Change

Change – Chapter One

Joey was woken the next morning by someone knocking loudly on his door, waking him up from a particularly interesting dream about a certain brunet. Of course he was still furious at Seto, but even that couldn’t stop his dreams.

“Yeah yeah, I’m comin’.” He mumbled as he threw open the door.

“Joey!” Yugi said frantically, “Have you seen Mokuba? Kaiba called last night and said that he ran away and no one else has seen him…”

Joey gulped nervously as his diminutive friend spotted Mokuba sleeping on his couch, a small bruise forming on his cheek.

“He’s been here all along?”

“Uh… yeah.”

Yugi looked shocked, “Joey, why didn’t you call Kaiba?”

Joey motioned for his friend to enter the apartment and led him to his room, so they wouldn’t disturb the sleeping boy.

“What exactly did Kaiba tell ya Yuge?” Joey asked.

“He said that he and Mokuba got into an argument and Mokuba ended up running away.”

“Ah, I see. Did he tell you he hit Mokuba?”

“What! No way!” Yugi looked shocked.

“Yeah well, you saw the bruise.” Joey stood up and clenched his fists angrily, “There ain’t no way I’m gonna let Kaiba get his hands on Mokuba again!”

“Joey… I know you’re thinking about what you went through with your dad, but I don’t think this is the same. Kaiba cares about Mokuba a lot and he would never beat him like that, and he’s probably feeling very guilty about hitting him.”

“Ya didn’t see him last night Yugi, the poor kid was scared outta his mind. He was beggin’ me not ta make him go back.”

Yugi looked thoughtful, “I think we should let Kaiba at least talk to Mokuba. We don’t really know what happened and it isn’t our place to get involved right now.”

“You can’t be serious!” Joey looked shocked, “For all we know Kaiba’s abusing Mokuba and you just want to hand him over?”

“That’s going a bit far Joey, think about what you’re saying. Kaiba abusing Mokuba? There’s no way that could ever happen.”

“Fine! Kaiba can talk to Mokuba but he has ta come here ta do it and if da kid wants him ta leave then he’s gotta. I already told Mokuba he could stay here so if he doesn’t wanna go back I ain’t gonna force him.”

Yugi sighed, “I suppose that would be okay. You do realise Kaiba could just call the police though. He is Mokuba’s legal guardian.”

“If moneybags cares at all about Mokuba then he won’t do that.”

“So, when can he come round?”

“Today. I wanna get dis mess fixed up as quickly as possible.”

Yugi shook his head and turned to leave, “You’re really making this difficult Joey.”

“I don’t care. Now go call Kaiba and tell him ta get his ass over here so I can tell him exactly what I think of him.”

Yugi sighed again and left the apartment, shaking his head and think about how complicated this had become.

---

“He’s where!” Seto exclaimed.

“He’s at Joey’s.” Yugi replied.

Seto growled and slammed his fist into his desk, “Damn mutt!”

“Um… Kaiba?”

“What!”

“Joey’s not going to let you take Mokuba back.” Yugi told him nervously, “He’s got it into his head that you’re abusing Mokuba and there’s no talking him out of it. You need to go there today and sort all this out.”

“WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS! HE CAN’T KEEP MY LITTLE BROTHER FROM ME. I’M MOKUBA’S LEGAL GUARDIAN.”

“Thanks for that Kaiba, luckily I have another ear. I’m well aware that he can’t legally keep Mokuba from you but please, for Mokuba’s sake, try and sort this out with Joey before you call the police or anything.”

“I suppose that would be best, although I’m not happy with it.” Seto sighed, “When does the mutt want me to go to his place?”

“Today, anytime I guess.” Yugi informed him, “Good luck Kaiba, you know how stubborn Joey can be.”

Not bothering to reply Seto hung up and glared at the phone as if it were to blame for his current predicament.

“Damn mutt.”

---

Joey looked at Mokuba thoughtfully as the raven haired kid ate, “So Mokuba, what’s the deal with your brother.”

“What do you mean Joey?”

“Does he, ya know, hit ya often?”

Mokuba looked down, “No, he’s not like that Joey. I’m just scared because he was so angry, but I know he didn’t mean to hurt me.”

“I see. Are you sure, cause if he’s hurtin’ you then you can tell me.”

“He’s not hurting me. Joey, do you mind if I borrow your phone to call him. He’s probably very worried about me.”

Joey shook his head, “There’s no point, Yugi’s gonna call him and let him know where you are. Although… I kinda, sorta said that I wouldn’t let him take you cause I, uh, thought he was hurting you. So I guess he’s gonna be pretty annoyed and…”

A loud banging sound cut Joey off, “OPEN UP WHEELER!”

“Perhaps I should get that.” Mokuba suggested, hugging Joey before he left, “Thanks for caring about me Joey, you’re a good friend.”

He let go and quickly ran to open the door before his brother knocked it down, slightly nervous about what to say once he did.

“ABOUT TIME!” Seto shouted, before he realised that it was not Joey who’d opened the door but Mokuba.

“Hi.” Mokuba said nervously.

Tears sprang into Seto’s eyes as he hugged his brother tightly, “Mokuba, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hit you, please forgive me.”

“It’s okay Seto, I know you didn’t mean it.”

Joey coughed, causing the brothers to let go of each other and stare at him.

“I’m taking my brother home now Wheeler.”

“Okay. See ya round Kaiba.”

“Well I’m glad I have your permission.” Seto replied sarcastically, “Come on Mokuba.”

Mokuba hugged Joey again before running out after his brother.