Lonely Existence

Tamed

A/N: Ello ello. I know the last few chapters have been pretty sad. Hopefully, this chapter will help make up for the past few. *bites lip* I hope.

Thank you for your continued support. I really really really really really appreciate it. 

CapricornKitty1975, jofisk, and mikichan10: Right in the feelz?

TheDarkDemonGirl: Atemu: *Shrugs* Okay. *Grabs Yugi, pulling him down into his lap and kisses up his neck to his lips.*

I do not own the song in this chapter. It is "Animal I Have Become" by Three Days Grace. 

 I hope you enjoy the chapter. Please do not forget to vote and comment. Your thoughts are always appreciated.

The flight so far from New York to Los Angeles has been long. The atmosphere is unbelievably tense; filled with awkward chatter between the band members. Nothing like the other flights where we would relax or play games. Ryou remains isolated and refuses to speak to anyone, including Yugi. Honestly, I'm worried. Not just for the band's survival but for Ryou and Bakura's well-being. The band members have become such a big part of my life, each of them holding a special place in my heart.

"What are you thinking about?" Yugi's large heavenly amethyst eyes appear directly in front of me.

A small smile crosses my lips, "The band. Ryou and Bakura particularly."

Yugi nods, sadness flickering behind his eyes, "They have fought before, but nothing like this."

"Essentially, you found yourself a band of basket cases," I glance up to see Joey leaning on Yugi's chair.

"Oh?" I inquire, requesting him to continue.

"Each of the band members comes with a past and deep rooted issues," he continues, his honey brown eyes meeting Yugi's. I catch another flash of sadness pass through Yugi's eyes before he nods his agreement.

"It's true," my little rock angel confirms.

"So do I. You will not find me judging anyone," I fold my arms over my chest, arching an eyebrow.

"You already know of Yugi's separation anxiety and his self-destructive tendencies with cutting," Joey rests a hand on the guitarist's shoulder and then continues, "but you know nothing of the others."

"I'm listening," I allow my hands to fall to my lap, my eyes never breaking their hold on Joey.

"Take Malik for example, before he started dating Marik and before the guys started a band, he was a male escort and sex addict," Joey swallowed, "He was a prostitute. He did it to survive. At some point there was a huge fight with his father and Malik was disowned by him. His sister, Ishizu, helped him out as often as she could while they were growing up, but it wasn't enough. Thus, he went into prostitution to survive. As you can tell, he is still a bit of a sex addict, but Marik has been able to keep him under control."

My eyes drift over to Malik. Poor guy... I sigh and return my gaze to Joey.

"You said no judgements!" Joey growls at me.

"I'm not judging anyone, Joey. I feel bad for him. He did what was needed to ensure he survived. That is admirable," I comment.

The blonde rag mop of hair shifts as Joey nods, "Marik and Bakura were both heavy into drugs. Crystal Meth was Marik's favorite. Cocaine was Bakura's. Unfortunately, they relapse every so often. Each time they give it up, they are able to go longer without it. Bakura has been clean for years. Hopefully they will be able to completely give it up soon."