A/N: Hello. Update. Awesome, right? Also, working on a new fic so things might slow down. Got this, a fic on tumblr and this new AU plus requests. If I stick to my schedule this'll update twice a week. If not, who knows? I rarely stick to my schedules. Anyway, yeah, watch out for that. Anway, this chapter Thomas is being an asshole although he does some good, we find out more about Ryoga's past with his father and how bad it is and then we get Kaito's mother and that's kind painful. Oh, and a cute bundle of pink fluff turns up. So, read enjoy and review please, ok?"


"Hibiki, who's duelling?" Yuma called, following a few steps behind her.

"Despair," Hibiki replied, tilting her head back to gaze over her shoulder at them. "Which means it's probably trying to get back to Ken."

"I don't understand," Kotori said. "Are you saying the energies have a consciousness?"

"There are certain host they work with better." They nodded and Hibiki smiled. "How was Ryoga when you saw him?"

Yuma frowned. Shark and Kaito been all mushy and romantic but nothing had seemed wrong. "Fine, I guess. He was still kinda weak but he's been in hospital. Not even Shark's invincible."

"Why are you so worried about him?" Kotori said softly. "Is he in danger?"

"Perhaps," Hibiki murmured. "His father can be… demanding."

He certainly didn't like Kaito, Yuma had noticed that much. He knew arguing with his family made him feel bad. In the state Shark was in, that might not be good for his health. Hopefully Kaito would make a mends with Shark's family and everything would be ok. Hibiki muttered that it was just ahead and Yuma nodded, running ahead.

Down the road, there was a dark barrier around the duellists. And he couldn't help grinning at what he saw. "III!"

Michael turned around and smiled brightly. "Yuma."

"You two know each other?" Hibiki said, coming up behind them.

"III- uh, Michael, and I met during the WDC," Yuma replied. "He's Thomas and Chris' little brother."

"Since my brothers are here, I thought I should join them too," Michael laughed, tilting his head. "And then someone decided they wanted to hunt for my soul and I had to oblige. Thomas would be disappointed if I ran from a challenge." The dark barriers vanished and the hunter had disappeared into thin air. Hibiki huffed and hurried off down the street as Michael watched with a confused smile. "Was it something I said?"

Yuma laughed and threw his arms around Michael, who laughed and smiled softly. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Yuma. I'm sorry we didn't get to say goodbye properly last time," Michael replied. "Hi, Kotori."

"Michael."

"You're here to see your brothers?" Yuma said, stepping back. Michael nodded. "Well, they're staying at Heartland Tower but they're spending most their time with Kaito and Shark. But since Kaito is visiting Shark…" His D-Pad lit up and Yuma glanced at the message. "Never mind, they're going back to Kaito's. We should head there too."

"But if Shark's ill, why isn't he at home?"

"We'll have to go ask him," Kotori said. "I hope nothing's happened."


Kaito sighed as he led Ryoga through into the sitting room. Thomas and Chris looked up as he did, both looking concerned. He smiled weakly and Ryoga sat on the couch, arms folded across his chest.

"I'll go and talk to Father," he murmured. Ryoga nodded and Kaito knew he was still struggling with what had happened. Kaito didn't blame him. It must have been a shock. "I'll be back soon."

He nodded again and Kaito returned to the elevator, heading down to his father's research lab. Faker was flicking through files and Kaito cleared his throat to be noticed. Faker turned and frowned.

"Kaito?" he said, leaning back on his chair. "What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"

Kaito frowned. He didn't like having to ask permission like a child but he didn't have much of a choice. This was his father's home and the rules had been set for a reason. "Ryoga needs somewhere to stay."

"I'm sorry?" Faker said. "Kaito, Ryoga needs to be at home where he can be looked after."

"No, he needs to be here," Kaito argued. "He needs someone to keep him safe-"

"He has a family."

"He's not safe there."

Faker frowned. "What aren't you telling me, Kaito?"

Kaito scowled. He didn't want to make Ryoga's private life everyone's business but maybe it was the only way to keep him safe. He sighed and shook his head. He couldn't go blurting out Ryoga's secrets. The poor boy was obviously ashamed of it. He just couldn't do it.

"I can't tell you," he murmured.

"Kaito," his father sighed. "If there's something going on I need to know."

"They kicked him," Kaito said finally. "They've practically disowned him because he wants to be with me. Please, he's going through this for me, we have to give him a place to stay."

Faker nodded. "If he's been thrown out we can't leave him on his own. But I can't believe Ami would do such a thing. He can stay, but I'm going to call his mother and see what's going on."

Kaito nodded. He didn't think for a second Ami would be able to save Ryoga. She had no idea what he was going through. He was going to have to look after Ryoga himself. He turned to leave but paused when Faker called to him again.

"The rules still stand, Kaito."

He nodded again and carried on walking, back to the sitting room. Haruto had joined them and was sitting next to Chris, braiding little sections of hair at a time. He glanced around, not seeing Ryoga immediately, but as he moved around the settee, he found him curled up with his head in Thomas' lap. He didn't look exactly comfortable being cared for so intimately by his former rival but he looked more relaxed than he had in a while. Kaito didn't like it, he didn't like seeing his boyfriend with his head in another boy's lap or the way Thomas played with his hair, but he didn't say anything.

"He says you can stay as long as you want," Kaito murmured. Ryoga sat up slowly and folded his hands in his lap, letting Kaito sit next to him. "But he's going to call Ami to clear things up. And we're still bound by all their rules."

Ryoga nodded again. "I shouldn't have done this."

"You can't say that," he said gently, stroking his cheeks. "You made an incredibly brave choice." He sighed. "You were so brave to stand up to them. I promised I'd look after you, didn't I?"

"No, I need to go home, Father's going to be furious-"

"You're safe here, Ryoga. I won't let anyone hurt you."

He got up but Thomas and Kaito caught his wrists. "I need to go."

"Sit," they both snapped, pulling him down.

"Let go!"

"Hey," Thomas snapped, pulling Ryoga around to face him. Kaito clenched his fists, that irrational jealousy flooding him again. "You listen to me. You go back there and you are showing that bastard that he can do what he likes to you and you won't ever resist. Do you want that? Do you want him to be in charge of every aspect of your life forever?"

"No, I just-"

"And what about Rio? How the hell are you supposed to protect her if you can't stand up for yourself, huh?"

"Yeah, but I-"

"No buts. Now either stand up and do what you want or spend the rest of your life unable to do anything without your father pulling the strings."

Ryoga sighed and sat back, closing his eyes. Kaito frowned. He just looked so tired of it all. He wished he could protect Ryoga and make everything from his past better. He hoped they were getting through to him. Ryoga needed to be here and be safe. He couldn't let Ryoga go home and back to that.

"Will you talk to me now, Ryoga?" Kaito murmured, stroking his cheek. "And not leave anything out this time?"

Ryoga stayed quiet and Kaito sighed. Chris and Thomas looked concerned and Kaito wasn't sure what to do now. He didn't know what Ryoga needed now. He needed comfort and care but he didn't know what else to do. He was fragile right now. He needed someone to care for him right now. But he didn't know how when it came to this.

"Ryoga," he murmured. He opened his eyes slowly and Kaito smiled weakly. "Are you alright? You're not in pain are you?"

"It aches," he replied with a weak smile. "But I'm used to it."

"Will you let me see?" Kaito said softly.

Ryoga frowned and glared at him for a moment and Kaito was about to tell him it was alright if he didn't feel comfortable but Ryoga sighed and slid off his purple shirt. Kaito cringed slightly at the handprints of Ryoga's arms. He glanced at the others, who looked just as worried and disgusted. After another long moment, Ryoga took off his top and revealed the full extent of the damage. Kaito was absolutely horrified. His stomach churned. How could any father do that to a child? There was an old scar on his shoulder and a newer one on his waist, and several smaller fading ones, probably from the long time he'd spent with gangs and being a general delinquent. But what worried him was that his back was almost completely covered in bruises. Fresh bruises. Ryoga closed his eyes, looking so broken and ashamed of himself.

Kaito could only wrap his arms around Ryoga gently, drawing him in and tucking the young boy's head under his chin. As long as he had any say in things, Ryoga was never going to go near that man again. Ryoga sighed and shook his head, drawing back slightly.

"It's fine," he murmured, pulling his clothes back on. "I'm used to it."

"It's not fine," he snapped. "You can't let him do that to you again."

Haruto tied a ribbon around Chris' hair and got up, squishing himself between Ryoga and Kaito. Kaito sighed and let him do it, and Haruto held out a bag of caramel for Ryoga. There was a moment of silence and finally Ryoga sighed and took a caramel from the bag, muttering his thanks.

"How long has this been happening?" Chris said softly. Ryoga glanced over. "You said after he hit you for what happened with Thomas, Ami kicked him out and made him prove he's changed. What happened?"

"Wait," Thomas snapped. "What did I do?"

"You nearly had his first kiss," Kaito grumbled. Thomas smirked and Kaito glared at him. "And his father hit him for it."

Thomas' face fell and he glared at nothing. "I'm sorry about that. You know I didn't want to, it's just Tron-"

"It's fine," Ryoga said. "He was manipulating everyone." Thomas nodded slowly. "People thought you and Chris were a couple, you know?"

"They did?" Chris said with a frown.

Ryoga nodded. "Because you look nothing like each other and he was the only person you actually acknowledged."

"Don't be absurd, I-" He paused and frowned as the others watched him silently. "Alright, so perhaps he was. But you're trying to get off subject. How long has this been happening?"

Ryoga sighed. "The first tournament after he came back into our lives."


Ryoga smiled awkwardly, leaning in and letting his lips meet those of the boy in front of him. They were holding hands and sitting on the settee together in one of the waiting rooms. The duelling circuit was incredible. Ryoga was learning so much. And his mother was so supportive since his father had hurt him. Things were so much better. He'd had a few kisses since he nearly kissed IV. It was fun with the boys on the circuit. They were all open about it just being fun. None of them were looking for a relationship, just messing around.

"Ryoga." He drew back and looked up to his father. He'd barely been back in their lives a fortnight and he seemed to have changed. Ryoga got up slowly and followed him out to one of the private dressing rooms. "Ryoga what are you doing?"

Ryoga frowned. "It's just a bit of fun."

"A bit of fun?" his father hissed.

"Yeah. It's just a game," Ryoga murmured, getting a sinking feeling. "It's nothing serious. Mother says-"

Ryoga gasped as his father's hand closed around his throat. He struggled to breath, staring up at his father as he slammed him against a wall, his grip tightening. Why was he doing this? His father was supposed to have changed. His mother said everything would be better now. So why did it seem worse than ever? He kicked and struggled desperately, clawing at his hands.

"What did I tell you?" he snapped, tightening his grip. "No boys."

Ryoga managed an apology and finally his father released him. He sunk down the wall, gasping for air, a few tears sliding down his cheeks. What was wrong with him? Why was he doing this? His throat was raw and hoarse but his father was glaring down at him.

"Get up." He shook his head weakly. "Get up, Ryoga."

"When Mother hears about this-"

He gasped as his father grasped his hair, dragging him to his feet and holding him still against the wall.

"You breathe a word of this to anyone and you will be in an orphanage where your mother and sister will never find you before you know what's hit you. Understand?" Ryoga nodded weakly and his father spun him around so Ryoga had to brace against the wall. "Every time you make a sound, your punishment will worsen."

Ryoga tried to turn and ask what he meant and what he was going to do but there were a crack and his back was on fire. He gasped and jolted forwards, struggling to get away from the searing pain but his father tugged him back by his hair and there was another hot stinging crack across his back. Not making a sound was hard by he managed. He just wanted this to be over.

He didn't know how long it was before his father finally released him and they sat on the settee together. Ryoga had tears running down his red cheeks and he was struggling not to let his pained sobs escape him. He was used to the odd crack across the back from a cane, his grandfather was too old fashioned and it was his way of straightening him up when he slumped. But this was something he'd never been prepared for. He was trembling and covered in a cold sweat, his back burning and the muscles straining, his throat still like sandpaper but his father didn't seem to care. He patted Ryoga's head gently, murmuring about keeping quiet about it.

"Look at you," he said softly, wrapping his arms around his shoulder and pulling him gently closer, stroking his hair. "You really are so pathetic. Sooner or later you're going to have to grow up. Are you sorry?"

"Yes," he rasped, sniffling slightly. His fingers fumbled with the zip to his jacket and quickly pulled it up to his chin. "I'm sorry."

"I'm glad," he said, pressing a quick kiss to his temple. "Just behave and everything will be fine."

He nodded weakly and the door opened as Rio flounced in, sitting with them and scowling at Ryoga. "What's wrong now?"

"I just… tripped," Ryoga whispered. "I'm fine."


Kaito was struggling not to blurt out something he'd regret. He was fuming. Not just because of what Ryoga's father had done but because Ryoga looked so ashamed of it. And with Haruto between them even reach over and comfort him. But Thomas had caught Ryoga's hand squeezing gently. Kaito didn't like that either. Ryoga assured him that Thomas and he were just rivals and there really wasn't anything going on and he wanted to be with Kaito… he still got incredibly jealous. Ryoga was his and Thomas the biggest threat to that. It was natural to worry. He just had to keep it under control.

"He shouldn't be allowed to do that," Haruto said, shaking his head. Ryoga frowned and gazed down at him. "You shouldn't let him do that."

"It's ok, Haruto," Kaito murmured. "He's safe now."

"You should have told your mother," he insisted. "Mothers are supposed to keep you safe." Thomas and Kaito both snorted and Haruto huffed. "Mother loved us!"

"Loved," he muttered.

Chris sighed. "We've talked about this, Kaito."

"Where is your mother?" Ryoga said quietly. Kaito scowled. "I give you all this information about me and my life and everything that's happened but you don't ever tell me anything."

Kaito sighed and shook his head. "Fine."


Mrs Tenjo was a pretty young woman. Sometimes Kaito wondered why she'd fallen in love with his father. He knew why his father fell in love with her. But the other way around seemed more confusing. She didn't understand their father's work, she didn't have much interest in being a mother either.

"Kaito," she purred, pulling him close with an arm around his shoulders. Kaito sighed. Her breath stunk of alcohol as she kissed his forehead. "My little Kaito."

"Yes, Mother," he muttered.

"You've grown so much."

"Kids do that."

"I'm sorry I'm leaving you, Kaito."

"No you're not."

He tugged out of her arms but she sighed and caught him again, pulling him back and stroking his hair. Kaito sighed and gave in. He'd put up with this for nearly all his life. He was only five when Haruto had turned up, and only six when things started going drastically down-hill. Now five years later, it had finally come an end. She pulled him over to the settee and pushed him down, setting down two glasses and pouring out drinks.

"Drink with me, Kaito?" she purred.

"Mother-"

"Oh, you're such a stick in the mud," she laughed, holding out a glass. "Just one little glass, lovely."

He sighed and took it slowly, taking a sip and trying not to cringe as it brunt his throat. His mother giggled and finished her drink in one go. She smiled and gestured for him to drink, promising it got better. So he trusted her and persisted, drinking slowly.

A few drinks later and it was getting better, the drink didn't burn so much. She smiled softly, stroking his cheek. "You're such a good boy."

"Did you ever love us?" Kaito muttered. "Or was it only ever Father's money?"

"Kaito, don't say things like that," she snapped.

"It's true!"

"No, honey, I've always loved you and Haruto." Kaito sighed and closed his eyes, letting her play with his hair. What did it matter? She'd be gone in the morning. She laughed and pulled him up so he was sitting on her lap, wrapped in her arms. "You're still your mummy's little boy, Kaito, no matter how old you get."

He sighed and closed his eyes, leaning into her shoulder as she stroked his hair. He didn't want her to go. She might have been in and out of their lives and constantly paying more attention to her looks than her sons and she might have constantly been drinking and going out with her friends, but she was his mother. He didn't want to be without her. No matter what happened, she was good enough to know when her sons needed her. She was there when they were sick, and when they needed some support. She was always there for the big things, but he wanted the little things too.

"You can always come for me," she whispered. "You'll always be my little boy, I promise. I'll always be there for you. And just because I'm leaving your father doesn't mean I'm leaving you."

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too, baby."

He smiled softly, drifting off in her hold. As flaky as she could be, she was always there when he had no one else. And he always would be. As long as she was there for him, he'd make it through alright.

She'd vanished before he woke up the next morning, feeling rather groggy but he blamed that on the drink. His father all but ignored the issue, carrying on like nothing had happened and leaving them for his work, leaving Kaito to look after Haruto and work through text books. And that was the way things were for a few weeks. Kaito waited patiently, knowing that moving out was a big deal and his mother needed time to settle and find something before she mad contact.

By the end of the month, Kaito was had his D-Pad with him at all times, and watched the main line, waiting day and night for her call. Haruto didn't understand. He was too young to understand, but he tried anyway. But time past and finally Kaito came to accept that she wasn't going to get into contact. He was never going to see her again. So he retired to bed and curled up under the covers for days.

She'd abandoned him.


Haruto clung to Kaito tightly, chewing on his caramel. He missed her still. His stomach churned at through and Ryoga smiled weakly, reassuring him slightly. He was still being held by Thomas but At least Kaito had his attention now. After a few moments of silence, Thomas sighed and leant his chin on Ryoga's shoulder.

"Let me guess, our turn?"

"You have a mother?" Ryoga grumbled. "You weren't just created to torment me?"

"Oh no, that's just a lovely side effect of you being so uptight," Thomas laughed. "And you know, the fact that I'm so perfect not even your sister can resist."

Ryoga glared at him. "You're not dating her yet."

"I'm working on it."

"It won't happen."

"If you're really that jealous, Ryoga, just dump this loser and say so. I'll be all yours."

"You're incredibly keen to have me want you, Thomas."

"Can you two not?" Kaito hissed.

There was a moment of silence before Thomas grinned, sliding his hand through Ryoga's hair and tilting his head so they were nose to nose. "See, even Katio's jealous that you have my attention. You should be honoured I only have eyes for you Kamishiros. Maybe we can play with him. He'd be a cute little puppet."

"Like I'd ever share him," Ryoga sneered. "He's mine."

Kaito blinked and his cheeks warm slightly. Was that… Ryoga being possessive over him? It wasn't just because it was Thomas, was it? Ryoga was genuinely being possessive over him.

"Really?" Thomas purred.

Kaito nearly snapped Thomas when he pecked Ryoga's lips but restrained himself when Ryoga shoved him away. Chris scowled as Thomas moved away from Ryoga, Haruto had released Kaito, watching curiously as Thomas stalked around the back of the settee.

"Thomas," Chris warned.

Kaito frowned. Just what was Thomas up to if Chris had that look? Ryoga seemed lost too, although he was still seemed fuming over the brief kiss, not that Kaito was impressed by that either.

"You know I love taking things that are yours, Ryoga."

Before they could figure out what that meant, Thomas caught Kaito's chin and tipped his head up, pressing their lips together roughly. Kaito gave a small, surprised yelp but Thomas held him in place until Ryoga shoved him away.

"What part of mine, don't you get?" Ryoga hissed.

Thomas smirked and hurried off, and to Kaito's surprise, Ryoga was hot on his heels. He frowned, watching him go. What the hell had just happened? He sighed and glanced at Chris who shrugged helplessly.

"They're not going to stop, are they?"

Chris sighed and moved over to sit with him. "Stop it, Kaito."

"I can't help it," Kaito whispered.

"You're worried about him and you're scared but you need to trust him," Chris murmured, stroking his hair. "Thomas doesn't mean any harm. He's just playful."

"Playful?" he snorted. "He's disrespectful. Tell me this is going to fade when Tron's mind games wear off completely."

"No… this was our lovely mother's doing." Kaito frowned. "Thomas was her favourite. She always told him that relationships don't mean anything until you've found your soul mate. He has no respect for relationships, just messes around."

"Then why is he interested in Rio?"

"Because she also said that when you find a person you love, you have to give one hundred per cent. He thinks Rio is special."

"Why is he teasing me and Ryoga?"

"Because he's scared and nervous. He's panicking because he's scare she'll say no." Kaito frowned and nodded. "It's his natural response. When he gets nervous he plays up."

"I don't like it."

"He's harmless, he thinks you two are cute together."

"I don't like it."

"Alright, but you know it's harmless. I'll talk to Thomas seriously though if it bothers you that much."

"I thought we'd talked about this already."

"They have toned it down."

"Yes, and all the attention Thomas has taken from Ryoga he's now focusing on me."

Kaito sighed and shook his head. "Watch Haruto for me?"

Chris nodded and Kaito got up, checking to see where Thomas and Ryoga had gone. They were on the viewing platform. Kaito sighed and went up. But he paused just inside the doorway. Ryoga and Thomas were standing at the railings, talking quietly as they gazed into his other's eyes. Kaito's fist clenched against the doorway. It was never going to stop with them. The connection was too strong. No matter what Chris said about Thomas being harmless and acting up because he was nervous, Kaito still got stressed about the pair of them.


"You don't have to worry, moron," Thomas murmured, cupping Ryoga's cheek gently. "You know there's nothing going on."

"He's so closed off though," Ryoga whispered shakily. He leant his head absently into Thomas' touch. There was something so reassuring about being here with Thomas like this. It was reassuring to look up into his eyes and know there was absolute understanding there. "He only opens up to Chris."

"That'll take time. He and Chris were together forever." Thomas sighed and laid their forehead together. "Just trust him, huh? You've given up a whole lot to be with him, you can't stumble now."

"What if I made the wrong choice?" He closed his eyes and reached up absently, gripping Thomas' shirt. "What if I gave up everything and he's really not all that interested? I'm just some dumb kid with all these issues, and Chris is Chris-"

"And you're a shark, right?" Thomas teased softly. "You're a predator. You know what my mother always used to say?" Ryoga frowned and shook his head slightly. "That if you're not even a little worried, you don't care enough. When you want someone and care about them, you have to go after them. You have to hold on and make sure they understand nothing else matters. You have to hang onto them and not let anyone take them from you until there's nothing less to fight for. If you're not prepared to fight, they don't matter enough. I think the fact that you've given up so much to be with him should prove how much you want to be with him. If he doesn't see that and he gives up on you… then he never deserved you in the first place and doesn't deserve your heartache."

"Thomas…"

"I mean it. If he walks away from you he was never worth it in the first place." Ryoga smiled weakly and opened his eyes, gazing up at him once more. "Anyone who can hurt you doesn't deserve you."

"Fine," Ryoga grumbled, glancing away over Heartland. "You can ask Rio out."

"So… why did you change your mind and go after Kaito?"

"Ryoga?" Kaito called. They turned slightly and Kaito was walking over. Ryoga smiled slightly and stepped away from Thomas, letting Kaito come between them. "Are you feeling better now you've got some air?"

"Yes," Ryoga murmured, slowly reaching over and clasping his hand. Kaito glanced down at him. Ryoga wasn't sure why he looked so surprised but he smiled and leant his head against Kaito's shoulder. "Thanks for looking out for me, I guess…"

Kaito smiled softly and squeezed his hand. "I'll do anything to keep you safe, Ryoga. I'm glad you've trust me when I say that."

Thomas smirked and tilted his head. "Well, aren't you two cute?"

"Thanks," Kaito grumbled, glaring at him.

Ryoga frowned and gently squeezed his hand. Had he and Thomas pushed things a little too far again? He was trying not to go too far with Thomas, he couldn't help it. He really tried but when Thomas started teasing him he couldn't help taking the bait. And despite him being possessive over Kaito, he and Thomas looked surprisingly good together. He glanced over at Thomas who was leaning on the rails, gazing out at the city. Well… of all the people Rio could have, he supposed Thomas wasn't the worst. If Thomas was good enough to be a contender for his attention, he supposed he was good enough for Rio.

"I wish I could stay with you tonight," Ryoga murmured. Kaito glanced down at him and Ryoga offered a small smile. "Rules say we're not allowed to be alone together for long periods, right? Bedroom doors have to be open? All that kind of rules out sharing a bed."

"Too bad," Kaito said quietly, tugging him back towards the door. "We'll have to make up for it now."

Ryoga's cheeks warmed and Thomas laughed. "You'll have to wait boys. Yuma's on his way."


In the Next Chapter: Yuma, Michael and the gang turn up to question Shark and Kaito and Rio and Ami push for answers.

Suffer In Silence