Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh or any of the characters

Well I finally succeeded in getting a story for Jounouchi's birthday. Though, it was supposed to be an oneshot and turned into two chapters. I'll upload one today and the other one tomorrow on Jounouchi's birthday. I hope you like this.

Warnings: Language, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempt and shounen ai (MaleXMale kissing)

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Chapter One

He hated his life and every aspect of it. Wondering numerous times why he bothered still living, the blond curled further in the only warm corner of his apartment. He shivered, wrapping the blanket further around him, thinking that he would find some miracle warmth. He should be grateful that at least he still had his apartment, for now. Jounouchi sighed and closed his eyes. "Worst birthday gift ever," he thought, dreading the next day. His birthday was supposed to be a time he treasured and felt happy but there wasn't anything to bring him happiness. "Nothing that happened today would make tomorrow any happier. Maybe I should do it tomorrow. Yeah, how poetic it would be to end it on the day it all started," he thought, glancing about his empty room.

Jounouchi sold everything that day to pay rent for the month, keeping only his clothes and a blanket. At least he had another month with a roof over his head. Well, twelve hours if everything went as planned. He frowned, thinking of how upset Yugi would be to learn that he took his own life, on his birthday none the less. He growled. "Why would he care?" He used the last of his pre-paid minutes to answer a call from Yugi saying he wasn't coming back to Domino for his birthday. He hadn't spoken to Anzu or Honda for several years, but just like years in the past, he silently hoped that they would call him on his birthday. He also refused to think of his little sister and mother. After his father died last year, his mother refused to let him near his sister or even communicate with her.

Glaring at the window on the other side of the room, he realized that his life only got horrible that week. First he was fired for no reason from his job three days ago. He didn't understand their reasoning. He always showed up early, worked hard and never complained. Then, the following day all his bills were due, and he didn't want to pay any of them. He needed to eat some how. He cancelled all of them, not knowing that they would be out the next day to shut everything off. Finally, Yugi called him in the morning cancelling their meeting.

Throwing the blanket off him, Jounouchi lied on the ground, staring up at the ceiling. What was the point in struggling? The world clearly didn't want him to survive to his twenty-fifth birthday. So why should he bother? Screw the blanket. Screw his happiness. Screw worrying about what others would think. It was his life. If he wanted to end it, what right do others have to say anything about it? They didn't have to live like he did; being fired, being left alone.

Sighing he turned on his side. "It had to be the coldest week of winter," Jounouchi thought. "If I opened the window I could freeze to death. I don't have any weapons to use unless I break the window. No medication to swallow and I don't feel like walking somewhere to jump off a bridge." Making the decision, he got up and walked across the room and opened the window. Snow flurries and frigid air came rushing into the already cold room. He sat beside the window with his legs pulled to his chest. He wondered how long it would take to start feeling the affects. He shivered as a blast of cold air came through the window. He thought of leaving a note telling everyone how sorry he was, but there was nothing to write with. He realized that he should have gone to have his last meal and purchased a pad and pen, but it was too late. He had already started the process and didn't want to stop it. It was reaching record lows that night, and it would only be a short amount of time. He hoped.

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Kaiba sat in his office, pleased with the Christmas sales report. He was at an all time high and the profits would keep them a float for the next six months even if they didn't sell anything, which he highly doubted that would happen. He put the report aside and sent out a mass email, giving his employees an extra personal day to use at their own discretion. He didn't normally do something like that, but he was extremely pleased how well his employees worked even through several problems threatened to hinder their Christmas sales.

Sighing, he removed the glasses his optometrist requested him to wear when working on the computer. He didn't like them, but that was what he got for spending so much time staring at a computer screen, sometimes with no lights on. Filing the report in his filing cabinet, his phone began to ring. He glanced at the caller ID before placing it by his ear. "I'll be home in a few minutes, Mokie," he said, using his brother's nickname to emphasize that he wasn't annoyed with his call.

"I wasn't calling about that Nii-sama. I was wondering if you knew Jounouchi's new cellphone number. Every time I call his old one it comes up with unavailable."

"I don't even have that one. Why would I have his new one? Plus, how do you know he got a new one?"

"I don't. He always has his phone on, and I can't reach him to wish him a happy birthday. Can you find it for me?"

Kaiba grumbled, but went back to his desk, putting his glasses back on. He typed in a few websites and read off the number he found there. "That's the one I have. Can't you hack into a few websites and find if he has a new one?"

"I'm not hacking anything. You have his address. Go over and ask him yourself."

"It's not in the best neighborhood, Nii-sama."

"Take your bodyguards."

"But, Seto..."

"What do you want me to do, Mokuba, go over there myself?"

"That would be nice."

The brunet rolled his eyes and shut the computer off. "Why am I doing this?"

"I just found out that Yugi won't make it for his birthday. He'll be all alone. I have that math league challenge tomorrow, remember. I can't go. You usually spend Sundays at home why not invite him over?"

He sighed. "You know we don't get along. Plus it's close to eleven at night. I don't even know if he'll answer the door."

"Seven years changes people. And, he'll answer the door. I know he will."

"Are you setting me up?"

"What? I would never."

"Uh huh. You are never satisfied with me finding someone eventually. What makes you think we would hook up?"

"High school crushes."

Kaiba blushed. "What makes you say that?"

"You're in denial. Stop ignoring it and go see him. It would make the both of you happy."

"So you say. Fine. I'll go but don't expect much. What's his address?"

"It's already in your GPS. Plus your driver knows."

"I'll be home when I can."

"Take your time, Nii-sama," Mokuba said, hanging the phone up.

Kaiba groaned, packing everything he needed into his briefcase. He grabbed his thick jacket and started for the door, calling his driver. He was nervous, but he refused to show it. He didn't know what to expect. Mokuba was right. Seven years could change a person. He didn't know if he was ready for this step, but something inside of him told him that he could. He took one step outside, instantly bombarded with the cold air. He hurried over to the car, sighing with relief that the car was already warm. He waited for the driver to get in. "How did you know what time I was leaving?"

"I received a call from Mokuba-sama giving me an address and informing me that you would be leaving soon."

Kaiba shook his head. "Meddlesome younger brother," he grumbled, missing the smile on his driver's face.

The drive to Jounouchi's home took longer than he thought. There was a dusting of snow blanketing the city. He wondered how many inches they were supposed to get. It seemed too cold to snow. Slowly the structures of the houses began to get worse. He knew the blond lived in a bad neighborhood, but he didn't expect him to live in a rundown neighborhood. They continued through the neighborhoods until the houses turned into trashy houses about to collapse. They stopped in front of a large building with numerous apartments. The walkway looked icy as if it was never shoveled. The door leading into the lobby was falling off the hinges. "Would you like me to come with you?"

"No, Sago, wait here for me to come down, hopefully I won't be long. If you see anything suspicious drive around and call me."

Kaiba got out, stepping carefully along the walkway. He wished he could take Jounouchi away from this place, but he knew the prideful man wouldn't appreciate something like that. The blond was stubborn, only wanting things he achieved himself. The CEO moved through the broken door and up through the stairwell. According to the address, Jounouchi was on the third floor. The stairwell smelt of mildew and filth. The stairs crumbled leaving small pebbles along the stairs. When he reached the third floor, the door leading to the outdoor hallway was missing off the opening and lied a few feet away against the balcony wall. He stared in horror at the holes in the balcony. He dreaded thinking about any children that played there.

Finally reaching Jounouchi's door, he knocked on it, watching it slowly creek open. Cold air came rushing through the door, making it feel warmer outside. "Jounouchi," Kaiba called, sticking his head slightly in the door, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Fearing that something happened to the blond, he carefully moved into the apartment, leaving the door open so it could give some light. He was shocked to see that everything was missing, not that he knew if he owned any furniture to begin with. He walked through the room connected with the kitchen and into the door to the left.

"Jounouchi," he shouted, spotting a person lying on their side by the open window. He turned the man over, seeing his blue lips and feeling his cold skin. "Jounouchi," he called again, but the man refused to open his eyes. "I swear to you if you're dead I'll find a way to resurrect you then kill you myself. You stupid man. If you needed money..." he didn't finish the sentence knowing that it was pointless to say he could have come to him. The blond never would have come to him on top of he would probably give him a hard time about it.

The brunet shut the window and spotted a blanket coming to the conclusion that the blond was trying to kill himself. "Why?" he thought, grabbing the blanket and wrapping it around the icy man. He took his own jacket off, placing it on top of Jounouchi. Lifting the man's slightly light form, he made his way awkwardly out the apartment. His long legs made it difficult to carry him bridal style, but he managed. He kicked the lobby door open.

Sago spotted him and hurried out of the car. "What happened, Kaiba-sama?"

"I found this idiot trying to freeze himself to death. Turn the heat up to full blast and hand me your jacket. Is there still a blanket in the trunk?"

"Yes, sir." Sago gladly gave his jacket to the cold, unconscious man. He didn't like the look of him. Getting in the driver's seat just as Kaiba draped another blanket over Jounouchi, he knew where to take them even without his boss telling them.

Kaiba sat in the back seat with Jounouchi's head in his lap, talking on the phone with the nurse's station. He did everything they said, including taking both of their shirts off and cuddling close to him, giving his own body heat to Jounouchi. He shivered from the icy skin against him. "I swear if I get sick because of you, I'll make your life worse," he mumbled, tightening his grip as Sago took a turn too quickly. The blond mumbled something before shivering. "That's it," Kaiba said. "Stay with me."

By the time they reach Kaiba Corp. Medical Center, Jounouchi was starting to feel a little warmer, but Kaiba was freezing and wasn't sure how much heat he could continue to give. A staff of nurses was waiting for them and quickly loaded the blond onto a gurney. Kaiba put his shirt on, realizing that they took his jacket and all the blankets that Jounouchi had on top of him. He turned to Sago. "Go home. I'll call you when I need a ride. I'll give you your jacket back the next time I see you. Thank you for everything."

Sago nodded, wanting to stay with his boss but knowing that he wouldn't allow it. Kaiba rarely showed any weakness, and he was viewing a lot of it at that moment. He watched the CEO walk into the hospital before taking the car back to his home, praying for the best for the blond.

The brunet paced in the waiting room not sure if the news would be bad or good. He pulled out his phone several times, toying with whom to inform. He remembered Jounouchi living with his father and his sister was with his mother. He also remembered something about Jounouchi's father dying last year. Sighing, Kaiba dialed Mokuba, knowing that his younger brother knew more about Jounouchi than him. "Seto? Is something wrong?"

Kaiba paused unsure how to address the situation. "I found Jounouchi in an empty apartment. He had the heat off and the window open. I don't know for certain if he did all that himself or if someone robbed him, but I doubt it was a robbery. I'm in the hospital now awaiting the doctors."

"Is he okay?"

The CEO didn't really want to say too much. "He was frozen and unconscious when I reached him."

"I'm on my way."

"No. Stay there. Do you know who his next of kin is?"

Mokuba fell silent. "I don't know if he put Yugi or me."

"What?"

"After his father died, Jounouchi was disowned by his mother and a judge signed a restraining order preventing him from seeing his sister. He was forced to live on his own with the little income he received. He lived paycheck by paycheck unable to save any money. The last time I checked he was working at a warehouse loading merchandise into totes for shipping. I'll call Yugi to inform him about Jounouchi. Are you sure you don't want me down there?"

"There's really nothing you could do here. I'll call you once I know something."

"Okay. Thank you, Nii-sama, for going there tonight."

Unable to think of what to say next, Kaiba responded simply, "Sure. Bye, Mokie." He placed his phone back in his pocket, finally choosing to sit.

He didn't know how long he sat there, staring between the door leading to the treatment rooms and the television aimlessly playing news reports. He was sure it was at least two hours. Finally the doors opened and a tall black haired man approached, removing his mask and gloves. "Kaiba-sama," he said, holding his hand out. "I'm Dr. Satoshi. For starters do you know who his next of kin is?"

"My brother believes it's him or Jounouchi's best friend, Yugi."

"He has no family."

"His father died and his mother disowned him."

"That's terrible to hear. Well considering that you are the legal guardian to Mokuba-sama if he is the next of kin, I can talk to you."

Kaiba rolled his eyes. "Let me guess. Jounouchi is still unconscious and can't give permission. Give me a moment." He dialed Mokuba's number. "Did you find out who is the next of kin? Really? Okay. I'll call him." Kaiba quickly dialed Yugi's number, hoping to handle this quickly. "Listen," he said quickly not giving the king of games a chance to talk. "Give me permission to talk to Jounouchi's doctor. I'm putting him on." He handed the phone to the doctor.

"I'm sorry to do this, but I have to ask you a few questions. What is Jounouchi-san's birthday? His age? Current address? Marital status?" the doctor asked, pausing after each question. "Okay. Do you give me permission to speak with Kaiba Seto? I'm going to put you on speaker phone so you can listen as well."

He placed the phone between them and pushed the button for the speaker phone. "Jounouchi-san is suffering from a severe case of hyperthermia, but Kaiba-sama managed to get him warm enough to keep him out of danger. He is under a heating blanket keeping him warm until his body recovers. I also noticed he is suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. Other than that he looks physically fine. Mentally may be a different story as of right now he still remains unconscious."

"Will he make a full recovery?" Yugi asked, voice timid and slightly fearful.

"He should, but more likely he tried to commit suicide. I will recommend that he moves in with someone for the time being or placed in a psychiatric hospital. He will need to see a psychologist as well."

"I'll take care of him." Kaiba said quickly. "I have plenty of people to keep an eye on him, and I can have a private psychologist for him."

"Thank you, Kaiba-kun. I can move back to Domino next week."

"Are you doing something important there?"

"Yes, but Jounouchi-kun is more important."

"Does he know you are doing something important?"

"Yes, where are you going with this?"

"If Jounouchi is depressed enough to take his own life, he will feel worse if you stop what you're doing to take care of him. I can handle everything here. You keep doing what you're doing."

"But."

"Kaiba-sama is right. It may be difficult for you, but it would do more harm if you come back. I'm sure Kaiba-sama will keep you updated, and I can mail you all the information about his health and progress."

"Email would be better. The nearest post office from the dig sight is several miles from here."

"Okay. I'll need you to sign a consent form naming Kaiba Seto as the primary care giver. If you can, print the form, sign it before you scan it and sent it back."

"I can do all that. Thank you for everything."

"Of course. I'll send everything in an hour. What is your email address?"

The doctor wrote it down and waited for Kaiba to end the call. "Take care, Yugi. I'll call you when he wakes."

"Thank you, Kaiba-kun." Kaiba placed the phone back in his pocket after hanging up with Yugi.

"If you follow me, I'll lead you to his room. You can stay as long as you need. Inform the nurses right away once he wakes. Also he's in restraints for his own protection. Try to keep him calm until the nurses arrive."

"Understood. Thank you, Doctor," Kaiba said before entering the room. He was surprised at the quietness to the room. The monitors weren't beeping and he looked better. Color came back to his skin.

The CEO sat in the chair beside the bed, not sure what to do or say. "You're a fool," he started. "What possess you to do that? Don't you know the people that care about you would have blamed themselves? Why couldn't you say something to someone? Tell someone how you felt. Jeez, Jounouchi. I would have even listened. I thought I had longer with you, and that eventually I would tell you, but now you forced me to do this sooner. I should have known not to wait. Wake up, stupid, so I can tell you...tell you..." Kaiba growled, struggling to finish the sentence. "...how much I've been in love with you."

"Didn't know you could stutter," a scratchy voice spoke.

"I changed my mind. I hate you," the brunet said, crossing his arms.

The blond smiled weakly. "Sorry."

"You better be, worrying Mokuba, Yugi and I with that stunt."

Jounouchi groaned and started to move, but realized that he was unable. "Let me guess, restraints?"

"They don't want you harming yourself more."

The blond sighed and closed his eyes. "I won't."

"They won't trust that. Tell me what happened."

"I lost my job and only had enough money for one month's rent with no utilities."

"Why couldn't you find another job?"

"I wouldn't expect the great Kaiba Seto to understand job hunting in the current economy."

"Come work for me."

The blond glared at him. "I don't need your pity."

"Were you not listening to me before? It's not out of pity. I want you somewhere I can keep an eye on you. I care deeply for you."

"I don't like you," he hissed.

Kaiba frowned, trying to keep the pain from showing. He should have figured the blond wouldn't have the same feelings. "I understand. You can still work for me. I'll pay more than the average wage."

"I'll think about it."

"The doctor said you'll have to stay with me after you're released or a psychiatric ward. I told him I would keep an eye on you."

"Fuck, Kaiba. I don't care if you like me or not. I'm not staying at that mansion."

"But."

"I don't care. Sign me up for the loony bin. I'd be far away from someone like you. Who could ever love someone of the same sex? You're disgusting."

Kaiba's mouth dried. "I'll inform the nurses that you're awake and the doctor of the changes. It's good to see that you're going to be okay. If you still want a job when they release you, come see my human resources department. They'll hire you for a position that you won't have to see me. Goodbye, Jounouchi." Kaiba moved quickly out of the room, struggling to keep his mask from falling. He fought the tear that threatened to fall. "I will not look weak," he said over and over in his mind until he reached the nurses' station. "Jounouchi is awake. Can you please page his doctor?"

The short red head nurse nodded and reached for the phone. She paged the doctor before walking down the hall to the blond's room. He saw Dr. Satoshi approaching. "Is something wrong, Kaiba-sama?"

"Jounouchi is awake and chose not to stay with me. It seems his hatred for me hasn't changed over the years."

The doctor frowned. "I wouldn't take it personally. He might see you as the reason he's still alive and hates you for it. I'll draw the papers up to have him transferred. He'll have to stay here for a few days; maybe he'll change his mind."

"I doubt it. Thank you again for all your hard work and send me any bills," Kaiba said, bowing slightly before leaving the hospital. He didn't call his driver nor care that he was walking home through the cold air in nothing but his suit. He didn't ask for his or his driver's coats back, already vowing to get Sago a new jacket. He arrived an hour later at the mansion and dragged his tired, numb body upstairs. His heart that he thought didn't exist throbbed painfully in his chest. Maybe he wasn't supposed to find happiness. The brunet sighed and threw his phone on the floor before lying down on the bed. The doctor would inform Yugi of the changes. He shouldn't have to. He didn't want to.

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That is a long chapter one. Like I said. I obviously can't keep my stories short enough for one chapter. I'm not objecting and I'm sure you're not. I'll upload the last chapter tomorrow. Thank you for reading. Please review.

Angel Dove