A Home of Our Own

A Home of Our Own

Summary: A series of separate Neko Fics that will culminate into a longer story about love, loyalty, and belonging. Kimi ga Iru AU
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh. If I did…*begins to laugh evilly*
Warning: none
Author’s Note:I like this Chapter, a lot. I love Inus….


Split

Jou watched the Kittens and Pups gather around the FFFC agents wagging their tails and cheering as they were given toys and candy. He couldn’t believe this, they were stealing his pack right out from under him.

How could they do this to hi? He saw Ishizu standing by, talking with Rebecca and Shizuka, giving the girls dolls and brushes. He growled and went back inside the den.

What a bunch of bullshit! Fuckin’ human bitch is a liar! They want to take everything away from me!

He went into his private room and found Otogi and Honda there. The Neko was flush against the Inu, his paws on the dogs chest as they made out.

“Hey!” he barked. “What the fuck! Take it someplace else!”

Otogi’s ears shot up and he pushed Honda away, hissing, darting out of the room. Honda wagged his tail at Jou and tried to greet him, only to be pushed down to the floor.

“Get out of my sight. You’ll fuck anything won’t you?”

The Shepard mix whimpered but got up and left. He could tell Jou was in a bad mood and there’d be no helping it till later.

The blond sat back on some pillows, growling every few minutes as he watched tv.

FFFC this, FFFC that! If they’re so great, how come they act all shadowy and shit!? How come they gotta take what’s mine?

He heard a general clatter and knew the rest of the pack had returned to the den. Shizuka came into his den, her eyes a bit cloudy, but still a brilliant blue.

“Hi Big Brother!”

“Hey Shizu-chan!” He patted a cushion. “Come watch tv wit me.”

The girl sat beside the Inu, not truly able to see as far as the tv, but listening all the same. They watched in silence for a while until Jou spoke.

“Who left?”

“…A lot of the Pups…went…they gave them beef jerky Jou.”

The Inu’s ears drooped. That was one of his weaknesses as well.

“Then…that one Neko showed up, the Golden one with the nice hair. He gave the Kittens toys and told them that there were lots more interesting things at the Center.”

Probably Malik…the other one don’t like kids…

“Gimme da facts Shizuka. Who’s left?”

The Neko held the doll to her chest. “Honda and Otogi…and me.”

Jou growled and kicked the low table over. “What the fuck!”

The girl flinched a bit, but sat there all the same while the youth cursed and tore at cushions, tossing barely recognizable chew toys here and there. When he was done, he was out of breath. Honda and Otogi looked in the door. Otogi came in and slipped into Jou’s arms.

“We’re not going to leave you, but think about it Boss, they’re young. They have a chance.”

“you’re right…” the retriever mix muttered.

Shizuka went over and Honda came in and they huddled together, purrs and good natured growls the only sound in the room save the television. Jou pulled away and ran a hand through his hair.

“Look, you guys’ll be alright for a while alone?”

They trio nodded and Jou wagged his tail shortly. “I’ll be back.”

“With food?” Otogi inquired.

“Yeah…I’ll go by that place I found…bring back some meat!”

Honda yipped. “Kick ass! Isn’t that…the other pack’s territory?”

Jou laughed as he left. Pack…yeah right. If they’re a pack, we’re a fuckin’ herd…”

****

Yami tried to talk with Yugi, but every time he came in the room or tried to sit near him, the kitten got up and ran off someplace. Earlier in the day, he’d tried approaching the boy in his room and he’d nearly gotten clawed in the face peeking under the boy’s bed.

“Get out I hate you!” the boy had said.

Yami sat in his window sill now, tail flicking idly as he watched traffic go by. That had all been two days ago after he’d told Yugi he couldn’t see the Ishtar’s anymore. Of course, Yugi’d run to his Grandpa, but Yami convinced the old man to see it his way.

He smirked as he thought of Sugoroku telling Yugi that maybe he shouldn’t go over for a while. That’d teach his Aibou who was the oldest.

But now Yugi hates me…

He sighed and let the summer breeze blow his bangs. Aibou…


In Yugi’s room, the kitten was rolling a paper ball between his hands, disinterest all over his face. Thanks to Yami he wasn’t allowed out alone anymore and he wasn’t allowed to his friends.

Stupid Yami…can’t stop me when school gets in… The kitten pouted and put his head down, running a hand over his ears and spikes. He was so bored it was killing him.

He jumped up suddenly and jumped at the wall, kicking off and onto the floor, the clock falling to the floor and shattering. Alarmed, he darted under the bed as the door opened.

“Aibou, what was that noise?” Yami looked around and saw the clock, smiling as he saw Yugi’s magenta tipped tail peeking from under the bed.

“I can see your tail Hikari!” he tapped it gently with his own and watched dart away, followed by an annoyed yowl.

He frowned. “It’s precisely that attitude that got you in trouble the other day!”

The Neko looked at the clock and then to the bed. Yugi wouldn’t see. He focused on the item and watched it piece itself back together.

“I’m sure, when you’re older, you’ll see that I was right about this and you’ll thank me from keeping you from that awful influence! I’m only looking out for your best interests…” When the clock was whole, Yami put it back on the wall. He went over to sit on the bed.

“Why don’t you come out of there. It’s almost time for your bath.”

“Get out!” the boy hissed, then called. “GRANDPAAAAAA!”

The old man showed up in time, shooing Yami from the bed with the wave of his hand. “Yami, leave him alone, I’ve told you about being in Yugi’s room. It’s his.”

“But Sugo –”

Yugi peeked out from under the bed, hissing at Yami before he went back under.

“Oh Yugi…” the man chuckled and reached down to stroke what he could of the kitten’s tail. “He’s just in a mood Yami. Leave him alone. He leaves you alone when you’re in a bad mood, so give him the same courtesy.”

“But –”

“Go watch the shop for me hm?” He ran his hand through Yami’s hair, causing the Neko to purr. “Good kitty.” He scratched him under the chin and Yami nodded and left, looking back and behind the bad.

When he was gone, Yugi came out and hugged the old man. :I don’t like Yami anymore. He hit me.”

“I know and I’m sure he’s sorry!” He rubbed the boy’s back and pulled a crackling package out of his pocket. “I got you this!”

Yugi took the candy bar in his hands. “Thank you…”

Sugoroku sighed. “I know you miss Malik, but…let’s say we wait a few days and then I’ll let you go! Okay?”

The kitten hugged the man and purred. “Thanks!”

He chuckled and pulled away from the boy. “Of course. Now, Grandpa’s going to nap and I want you to mind Yami while I’m asleep!”

Yugi followed him into the bed room, pouncing on the bed. “I’ll nap too!”

The man laid down after taking off his shoes. “No pouncing on my feet either! I know you Yugi!”

The boy laughed and curled up at the man’s side, falling asleep as quickly as he did, his purrs mixing with light snores.

****

Jou ran down the alley after the ball, successfully retrieving it and bringing it back. The pot bellied man ruffled his hair and Jou wagged his tail hard. He wasn’t about to deny that the affection he got from humans was great, he just liked being his own Inu.

He felt hands rubbing his belly and gave a happy grunt, trying to keep his leg from jumping. Varon came over and pushed him aside, licking the man under the chin and getting a few good pats.

“There now Varon. Oi know yer jealous o Jou there…” He gripped the Inu’s ears and kissed his forehead, the youth laughing and wagging his tail.

Jou held out the ball and he threw it, both Inu’s racing after it.

Matty laughed as the two fell over each other trying to get it.

“Inus…how pathetic.”

The man sighed. “Amelda, Oi see you’ve come home!”

“This isn’t my home!” the red head snapped, wincing as a cut on his arm began bleeding fresh blood.

The man went over and sighed again heavily. “I don’t know why ya hafta run the streets KitKat. You’re welcome ‘ere awl the toime.”

The red head was already purring but grumped, “Don’t call me KitKat…”

“Come on inside…can’t believe you’re still in t’ foights. Yer not a Kitten anymore ‘Melda, Oi expect ya t’ be have.”

“Eh.”

The two went inside while Varon and Jou fought over the ball. The Aussie Shepard got fed up and bit the blond Inu on the hand, Jou yelping as he dropped the ball.

“I’m tellin’ Matty!”

“Who cares!” Varon barked. “Stop coming around here! He’s my Human not yours!”

Jou responded but wasn’t heard as their argument descended into raucous barking and shoves. Before they both knew they were fighting full on, Varon yelping as his ear was bitten, Jou howling as the other Inu sank his teeth into his wrist.

They felt the spray of the hose and stopped fighting, shocked at the treatment.

“Wot ‘ave Oi told the both of ya? Jou, ya keep actin’ loike a stray Oi don’t want ya ‘round ‘ere and Varon once more and yer goin’ back t’ tha farm!”

Tails went between legs at the man’s tone and they both approached, looking remorseful. He sheparded them inside and fixed them up, Amelda already lounging on the window sill, purring as he sun bathed.

Jou put away the extra meat he’d been given and wagged his tail shyly as Matty held out a collar to him.

“Why not? If you and Varon learned to quit it you’d fit in perfectly!”

The blond shook his head. “I have a family…I gotta take care of them…maybe if…” Jou sighed. “Maybe if they were ever gone…but not now.”

Matty sighed and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Oi understand.” He gave Jou a cookie and sent him off. “You be a good boy now and stay outta the trash!”

The blond nodded and left the shop, unaware he was being followed.


When Jou reached his den, the three remaining members rejoiced and dug into the food, Jou going outside to smoke. That was when he smelled him.

“Bakura?”

The Neko came out of the shadows and Jou wagged his tail, laughing as someone in a red cloak appeared beside the stealthy Neko.

“Ya got a shadow there Bakura?”

The Neko smirked. “It’s Ryou. He’s getting better.”

The Kitten pulled back the hood and gave a smile to his brother, staring at Jou warily. The older Alabaster approached Jou and kissed him, knowing he’d get info out of the Inu easier if he gave a little loving.

“I need something…”

“Like what?” Jou put out his cigarette and sniffed Bakura. “Where have you been, you smell like fresh air and old wood.”

“Around. Seen Golden Psycho?”

“No but his brother came and took half my pack to the Center. Gave ‘em toys and led them all away. Yami said he’d help prevent it, but that jackass has his head elsewhere…”

Bakura gave a soft growl. “That ass, whatever…” He looked Jou in the eyes and spoke to Ryou. “Ryou, go inside, I want you to be quiet and behave, got that?”

“Yes Brother.”

“Jou and I have business.”

Even in that red cloak, Ryou melted back into the shadows and was gone. Bakura pressed Jou into the wall and kissed him, the Inu wagging his tail and gripping the Neko’s arms.

“Missed you…”

Bakura chuckled and undid their pants. “Whatever, turn around Mutt.”

On top of the neighboring building, Ryou watched his brother with the Inu, ears flattening in jealousy. He saw another Inu approaching the scene from the east and tried to decide if he wanted to warn his brother.

Bakura will be angry if I do not….

The Kitten gave a whistle and found the fire escape. He’d see how things were on the ground.

Bakura was just about finished when he heard Ryou’s whistle and finished when he caught the scent of an Inu. Jou panted against the bricks, his eyes half lidded as he recognized the scent.

“Varon…” he croaked.

“Who’s he?”

Jou recovered enough to zip his pants and licked Bakura’s mouth. “A Mutt. You staying in this part of town?”

“No way, besides, you know you’re just a fuck.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, but sometimes I’d like more than one fuck.” Jou put his pack leader mask back on and growled as he smelled Varon approached around the corner. He barked aggressively and charged, the other Inu alarmed at first, then attacking right back.

“Brother…” came a whisper.

Bakura shrugged and waved dismissively, the two Nekos leaving the scene.

****

Yugi watched the end of his tail flicking and raised his hands over it menacingly. His tail jerked and he was off, chasing in an endless circle.

It was really pathetic when a Neko got this bored.

Suddenly dizzy, the sixteen year old Neko collapsed on the floor, giggling and moving drunkenly. He heard slow clapping from somewhere and got a look at his clock. It was eight…nine…

Yugi rubbed his eyes and laughed again, sitting up and swaying. It was nearly ten at night! How long had he been hold up in his room after the nap with Grandpa?

“Nice show.”

The kitten turned, a little too fast, and fell again, this time to be caught by powerful bronze arms that sat him back on his feet. He smiled and wiggled his tail.

“Hi!” he announced.

Marik laughed and steadied Yugi’s swaying body. “Do you always chase your tail with such vigor?”

“yeah…” he grinned again. “What are you doing here?”

“Came to see you Midget Kitty.”

“Hey!”

Marik laughed again and pulled the kitten over to the window. “How about we go out tonight?”

Yugi looked out of the window and down at the ground below. “I can’t. Grandpa says I’m not allowed out at night.”

The Egyptian Golden looked at Yugi and raised his eyebrows. “Get a clue Yugi, you’re sixteen. Isn’t it time you made your own decisions?”

“But…Yami’ll get mad again.”

“So?”

“But he hit me…”

Marik frowned. “He ever does that again and he’ll never do it again. You tell me, understand?”

Yugi nodded quickly and Marik tugged him close.

“Besides…” he purred low, “I was worried about ya…”

The kitten felt his whole body heat up and his tail went up in the air behind him, his whole person thrumming with involuntary purrs. Marik grinned at this and was about to lean up and take his prize when the door came open.

“Aibou are you up I –MARIK! GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM!”

Yugi jumped and Marik hissed, pulling Yugi close.

“Chibi, come with me now or don’t ever come with me again!”

Yugi looked into determined lavender eyes and back at Yami, who was shaking with rage.

“Aibou! You get away from him right NOW! He’s dangerous! He’ll corrupt you!”

Sugoroku appeared. “Oh my, Marik, what are you doing?”

“Anything I want old man same as Yugi, right Chibi?”

The kitten nodded absently, pressing into Marik’s arms as Yami approached. The kitten didn’t recognize his housemate, his eyes were flashing and angry.

“I don’t want you to hit me again Yami. Not like the other day, not EVER!”

Sugoroku gasped. “Yami!”

The Egyptian tri-color’s rage was out of control and in an instand, the clock he’d previously fixed, smashed. A lamp shot out of place and at the Golden who shielded Yugi from it. It smashed against his back and Marik grunted.

“Fuck…”

Yugi screamed, looking at Yami with wide eyes over his shoulder.

“YUGI! GET OVER HERE!”

The kitten began to cry and screamed. “NO!”

Yami was thrown from the room, hitting the hallway wall with a thud. The door slammed and Yugi clung to Marik.

“I wanna leave, let’s leave.”

Marik picked him up and leapt from the window, landing silently on the ground. “Let’s go then…”

Yugi clung to Marik’s back as they shot off into the night, trying to process what just happened. Finding himself overwhelmed, he merely cried into the Golden’s back, feeling like he may never be able to go home again.


****
*EFC: Experimental Feline Companion FFFC: Freedom for Feline Companions
*Can ya’ll say five am?
*I’d like to thank Wicabeth for the inspiration for this fic!
*Schwarzwald loves ya’ll!