been miserable all this time."

"No," he said quickly, shaking his head. "No, you've been great really. I know you love me and you try. It's just… him. He's…" He didn't know how to explain it, honestly he didn't. "Wasn't it like that with you and Father? Like you meet someone and suddenly everything pales in comparison? Like they just… make everything so much better?"

Ami frowned for a moment before getting up from the bed. "I love you, my little shark. Remember that. Now get up."

Ryoga sighed as Ami shut the door again. He didn't want to talk to them. He wanted to have his friends around but he knew that they weren't allowed over until after lunch. His grandfather had told him outright last night that he didn't approve of Kaito but that they'd talk about it in the morning when he'd spoken to his father. He'd heard Kaito and his father arguing but couldn't make out what they'd said. His grandfather was the only person in the world Ryoga was actually afraid of. Despite his father having hit him, he wasn't so much afraid of him. He hated him but he wasn't afraid. He knew that his entire life was built on his grandfather's demands. He was far too aware of what would happen if his grandfather turned on him. And what he would do if he took offence.

He dressed slowly, trying to push down the pain he was in, and went to find his parents. His father and grandfather were sitting around the breakfast bar. Ami and Rio were heading out the door, and Ryoga's sinking feeling only got worse when Rio shot him a sad smile. He was going to have to deal with them on his own. He took a deep breath and sat down, taking the mug of tea offered by his father.

He sipped silently, watching the two older men cautiously until finally his grandfather spoke up. "Is it serious?"

"Is what serious?"

"You're relationship with Kaito," his father snapped. "What else?"

"Of- of course," he said, tilting his head away. A moment later his grandfather's cane smacked across his back and he yelped, sitting straight again. He knew why he'd deserved that one. His grandfather didn't appreciate slouching or stuttering. "Sorry."

"So, is it serious?" his grandfather said again.

He frowned, gazing down at his hands as he considered. "That depends what you consider serious, I guess."

"Alright," he muttered. "At least you're not being reckless about what you say. Let's start with the basics, I've been talking to your father and mother and there are conflicting views. You've had two boyfriends in a short space of time?" Ryoga nodded silently. "And have been caught several times in compromising situations with other boys?"

Ryoga gave a slight cringe. After he'd been caught with Thomas he'd not been so shy. In the time between nearly kissing Thomas and his disqualification, he'd met a lot of boys that he'd wanted to spend time with a get closer too. Being on the duelling circuit had shown him how sheltered his life was at home. A lot of the boys were a little older and he'd been caught in the duellist lounges with several of them. When he'd been with them, it felt like it wasn't a big deal. Like it was alright to be with whoever he wanted. No one had made him feel quite as intense as it had been with Thomas, even if they'd barely touched each other, but it was still fun while it lasted. And every time he'd been caught it was the same story. His mother had just laughed but his father…

When his mother had seen the mark on his face, she'd forced him to seek counseling and prove he wasn't going to hurt them again. Only it seemed he'd only learnt how to hide hi abuse from Ami. Ryoga wished he could blame his father, but a part of him said it wasn't entirely his fault. His grandfather had taught him and they were set in their old fashioned ways. And he shouldn't have been such a useless son and he certainly shouldn't have let him keep getting away with it. But understanding why didn't stop him hating him for it.

"I'm not going to deny it," Ryoga murmured.

"Your father believes this is merely a phase, Ryoga," Grandpa Kamishiro said. "That you merely want to see what the things we disapprove of are like, as most teens do. Their parents say no and so they have to see what the fuss is about. Is that the case?"

Ryoga frowned and bit his lip. He wasn't sure whether telling the truth was the best policy. Did his grandfather want him to be honest? Or should he just say what the family wanted to hear?

"I just prefer boys to girls," Ryoga said finally.

His father frowned. "Don't be stupid, Ryoga."

"I'm sorry," he murmured, tensing slightly as his father walked over. He couldn't even look at them, he just gazed at his lap. "I- I like boys."

He cringed as he caught sight of his father lifted a hand but the pain never came. He lifted his gaze and found his grandfather glaring at his father, who lowered his hand. "I will decide if there is any need for a punishment. Given his condition at the moment, I don't want to punish him unnecessarily."

"As you wish, Father."

"Alright, Ryoga," Grandpa Kamishiro said. "If that's what you feel."

"Father-"

"Hush," he snapped, glaring at him again. "If that is what Ryoga feels nothing is going to change that and trying to change it will probably make it worse. It's possible he'll change his mind further along but this is how he feels at the moment."

"But it's a disgrace," he hissed.

"I said hush." He turned back to Ryoga, who quickly lowered his head again. "How did you meet him?"

"Through a friend."

"In more detail."

"He needed something Yuma had to save his brother," Ryoga murmured. "If he'd just told Yuma that he probably would have given it to him but he was too cold and proud to do that. I saw him trying to steal it and I got involved and tried to stop him. I failed but he's always said he admired how I threw myself into the situation like that. That it was either the bravest thing he's ever seen or the dumbest. And Yuma did what he always does and insisted that because they'd duelled they were friends and he wanted to help. And things just kind of happened."

His grandfather nodded slowly. "And how did you become a couple?"

"When my last boyfriend ended things with me… he'd warned me he was trouble and I was just so blinded by him…" He sighed and shook his head. "But Kaito was there for me and protected me and comforted me. I was so grateful and I realised that I wanted to be with him as much as he wanted me."

"Wanted?" Ryoga frowned slightly. He didn't like that tone. "Ryoga, is this merely lust?"

"N-no."

His grandfather's cane cracked across his back again and he gave a small cry. "Stop stuttering, boy."

"Yes, Grandfather." He sighed and clenched his fists. "It's not lust, Grandfather. We could have a relationship barely touching each other. I swear."

"Alright. I hear from your mother than you're not allowed to be intimate with each other for six months." Ryoga nodded. "You father thinks it won't last that long."

"I do," Ryoga replied.

After a few moments of silence, his grandfather stood and gestured for Ryoga to do that same. He stood slowly and followed him through to his room, taking his tea with him and rather pleased when his father was shut out. They sat on the bed and Ryoga sipped his tea quietly, watching warily.

"You're more sensitive than normal." Ryoga frowned and lowered his gaze to his hands. "Is your back injured?"

"N-No…"

"You're stuttering again."

"I'm not injured," he said, lifting his head.

"Then why are you so sensitive?" he snapped. "A little tap every now and again has never made you make noises like that before."

"It's nothing, really," he said.

"Don't lie to me, boy," he hissed. Ryoga frowned and nodded slightly. "What's wrong?"

"My back…" His grandfather raised an eyebrow. "…and shoulders…" He remained silent and Ryoga bit his lip. "…and arms…"

"And the rest?"

His grandfather reached out with his cane and hooked it under Ryoga's collar, pulling his purple shirt away to reveal the black and blue skin on his upper arms. Ryoga winced and turned away. So… maybe he'd not been quite honest with Kaito about his father. He didn't want Kaito in the middle of this. And he'd learnt not to react when someone brushed his bruises. He could handle it as long as he didn't let Katio see him undressed when his bruises were in obvious places.

"Someone really hurt you."

"It's fine," Ryoga murmured.

"Who did this to you?" he demanded. "Was it this Kaito boy?"

"No!" he cried, shaking his head. His grandfather frowned and Ryoga lowered his gaze again. "No… I just…just took a tumble."

"That-" he tapped the bruise lightly "-is a handprint. I can see several handprints at first glance. Who did this to you?"

"No one," he whispered.

He didn't know why he defended his father. No… he did… His mother loved him for some reason. Probably because she didn't know what he was like behind her back. Because he lied for him and acted like everything was alright because Ami and Rio loved him and he didn't want to ruin their view of their precious father.

"Ryoga. Tell me who did this to you. I may be harsh sometimes but you are my only grandson and my heir. I won't be angry at you for something like this. You are still a child. You shouldn't be in this state."

"You know who did it," Ryoga said finally, pulling his shirt back over his shoulder. His grandfather sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologise," he said, shaking his head. "But if you're lying to me-"

"I'm not lying!"

"If you're lying to protect this Kaito-"

"He'd never hurt me!"

"-there will be trouble. Now's the time to tell me the truth."

"I told you, you know who did this."

His grandfather sighed and nodded. "Alright. So, tell me about Kaito then."


"Yuma?"

Kaito paused and turned with the rest of Yuma's friends at the call. Thomas and Chris were at their hotel rather than coming to visit Ryoga with them, although Kaito was sure he'd heard Thomas say something about meeting Rio for a drink. Hibiki was there, smiling softly.

"Hibiki?" Yuma said, frowning slightly. "What's wrong?"

"I need to talk with you," Hibiki said. "Please."

"Well… what's it about?" he said, taking a small step forwards.

"Yuma, be careful," Astral said appearing at his side. "She's a hunter."

"I'm worried about Ryoga." Kaito took a step forwards but Hibiki glared at him. "You should go and see him. I worry about him being left alone there. But Yuma, you need to come with me."

"But I need to see Shark," Yuma argued. "If you're worried-"

"You need to come with me," she said firmly. "There's someone duelling for their soul. Come on."

He frowned but Kaito nodded and he sighed. "Alright then. Come on guys."

Yuma nodded and he and his friends ran off. Kaito frowned. She was worried about Ryoga? He understood Yuma and the others needed to help whoever was duelling for their soul. Still, he needed to see Ryoga. After what had happened last night, he needed to check on him. Yuma could handle whatever was going on with the hunters. Ryoga needed him right now.

He knocked quietly on the door and Mr Kamishiro opened it quickly, glaring down at him. There was a long moment of silence before he stepped aside and let Kaito in. Kaito stepped in slowly and glanced around. There was no sign of Ryoga or the girls. In fact it was only him and Mr Kamishiro.

"He's in his room with his grandfather. Knock before going in."

Kaito nodded and walked slowly down the hall, knocking on the door and waiting until he was given permission to enter before stepping inside. Ryoga was curled up in his covers. He would have been adorable if he hadn't looked so scared. Kaito smiled slightly and glanced at his grandfather.

"Please," Ryoga said quietly, sticking out a hand from the covers. "Can I have it back now?"

It was only now Kaito noticed Ryoga's grandfather had his purple shirt. His grandfather scowled. "Take off those covers then."

Ryoga's eyes widened and Kaito frowned as he shook his head, insisting his grandfather just had him his shirt. Whatever was going on Kaito didn't like it. Finally, Ryoga sighed and closed his eyes, letting the covers fall from around him. Kaito's breath caught in his throat. Ryoga's upper arms were covered in bruises. Ryoga's grandfather was watching him silently and Kaito realised it wasn't his grandfather who had inflicted this. In a moment of horror, Kaito realised he was under suspicion. How could anyone ever think he could do that to Ryoga? How could anyone do that to Ryoga? A heavy silence hung in the air as he sat on the bed with Ryoga. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know how to make this better. He wanted to hold him tightly and make him better but he didn't want to hurt him at all.

Finally, after who knew how long of silence, Ryoga opened his eyes. Their gazes met and Kaito sighed. He looked so weak. Since he'd met Ryoga, he'd never seen anything like this. He'd always been so strong. Even when he was hurting about Rio or because Yuma was hurting, no matter what he'd never looked like this. It was… shame? Ryoga was ashamed of his injuries? Ryoga closed his eyes again, bringing the covers back up around himself.

"Come," his grandfather said, gesturing to Kaito. "We need to talk."

Kaito frowned but nodded, slowly getting up and following his grandfather out. He knew he shouldn't have left Ryoga alone last night. He knew he shouldn't have left him alone. He followed Ryoga's grandfather out and sat on the settee silently, waiting to hear what was going to happen now. How could he think for a second he would do this to Ryoga?

After a moment of silence, being glared at by Ryoga's father, Kaito decided he'd had enough. "Please, either tell me what's going on or let me get back to Ryoga."

"You were incredibly rude last night," Grandpa Kamishiro said.

"I was worried about Ryoga," he said. He didn't care what they thought of him anymore. He wouldn't let Ryoga suffer through this any longer. "I won't apologise for that."

Grandpa Kamishiro nodded. "Tell me what he means to you."

So Kaito did. He told him everything and answered his questions. If he was at least listening to him then maybe there was a chance they'd accept their relationship. And he'd stopped caring about Ryoga's father. It was obvious Ryoga's bruises didn't come from his grandfather, since he'd looked at Kaito like it could have been him. He knew who'd done it.

"And you're aware of the past incidents?"

"Past incidents?" Kaito said quietly.

Now they'd completely lost him. Grandpa Kamishiro nodded. "The numerous other boys he's been with."

"We all have past relationships," he muttered. Although he'd been under the impression Ryoga was relatively inexperienced. He'd thought Ken had been his first relationship. "And I really don't care about his past, I care about him no matter what."

He'd ask Ryoga about it later though. Maybe not tonight, maybe when he was feeling stronger and Kaito wasn't worried about Ryoga's safety, but he'd definitely ask. When they were finally done speaking, Grandpa Kamishiro nodded again, leading him back to Ryoga's room.

"I don't approve," he said firmly. Ryoga stared up at him and Kaito scowled. All that for nothing? "After talking with the both of you, I've decided that this is not a relationship that will last."

"That's not fair," Kaito snapped. "That should be our decision."

"If you refuse to listen to me, Ryoga, there will be consequences."

Ryoga swallowed heavily and lowered his head. Kaito couldn't believe this. How could Ryoga sit there and be told what to do? This wasn't the same powerful boy he'd fallen so hard for. Why wouldn't he fight back?

"Ryoga?"

"You understand, don't you, Ryoga?" his grandfather said. "This is for your own good."

"Yes, Grandfather…"

"Ryoga?" Kaito cried. "You're just going to let us go like that? Do I mean so little to you?"

"Ryoga understands the consequences of his actions," Grandpa Kamishiro said. "That's all."

"You can't tell him who he can and can't see," he snapped. "You can't tell us we can't be together."

"He's right, Kaito," Ryoga murmured. Kaito turned, staring down at him. How could he be giving into this? "If I disobey the family rules-"

"They beat you," Kaito hissed. "But that's wrong, Ryoga, and you're better than that and I won't let anyone hurt you anymore."

"It's not just that," he said, shaking his head. "My entire life is built on their money and support. It's a wonder they've kept supporting me this far. Without Grandfather's blessing… I'll have no home, no family and… I lose everything… I'll lose Rio…"

"I won't let that happen! I'll protect you!"

"I think it's obvious he'd made his choice," Grandpa Kamishiro said. "Goodbye, Kaito."

"Ryoga, please. I won't let you get hurt again, I'll protect you. Listen to me. Remember what you told me yesterday? Why would you let that go? If you're happy with me why let that go just because he says you have to?"

"Because I can't be that selfish," he said quietly. Did he really believe he was being selfish by having something that made him happy? "Rio needs me here. I can't afford to lose her over you."

Kaito sighed and straightened up. Fine. He wasn't going to beg. He wasn't going to fall apart over this. If Ryoga refused to accept that what they were doing to him was wrong and it wasn't going to get better until he admitted it then there was nothing more he could do. He couldn't force Ryoga to stand up to his family and he couldn't force him to admit he was being abused. Just like he couldn't force him to continue this relationship.

"Alright, Ryoga," he said softly. "If there really is nothing I can say to change your mind then I guess this is it." He sighed and walked over slowly, kissing his forehead. "But I can't keep doing this. I can't keep getting my hopes up that things will work out between us only to be pushed away again. If you want this to work out, I will protect you with all I have, I will give you a place you can be safe and be yourself. But if you can't break free from them, I can't keep waiting and hoping. If I walk away now, this is the last time. I won't come running back again."

"Kaito, I-"

He was silenced by Kaito's lips falling over his, and Kaito know he wanted this still. Ryoga kissed back softly, closing his eyes and giving a small sigh. He just needed to break the hold his father and grandfather had over him.

"Please," he whispered against his lips. "Please, trust me to look after you."

"But Rio… I can't leave Rio…"

Kaito sighed. He knew it was a long shot. He knew Rio must have been the reason Ryoga put up with all of this. Why else would he put up with this amount of pain and abuse? There was no way Kaito could ever win in a battle to take Ryoga for Rio. She was the other half of his soul. Kaito never really stood a chance.

"Alright," he said quietly. "If that's honestly what you want. Goodbye then."

Kaito walked out silently, ignoring Ryoga's grandfather trying to comfort Ryoga. He understood, he supposed. If he had to choose between Ryoga and Haruto, much as he hated admitting it, he knew Haruto came first. But that didn't stop it hurting. It didn't stop hating Ryoga's father and grandfather for what they'd done to Ryoga. Those bruises on his arms… someone had manhandled him. And recently. They hadn't been there the last time he'd seen Ryoga with his shirt off and that was just before he fell into his coma.

He climbed slowly down the stairs and out into the garage. Ryoga's bike was parked up and Kaito sighed. He wanted to be with Ryoga so much. He wanted to look after him and keep him safe. Why did they have to break Ryoga like that?

Footsteps caught Kaito's attention and he paused. Someone was running down the stairs. A part of him- that silly, naïve part of him- hoped it was Ryoga chasing after him, having realised he needed to get away from his family. But that was unlikely. They weren't going to let him go. It was probably just someone in a hurry.

"Kaito!" He turned and Ryoga practically barrelled into him, wrapping his arms around him and burying his head in his chest. "Kaito…"

Smiling slightly, Kaito wrapped his arms loosely around him. There were footsteps on the stairs and both looked up to see Mr Kamishiro glaring down at them. Kaito scowled, tightening his hold ever so slightly only to feel Ryoga flinch slightly. Kaito quickly realised his bruises weren't limited to his arms and loosened his hold.

"What do you two think you're doing?" he snapped.

"I want to be with Kaito!" Ryoga yelled, glaring back at him. "And we've agreed to every rule you've set and you're still not happy! You don't even have any good reason to separate us! You just want me to be with someone you pick out for me and it's not going to happen! I want to be with Kaito and if you can't accept that then I don't care what I loose, I'll leave!"

"Ryoga…"

Kaito smiled down at him, barely able to believe it. Ryoga had finally done it. He didn't know what had changed his mind but he was glad he had. He kissed the top of his head only for Ryoga to be yanked away out of his arms. Mr Kamishiro was holding Ryoga's arms, exactly where those bruises had been. Well now he knew exactly how he'd got them. Ryoga struggled but given he was still weak from his recent stint in hospital. He had no hope of breaking free.

"We're going to go back upstairs," Mr Kamishiro said firmly. "And you're going to go back to bed and rest so your mother doesn't worry."

"Let go!" Ryoga cried, twisting violently only for his father to squeeze his arms tighter and push him up the stairs. "I'm not going anywhere with you!"

"Get upstairs!" he snarled.

"That's enough." They turned slightly and found Grandpa Kamishiro watching from a little above them. "Ryoga has made his choice and understands the consequences of his actions."

"Father-"

"He's standing up for what he wants," he said. "Let him go with Kaito."

"You're going to let him go with him?" he snapped.

"I am, he has to learn," he replied, tossing a bag down to the bottom of the steps. "If he thinks he doesn't need our guidance, let him try living without it."

"You can't just kick him out!" Kaito snapped.

"He can come home when he's learnt his lesson," he replied. "After all, if you call believe he's been so terribly abused here, then we should let him get away. Come home when you've figured out what you need to learn, Ryoga. We will welcome you back."

Ryoga gasped and Kaito noticed his father's hands tightening around his arms before he released him and slapped him away. Kaito's eyes widened as Ryoga stumbled, nearly falling down the stairs but Kaito managed to catch him and pull him gently back into his arms before he took any more damage. The pair of older men walked away and Kaito sighed, tipping Ryoga's head up to inspect his cheek. It was already reddening. He frowned and kissed the mark gently.

"I'll look after you," he promised. "I'll keep you safe from now on."

Ryoga nodded weakly and picked up his bag, walking over to his bike. "Come on, I'll drive to yours."

"You can talk to me, you know?" Kaito said, taking the helmet he was handed. "Nothing you can say will change anything between us. I want you to tell me the truth, Ryoga, and I don't want you to leave things out this time. You lied about your father and now…" He sighed and Ryoga swung onto his bike with Kaito climbing on behind him. "Can we talk when we get home?"

"Kaito, I know you worry, but I still know next to nothing about you," he muttered. Kaito frowned. He supposed Ryoga had opened up more than he had. "Besides, I'm fine."

"You have been beaten, Ryoga," he snapped. "And who knows how long it's been going on. I want you to tell me the truth. Please, Ryoga, I worry about you."

"It's not a big deal," he snapped back. "Now hang on."


In the Next Chapter: Ryoga ends up at the Tenjo house and the boys end up trading stories about their pasts.

Heart to Heart