Born of Shadows

Commitment

Kitty scratched at his ear and shifted back as he stretched into a standing position on all four paws and looked up.
Master sat on the long couch in the very center, rather than off to one side leaving enough space for Kitty to curl up beside him. Monkey stretched across the couches wide back and rested his head on Master’s shoulder. Puppy sat at Masters feet resting his head on the raised knee of Master’s leg that was crossed over the other with his ankle on his other knee.
Master smiled knowingly at him and lifted his free hand from his lap to motion Kitty into action. Master’s other hand idly pet at the short fur on Puppy’s head.
Kitty stepped out of his basket and began to move forward surprised that he had no discomfort from the activities of the previous evening.
Kitty closed the distance and stopped short of the couch to eye the other pets, suspiciously. Master patted Puppy’s head before reaching up to grab hold of the long fur on Monkey’s shoulder.
“Why don’t you two go play, while Kitty and I have a talk.” Master said.
“Arf, yip yip,” was Puppy’s response and Monkey rose up and crawled along the couch to leap to the floor next to the dog. Pushing their way out the door, Monkey turned from behind Puppy to glare back at Kitty in disdain.
“Oh, Kitty. Come on, sit with me,” Master said, though he didn’t move from his place in the center of the couch. Kitty tilted his head before shrugging and climbing onto what space there was to Master’s left. When he was perched on his knees, Master wrapped his arms around Kitty and pulled his pet onto his lap.
“Mer yeow!” Kitty yelped, as Master settled him with a jolt.
“Now, let’s have that little talk. I’ve explained to Puppy and Monkey that we are trying out a relationship out there,” Master said holding Kitty and running his hands over the soft fur of Kitty’s leggings. “They understand. You do know that they have been together for months now, don’t you?”
“Mew?” Kitty asked, leaning back.
“Yes. They got a new place and moved in together. It hasn’t been easy keeping it low key so that Otogi doesn’t have to deal with publicity and all. But Ryuzaki and Haga cover for them, a lot. Now about them here,” Master said, giving Kitty a stern look.
“Meow rowl,” Kitty said, leaning down to cuddle into Master’s shoulder. Master smiled but turned away to keep Kitty from seeing it.
“Yes, I know that and I want to be with you. Puppy and Monkey aren’t trying to get between us, anymore than I would try to come between them.”
“Mew Mee-ow?” Kitty asked rubbing his cheek against Master’s face and curling his front paws around the man’s chest.
“Well yes, I do like it,” Master said, shifting under Kitty’s legs. “And it has never been like that with them, but remember what You said.”
“Brrrr, merow.” Kitty said, dropping his paws dejectedly. He knew full well what he had said, and he had meant it, but . . . .
“And while I am making the decisions, I have decided that Monkey and Puppy, as well as the other pets are always welcome in this house. Even more than they have been welcome in your mansion.” Kitty’s face fell, and he was near the edge of becoming depressed by the hurt he was accepting.
“I have also decided, that though they are welcome here, they do not need me to enjoy their stay. They can continue to play, but only with each other. From now on my play will be with my Kitty.”
Kitty jumped up in Master’s arms. His heart was fluttering and his eyes were wide with shock. Master smiled at him, holding back a chuckle that the most special of his pets who had always been so sure of himself could become so insecure over something as assured as his feelings.
“Kitty has a lack of trust.” He stated.
“Re-owl,” Kitty growled as he batted a paw in Master’s face. Master caught the weapon and held it to his chest.
“Kitty should never doubt me again,” and he pulled his pet into a soft loving kiss.

Days melded into weeks, during which time Kitty and Master, Seto and Jou explored their new relationship.
Kaiba revised and released his new public relations brochure, outlining his plans for future expansion and some of his new game designs, and introducing his new Jr. Partner, Jounouchi Katsuya.
The public was enthusiastic to say the least and Jou had to close his shop. It became overrun by his new groupies and was a little daunting. His photo sessions now required bodyguards, also.
Mokuba came home for a visit half way through the term and was brought up to date on the new and tender bond the two had formed.
The younger Kaiba smirked and shook his head leaning back from the dinner table where they had decided to give him the news.
“Like I couldn’t see that coming,” he scoffed. “You two have been going out of your way to be together for years. It was just a matter of time.”
Seto stared open-mouthed while Jou burst out laughing.
“Just like a Kaiba. One step ahead of the game, eh Seto?”
“Hnnnn,” was the only response either got.

Every one else was already aware after the many visits to the Shadow house. So, when there was no formal comment from either Yugi or Yami, it was fairly obvious to the group of friends.
When the holidays were approaching, Jou was determined to find out why his friend was keeping silent.
Yami was no concern to him, as the former pharaoh had been vocal enough in making sure Jou had his house in order and the hints about his destiny and soul mate, but Yugi was a different story.
Seto hosted a party at the mansion for Mai‘s birthday in November. While everyone was playing some of the prototype games he had set up in the game room, the two young men pulled the small gamester aside.
“Hey, Yug, can we talk to ya?” Jou said, his nervousness bringing out the remnants of his accent.
“Sure Jou. What’s up?” Yugi said, as Jou led the way into the private study Seto had given him. Once in the room Yugi noted that Kaiba was seated on the small sofa watching him.
Jou sat on the arm of the couch next to the CEO and lifted his pale hand, placing it firmly on his knee. Seto did nothing to either stop or aid the move and Yugi watched it, intently.
“We wanted to ask you the same thing. What’s up, Yugi?” Jou said as Yugi sat in one of the swivel chairs and attempted to look innocent. Not that he wasn’t expert at the look, but Jou had known the young man long enough not to be fooled by the act. “Come on, Yug. Don’t snow me. D’you got a problem with us?”
Yugi looked away and Jou felt a movement beside him as Seto leaned forward. He realized, belatedly, how important this was to the CEO. Important that Jou’s friends accept him as Jou’s mate.
“You know what? It doesn’t matter, Yug. If you don’t want me with Seto, that’s your problem. I just hope you ain’t holding the past against him, cause that’s not fair.”
“Jou, I really want you both to be happy, but I am afraid that you aren’t ready. If anything happens to either of you, I just don’t think I could stand it. And Yami says it is very important, so I know you gotta try, but I am just scared. Okay?” Yugi bolted the words, like they were red hot on his tongue.
“Hold on there, sport. You mean you ain’t against us, just the timing?” Jou asked.
“I get it. He thinks we are rushing into something, blindly.” Kaiba said, leaning back.
“Is dat it, Yug?” Jou asked.
“Well, kinda. I mean, it’s very important to be prepared for the future, and all.” Yugi stammered. “And it is a big step to take, you know? Affects more than just the two of you, and there’s the long range thoughts, cause that’s real important too.”
“Um, Yug. You can stop now,” Jou said.
“Yes, Motou. You are rambling.” Kaiba added.
“I am? Gosh, sorry. Well, then. I guess I better go before Mai opens her presents, and I miss it.” And Yugi rushed out the door. Seto looked up at Jou, and received and answering shrug.


:::Okay, time for Author's Opinions, also known as AN.
In a case such as this, I can picture Jou being Seme and Kaiba Uke. But certain criteria must accompany this.
Seto is not going to turn into a big puffy marshmallow and I think that, though he would concede to Jou in their private times, he would still be the same tough exterior in public. I hope I have managed to keep that character evident in this chapter.
Also in the case of Jou, I see him overcoming anger issues, and in learning to do so, would be a firm lover, but would know when to concede to his strong male counterpart. I can't imagine either of these two with someone weaker than themselves, that they could not respect. But, as in the scene with Jou claiming Seto's hand. He took firm hold claiming possession, but then by placing it on his lap, showed that in possessing the other he too was Kaiba's possession. It isn't easy to take two very strong male characters and make one subserviant while keeping them in character. I hope I am succeeding.
Let me know if I have failed in any way.