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: Well person This is an AU of my own sort of AU universe and I’ve always wanted to make Yugi out to be a brat. I was going to do it with Malik initially, but it wouldn’t have lasted seeing as he grew up with Marik being a strong influence. Sometimes the yamixhikari pairs are happenin’ but to be frank, that’s hackneyed and old and if you wanted to me to lose all my inspiration and quit writing I’d do a normal fic. It happened with my Gundam fic and it’d happen twice as fast with these. Now, if someone put up a good challenge, I might consider it (like the Raph Yami WAFF one shot I did) but other than that, please, there are plenty of other authors who specialize in wonderful yamixhikari fictions. I’m not jumpingon you, I just want you to understand fully what my works are and how I write. “NEVER BE NORMAL!” is the mantra I live by.


In Sight

Honda and Otogi watched as Jou slammed the other Inu into the wall and gripped his throat, blood trickling from his mouth as he growled. The two Inu had been fighting for ten long minutes after Bakura had disappeared and now they both had their share of lumps.

“WHY ARE YOU HERE!” he snapped, ready to give the Aussie Shepard another beating, not that he wasn’t worse for wear. His shirt was in shreds and there were several bleeding bite marks on his arms and side, not to mention that his hair was full of grit and his jeans were covered in mud. He sniffed the air and briefly noted the Inu smelled different.

Varon growled and kicked out, pushing Jou away from him. “Oi’ll be anywhere you want you filth! Came to see wot it was keepin’ you from moi human! It’s nothin’ but yer ragtag band of rejects!”

Otogi hissed and would’ve jumped forward if it weren’t for Honda keeping him back. Jou spit and straightened up.

“They ain’t rejects, they’re my pack and if you don’t like it you can go back to your own –Oh wait! You don’t got one! You live with your human and that loser Neko!”

Varon growled again and before he could attack Shizuka shouted, “TAKE IT SOMEPLACE ELSE!”

The blond Inu looked at his adoptive sister, his ears drooped. “Yeah…she’s right. Honda, Otogi, look afta the place while I take care of dis guy!”

Varon’s tail was stiff, his fangs bared. “Like you can even walk!”

“Don’t matter! Let’s go! In front of me ya stupid Mutt!”

“Who’re you callin’ a Mutt? You’re the mutt!”

They left the alley arguing and the trio went back inside.

Jou took Varon behind an abandoned building not far from his home alley. He was really feeling it now, but didn’t want to admit it. While the bites weren’t deep, they were sore and he just knew he’d be nothing but bruises…if he survived. He’d never admit it, but Varon was much stronger than him. While he came from a good breed of dog that was no where near aggressive, Varon was from a stock of dog that was used to harsh terrain and could have an even harsher attitude when the situation demanded. He could also tell that the other Inu was no where near winded. However, when Varon took up his stance, so did Jou. Even if he went down, he’d go down fighting.

Varon charged him, ducking his punch and getting around him to kick his legs from under him. Before he could even cry out, teeth were at his neck.

“Stupid filthy dog! Oi’m goin’ t’ end yer meddlin’ now! He’s not gonna send me back and ‘ave yew as a pet!”

“I don’t wanna be his pet!” the retriever ground out. “I told you that, I told him that!”

“Oi saw the collar!”

“I refused it!”

Varon growled anyway and bit Jou on the neck, causing the dog to yelp in pain and surprise.

This is it! This is it! I’m so sorry guys, Shizuka, Otogi, Honda…Yugi…

However, he was more surprised when instead of feeling his life blood drain out of him, he felt a warm tongue instead. He tried to move, but was re-pinned by strong arms and a vicious growl. Color drained out of Jou’s face as he realized what could be going on.

“Get off me Varon. Right now.”

“No.” and the Aussie Shepard pressed into him. “Won’t take long. Amelda doesn’t like Inus…”

Jou growled and summoned what was left of his strength to push Varon off. He barked a few unsavory words and jogged off, leaving the dazed Inu on his ass. Varon wasn’t deterred though and smoothly got up from the ground, giving chase.

****

Yugi whined and pulled away from Marik as the elder Neko tried to dry his tears. He was still upset about what happened and refused to be comforted. They’d gotten off the motorcycle and were sitting outside of Marik’s home, the Golden Neko trying to make sure Yugi wasn’t a mess when he went in.

“Yugi!”

“No!” he mewled, letting himself be hugged close.

“Calm down you idiot…” Marik began to purr, deep and low, his hands playing up Yugi’s back. “calm down…you’re alright.”

He felt Yugi’s body relax immediately and pulled him onto his lap. “Now, isn’t that better?”

The Kitten stopped moving and just sat there, his ears back, his tail twitching.

“He’s mad at me…”

“And? Stop being a brat and suck it up.”

Yugi gave a tiny whimper and leaned into the older Neko’s shoulder. “Why did you come get me?”

“Because I wanted to. Let’s go inside.”

The kitten got up and approached the door, the realization that he was at the Ishtar house hitting him like a ton of bricks. He pushed his way inside and ran upstairs.

“Malik!”

The bedroom door opened and a sleepy looking golden haired Neko looked out, ears lifting slowly as he saw Yugi.

“Hey! I was sleeping!”

“Marik came to get me! Yami said I wasn’t allowed over anymore!”

Malik waved to Marik who was coming up the stairs. “Thanks Marik!” He linked his and Yugi’s tails together and took the boy inside the room, closing the door before Marik could come in. The Neko stood in front of the door and sighed, shuffling back to his room.


Inside, Yugi told his story fast and Malik dealt him colorful playing cards. The golden haired Neko set up to piles and nodded at intervals, stopping Yugi to say, “Color’s green!”

Yugi nodded and searched his hand, putting down an eight. “And so…it really wasn’t my fault at all and I have no idea why Yami and Marik don’t get along. I mean they’re the same age and everything!”

Malik scanned his own hand and slapped down a three, followed by a draw two, followed by Yugi’s groan as he pulled no green cards.

“It’s because…” Malik cursed and drew from the pile. “Yami likes you.”

“Of course, we’re like brothers or something. He treats me like I’m a feline*.”

Malik shrugged. “Marik treats me like that sometimes…but only if I’m hurt.”

“Yeah, does he hold you down and give me tongue baths?”

The Neko blinked, smirking. “No, not anymore.”

Yugi gave Malik a look then continued to put down his cards. “Why are you looking like that?”

“Oh, I’m just thinking that Marik doesn’t…give me baths like he used to. Just has me thinking that he might be interested in giving another kitten baths these days.”

“Huh?” the tri-color haired boy shifted, pulling his tail from under him. “What do you mean?”

Malik giggled. God, you’re so blind Yugi. I’m surprised I hadn’t noticed it before.

“Nothing. Draw four.”

“Awwww!”


Outside the room, Marik stood there, not bothering to look at all incognito as he sniffed at the bottom of the door and growled. Ishizu came up the stiars and Marik gave a nervous “meow” hoping the woman wouldn’t ask to many questions.

It didn’t work as she immediately approached him. Curse him and his lack of affectionate vocalizations!

“What are you doing Marik?”

“Nothing.”

They looked at each other and the woman frowned when she heard shouts and laughter from the room.

“Does this have anything with a frantic call I just received from Yami? Or maybe it was the plea for level heads from Sugoroku?”

The Neko swished his tail on the ground and chuckled. “What? Yami? Oh no, never Ishizu I –”

The woman pushed him aside, the Neko giving a not so friendly growl and tried to stop her from opening the door. Ishizu sighed as she watched Yugi and Malik attempt to have a “card” fight. There were black Uno cards everywhere, an amazing number in Yugi’s hair.

“Yugi…” she ran a hand over her face, thankful she’d stopped fostering kittens long ago. “Malik.”

The kittens froze, Malik ruining it by laughing and pointing at a very pissed Marik.

“That’s so awesome Marik! Say that outloud!”

Yugi pouted. “I want to talk in my head!”

“All of you just be quiet!” the woman snapped, massaging her forehead. “Ra…”

The Egyptian woman had gone through more than a “hard” day. Getting lectures from an irritated eighteen year old CEO about your job performance was bad enough, but having to come up with half a dozen operations for the capture and adoption of Nekos, Inus as well as normal dogs and cats was just too much, not too mention due to an absence she’d had to go through several interviews in the search for new personnel.

“Yugi…just sit down. Don’t make me put you in a kennel. Malik, just, just –”

The Neko kitten hugged her and began to purr. “I didn’t do anything. Stop being mean to me.”

She petted him and looked at Marik. “I don’t know what you’ve done this time, but I expect you to fix it. Not only is Kaiba sick of cleaning up after the ‘Golden Psycho’, I’m ready to kill you myself.”

Marik crossed his arms and uttered a string of curses, further drawing the woman’s ire.

“DO IT MARIK! NOW!”

“FUCK YOU!” he grabbed Yugi’s hand and dragged him out of the room, the kitten not sure what was going on. He was pulled down stairs and shoved outside.

“Marik, where are we going?”

“Your house.”

“I don’t want to go home! I thought you were bringing me here so I could spend the night and play with Malik –”

“Forget Malik! I didn’t bring you here for him!”

Yugi stopped in his tracks. “I’m not going anywhere with you! You lied to me! I don’t want to go home!”

“You’re going home Yugi now get on the fuckin’ bike!”

“Don’t cuss at me!” he yowled, pulling out of the youth’s grasp.

Marik growled and walked after the teen who was steadily backing up. “I said get on the fucking bike! We’re going home!”

Yugi was about to respond when he felt something tracing over his mind, making his thoughts fuzzy. He began stepping towards Marik, a smile on his lips, a purr in his throat. The Golden smirked.

Good, I’ve had enough of his resistance…

As Yugi neared him, he tripped on a bit of upraised sidewalk, jarring him from the telepathic trance. The Kitten blinked and looked at Marik, mouth open and angry.

“You used your powers on me!”

Marik rolled his eyes. “Yes I did, now come on –”

Yugi hissed and scratched at him, jumping back. “I can’t believe you’d do that! You’re just like Yami!”

Marik laughed then, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. “Actually, I’m a lot worse and if you don’t get back over here you’ll wish I was Yami.”

The tri-color haired boy swallowed as Marik drew near, the annoyance and anger roiling off the other Neko in waves. He meeped as his back came in contact with the lamp post near their porch and his tail flicked nervously.

“Now Yugi, just come with me and I’ll take you home. It won’t be so bad. I’ll come get you tomorrow!”

The kitten shook his head. “You’re lying again…”

Marik chuckled and stepped closer, Yugi’s fear tasting oddly sweet on his tongue.

Oh, little Kitty how sweet you are…if you only knew what you were doing to me…

He pounced at Yugi and the boy cried out and fled in the other direction, Marik cursing and giving chase.

What the fuck!

****

Jou slid as he stopped in front of the closed butcher shop, banging on the door as he listened for Varon’s pursuit. A few moments later,a tired looking Matty came to the door.

“Jou? Wot’s the matter Boy-o?”

“It’s Varon’s he’s lost it he’s in heat and –”

He was tackled and yelped in surprise, trying to push Varon off him as he barked and kicked.

Varon growled, but he didn’t mean it that way. He hadn’t known another male dog could smell so sweet and now that he had Jou he wasn’t about to let go –But he was being dragged away.

“Ya crazy Mutt! Oi let ya out one noight and ya go insane! You’re goin’ in tha kennel t’noight and not comin’ out till this whole mess is ovva! A male dog goin’ in t’ heat! Oi’d heard, but didn’t think it were true till roight now!”

Jou rubbed his head and watched Matty drag Varon inside from outside the door. He heard a general clatter and a metal door shut and rattle, desperate and angry barks following the footsteps that came back to him.

“Oi’m sorry boy. Nevva knew Varon’d do somethin’ loike that. Shoulda got the message when Amelda got to hissin’ and clawin’.”

“It’s okay…I jus’…he followed me back t’ my den and we got into it…”

“Oi see that. Come on in. Oi’ll fix ya up. Again.”

Jou smiled and blushed, embarrassed and followed the man in.

They sat in the living room above the meat market, Jou thinking of Yugi’s house and how the place was all above the shop. His tail wagged even as alcohol cleaned his wounds and bandages were wrapped tight. He loved this place, he really did, and didn’t realize he’d been dozing off until he was chucked under the chin.

“Go on Jou, got a place fer you already. Third room up the stairs to the roight.”

The Inu nodded and went upstairs, using his nose mostly. He could smell Matty’s room, the various places Amelda napped, even where Varon had marked the place.

Bad dog… he thought, chuckling.

He went into the white doored room and smiled. The bed looked more like an over sized dog bed, not that he minded. He kicked off his trashy boots and got in, circling once or twice before plopping down and curling up, taking the nearest plush bone and coveting it.

This could be it…I could live here if Varon stayed off m’ back…literally. I could really…

“…I could…” he scratched at his ear briefly then let sleep take him.

****

Yugi didn’t know where he was going and he really should have thought of that before running from Marik.

Maybe Yami’s right…maybe I’m not old enough to go out alone…

He flicked his tail and looked around. Great, he was in another unmarked alley. He heard a noise and turned suddenly, unaware of the person coming up behind him.

“BOO!” he heard.

Yugi screamed and turned, claws out. Malik laughed and caught his hands.

“It’s me! Marik told me you’d run off so he had me help him!”

The kitten struggled. “I’m not going home! Please let go Malik!”

The Egyptian Golden’s eyes didn’t hold any sympathy. “I’m afraid I can’t do that Yugi. If we don’t return you, Ishizu’s going to be really mad. SUgoroku has seniority over her at the center so there could be real trouble.”

Yugi’s brow furrowed. “What? Grandpa doesn’t work at the Center.”

“Sure he does.” Marik appeared, hands in his pocket, a cigarette in his lips. “How else do you think he ‘found’ you two again? Why do you think he gets to choose who he fosters and how we were waiting for Bakura when he appeared?”

The kitten still struggled, but Malik didn’t let go. “No! Grandpa doesn’t work for you guys! He’d never –you guys took Jou’s family away!”

“Well, your precious Grandpa helped us with that. Where do yout think all those toys came from? Jou tells that old ma everything. We knew just what to bring those kids, right Kitten?”

Malik nodded. “We just wanted to make sure he had a good home. You’ll understand later, now, why don’t you just go home. Sugoroku’s interested in the power you showed off earlier.”

Yugi whined and twisted in the other kitten’s grasp, frustrated that Malik was clearly stronger. He didn’t like what was going on, these weren’t his friends! Was all this true?

He felt tickles in his mind and shook his head.

“Stop it, Malik please don’t –”

“You won’t stop moving. I have to. Besides, Marik’s doing it too.”

Yugi suddenly felt very tired and gave a sob, falling to the pavement. “yami help me…”

“That dumb ass won’t help you. He’s already been taken down to the Center.”

Yugi whined as he felt his eyes closing. “I thought you were a good person…you lied to me…”

Malik tutted and squatted to pet the kitten’s sleeping form. “But we are the good guys Yugi! We just do things our own way!”

Marik took out his cell phone and dialed. When it picked up, he talked.

“Yeah…it’s me…Eye of Ra’s in the bag. Got a little hectic, but this shit’s easier than I thought. I never knew my ‘suggestion’ powers were so strong…yes…right away…but, do lay off Ishizu. I wouldn’t want to hurt her if I got angry…Yes…of course. Right away.”

He hung up and smiled. “Bring him back to the house Malik. Apparently, the Alabasters have been seen.”

Malik picked up a limp Yugi. “Are you going to do the suggestion thing again?”

“Yes. I’ll make them go after that golden scale Kaiba has at his home.”

“Make sure you get rid of the memory of Kaiba when you encounter them. You know where they are?”

The Neko laughed. “I’ve always known, since we brought that crying brat to the Center.”

“You put a seed in his mind!?” Malik was delighted at how devious his companion was.

“Of course. You did put a tracker in the bear right?”

“Yeah…say, do you think what we do is wrong? I mean…Ishizu thinks –”

“It doesn’t matter what she thinks, not anymore. Kaiba says he can give us what we truly want. Independence. Nothing against her, but, I’m no one’s pet.”

Malik held Yugi against him, feeling slightly guilty. “Are we his friends Marik? Were we pretending?”

“Were you?”

“No…he’s really fun, but…I’m so sick of playing ‘kitten’ with him. Do you really think he’ll be a good member on the team?”

They walked down the dark street, the elder Neko putting out one cigarette and lighting another.

“Can’t tell.”

“And Yami?”

“Sugoroku is taling to him. We know he won’t cooperate. Really tragic we couldn’t get Atemu…if we had…”

The Neko’s reached home and saw Rishid waiting for them, the van ready. Malik took Yugi to the van while Marik talked to the tall man.

“Where’s Ishizu?”

“Talking with her Brother. He’s been gone on undercover ops in Tokyo. Pup mill.”

Marik nodded and crossed his arms after putting out his cigarette. “She know?”

“No. She thinks you took him home, thinks Yami is still at home with Sugoroku.”

“That’s that then.”

Rishid laughed. “You have no problem with lying do you? Manipulating or even killing do you?”

Marik gave a sinister grin. “I’ll do whatever I want and whatever I need to get what I want.” He pointed to Malik closing the van doors. “That’s all I care about.”

“And if he leaves you for another?”

The Neko tapped his temple. “Here we are bonded.” He tapped his heart. “Here we are bonded. He can fall in love with who ever he wants. We’ll always be one.”

“You’re truly a trip Brother.”

Malik bounced over to the tall man, jumping into his arms. “Have you brought me any gold?”

Rishid laughed, holding the Neko close. “None at all. I haven’t been traveling.”

“Eh. Pumme down.”

He put the Neko down, letting him using him as something to lean against. “This is such a production. We have an unmarked black van, a tall menacing guy, two evil looking Nekos…god we’re cliché.”

They all paused a moment then laughed as Shadi came out, shutting the door. “I told her that Kaiba wants to speak with ya’ll so let’s go.”

They got in the van and drove off into the night.

****

Yami sat in the chair, his arms cuffed behind them, the blood on them dripping and drying on the floor. He stared at the person before him, feeling absolutely betrayed.

Sugoroku Motou sat with a bandage on his cheek and arm, trying to put a kind face on as Yami growled at from across the table. After telling the Neko the absolute truth about things, he’d expected a reaction, but not the violent one he got. He’d never truly known how protective Yami was of Yugi until he’s told him the Ishtar’s plan.

“Yami, we just want to you bring you both into the fold, let you know what’s going on and ask you to join us –”

“YOU’RE A FUCKIN’ BLACK OPS ORGANIZATION THAT KIDNAPS NEKOS! WHY THE FUCK WOULD I JOIN THAT!”

Yami struggled in the chair, cursing and yowling, wishing the dampers weren’t on his forehead. They killed his power and seemed to be giving him small zaps when his power was about to overwhelm the device.

“WHERE’S YUGI!?”

The man moved the bangs out of his face. “He’s safe.”

“WHERE?!”

“You’ll be united soon, just, calm down Yami or they won’t uncuff you and they won’t take the dampers off!”

The Neko growled murderously. “When I get these cuffs off you’ll be in a million pieces old man! You understand? I’ll rip out your guts! I’ll make you suffer!”

Sugoroku merely shook his head and pushed a file folder forward on the desk. “Read this and I’ll be back later to talk to you. You’ll understand after you read this.”

The man got up and backed out of the room, signaling for the catches on the Neko’s cuffs to be released. When he was gone and the metal door was secure, he jumped as Yami’s enraged face appeared at the window.

Inside, Yami was livid. What the fuck was going on!? Where was his Aibou!?

His nails did no damage to the door and he paced the room, eyeing the file. Who wlse was in on it? Who else? How deep did it go? How far did it go?

Aibou…where are you…where are you to protect us now Atemu? I need you more than ever now…

****

Ryou watched Bakura pace around the room, cursing.

“What the fuck Ryou! Why didn’t you tell me!?”

The kitten winced as the Neko raised his hand, surprised when the hit didn’t come.

“You’re a devious little bastard you know that! I can’t believe you were going to do this!”

The white haired Neko curled a finger around a lock of his hair and looked at the ground. “I’m sorry Big Brother I truly am…”

Bakura stopped in front of him and sighed. “I suppose it’s to be expected.” He broke out in a smile. “It just proves that we are brothers more and more.”

Ryou looked up smiling, beginning to purr. Bakura sat down beside him on the ratty couch and patted his back.

“Kaiba’s mansion!? Ryou you’re fuckin’ –Not even Akefia would have attempted that place! Not in a million years!”

The kitten beamed and reached for the newspaper clipping. “yeah he would’ve…what real thief could resist a treasure like this?”

A pair of scales sat on a full page story in the Society section, the picture contained pure gold scales and next to them, a picture of a man with long light aqua hair.

“Kaiba’s a real idiot if he thinks we won’t go after this!”

Bakura nodded. “Although…I think…I met Kaiba when we…rescued you…” the Neko wouldn’t admit it, but he was having real trouble remembering that night. He shrugged and ruffled Ryou’s hair, stroking his ears.

“Too easy! I’ll let you take it alright!”

Ryou nodded. “First Kaiba…then…the world!” he ruined it by giggling sweetly, Bakura shaking his head and laughing with him.




****
*EFC: Experimental Feline Companion FFFC: Freedom for Feline Companions
*Oh. My. Jezus ya’ll..that wasn’t even planned! What the fuck it’s all a big conspiracy?! What’s going on!? Will Yugi be hurt? What’s in that file!? Are the Alabaster’s playing into Marik’s hands? Will anyone ever hook up! Where’s the LEMON!?
*Don’t worry, you’ll get some doggy smut soon if I know AU Jou and Varon…or ya’ll can get some Honda Otogi…(they won’t stay together in this one either) and what about Mokie Noa? Will they have hot steamy love like in my one shot? Poor Ishizu! She’s so out of the loop!
*I’d like to thank Wicabeth for the inspiration for this fic!
*Schwarzwald loves ya’ll! *shifty eyes* But I loves me a conspiracy….