Kaiba knew it was late. It was always late when the young billionaire would finally decide to leave the Kaiba Corp building. But tonight was different, besides the fact it was a frigid -25C outside, Kaiba had this new state of mind. Well, at least that's what he would hope to achieve. Things were really starting to pile up at work and were starting to take a devastating effect on Kaiba, both emotionally and physically. Tonight Kaiba had requested his chauffeur to take the night off, which was rare, but Kaiba knew he needed the walk home.

Sighing, Kaiba stepped out into the cold, wintery night. As a fierce wind wiped his face he flipped the collar up and continued walking. Carefully he concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other; he could easily slip on the ice that had now taken control of the sidewalk's friction.

So far so good, Kaiba could feel every thought and concern being dropped behind him as he walked threw the cold night. Bravely he withdrew his mouth from his collar and took in a sigh from the soothing cool air. It felt amazing, and Kaiba knew his head was clearing up from the constant headache he had had, being in Kaiba Corp all day. He looked around and saw the empty street before him. If only he could feel like this all the time, no one around, no worries to worry about, no little brothers to constantly concern him with. He loved Mokuba very much, but trying to find time with the fast growing boy was becoming harder and harder. Kaiba took in another sigh. Perfect.

"And don't expect to be taken so lightly next time it happens," said a dark figure angrily, emerging from an alleyway.

Kaiba stopped walking. Surely the man hadn't seen who Kaiba was, but the fear of being recognized himself he dashed off in the opposite direction.

"You've been warned, Wheeler," the man yelled behind him.

Wheeler…

Kaiba quicken his paced towards the alley. He stopped at the entrance and tried to see through the darkness. He saw garbage cans, old shopping carts, litter everywhere, but no Joey. Perhaps he had been wrong?

Turning away, Kaiba finally heard the moan. He spun around and noticed the dark clump on the far side of the alley move. Kaiba couldn't explain but for some reason he felt fear. And that wasn't something that happened a lot, for this fear was for Joey. What if he was really hurt?

Kaiba sprinted toward the body lying on the ground.

Wheeler… perhaps a different one?

Slowly Kaiba kneeled down. The boy lying, afraid to move, looked up at him with brown eyes.

Kaiba was stunned. It was indeed Joey, but Kaiba almost didn't recognize the face. It was horribly beat up and there was blood trailing down from his head and into his eye.

"What the hell, Wheeler," spat out Kaiba.

"J-just get me off t-he g-ground Kaiba," Joey managed, "I-it's f-f-freezing"

Carefully Kaiba put his hand behind Joey's head and slowly lifted him up until the barely conscious Joey was sitting, or at least trying to. This was awkward, what was Kaiba supposed to do now? He never thought he'd be the one here in the alley holding Joey. Didn't he have friends to do this for him?

"Here, I'll call an ambulance," said Kaiba, using his free hand to reach into his pocket and grabbed his cell phone.

Joey reached up his hand to knocked away the cell, "No"

"Why not? You're obviously in a lot of pain," said Kaiba avoiding the hand.

"Can't pay f-for i-it,"

Of course, Kaiba should have known that.

"Fine," Kaiba dialed a different number and readjusted his hand behind Joey's head. Man, this guy was heavier than he thought.

"W-what are y-you d-doing?" asked Joey.

"Calling my chauffeur, you'll be taken to the Kaiba mansion," replied Kaiba. What was Kaiba doing, he knew this was a rare act of kindness on his part.

Joey realized this too, "What?"

Kaiba hung up his cell, "Would you rather I left you here alone mutt?"

Joey hung his head.

"The chauffeur is on his way," Kaiba told Joey, and without thinking Kaiba gently lowered Joey's head. He took of his own coat and carefully wrapped it around Joey. He than, put his hand behind Joey's head once more. Joey looked confused.

"You looked cold," said Kaiba.

Joey hesitated, "Thank you Kaiba," and then sunk into the unconsciousness he knew was overwhelming him.

Making sure Joey's eyes were closed Kaiba smiled.

"You're welcome," he whispered.

The young genius held the blonde, as it started to snow. Kaiba shivered slightly, now only wearing a sweater, and hoped the chauffeur would quickly find them.