Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Common Ground ❯ Chapter 1

It was already night in Domino City. Seto Kaiba, the CEO of one of the largest technology development companies worldwide, was strolling down a darkened sidewalk. He decided to take a walk in the crisp night air to take his mind off the incompetence of some of his employees developing the latest system. There had already been several system crashes and lost data that he had to deal with and his patience was wearing thin.

Only the gentle padding of his boots upon the concrete and the occasional 'night owl' on their way home filled the air. He took a glance at his watch.

`Almost midnight. I should call for the limo and make sure Mokuba is in bed.'

When he lifted his head, he saw the Domino City Park and decided a small stroll through would not hurt much. Not surprisingly, he found it deserted. That was another reason the young CEO enjoyed walking late at night. It was quiet at night and there were few people out that could bother him.

He walked with one hand in his pocket and the other holding his ever-present briefcase and gazed down the softly lit path. Just up ahead, he thought he could make out a form of some sort upon one of the benches. Curiosity getting the better of him, even though he told himself that 'it was on the way', he approached.

The closer he drew, the more the shape seemed to become familiar. There was someone laying upon one of the seats. Just a few feet away and he instantly recognized the shaggy mop of dirty blonde hair, green jacket, and blue jeans.

`What on earth is he doing out here?'

"I thought mutts were supposed to be on a leash when they were in the park."

The bench occupant jumped and turned one eye towards the voice. He sneered.

".. Kaiba.." he replied with venom. "What da fuck do you want? Can't a guy even be alone without ya havin' ta make some kinda federal case outta it?"

Joey gave a sideways glare before turning away.

"Isn't it late for you to be out in the park, Puppy?"

"Yeah, it's late. That's why I was tryin' ta sleep."

"Now why would you want to sleep out in the park? It's cold out here. Look at you, you're shaking."

The blonde youth wrapped his arms tighter around himself, still facing away from his sworn enemy.

"...I got my reasons.." was the reply, heavy with his Bronx accent.

Seto smirked a little. "Now aren't you afraid that the dog catcher will come along and take you off to the pound?"

Joey turned his head angrily to glare at the brunette. That's when Seto saw, even in the dim light of the park, that the boy's lip was split wide and a savage bruise was developing underneath one of his hazel eyes.

"Fine! I'll fuckin' move then! Figures that da rich an' powerful Seto Kaiba would want da only bench dat I'm usin'."

Joey struggled to push himself up and took a limped step when the CEO saw the slowly drying blood upon the seat of boy's pants.

"Stop, Wheeler! You're bleeding."

Indeed, he stopped, but more out of surprise that he had heard his name instead of an insult. Joey turned his head back slightly.

"Yeah, that happens.. It'll stop."

"Wheeler, you need to go to the doctor."

"I ain't goin' ta no doctor. I told ya it'll stop."

Seto came forward and took the stubborn youth by the arm. "Yes you are. You're a mess and you're bleeding all over. Now are you going to go or do I have to drag you there myself?"

"I can't go even if I wanted ta. Couldn't pay for it," the blonde gave his arm a tug to pull free, but was too weak to really put up much of a fight. "Not everybody has money comin' outta their ass like you, Moneybags. Besides, why do you care?"

"Because I know that you're hurt and if something were to happen, I would be responsible for not helping." Seto held tight with his free hand while he set his case down to find his cell phone, "But you're going to see a damn doctor. And if you don't want to go to the hospital, then you're coming home with me and I'll bring in someone privately."

Joey blinked in shock. ".. Come home with you? But I still wouldn't be able ta pay!"

"It's my private doctor, Wheeler. You don't have to pay me any compensations, but you are coming with me to get you some first aid." With a flip of his thumb, he opened the cell phone cover and pressed a speed dial button before bringing it to his ear. "I need the limo to pick me up now. I'm in Domino City Park and I have a friend that needs medical attention. Have Dr. Himes there by the time we arrive."

With another flip, he ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket. His icy blue eyes caught the surprised look on his captive's face.

"What's the matter?"

"Ya called me your 'friend'."

"I've known you long enough, I can call you whatever I want to my staff. But I thought it better to make sure they knew I really didn't need a vet." Seto let Joey's arm drop, now confident he was not going to limp away. "I'm only going easy on you since you need help. Now let's get to the front of the park so my driver can find us."

Joey started to lumber painfully towards the front, but the brunette stopped him.

"I thought ya said we needed ta leave?"

"You're not walking around like that."

And with that, he scooped the boy up over his shoulder and held him as carefully as he could in case he was even more injured than he appeared. He took up his case with his other hand and carried the blonde off.

"What the hell--?? Whatta ya doing???"

"Carrying you. Now stop squirming or I'm going to drop you on the ground."

Seto was a bit uneased at how light Joey was. He was sure, with the way he had seen the mutt eat, that he would be much heavier. But, he did not say anything about it.

Just as they reached the entrance to the park, Kaiba's limo pulled up. Seto carefully let Joey down and helped him into the back before joining him. Once they were settled, they were speeding off towards the Kaiba mansion.

"Tell me what happened to you, Wheeler."

Joey looked solemnly out the window. ".. I got into a fight. That's all."

The CEO knew there had to be more to the story. "Then why is there blood all over the back of your pants?"

The boy's shoulders seem to slump slightly and he tried to turn himself away more. "I really don't wanna talk about it, Kaiba... Just, thanks fer takin' me home."

An uncomfortable silence settled between them for the rest of the way. Joey's gaze never left the window and Seto's never left Joey. He realized now why he sometimes did not see the street kid duelist at school. Sometimes for a few days. It was starting to remind him of his days with Gozaburo.

Those were more of days in a living hell with his adoptive father. The years of physical and mental abuse he had to endure. Seto always wondered if his little brother ever realized the danger he was in or the abuse that the brunette would take to keep Mokuba safe. If he did, he hid it well.

`I never would have let that bastard lay a single finger on Mokuba.. I could never let him go through the same experiences I had to face.'

Indeed, it was the one time that Gozaburo tried to take the innocent, raven-haired child into his bed that Seto had finally snapped and killed him. That may have been in the past, but the scars had never healed. The CEO thanked his lucky stars that his baby brother seemed to be too young to remember his close encounter at least.

`Perhaps I've underestimated Wheeler. As tragic as our circumstances are, we seem to share some common ground. I know those marks all to well to know the signs. Even if Joey won't say it, I'm sure his father is abusing him... And I can't help but wonder if I looked as ghastly as him, if not more.'

The car slowed and finally stopped at the front of the Kaiba mansion. Seto once more helped Joey to exit the car and seated him carefully onto a waiting wheelchair to be taken inside.

The middle-aged doctor was already waiting beside some of Seto's bodyguards. He went to follow his patient inside until he felt a soft pull at his sleeve and turned to see the powerful teen's gaze.

"I know all about 'patient privacy' and all the legalities, but I want you to tell me everything you find. Don't let him know that you're telling me either if you value your job.."

And with that warning, he let the doctor go. The man gave a nod of understanding and left to tend to the injured youth.

For once, Seto could only hope that his suspicions were wrong, but deep down, he knew that he was right.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-

The door to Seto's office opened and Dr. Himes appeared. He shut the door softly behind him and approached the desk were the brunette youth sat.

"So, what happened to him?"

"There were the facial injuries that I know you're aware of, and I'm afraid I found evidence of a rape. It appears that this isn't the first time either. The boy is also covered in scars from apparent physical abuse. He wouldn't go into detail, but it seems to be from his home life.. He's resting now. I gave him some painkillers. If my services are done here, may I request to leave?"

The CEO took everything in silently. His azure eyes darkened and narrowed as he gave a far away gaze at his desktop.

"You may go. Thank you.. Have my guards escort you to your car."

The doctor nodded and gave a respectful bow of his head before he left. Seto let out a long breath and leaned forward to rest his elbows upon his desk, lacing his fingers together. His forehead pressed against his thumbs.

`I was right... No one, not even Wheeler, should be put through that..'

He pushed himself up and went to the spare bedroom that they had brought Joey into. The blonde lay fast asleep in the center of the large bed. There was a large bandage upon his bruised cheek. Seto looked over the pathetic sight before him and watched the boy's chest rise and fall slowly.

`Why am I so concerned about him? He just reminds me so much of myself. I couldn't save myself, but risked everything to save Mokuba. It's as if Wheeler is here so I can redeem myself to my past... Well, I won't fail this time. For myself... and for you, Wheeler.'

Seto pulled up a chair to Joey's bedside and sat himself down. He spent the night keeping watch and wondering about the strange new feelings that the unconscious duelist had uncovered within him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunlight filtered into the bedroom and splayed across Joey's face. Slowly, his hazel eyes opened as he tried to focus upon his surroundings. He groaned softly and rubbed his head before he sat up. He saw something out of the corner of his eye and turned his gaze towards it.

The blonde jumped. There was Seto Kaiba fast asleep in a chair beside him. His chin was resting upon his chest and his arms were crossed before him.

`He looks like he does when he's awake!'

Joey looked about the room and noticed how large and luxuriously decorated that it was. He did not pay much attention the night before since he was too occupied with being in pain and suffering.

"So you're awake, puppy."

The boy jumped again and snapped his head back to the chair. Seto was alert now and stretching his stiffened joints.

"How are you feeling?" He stood from the chair to stretch his legs.

Joey blinked a few times.

"I, um, guess I feel okay.." He looked the taller teen. "Did ya stay in here all night?"

"I didn't want you getting yourself lost and more injured if you tried to find me. You're really roughed up, Wheeler. You're going to need some time to heal."

Joey spied a clock over Seto's shoulder and gasped. "FUCK! It's almost 10!" He began to kick at his sheets and tried to scramble out.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I gotta get home or it's gonna be my ass!" Joey added mentally, 'literally'.

"You're not leaving, Wheeler. You need to rest," Seto placed a firm hand upon the blonde's shoulders and kept him in a sitting position.

"Get off me, Kaiba! I ain't kiddin' around!"

"Neither am I. Now stop struggling or do I have to tie you down to the bed?" Seto's voice was low and serious.

A look of sheer terror crossed Joey's face as he paled. His mouth grew dry and his eyes glazed over as he seemed to recall a memory. He did not seem to be looking at Seto anymore.

"... Please don't, dad... I won't fight.." came a pleaded whisper.

Seto's eyes widened slightly as he listened. He gave the boy a shake. "Snap out of it, Wheeler. It's me."

".. Stop.. No more.." Joey flopped about softly as he was shaken.

"Wheeler! Can you hear me?"

The blonde let out a yelp and slapped at the hands that were restraining him. "No! Don't touch me! NO!"

"Dammit, Joey, wake up!" Seto let go to clap his hands loudly in front of the hysterical boy. He knew giving Joey a slap in the face would probably just make things worse.

The sharp noise drew a cry from shorter teen as he tried to shield himself. After several minutes of not receiving a blow, he blinked his eyes and began to tremble.

".. Joey?"

He looked back up at Seto with a bewildered expression. ".. What happened?.. Ya called me 'Joey'.."

"You started fighting me and you called me your father... You don't have to deny anything. I know it's your father that did this to you."

Joey looked away shamefully. ".. Well, whadda ya waitin' for? Go ahead an' laugh at me. Laugh at me because I can't even defend myself from my ol' man."

"I'm not going to do that. As much of an asshole as you think I am, even I wouldn't stoop that low.. But the fact remains that you are not leaving. I don't want you going back to the man that did this to you."

"He's gonna find me.. And when he does, there'll be hell ta pay. Ya just don't understand, Kaiba. Ya never had ta deal with this sorta shit."

Seto sighed softly before taking a seat beside Joey on the bed. "You don't know me or about my past, but I assure you.. I've been through the same thing..."

The blonde stared at him silently as he re-evaluated his standing with his nemesis. "Ya have?"

"Yes, Joey. But I don't know if right now is the time or the place to discuss it.." Seto trailed off slightly to let the subject drop.

The two sat quietly for a few moments before Joey spoke up tentatively, "So, uh, ya wanna truce?"

The CEO faced him and looked at the hand that was offered. He took it and gave a gentle shake. "You have a deal.. Now, if you're feeling well enough, I can have one of my servants bring some food."

The mere mention of anything edible perked Joey up considerably. "I'm starvin'. I'd love something to eat."

Seto stood once more. "I'll send someone up then. You need to rest."

Both turned their heads as the door creaked open gently and a small face peeked into the room. "Seto?.. Seto!"

Mokuba rushed over and threw his arms around his brother's legs. "I didn't know you were still here. I thought you left without saying `goodbye'."

The small boy looked over to the visitor and gave a concerned gaze. "Joey? How come you're here? What happened to you?"

Seto stepped in. "He was injured and he's going to stay a few days to recover."

Mokuba smiled. "He's gonna stay with us? Can I play video games with him while he's here?"

"I don't want you bothering him while he's trying to rest, Mokie."

"I promise! Just when he's feeling better is all."

Joey actually smiled softly. "Sure thing, squirt. I'd like that."

The small youth grinned wide before scurrying out. "See you later then, Joey! You better not forget!" And he disappeared out the door.

"He's a good kid ya got there, Kaiba."

"He's taken a liking to you, pup. Mokuba always enjoys having someone to challenge."

"Guess I'll have ta stop by sometimes, then."

"You won't have to. You can stay here even after you heal."

Joey stared in surprise. "Huh?"

"I'm offering you a place to stay, Joey. But, in return, you'll have to become a live-in babysitter for my little brother. Just so he's not alone when I'm working or on business trips."

The blonde's jaw dropped. "Ya can't be serious."

Seto narrowed his eyes softly. "Yes I am, Wheeler. I don't want you going back to your father if you're going to keep turning out like this. No one deserves that kind of treatment. You'll be safe here and my bodyguards will make sure your father stays away from you."

Joey was stunned. ".. Whoa.. I don't know what ta say.. This has gotta be some crazy dream or somethin'."

"It isn't, puppy. Just say that you'll stay here."

He nodded, still in shock. "You bet. I ain't passin' up something as good as this!.. But stop with da dog comments, will ya?"

Seto smirked softly. "Just get back into bed, Wheeler and I'll have someone bring you up some food in a few moments. What do you want?"

"I can have anything that I want?"

"Yes, that's why I asked you," he stated with a soft touch of annoyance.

"As long as it's not movin' too fast fer me to catch it, I'll eat it."

The brunette was not sure if Joey was joking or not with his comment. He seemed to have experienced `fast food' before.

"Fine. Just get some rest then." And Seto left for downstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How long is Joey going to stay?" Mokuba inquired with large, curious eyes. He was sitting on his knees on his chair as he devoured a bowl of cereal.

"If you want, he agreed to stay here permanently. You'll have someone to watch you besides the service staff.. As long as you sit properly in your chair."

The boy plopped down onto his bottom with a wide grin upon his face. "Admit it. You don't want him to go either."

Seto almost choked on his sip of coffee as he looked at his brother's knowing grin.

"You like Joey. I know you do. I heard you talking in your sleep."

"I don't know what sort of ideas you've been getting, but I'm merely concerned about his well-being." Even after he had said that, he realized it made him sound more obvious.

"You do so talk in your sleep. I even recorded you one night. But you don't know where the tape is and I'm not telling. I'm hiding it until I want something." Mokuba took another spoonful and smiled devilishly.

"That is blackmail, Mokuba."

"I learned from the best!" The child flashed an innocent grin. "You should bring Joey his breakfast. Maybe some pancakes with some extra syrup. You were moaning something about Joey and syrup on--"

"That's enough! I will ground you for a week without games, television privileges, or.. or.., so help me.." Seto's cheeks were deep crimson as he tried to make his threats.

His little brother only put on another innocent face before taking his empty bowl to the sink and trotting off to his room.

The flustered youth let out a long breath and ran his fingers through his sable locks.

`What am I going to do with that boy? He's going to be the death of me yet.'

Surprisingly though, Seto decided to take up Mokuba's suggestion of bringing up a tray of food. He stayed clear of pancakes, however. Joey was half-asleep in the bed once more when he returned.

"Are you awake, Wheeler? I have some breakfast."

Two honey eyes parted and rolled up to focus on the brunette with the tray. He sat up immediately and his stomach gave a growl at the prospect of being filled.

Seto almost did not have time to set the tray of eggs and bacon down before Joey started shoveling it into his mouth. The CEO sat back in the chair beside the bed and watched. Occasionally, the blonde would choke and hit at his chest until he could breathe again. Seto only shook his head softly.

"Slow down, puppy. It's not going anywhere."

"I told ya, I'm hungry. This is great."

"It's nothing special, pup."

"Say's you. I've never had stuff this good before in my life!.. I feel like I died an' went ta heaven." He ripped into a piece of toast.

Seto stayed quiet and let his guest finish. Once the shorter duelist gave a rather loud belch and leaned back with a contented sigh, the brunette set the tray aside and spoke.

"Puppy, why are you so light if you eat that way?"

Joey glanced up for a moment before looking away. "... Just lucky I guess."

"You're lying to me, Joey. I want you to tell me the truth."

The light haired youth sighed and rubbed the back of his neck slightly. "I don't want ta."

"Joey Wheeler, I want you to tell me everything about what happened to you in that house. I want to know so your father can pay for what he's done to you." Seto's tone was firm and dangerous. When Joey looked back into his eyes, he could see fire within the dark blue pools.

"Don't make me, Kaiba.. Please.." The boy's eyes began to water slightly as he fought back his tears. He thought that after so many years, all of his tears would have been gone by now.

The CEO moved and sat upon the bed beside his former rival. "Call me, Seto.. But I want you to tell me, Joey. What did he do to you? I've only heard what the doctor found, but I know that there's more."

Joey lowered his head to hide his eyes beneath his mussed bangs. He shook his head 'no' and clenched his fists tightly in his lap.

"Joey.. Please tell me." Seto's concern only grew. Before he realized it, he found his arm tightly around the other's shoulders.

The boy sniffled and fought back the dam that was starting to burst. A few stray droplets rolled down his flushed cheeks. His voice cracked, ".. I can't.."

There was a tense silence while the brunette held the shivering youth and gave his shoulder a slight rub of comfort. Just seeing Joey in this state had torn down his wall of ice that he had steadily built around himself for so many years. He lowered his own head.

His voice came in barely above a whisper, ".. Were you just a child when he took you first too?... I remember all too well. I'm not even sure Mokuba's and my bags were unpacked from the orphanage before I was in his bed.."

The blonde raised his head slightly to stare in silence as he listened to Seto spill his heart to him.

"Mokuba was in our bedroom and I was taken to my adoptive father's room. He locked the door and taunted me with the key. He told me if I could prove myself and be a good student, that he would let me go back to my brother... He made me undress and began to 'teach' me in his own sadistic ways. He forced me to stand in positions that made me feel as if my bones were going to break while he let his filthy hands roam over my body.. I made the first of many mistakes of protesting. He threw me onto his bed, took off his belt, and beat me until I felt that I was an inch from death itself before he let up. I was still too dazed from the whipping to realize until it was too late that he was pressed against me.. I can still smell his breath in my face and hear the dark laughter as he tore me open and ripped away my innocence. He forced himself on me throughout the rest of the night before he let me go. Before I could tend to my wounds, he beat me once more for bleeding upon his sheets and forced me to take them to be washed while I was still unclothed. The servants didn't say anything, but I could feel them watching. When I was finished, he let me wash myself. But, he demanded that if I showed any sign of weakness, that he would 'straighten me out'. Of course, it only let to more since I was so badly injured and could not hide my limping.. And that was only the first night...."

Joey wiped at the tears that had reformed in his eyes while he listened. He wrapped his arms around Seto's waist and held him in an embrace. "I'm sorry, Seto.."

Seto's eyes were dark as he gave a piercing gaze at the bed. Tears were no longer in his nature, but recalling his memories clearly had shaken him up.

"Ever since Gozaburo's death, no one has gone to the third story of the house. I shut away that part the day I tried to shut away my past."

The blonde sniffled again. "... I'll tell ya now.. if ya want..." Since the icy CEO had opened himself up and shown his buried weakness, Joey could not help but gain some courage.

Seto turned his gaze as he came back from his dark memories. ".. Go ahead, Joey. I'm listening."

Joey sniffled hard as he tried to fight back building sobs. "Well.. My ol' man is always drinkin'.. He started ever since my mom left with Serenity when I was little. He started hittin' me more often and it just kept gettin' worse all da time. I try ta stay away from home as much as I can, but I always have ta go back sometime or he finds me and drags me back. I was only eight when he raped me.. He blamed me for my mom and sister leavin' and for all of da other problems we had. He blamed da unpaid bills an' his unemployment on me.. He tied me ta my bed so I couldn't escape and he passed out on me after.. I couldn't get free until he woke up the next day and it was only after he got tired of me crying and of him slappin' me. He threatened that if I ever told anyone that he'd kill me and that it didn't matter because no one cared if I disappeared anyway.. I had ta learn how ta hide my cuts an' bruises from everybody and how ta walk even when I was in pain.. He started ta make up 'games' for me. If I didn't do exactly what he said, he wouldn't let me eat. It's not like there was anything in the house ta begin with. If I was lucky, I could have the moldy bread from the kitchen that he didn't want.. Those 'games' of his.." Joey started to shudder hard and Seto pulled him closer. He began to sob and tried to find his words, ".. He'd make me do things like, suck him off or he'd make me touch myself while he watched, or he'd use the 'toys' on me. I couldn't make any sound or I'd get hit. I had ta do this fucked up shit even when I needed ta use the bathroom! I had ta 'earn permission' first... Shit just got worse after a while.. There were a few times that I couldn't even walk around the house unless I was naked and had a cock ring on and something shoved inta me... Last night was mild.. He said I made his dinner too hot and he punched me in the face an' split my lip open. Then he threw me inta the wall and ripped down my pants and raped me right there in the livin' room. He kept saying that I made such a good housewife and that I made up for not being able ta cook by being able ta fuck. He backhanded me when I yelled at him. It's his damn ring he wears whenever he's in the mood to kick my ass.. Which is just about all da time.. After, he got himself another bottle of vodka and I got dressed again, he passed out and I decided ta go sleep in the park fer da night...."

The boy gave a heavy sigh before the sobs took him over. They were silent shakings for the longest time before he finally gave a strained howl of pain and let himself cry. He had not cried like this since the first night it had all happened to him.

Seto pulled him closer and let Joey wail into his arms. Any animosity that they had once had was completely gone now. They were only two lost children mourning their past and taking comfort in one another's embrace.

Eventually, the frail blonde cried himself into an exhausted sleep. Seto tucked him back into bed before he left. After freshening himself up in his bathroom, he went to his office and straight to his phone.

"I want you to contact Joseph Wheeler's father and inform him that I will be pressing charges against him and that his son and I will be by in a few days to collect his personal belongings."

"Yes, Mr. Kaiba," replied the disembodied voice of his secretary before he hung up.

`I'm going to set things straight. Your father will never hurt you again if I have anything to say against it.'