Hmmn. Interesting. I like it as a story, although Dad's contribution in the end was pretty weak, though that may have been the point. The immigrant theory is interesting, 'cause it would have to derive from the dub and that hair, and of course in the dub they're all speaking English and not even definitely from Japan. I don't think the anime ever said much about Joey's family? Especially his dad. Had slight confusion because I wasn't sure how any dad willing to be as gooey as that would wind up chucking bottles at his boy's head and snarling incomprehensibly in less than ten years, even if he became a drunk, but I doubt they put that in the anime, so I guess anime-Jonouchi's dad is just absent, like Ryou's. Hmm.

Liked the color work, especially. Grey face paint, though? Apparently Jou has crossed 'Japanese' and 'zombie.' All the Japanese people I know are darker than any of the persons of Western European extraction I know, and most of the southern and eastern Europeans. Maybe I should just say, darker than all the blonds I know? But J is pretty dark. Huh.

I first read this story almost five years ago, and it made me cry.

I thought about it randomly yesterday, re-read it, and cried. Again.

This is such a powerful story, meaningful and horribly realistic. The world can be such a scary place sometimes, and I can personally attest to the fact that walking home in the rain because your parents never picked you up is an awful, scarring experience. Well, when you're in elementary. As someone who spent her entire elementary school career being bullied, this strikes such a painfully deep chord within me. You made relating to Joey so simple and instant.

It takes a while to establish what is going on with him exactly, but that's how I tend to think it should be done; you learn the character and only then can you truly feel for them. The one-line statements are especially weighty, and the 'scissors' one in particular shakes me up. You have such an astoudning amount of skill with words, and I personally think this is beautifully done.

Poor Joey!

I really, really liked this, though his dad seemed OOC. He was never exactly portrayed as a stellar father in the manga and hardly ever mentioned in the anime. Still, it could easily still work, if he started drinking when he got divorced.

One thing that I noticed - Joey says 'Mum' or 'Mummy' - it would be Mom or Mommie/Mommy - the 'u' is sort of the British way of saying it, and if there's one thing that Brooklyn is not, it's British.

;_; {Crying) That was so SAD! Poor Joey-kun!

YOu also captured JoJo's feelings very realistic. Kids, younger ones specialy, will try to change whatever it is that is 'wrong' with them. its the devorce syndrome. If the parents are geting a devorce then 'obiously' the kid will think that it was thier falt and blame themselves. Also when going to a foreign land, kids will try to fit in and change to fit the 'mold' of the place. Jojo was just trying to do that.

_ {Good Job!}

*stares with teary eyes at the screen* Why? Why do you write so brilliantly and make me feel in such a way? This was heartwrenching! And Jou's dad was so..so...nice! I love that perspective! T_T People should write nice-dad more often.

Jou being bullied was a realistic element as he was a foreign student and thus looked "weird". I can't believe the pain he went through. I most definitely felt for him! The dialouges and description, and ...and just EVERYTHING was perfect. Especially with Jou (or, Joey hehe) sitting in the rain, becaseu his mother had told him exactly WHERE to sit. Fits a child's mentality perfectly, and I can't believe he endured it for so long.

The sorrow of this fic makes me want to hug him so much T_T But his father was right! Because one day, he DID get friends! :D Great friends! _ Though the fic doesn't portray that, and so the feeling is bitter...(a good thing mind you, I love angst like this).

Thank you for yet another lovely piece of fiction!

Wow this is one very well-written fanfic...

I Loved the emotions the words show, and it's short and simple, and yet so sweet!

This was an incredibly touching story, and I think one of the best..Awsome!

...*sniffle* I feel teary. Oh, I hurt for him.

That was... sad. Not in a bad way, mind you; I just feel bad for little Joey. Your writing is fantastic. Not a word seemed out of does not come across talent like this every day! I applaud your effort.

That was so amazing! I almost cried! You are an awesome writer! Oh my God, that was awesome. Some fics are just a waste of time for me. THIS... THIS was what my day needed!

wow.

this is... I'm sorry that I can't leave a proper review, it's just... the angst. It's such *good* angst that I'm in shock.

amazing.

This is excellent.
I might have to go someplace and cry now. Poor Jo-Jo.

...Oh my god. Tears almost came to my eyes. Which is a big deal for me. Oh my god...oh my god...

This is the reason why you're on my favourites list, with spelling and grammar mistakes or note.

Oh my god...This is the reason why I adore angst. Two thumbs and a coke to JoJo's 'tousan. Wonderful, beautiful, revolutionizing piece that describes what we've known for so long in a different sense. A grey sense. No. A black and white sense. **sighs** Sa...poor Jojo **pets him**. You're a beautiful person Jojo, don't forgot that.

I'd wonder if you used the Japanese stereotype though; I mean, if you look at Yuugi-tachi and Seto-san, as well as the many characters in J-anime, Jou-chan doesn't seem so...unique, especially in Domino. But...coming from Brooklyn to Domino, Japan...hmm...it might be debateable.

Though in general...

Wow.

Just...

Wow...

~With sorry and sympathy,

Rai-chan.

Amazing fic. Really, that's the only word I can think of now that describes this fic (besides _sad_ of course). Welcome to my favorites list...

Poor Joey... I love the story!

This was a really touching story. You expressed Joey's emotions so wonderfully, and definately a new insight into Joey's younger days. BTW Hope you update The Black Ribbon soon! _