A Home of Our Own

A Home of Our Own

Summary: Kimi ga Iru AU. Neko fic! Nya nya!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh. If I did…*begins to laugh evilly*
Warning: none
Author’s Note: I need you all to guess more. I think you all must all be back in school or work has picked up for some of you…or Maybe I’ve gotten lazy…in anycase, I might start the mailing list updates again! I’ll let you know what I decide.

Long Night Today

When Kaiba was through explaining everything, all the plans, all the mishaps, everything, Yami didn’t know what to think. It felt like he’d had everything wrong, but at the same time, he’d had everything right.

Yugi was curled up in the chair, sleeping. It had been too long of a night for the energetic kitten and Malik’s eyes were glazed over.

The Egyptian tri-color stood, frowning. “Well…what now?”

“I do my best to make amends.” Seto stood as well. “You can all sleep in residence tonight or go back to the center. I have no right to even ask you to join the organization after all this.”

“No…you don’t.” Yami picked Yugi up, grunting a bit. The kitten would be much too heavy for this soon. “We’re going back to the Center…we don’t have a home now.”

Malik roused himself and stood up slowly, his tail waving sleepily. “I have to home and check on Ishizu…I’m hungry…”

Yami held Yugi with one arm and stroked Malik’s ear. “Let’s go then.”

“Mmm…” they left then, Kaiba staring after them.

The brunette ran his hand over his face, looking up at the chandelier where a small reptile perched. It gave a squawk and lighted down to him, curling about his neck.

“Such a mess…”

The creature purred and Seto left as well, turning out the lights.


In his office, Dartz puzzled over the crimson cloth between his fingers. He’d been robbed, yes, but monetary funds were negligible.

That certainly wasn’t the great Bakura now was it…it had to be the other one.

“Ryou…” he said softly, tucking the cloth into his pocket and tapping his chin.

They would no doubt be back as this could be seen as an affront. No matter.

Dartz got up and left the room.

I’ll be waiting for you…

****

Malik sighed and took out his cell phone. “I can’t believe he stole our car! I thought we were really connecting!”

“You mean before or after you all took turns insulting me?”

The Kitten grinned. “After, of course.”

Yami readjusted Yugi against him and looked for a place to sit down. “Who are you calling?”

“Ishizu!” Malik dialed and hummed as the phone rang. “Hi! Big sister –Huh?”

The boy got quiet, then his whole expression collapsed. “You’re lying! No! tell me he’s alright!...” He nodded and told her where they were and that they needed to be picked up, Yami feeling confused again.

Malik hung up and went over to Yami. “Marik got hurt…really bad…”

“…I thought he hurt you. Why do you care?”

“He won’t wake up they said, even though he seemed fine earlier!” He gave a mewl and clung to Yami. “Hold me!”

“Malik –I -Malik get down!”

The Kitten climbed into his arms anyway and Yami staggered, eventually falling. Yugi woke up and saw Malik. He gave a smile then crawled to him. Yami backed away from the situation, happy to be relieved of his burdens.

How does anyone do it? How did Mistress do it when Atemu and I were kittens?

A car arrived some time later, Shadi getting out of the car to receive them. Malik jumped into his arms and the man laughed nervously, easing him down.

“We’re going to the Center.” He looked at Yami. “Is that alright?”

Yugi got up, meandering to the car, whining. “I’m hungry! Where are we going? My tail hurts!”

“Aibou! Behave while we’re in the car!”

The boy climbed in the front seat before Malik could get there, making the kitten hiss.

“Damn it…”

He and Yami got in the back, Shadi having to deal with Yugi. He started the car and Yugi started to ask questions.

“Say, don’t I know you?”

“You might, I work at the Center when I’m not on assignment.”

“Oh. You’re with the tall guy! He gives me cookies!”

“Yes, he sure does…” Shadi gently removed Yugi’s hand from the lighter. “His name is Rishid.”

Yugi stared around the car. “Smells like pine in here!”

Shadi pointed to the air freshener. “It’s because of this. Do you know what an air freshener is?”

“Duh!” Yugi exaggerated. The boy paused, whipping his tail. “What is it?”

“I put it in the car to make it smell good.”

“Oh. I thought so…”

Shadi gently removed Yugi’s hand from the stick shift. “Would you like me to roll down the window for you?”

“Ooo! I wanna do it!”

Yami groaned. “Not again…”

Yugi pressed the button and Shadi nodded. “Not all the way, stop pressing now.”

Oddly enough, Yugi listened and sat there, staring out of the window.

“…I like cereal.”

Shadi chuckled. “I’ll bet.”

Malik sighed. “I like potatoes. Let’s have potatoes.”

“Cereaaaaal!”

“Potatoes! Potatoes! Potatoes! Potatoes!”

Yami could only marvel at Shadi’s patience. The man must deal with this sort of thing all the time.

“Please, Malik, Yugi, be quiet, Shadi kindly driving us to the center.”

“I LIKE CEREAL!” Yugi yelled.

“Potatoes! Potatoes! Potatoes!”

Shadi laughed and shook his head. “If you’re quiet I’ll get you ice cream.”

Both kittens shut up and Yami made a mental note.

I see, so you have to treat them like children in a non patronizing way…

They drove in silence for a while until Malik leaned forward. “Can we drive faster than this? Come on Shadi, Marik’s hurt.”

“I know that, but there’s a speed limit. Sit back down.” The man playfully flicked Yugi’s tail to distract him from the window button and sped up once they hit the freeway.

Once they arrived at FFFC headquarter Malik was off like a rocket. Yami tried to lead Yugi to where the temporary quarters were, saying that it was late and he should go to bed. Yugi just pulled away and followed Shadi who’d gone after Marik.

I just can’t win with him…


Malik burst into the medical room and went over to Marik’s bedside, ears drooping. The Egyptian Golden smelled like medicine all over and Malik’s nose wrinkled. Ishizu came beside him and rubbed his back.

“I’m sure he’ll be alright. Do you want to stay in the room with him or do you want to come home?”

“I want to stay…” he said quietly.

“I thought so, that’s why I set up a little nest for you in the corner –Yugi!”

The kitten had come in sometime ago and was already there, dozing off. Yami sighed and was about to get him and when Shadi held up his hand.

“No, he was tired in the car as well. I find it best to just let people like Yugi sleep where they want. That way if they get a neck pain, they’ll learn.”

The elder Neko nodded, jumping a bit when he saw Rishid move in the corner of the room. He hadn’t noticed the big man and had forgotten how tall he was. He lifted his hand in greeting and got a hand in return.

Malik leaned over Marik’s bedside and looked up at Ishizu. “He smells like gun powder and explosives…what happened?”

“He went to what he thought was Bakura’s den and got a nasty surprise. I’m going home for tonight, would you like me to bring you anything?”

“No…” the boy whispered, watching Marik. “I’ll just stay here.”

“Alright…don’t let Yugi hog the bed either. I honestly don’t know how he gets along the way he does…does he act this way in school?”

Malik shook his head absently. “He’s a lot better behaved…”

Yami watched the whole scene unfold. This was awkward for him. He hadn’t lacked a place to sleep in years. He wasn’t like Yugi, he couldn’t just lay out someplace and hope for the best.

He stepped back through the door way and was about to leave down the hall when a deep voice spoke.

“You are more than welcome to sleep in one of the extra rooms here at the Center.”

Yami flicked his tail. “No thanks. I’ve seen the extra rooms, I was in one for over six hours. No thank you.”

Rishid frowned. “We are truly sorry for the way things have happened. Perhaps you would be better suited spending the night with Ishizu at her home?”

“No. I’ll think of something.” He said, walking off down the hall.

Shadi came to Rishid’s side and watched Yami go. “Do you think he’ll go back to Sugoroku’s safe house? That game shop?”

“I do not know…it’s the only place he’s known for a long time. The police have ransacked the place though, I went over there earlier.”

“Mm.”

“At least Yugi seems comfortable. He and Malik will no doubt be here all night long. I’ll get them something to eat.”

Shadi nodded. “I think I will drive my sister home, try to see that Yami is alright?”

“Of course…”

****

Ryou watched his brother from the couch, knowing the Neko was still upset even though they had already settled down for bed. He knew it was because he’d been caught. He’d messed up just when Bakura was beginning to believe in him and he’d probably never let him out with him again.

Bakura had shoved him away from the bed angrily and told him to sleep on the couch., taking the cloak from him and telling him he was a disgrace.

It wasn’t as warm on the couch as it was in bed next to his brother, but he laid there in the thin blanket, happy it was still summer.

Maybe if I get back that ripped piece back…

“Quit fidgeting and go to sleep!” Bakura growled, the kitten giving a squeak then shrugging down in his covers.

I’ll get it back and then he’ll forgive me. He wiggled his tail and sat up a little, jumping as he saw Bakura staring right at him.

“What?!” the Neko growled. “Go to bed!”

“yes brother…”

But neither of them moved. Bakura sighed.

“Get in you little bastard…”

Ryou hopped up and dove into the mess of blankets where his brother was, rooting around until he found a comfortable place, his back against Bakura’s chest.

“Stupid Kitten…” the elder muttered, holding him close.

Ryou started to purr and was soon asleep, Bakura grooming his ears lightly.

He did good tonight…it was a mistake of him to get caught though…plan showed other offices. We’ll have to go back and hit that place up again.

****

Yugi sat up and stretched, curling his tail over his back as he observed the wall clock through bleary eyes. It was early in the morning, he could tell that much. He looked over to the bed where Marik and Malik were, the younger Neko curled up beside the other, looking worried even as he slept.

He stood up and went over to the bed. “Malik.”

The kitten didn’t even flinch and Yugi took him by the arm and walked him out of the room to his Center quarters, kicking the door open with his foot. It was a mess in the room, claw marks and over turned belongings everywhere.

He sniffed the air and frowned as he realized Malik’s bunk was the top one.

He isn’t getting up there tonight… He put him in the bottom bunk, crying out in alarm when Malik pulled him down, clinging to him.

“Marik…” the boy whispered, hugging him tighter.

Yugi gave a plaintive mewl but was only hugged tighter. He sighed and laid down, his tail flicking angrily. This was worse than when Yami groomed him.


Yami flinched as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He hissed involuntarily and shot up, claws out.

Rishid held out his hands, smiling. “Just coming to check on you. You went outside some time ago, apparently you’d fallen asleep.”

The Neko frowned a little and sat up out of the grass. His clothes were damp. “I’m fine.”

The man gave a kind smile. “It’s just now four in the morning. Would you like some breakfast?”

“I don’t want anything from you.” Yami spat, standing up slowly. “Where’s Yugi, we have to get home.”

“Sleeping. Why don’t you just stay here till after sunrise. You’re awfully tired.”

“I’m not tired, I merely dozed off…” he yawned and started walking away. He had to get back.

He paused in his thinking. Get back where? That wasn’t their home any longer. Where could they go?

Yami flicked his tail and went inside. He knew Yugi wouldn’t want to leave here anytime soon, that boy could forgive anyone, but not him. He began walking towards the Center’s entrance, doing his best to avoid Shadi and failing.

“Where are you going Yami?”

“I’m going. I’ll be back to get Yugi later. He won’t want to leave Malik and Malik won’t leave Marik so he’ll be here awhile.”

The man nodded at this. “You are correct. Do you not wish to stay as well?”

“For what? I’m sure you can all pamper Yugi just fine on your own.” He snapped his tail and left, Rishid coming next to Shadi.

“That one is hurting on the inside…don’t you think?”

Shadi nodded, taking coffee from his lover. “If you lost one home and one brother, then another home and another brother, what would you do?”

“Do you think he sees Yugi as his brother?”

“Sometimes. But he has a lot of love for him as well…Rishid…”

The man removed his lips from Shadi’s neck, smoothing his hand down the man’s back. “We have been up for many hours, let’s go back to my room and rest.”

Shadi shook his head, but let himself be guided away. “Four years and you still call it ‘resting’. You aren’t interested in resting.”

A smile played on the tall man’s lips. “How can you say that, I am hurt.”

“Please, remove your hand from my backside.”

Rishid laughed and they disappeared down the hall.

****

Amelda walked along the wall, hands in pockets, a cigarette hanging from his lips. Lately, there just wasn’t anything to do. Varon was locked up for humping Jou and he didn’t feel like being petted by Matty and his monster butcher’s hands.

He leapt off the wall and darted out into the street, causing a near early morning accident.

The Neko smirked. He loved being a cat.

****

Yami didn’t really know where he was going. He didn’t have a watch and he didn’t know what time it was, but he knew he’d been running for a long time. The sky was starting to lighten just a bit and he knew it was near dawn by now.

He’d never run so much and as he continued down the private road, he could only think of one other time he’d done something like this. It was when he’d escaped with Yugi and Atemu that night.

He stumbled and fell on the road, pushing himself up and staggering foreward. What was going to happen now? He had no owner, he had no home. He’d ripped off his collar when he’d woken up in that room, Sugoroku looming over him.

I can’t believe I never saw it. I can’t believe I stayed for so long, let Yugi be in the presence of that creature, that killer. How dare he be so kind to us all those years when really -

The Neko fell again, sobbing this time and pounding the ground with his fists. He had to wonder, Atemu dying, was it all apart of some plan? Did his brother die for no reason?

He got back up and continued to run, the cool morning air stinging his face. At twenty-one, he was no longer a wide eyed kitten. No one would want him. What skills did he have besides reading and writing? He could look pretty, but he hadn’t been in show in so long, he was past the age of winning ribbons.

Atemu, you were Pharaoh, I was just your shadow and now I have nothing. How dare you leave me behind this way, how dare you let me live…

The Neko ran through the dark, his vision clear as day and came up against a huge metal gate, some of the bars twisted and rusted. He stepped back, gasping. The words read, “VAL TI E”.

Yami shook his head and slipped through the bars. Once, he’d had a home, but that felt so far away. He remembered being so young, his mother holding out her hands as he fell into the sand. Who takes kittens out into the desert anyway?

Atemu could already walk, I remember that much…

He kicked in the door, pulled away the boards, slipped through the openings. The place smelled like dust and death. There was a smell of mold everywhere and as Yami climbed the main stair case, he could hear water dripping someplace.

I lived here once… He told himself.

They’d left everything here. Apparently, the state didn’t want this place either and the best things had been auctioned. He pushed into several rooms, searching for something, nothing, everything.

Then he went to that room. Where Atemu died.

He went in and could see faint chalk lines.

Keith you bastard. I hope you’re in hell.

They’d been forced in this tiny room, their real rooms, taken over by Keith or turned into guest rooms. After Mai died they hadn’t been allowed anything.

Yami closed his eyes and sniffed the air. If he tried, he could still smell him here.

He left the room and returned to what was his, dropping low and sniffing the cracks and corners, the ratty sheets and inside the closets. It was all gone.

He did find some mice, but he was still above that.

The tri-color haired Neko pulled boards off the balcony doors and pushed back the curtains. He forced his way outside and leaned over the railing. This was it.

It was all gone.

The sky was lightening considerably and Yami slid down on his knees, tears running down his face.

The sun was coming up all over again.

****

Yugi sat up too fast and cracked his skull on the top bunk. He gave an angry hiss and rubbed his forehead, Malik kicking things around the room as opposed to actually cleaning up.

“Malik…what are you doing?”

“I dunno. Want some cereal?”

“Eh…” Yugi got up more carefully and scratched his head. “I want to take a bath…and find someone with a brush and a nice lap.”

“Yami will groom you!” the other kitten chuckled.

“Yeah and lick the fur right off of me! He’s goes waaay too hard on the ears! And he holds you down like your life depends on your fur being smooth! Ugh!”

Malik laughed. “Better than Marik. He gives like, one lick and he’s like, ‘Okay, that’s it.’ I have to bother Ishizu and she’ll just hand me the brush and tell me that I have hands of my own.”

The tri-color kitten stretched, yawning widely. “I wanna go home…Let’s get some food. I’ll bet they’re serving pancakes or something in the cafeteria!”

“Mmm…” They both left the room and went to the cafeteria where the place was already a buzz with gossip.

Yugi shoved sausage in his mouth and flicked his ears. Apparently, Kaiba was coming with toys today. Sixteen or not, sinister plans or not, no one could turn something like that down and when the Kitten Wrangler came around to gather the children for arrival, Yugi jumped in line with the rest, only to be pulled out of line by Ishizu.

“I think you’re a little too old for that. You don’t need another ball with a bell in it.”

“But –but –”

“Besides, I’ve brought you some clothes and we’re going to see about you and Yami getting Independent status so you don’t have to be adopted again. Besides, I think Yami would resent it. He’s grown up now, so I don’t think he’d appreciate being at one of the adoption fairs…”

Malik popped up. “Adoption fairs rock man! They have lemon squares!”

“Yeah!” Yugi nodded and all those kick ass rides! I wanna be adopted!”

“Me too…” the Golden purred. “I’ll bet you get tons of crap from your new family –”

Ishizu popped Malik on the ear. “You have a home. Shut up!”

He laughed and snuggled her. “Don’t be jealous! You know I love you!”

He purred and Ishizu smiled, patting his back, unaware of Yugi’s hurt expression.

…who’s going to do that with me if Grandpa –I mean, Sugoroku is in jail…

They went into Marik’s hospital ward room and Malik eased on the bed and leaned over his counterpart. He flicked his ear, frowning when he got no reaction. He then gave a soft mewl and laid his head on Marik’s chest, curling up beside the unconscious Neko.

Ishizu sighed and checked all the charts again, even thought the nurse had left when they entered. There appeared to be nothing wrong with the Neko and they had no clue as to why he wasn’t waking up.

Malik purred softly and mind nuzzled Marik, wanting the other Neko to wake up.

I’m sorry I made you mad Marik…please wake up. I’ll even forgive you. I won’t go back and see that other Neko ever again if you just wake up.

Yugi wanted to shout out “boring” but he figured he’d get yelled at big time. He wanted to go home and watch television. Why wasn’t anyone paying attention to him? He flicked his tail and wandered over near the chair. He stared at it then sighed. Ishizu gave him a look and he smiled sweetly. The woman went back to checking Marik’s vitals and he frowned.

And where’s Yami anyway! Who’s going to give me unwanted attention when I need it!

He huffed and looked out the window, perking up a bit when the door opened, the huffing again when he saw it was only Shadi and Rishid.

Maybe Grandpa will get out of jail and make me some cupcakes…

He felt a hand run down his tail and a shiver went up his spine, causing him to laugh. He flicked it away from Shadi’s grasp and grinned.

“Hi!” he chirped.

“You ignored us when we came in! How’s Malik?”

Yugi pointed over to the bed, where Rishid was trying to pull the uncooperative kitten off his incapacitated elder.

“No~o!” Malik whined, gripping the sheets. “I want to stay!”

“Go home with Ishizu and come back later. Malik!”

“Reow!” he spit, hissing loudly.

Ishizu rolled her eyes and indicated that the man should put Malik down. He did and Ishizu went over, rubbing his lower back.

“Just for a little while. And I’ll take you shopping for school clothes. Starts in two weeks.”

Yugi jumped up. “Yes! PE! And we get to have Home Ec this year!”

Malik looked at Yugi like he was insane. “School sucks! You have to deal with all those snooty Nekos from Uptown with silver collars and such! God I hate those Kittens, they’re all such jack –”

“Language…” the woman cautioned and Malik snapped his jaw shut.

That’s when Rishid sprang, pulling Malik off the bed, the kitten going limp in his arms.

“Reoooow…” he wailed, reaching for the bed. “Mariiik!”

“Hey!” Yugi pouted. “I want to be carried!” He poked Shadi in the arm. “Carry me!”

The man raised his hands in defense. “I don’t think I’m strong enough for that Little One. Why don’t we just walk along with them. I’m sure you’d like new clothes for school as well hm?”

Yugi stopped and flicked his tail. “Grandpa buys clothes for me.”

Shadi sighed softly. “Well, I’m sure we can find something you like as well. Why don’t you come and see?”

The kitten became wary and stepped back near the window. “Where’s Yami?”

“He went home.”

“…then I want to go home too!”

Ishizu looked at Shadi and gave a small head shake. The man reached out for Yugi’s hand.

“How about, we go shopping on the way home? Hm?”

Yugi looked around the room and waved his tail nervously. “I don’t want to…”

Malik sighed. “Put me down Rishid! AAH!”

The man threw the kitten over his shoulder and left the room, Malik waving to Yugi. “Come on!”

Ishizu left as well. “We’ll get ice cream too!”

The kitten wasn’t convinced. “It’s only nine in the morning. Where’s Yami for real?”

“He said he was going home Little One. We’re not going to hurt you, we’re all going out, honestly.” He took Yugi’s hand, tickling the palm. “Come on. You can sit in the front again if Malik isn’t already there.”

The kitten reluctantly let himself be led out of the room, wondering where Yami was.

****

Yami sat under a tree, pulling at the leaves of grass and wondering what he’d do now. He’d left the mansion after sunrise with no real plans of ever going to get Yugi.

Someone will take him. He’s cute and energetic after all.

He sighed and would have shut his eyes to sleep if it hadn’t been for the pebbles bouncing off his tail. He growled and looked around for arrogant squirrels and only found a smirking Amelda.

“Hey Babe!”

“Don’t call me that!”

“Pharaoh!”

Yami yowled and stood up. “I’m not in the mood Amelda!”

The red haired Neko came over to him and threaded their fingers together. “Where ya been, I’ve been looking for you for hours and hours and a few days too.”

“Whatever, let me go!”

“Can’t believe you’re still pissed. It’s been years, we were all kittens!”

Yami’s face deadpanned. “So tricking me to get to Atemu is just kitten stuff hm?”

“Come on, you know I liked you too. How could I not! Twins!”

Yami pushed him away and was tugged back by his tail. “Ow!” he cried, being hugged from behind.

“You smell like outside, you need a place to sleep?”

“No thank you –”

Amelda licked Yami’s ear. “I gotta place. I don’t always go home, come on with me and I’ll show you!”

Yami shoved him away. “You’re the most perverted Neko I’ve ever encountered! Go away!”

Yami walked off, followed by Amelda, a bounce in his step.

“Let’s get something to eat!”

“Go away…”

“You wish!”



****
*EFC: Experimental Feline Companion FFFC: Freedom for Feline Companions
*I this was long and pointless almost. I’m not getting too many guesses so I’ll cancel the Noa contest and start a new one. I want some one to place Amelda in a breed category. Think about his personality, think about cat breeds. Best one wins and all that crap and you get a fic!
*I’d like to thank Wicabeth for the inspiration for this fic!
*Schwarzwald loves ya’ll!