Enslave me

Joey didn't feel quite all right. It should no longer be surprising to wake up to that feeling, but this time it was different. He felt like a truck had run him over.

He was lying in a hospital bed in a white room.

What had happened?

Had it all been just a dream?

Was he home now?

Why did everything hurt so much?


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The second time he woke up he almost had a heart attack.

He was sitting by his bedside.

Smaller in build, however, and in school uniform; his good old concerned expression on his face.

But it was still him.

"Yugi."

Joey's voice was cranky.

"Joey! You woke up at last. We have been so worried!"

Yugi had tears in his eyes now, but Joey couldn't lose the tight knot in his stomach.

"Yeah."

"I'm so sorry! You both just wanted to help me and I was the only one who got out of there safe and sound."

Yes, Kaiba had been there, of course.

Joey's head felt all messy. Memories of the earthquake and his horrifying journey meshed together.

"Where's Kaiba?"

For a moment Yugi looked stunned. Strangely enough, Joey was also just as surprised.

This is Yugi, for god's sake! My friend! He's not that beast!

Joey didn't only feel taken aback, he felt very bad. Yugi wouldn't hurt him, but in spite of this knowledge his unconscious craved the presence of the CEO. Although his mind knew he wasn't in danger anymore, he didn't feel safe without that strong, demanding existence by his side.

"Kaiba is in the hospital, too, but he will soon be discharged. He woke up just around the time as you did. His injuries aren't as serious as yours, though. You got the worst of it."

You have no idea!

Although his mind screamed, Joey kept his mouth shut.

Yugi smiled shyly.

"Thank you. I will never forget what you did for me."

Joey wanted to crawl into a deep hole. Here he was, watching Yugi, who looked at him with his whole heart in his eyes and Joey wanted nothing more from him than to disappear.

He wanted to be alone. He wanted to feel glad about being home. He wanted to feel safe.

And he was feeling only misery, wanting only that self-righteous prick.

Yugi got to his feet and was getting dangerously close to hugging Joey.

"Yugi...!"

"Yeah?"

"I think I should be resting now. I don't feel very well."

"Yeah, yeah! I'm so dumb. Of course you should rest. Your father will come again in the afternoon, too."

"He will?"

Joey couldn't hide the shock in his voice.

"Yeah. It was really terrible at first. When he heard you were in hospital and wouldn't wake up... he came in to visit. He was... well, he was drunk."

"What a surprise."

"He was shouting at the doctors and nurses. It was very bad."

"And they will let him in after all that?"

"He came to apologise a few days later. He's looking for a job now, Joey. He feels horrible for not being able to pay the hospital bill... you don't have insurance, you know."

Joey's hearing became selective. He couldn't believe his ears.

"He does?"

"I think it was a great shock for him when he realized that he was on the brink of losing you."

"I see."

His father was really worried about him?

That was some news.


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"I have already been by several companies and some of them invited me for an interview."

Joey's father was fidgeting with his worn-out tie nervously.

"I'm glad, dad."

And Joey was glad.

"Yeah. Listen Joey, I know I haven't been myself lately... for a long time actually. You know the whole thing going wrong with your mother. And I guess I lost it completely when I saw that I was incompetent to help with the operation for your sister."

"It wasn't your fault dad. That was much money. Nearly impossible."

"But if we didn't live day by day, if I had some savings for an emergency like this...Joey... I thought you'd die! The doctors thought you'd die!"

"I'm okay, dad. It isn't that bad, really."

"The doctors said you should stay in the hospital longer, but...I'm sorry..."

"Dad, it's okay. I can rest at home. There's no real difference."

His father was looking at him desperately.

"But your ribs are cracked. And you have a broken arm. The cuts must be re-dressed and the medicine..."

"I told you, it's alright, dad."

Joey smiled. It had been a long time since he had been able to smile so honestly at his old man.

"I have finished it, Joey. I'm never going to drink again. You can see I'm trying hard, yeah?"

"It's gonna be fine. I'm proud of you, dad. "

Really proud.


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Joey was thinking about just how more awkward it could be for a boy his age to have his father hanging on him in tears.

It was nice in a way. It seemed his old man really meant it this time.

Joey was moved. Somehow his misery seemed to be less important now. No matter the humiliation of Atemu, or that he couldn't bear to be in Yugi's presence. No matter the jackass Kaiba.

All that mattered was the love of his family.

Serenity had called the hospital several times while he was out. He had to remember to call her tomorrow. His father was really concerned about him; enough to try and gather himself at last.

Yeah, at the moment he felt great.

There was a knock on the door and someone he didn't really expect stuck his head into the room.

"Can I come in for a bit? Am I bothering you?"

"It's okay, come in, Mokuba."

Joey was glad his voice was steady.

What was Mokuba doing here? Did Kaiba send him?

He hoped he didn't blush too deeply at the thought.

"How are you, Joey?"

"Well, I'm a strong one, you know. No need to worry. Did you come to see your bro?"

He tried to not sound too obvious about how much he wanted to hear about Kaiba.

"Kind of. We are taking him home today. I thought I would jump in to see how you're doing. I heard from Yugi that you didn't really fancy visitors, but I thought a brief call would make you happy and feel cared for."

Joey felt a jab of guilt.

"Yeah, thanks. I guess I was just a little jumpy at the beginning. You know, everyone standing around, feeling sorry for me. I guess I overreacted a bit."

Mokuba shook his head and Joey felt even guiltier.

"Of course it's understandable. You are a man and don't want to look weak in front of others, especially your friends."

Joey nodded keenly in agreement.

"Yeah, thanks for understanding."

"No problem. It's just what big bro says all the time. That a man has to be a man and have pride and be strong."

Joey paled.

"He must think I'm a real pathetic weakling then."

He had only muttered to himself, but Mokuba brushed those thoughts of his away.

"I think it is just the opposite. He's always grumbling about Yugi and you. It's because he has never beaten Yugi and you are not afraid to always stand up to him."

Joey showed a bitter smile.

"You think so?"

"Absolutely. Maybe you can't tell and big bro wouldn't admit it himself, but you have a great effect on him, even if it's unconscious on both of your sides."

Mokuba looked really convinced and Joey didn't want to disillusion him, so he just went for changing the topic.

"I see. So Kaiba is doing well, then. I mean because he's discharged today."

"Well, he is doing better than you. He will rest at home. The doctors couldn't persuade him to stay any longer. You know him."

Yeah, Joey knew it just too well what happened when Kaiba got something in his head.

"And did he mention anything about what had happened since... the accident?"

Joey knew it seemed a stupid question, but he had to know. If those things really happened – and it wasn't just his mind playing such a cruel joke on him – then Kaiba was likely to have said something to his brother; or not?

"Like for example?"

Mokuba was making big eyes like he didn't quite understand what Joey meant.

Joey let out a big breath.

"Never mind."

"And when will you be discharged?"

Joey smiled a sad smile.

"Dunno yet. Probably soon."

"But I thought you had serious injuries."

"Yeah, well, I can rest at home, too. I don't really fancy hospitals either."

He wouldn't have admitted that his father didn't have insurance and he would have to leave as soon as he could walk on his own properly.

"Well, nobody really does. Ok, I'll let you rest now. Take care and you can just call me anytime if you need anything."

"Thanks 'Kuba."

But I could never do that.


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Mokuba got into the limo next to Kaiba.

"What took you so long?"

"Just hopped in to see Joey for a bit. He asked after you, it was really strange."

Kaiba lifted an eyebrow. After a few moments of silence he cleared his throat and tried to sound very casual.

"So how is he?"

Mokuba made big eyes.

"It's even stranger that you want to know about him."

Kaiba dismissed the topic grumbling

I don't care at all. Why should I? I don't want to know what's with him.

He almost persuaded himself. All the way to Kaiba Mansion, though, he didn't really get a thing Mokuba was chatting away about. His thoughts were swirling around the question whether he had a crazy sex oriented dream, or if the mutt had shared his experiences.

He couldn't decide which one he had preferred.


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Click.

His laptop gave the usual impersonal sound when Kaiba turned down its top.

The limo just stopped before the school building and he was really looking forward to doing something else besides lying around and trying to do his work from bed, while Mokuba was on his heels all the time, reprimanding him into resting.

He had to smile at the worries of his little brother.

Kaiba was fine. Something he couldn't tell about someone else.

He had heard about Joey already being at school. The blonde had to leave hospital, as his father had no insurance or money.

His injuries still had to be redressed at least weekly, but Joey apparently thought he wouldn't need to visit the hospital that often.

It was a stupid idea to make an investigation about him. Why do I even want to know how he is? It's his father's responsibility now.

Kaiba snorted at this thought. That man was a loser of a father; drinking, unemployed, completely useless, the deepest scum of society.

As he entered their classroom Kaiba saw him smile.

The CEO gritted his teeth when catching bits of the conversation when the blonde was answering Tea's enthusiastic questions half-heartedly. It was about the same thing Kaiba was just thinking about.

Joey had a little smile on his pale face while thinking of his father being so enthusiastic and trying hard to find a job. He felt too tired to go into the chatting too deeply, though. That would have meant Tea becoming even more enthusiastic, meaning her pestering him all the time, leading to him having to socialize with Tristan and Yugi.

A visible shudder ran through him.

It was still early. He still couldn't face Yugi yet.

Not yet.


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Joey kept averting his eyes in class. He was like a model student all attention devoted to his books and notes.

Kaiba had already become irritated after their first lesson.

Now so close to lunchtime, he was beyond pissed.

What does he think he's doing by ignoring me?

Kaiba never liked to be ignored but he was still a bit surprised when he found himself go and search for the blonde during the lunch break.

Joey was eating alone in an empty classroom making Kaiba wonder why.

For a few minutes he just watched the eating blonde.

It was a calm act. No traces of the nervousness, the constant jumpiness, and none of the high spirit the mutt usually offered.

Must be the effect of painkillers and drugs. He must be still feeling quite unwell.

Before feeling entirely like a stalker he opened the door wider and entered the room with a neural line prepared beforehand.

"I don't want to talk to you."

When was he noticed?

Come on. Don't give me that shit, mutt.

"I see. From what I have heard... I was just wondering if you were well enough to be in school yet."

Why am I even bothering?

That Joey wouldn't look at him was what bugged him the most.

"Of course I am. I have to learn from now on to become something."

Kaiba let out an honestly stunned laugh.

"Something? You?"

Joey honoured him with his attention at last.

He looked angry and pale. Kaiba wondered how much earlier he was kicked out of the hospital than he should have been.

"You have money and always get what you want. You have no idea what it feels like for me!"

Kaiba felt something sting inside. What did the mutt know?! Wasn't he the one who had done so much for the blonde when needed? How much more ungrateful could he be?

"So you want to become an honourable, valuable person now? Wow."

He mocked without actual conviction, but with the intent to hurt the blonde.

Because he managed to get to me, too, with this annoying indifference.

"And why aren't your precious friends with you to help with your plan? And by the way, don't you think it's a bit late now to make an effort, mutt?"

Joey had resentment in eyes.

"That has nothing to do with you! Get lost! I wish I would never meet you again, ever!"

Kaiba felt himself become cold and his heart harden. There was a big pause. Joey thought – wished – Kaiba would leave him alone. Kaiba's frosty voice carried on instead.

"Wasn't it you who preached about friendship being so important? I guess in the end that idea was just convenience. Anyhow, shouldn't you treasure your friends more in time of need, especially since you are such a simpleton? Why bother with making that effort? You could just use your charm to catch yourself a rich geezer. As far as I can tell – and I'm obviously talking from experience – you have developed enough skill to please someone well. Of course if you put your mind to it."

Joey's fist connected with Kaiba's jaw. Kaiba grabbed Joey's hair, making him hiss as he was thrown into the wall.

"Does it hurt to see the truth?"

Kaiba only felt a little bit of guilt as tears of pain were gathering in Joey's eyes, unmistakably from the impact with the wall.

Joey blinked back the tears that had already threatened to fall.

I won't give you that satisfaction ever again, you bastard.

"You don't have any power over me anymore. None. I'm starting a new life now, you jerk. One that has as little to do with you as possible!"

Kaiba laughed, pressing up his body. If he was impressed at all by Joey's effort, he didn't let it show.

"Oh, puppy. Even if you are trying to grow up, a dog's always in need of a master – slip of a tongue – nowadays it's called an owner."

Joey tried to push him away furiously.

"You… you…"

Kaiba wouldn't let him.

"But you can't even fight me. You are still a puppy."

His voice a meaningful whisper as he went about grinding his lower part into Joey's hip.

Joey was hurt.

Why is he doing this? I thought we had gotten to understand each other, if only a little bit.

He was struggling with all his might to get out of the iron grip, but was still not a match for Kaiba.

"D'you mind, asshole?"

"You said it yourself and its true: I always get what I want."

Honestly, Joey interested him. Joey interested him too much. The throbbing between his legs – caused by the weak fight that was like the struggle of a broken winged butterfly in the strong wind – proved that.

Even long after he decided to let Joey get away and they had gone their separate ways, he was fantasizing about something he shouldn't but could have had.


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Joey was lying on his bed with the back of his hand over his throbbing eyes. Actually his whole head was aching along with his body.

After spending the last hour sitting over his schoolwork, chewing on a pencil and trying hard to store everything into his brain he gave up.

The constant painful pulsing reminded him that he had missed the weekly check up in the hospital two days ago, which meant he didn't get the prescription for the new painkillers.

He turned towards his desk to check the little bottle. He still had a few pills, so he decided he didn't need a check-up yet.

I really should take one.

But every time he had bought new ones it was just a waste of money. As were the check-ups.

So what if I don't go? I will heal anyway.

He didn't mind the pain so much, but it disturbed his learning and he had lost his appetite.

Deciding not to waste another pill he curled into a miserable ball and tried to have a little nap – those usually helped him to feel better.


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A constant knocking on his door woke him from his tired doze. Looking at the watch he noted that he had almost managed to get an hour sleep.

"Joey, can I come in?"

The excited voice sobered him immediately.

"'course, dad. What happened?"

He was rubbing the sleep from his eyes when his old man's grinning face appeared in the door.

"Guess what. I got a job!"

Joey couldn't believe his ears. He knew his dad was trying, but nevertheless this seemed like a miracle. They had been on the dole almost as far as he could remember.

"Really? So soon? That's great!"

And Joey even meant that.

"Yeah, it's unbelievable. Ok, there's probation of course, two months of temporary work, but I'm sure if I try really hard it'll work out. If they see that I'm really serious about my work... Right?"

Joey had doubts about that, but he couldn't bring himself to voice them and putting out that missed, excited light in his father's eyes.

"Of course, dad. Go for it!"

"Joey, if this works out... and now that your grades are improving, I think... you know... you have never been excited about these things, but..."

"What, dad? Just spit it out."

"Well, I was thinking... what about college? I could really save up for it. It'd be great."

Joey's eyebrows lifted.

"Huhh? You want to send me to college?"

His father's eyes suddenly became serious.

"It's your future. It's important."

Joey felt a pressure in his chest and thought he'd start crying soon if the old man kept on talking about such things.

"Yeah, that'd actually be really cool."

Joey's father seemed to be very happy with his answer.

"Everything will change now, Joey. You just concentrate on healing and school and I'll bring home the money with hard and honest work."

Joey was truly at the verge of tears now.

"Aye, aye, captain!"

On his way out his father turned back one more time.

"I almost forgot. That game you're so obsessed with. Wasn't Seto Kaiba one of the gamers you play with?"

Joey's mood sank at his father's mention of Kiba. He was trying so hard to forget about him and their last – hopefully vey last – encounter a few days ago.

"Yeah. Why?"

His dad grinned.

"Because the place that is willing to give your old man a chance is Kaiba Corp. That's really a coincidence. The world is so small."

With that he left, closing the door behind him, closing Joey into the darkness of the evening along with his shock.


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Brrrrrrr……

Brrrrrrr……

Joey sat up in bed. He didn't have to look at the clock to know it was 5 a.m. Not that he had been able to sleep a wink.

He rubbed his tired, sleep-deprived – probably red – eyes. He didn't remember setting the alarm so early.

After crawling out of bed he dressed and made himself presentable. After quickly grabbing his things, he was already on his way to school.

What has gotten into him? Or rather, who got under his skin?

He fastened his grip on his school bag.

Why was Kaiba doing this to him? Did he want to keep tormenting him through his whole life? If he hated Joey so much, then why not just ignore him?

It was still early when he arrived at the gates. Some crazy, obsessed folks were gathering for morning training. He found himself a nice place on the grass with first-class view on the gates and waited.

He knew Kaiba wanted to rub his latest evil plan under his nose. And the worst part was he happened to be the focus of it.

So where the hell was he?!

More and more students arrived. Still no Kaiba.

"Joey! Oh my god! Did something happen?"

Tea was heading towards him anxiously.

"Good morning."

He greeted her as laid-back as he was able to manage.

"You are always late and never actually early. Are you okay?"

Joey hoped his expression wasn't too faked.

"Just felt like a change today."

If Tea didn't believe him, she didn't give any sign of it. Joey even felt more relieved as she sat next to him, chatting away cheerfully. He had less opportunity to brood about a certain evil person like this.

Now that he was having such a hard time with Kaiba, it felt even better to have a friend who was there for him.

More than one friend, actually.

Tristan and Yugi joined them, fighting each other over Joey, asking about his condition and wounds. Joey almost cried and cursed himself silently to have let his best friends worry about him for so long.

"Are you waiting for someone?"

Yugi asked him as the blonde's attention kept returning to the school gates over and over again.

"Uh, not really. Anyway, let's get inside. Lessons are going to start soon. "

They all cast him strange glances.

"Whoa, you really started to take learning seriously, dude!"

Tristan looked at him in awe, as Tea manoeuvre them inside.

Joey couldn't stay calm in the classroom either.

10 more minutes…

Where is he?!

5…

He stood and left the room, planning to release his frustration on whatever he came across first but came to a halt abruptly.

Kaiba was standing by a window near their classroom, leaning on the frame lazily.

"Kaiba!"

The blonde heard himself call out a bit too loud. Kaiba – and a dozen other students – turned to him.

Kaiba was smiling. Though Joey got the creeps from that smile, he ignored his cold feet and approached him.

"What is it?"

The CEO asked, casually.

"We have to talk."

Joey stated the obvious. What game was the other playing? Kaiba made a surprised face.

"What? You want to miss the first lesson? Really, I thought you wanted to take learning seriously. I'm disappointed."

Joey saw no need to answer, he already felt miserable as things were. Kaiba must have seen something in his eyes, because he took pity on the blonde. He turned and stared to walk.

"Come, mutt!"

Joey followed.

…………………………………………

As the blonde expected, Kaiba led them to the rooftop.

Joey closed the door behind them. He stepped before the CEO.

The CEO.

The title suddenly meant so much more than before. Its weight bearing down on Joey's shoulders like lead.

"What do you want?!"

He blurted out – with more force he actually intended to – before losing his courage. Kaiba tilted his head to the side.

"What do you have to offer?"

Joey went pale. God, he knew it. He wanted to punch himself in the face. Why couldn't he stay put? Why the hell had he challenged Kaiba? Suddenly he felt very tired. The wounds that had taken longer to heal started to ache. His sight became slightly blurry.

He stumbled to the railing and tried to straighten himself, but decided to let himself sink to the ground. It was still better than fainting then and there. He breathed in deep a few times to get rid of the black dots dancing behind his closed eye lids.

A shadow fell over him and as he opened his eyes, he thought to have seen a glimpse of worry on Kaiba's face before it transformed back into his former, neutral expression.

"Are you all right, mutt?"

"No."

Joey could only manage the shortest answers. Kaiba lifted Joey's chin.

"Did you cry?"

Kaiba was examining his red eyes.

"Did you sleep at all?"

"I wasn't sleepy."

Kaiba's eyes went a shade darker as his thumb found its favourite place, caressing over Joey's lips.

"Did you eat?"

The gesture flooded Joey with unpleasant memories of situations he thought to have already escaped from. His eyes filled. He raised a fist to punch Kaiba, but only managed to slap him across the face.

He knew he had to show at least the smallest amount of resistance or he wouldn't ever be able to face a mirror again.

The old Kaiba would have been all over him now, beating the shit out of him; this one just took hold of the hand he was slapped with though. He didn't grab it too hard, didn't pull, didn't hurt Joey. He was simply holding it, while slowly spelling out the words.

"That will be the last time you ever hit me."

And Joey knew. He knew he couldn't allow himself to do it again.

Kaiba didn't bother with the lack of answer and went on with the earlier conversation.

"You didn't eat?"

Joey felt tears escape.

"No."

"Not even dinner?"

"Whose fault do you think it is?!"

He hated himself when a sniff got out. Kaiba let go of his hand and stood.

"I'm going to buy you breakfast. Come."

"I don't need your pity, you blackmailing bastard."

Kaiba didn't take it to heart.

"You will get it anyway, whether you want it or not."

Joey wiped away his tears with his sleeve. He stood a little shaky, but managed to stay on his feet as he was walking to the door.

Kaiba joined him on the way, resting a hand on the small of the blonde's back to keep him from falling if necessary.

…………………………………………

"I don't know how you dare do this."

Joey was in the infirmary, lying on the bed, ordered to stay put. After forcing a big sandwich with chicken and vegetables into him, Kaiba had brought him to the school doctor.

The CEO just had to snap his fingers and the blonde was examined from head to toe, his injuries re-dressed and he was put into bed. His confusion changed to anger when he realized Kaiba was watching the whole time the doctor was checking on his half-naked body.

Now they were the only ones in the infirmary.

"How I dare to care for your food and health?"

Kaiba pretended to be taken aback, but he only seemed amused.

Joey steeled himself. He had already had an idea, but he had to know for sure what was going on, therefore he had to ask.

"And what is it exactly you want from me?"

He didn't look at Kaiba; instead he concentrated on his fingers, digging into the sheets.

Kaiba walked to the bed and Joey could feel his gaze linger on him.

"What do you think I want?"

This wasn't anything Joey didn't expect, but hearing the unambiguous tone of the voice with all its sexual charge sent a shiver through him, followed by heat.

He didn't have to accept this. This wasn't the ancient Egypt for god's sake!

"So what if I say to go to hell and you best stay there, too, huh?"

If Kaiba was disappointed he didn't let it show.

"But this is a gift. An opportunity. For you and for… your family."

It was like he dumped a bucket of ice water over the blonde.

Joey felt bewildered. He felt hurt. Somehow even betrayed.

How could Kaiba do this to him? Hadn't he been Joey's self-proclaimed protector? How did it come to this?

Joey pictured his father telling him how he'd try hard from then on. His face when he was announcing his success with Kaiba Corp.

Joey choked down the hurtful things he wanted to throw into the CEO's face and decided on a mild answer.

"You blackmailing asshole."

So much should have been okay. He guessed Kaiba was even expecting and looking forward to some resistance – challenge – from him.

"This is going to be simple, mutt. When I call, you come running. Your father keeps the job."


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Later that afternoon Joey was walking home from the school. He had actually managed to fall asleep on the infirmary bed.

The rest he had got was more welcome and healing than he would ever admit to the CEO.

Speak of the devil.

Kaiba's limo was slowing down and stopping right by his side. The CEO himself was gesturing him towards the car with a finger.

"Come here."

Joey shook his head in disbelief.

"You play dirty."

"I play to win,"

Kaiba smiled at him with a self-confidence which – Joey thought – nobody should possess.

Joey shot Kaiba a paint-peeling glare as he walked over to him.

He hated him like he'd never hated anyone in his life as he got into the car.

.

.

.

...TBC...