A Place by the Fire

A Place By The Fire



Summary: Continuation of “A Home of Our Own”. Kimi ga Iru AU, neko fic.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh. If I did…*begins to laugh evilly*

Warning: Kittens being...Kitten-y

Author’s Note:Hello hello! I am updating two chapters today, but they are old. You might have already read them if you were on my mailing list. Soon, there should be a steady flow of new Chapters once I get back into the groove of things. I'd like to thank my fans for kicking me in the ass and asking that I update.



:3 It's nice to know you all still like me...



Power



Ryou watched his brother at the table. He watched him pick up the silverware and test it and use it and eat with it.



And he followed suit. He even wiggled his tail behind him slowly, just like his brother was doing. Only his brother was doing little jerks. He didn’t have that much control of his tail yet, but he was trying.



He didn’t speak when he was spoken to unless his brother said it was alright, and so far his brother hadn’t said it was, so he kept narrowing his eyes at Kaiba or that Dartz man. The Little Human seemed alright, but that pest of a Kitten seemed to need a lot of care and was taking up his time.



And he kept looking at his brother for approval! What the hell was going on?



Whatever. He wanted to go play. This was boring.



“Stop fidgeting.” Bakura told him and he sat still. He didn’t want to, but he figured after what happened today he could behave for a little while.



“So, like have you killed people!?” Mokuba asked Bakura.



The Neko gave a fang filled grin. “Have you killed people?”



Mokuba gasped. “No way! Does that mean you have?” He looked at his brother. “Seto, he’s so awesome! He’s awesomer than Marik! He’s gotta work for you! Say, can you do mind stuff too?”



Seto ran a hand over his face. “Mokuba, eat your dinner.”



“But Seto, if he can, that means he can totally work for you!” He stabbed a carrot and ate it. “Say, Bakura right? You should see the training facility! It’s huge and we train people there for like...I guess...missions and stuff, right Seto?”



“Yes, Mokuba. Eat your spinach.”



“That stuff is gross...” the boy complained. “Noa doesn’t have to eat it.”



“That’s because Noa’s on a special diet until the Tech says otherwise.”



Noa’s plate was mostly meat and a few rolls. He ate most of his vegetables in juices and was required to drink large glasses of milk daily to try and re-start his growth. The Kitten’s ears flattened, worried about the attention he’d drawn to himself.



“I’m sorry...” he whispered.



Ryou frowned. That Kitten was weak and pathetic. He stabbed his meat and bit into it.



“Behave.” was all Bakura said and Ryou dropped his fork and crossed his arms.



Bakura looked at him and got up, taking their plates. “I’m sorry, but Ryou doesn’t do well in social situations. He doesn’t know how to behave. Transition is hard for him.” He jerked his head towards the door and the Kitten got up and left, snapping his tail.





In their room, Bakura pulled Ryou onto his lap and groomed him, examining his tail and taking extra care to pet him.



“You need to relax. There’s no reason for you to be jealous. None at all.”



“I don’t want to eat there again.”



“We won’t then.” Bakura let Ryou out of his arms and watched as the boy went over to the desk and picked at their leftovers. He watched Ryou eat and sighed.



“Will you be coming later? We’ll be going outside here to another place.”



Ryou didn’t answer.



“What’s the matter Ryou. This isn’t like you.”



The Alabaster Kitten pushed a carrot into his mouth and didn’t answer.



“Don’t leave the ground while I’m away. Alright?” Bakura left the room and Ryou just flicked his tail.



Ryou paused and stared back at the door, his tail falling. The tip wiggled against the floor and he stopped eating. “Mraor...”



He finished eating then headed for the door. He’d catch up and apologize and show his brother he could behave and maybe they’d play later and he’d show his brother how he’d gotten on the bed top.



He followed Bakura’s scent and found the floor changing. He came to a room that was filled with those things Bakura called “cars” and it stopped next to a big empty spot.



“They’ve already left.”



Ryou turned and tensed. It was the man from before.



Dartz held up the small bell and jingled it, Ryou’s ears perking up. He tossed it at the Kitten and Ryou caught it, staring into his hands.



It wasn’t making the noise.



“You have to shake it.” he held up his hand and demonstrated, pinching his fingers together.



Ryou copied him, happy when it made the sound.



And then he realized, the man was still there.



Dartz stared at him and he didn’t like it. He didn’t like Humans. They were tricky. Bakura said they were.



...But this was the nice Neko man right?



Dartz took a step into the huge garage and Ryou stepped back.



“Wait -.”



And the Kitten darted off behind one of the cars, hissing.



Dartz sighed and left the room.



It’s going to take time. I have to give it time...



****



Marik parked his motorcycle, looking over his shoulder. Yugi was out like a light. He had no idea how that was possible on a motorcycle, but the Kitten had managed to hold on all through the ride.



“Chibi...we’re here.”



He peeled Yugi off his back and held him up, shaking him a bit. The boy’s head flopped around and he made a strangled “meow” sound before stirring.



Marik narrowed one eye. “Are you okay?”



“I wanna sno cone grammpa...”



“Guess not.” Marik dropped him to the ground and Yugi hit the ground, moaning as he stood. The Golden turned away snickering.



“Marik? Why am I on the ground?”



“...You tried to be rain, remember Chibi? Rain hits the ground!” Marik snickered again and Yugi kicked him in the shin.



“I hate you...Where are we?”



Marik gestured to a large, black windowed building. It was massive and Yugi stared up at it, his mouth dropping open.



“...Oh my god! Is this the secret service?”



“Sure. Neko Secret Service.”



Yugi gasped. “There’s a Neko secret service?!”



The Golden scratched his head. What did Yugi think he did for a living?



“Um...yeah, that’s what I do for the Center. This is the training place -Are you listening? Yugi?”



Yugi was wandering towards the building, his mouth still open in awe.



“Hn...and I thought I’d have to con him to get him inside.”





Inside, the receptionist and frowned at Marik. “Why are you back here Ishtar? Unescorted?”



“Shut up Human!” he spat, looping Yugi’s tail around his arm before the Kitten could wander. “I’m showing him around.”



“You don’t have permission -.”



Marik stared at her. Hard. And the woman rubbed her forehead. “Yes, go right inside...”



She waved them past and they headed for security, Yugi looking worried.



“Marik, do we really have permission?”



The Golden patted his rump. “Chibi, when you’re with me, I’m all the permission you need.” He looked at Yugi. “If we get in trouble, you’ll protect me right?”



Yugi’s ears fell. “What? Doing what?”



Marik ruffled his hair. “Let’s go...I’ll show you the dorms.”



“‘kay...”



**



Bakura looked in the rooms. He wasn’t impressed. He could tell just by looking that all these Neko’s were weak.



And of course, Kaiba knew it too.



“These Neko’s all have low level telekinetic powers. Most are from other countries too, so they really aren’t my concern. However, the testing and the trials do make them a little stronger.”



“Hn. And you want me to train here?”



“You? Hardly. You already know enough to be one of the top members. Infiltration, reconnaissance, stealth. I also have no doubt you have full control over your Shadow ability.”



Bakura raised his eyebrow.



“You left a witness. They later died of shock. From what we gathered you...make people disappear?”



The Neko snorted. “I do more than that Human...much more than that...” Bakura moved down the hall and Kaiba followed.



“There are also exercise rooms, outdoor facilities, dormitories, a cafeteria, and all the staff is more than qualified.”



“Who are you selling to? You think I’d leave my brother here alone? Huh?” He stared Kaiba in the face. “He can’t even deal with being at a dinner table. How do you think he’d react to being left alone for months at a time!? Besides, Ryou doesn’t trust humans and the longer this goes on, the less I do too. What are you trying to do? Get Ryou in here so you can poison him to your will?”



“No. I’m a business man. I want both you and Ryou working for me before someone else gets wind of you and offers you more money and a better facility...not that I think there is a better facility.”



Bakura just turned and kept walking. “What else...”



“There’s -.” Kaiba’s cell phone beeped and he answered. “What?” He snapped.



“...Are you certain? ...No. I don’t want any one to die because of your stupidity. Shaking up volatile chemicals means an explosion.” He hung up and stared at the floor a moment.



“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”



Kaiba looked up at Bakura and the Neko gave his best innocent look, which was damn sinister at best.



“Let me show you the dormitories.”



“Huh?”



“This way...”



**

Marik kicked open the door, causing to frightened girls to squawk. Marik laughed.



“I used to stay here with Malik!” he sniffed the air. “Ugh, smells like perfume.”



Yugi waved at the girls, a little bothered that they’d come in so rudely. “Um...I like your ears.”



The female Inui just started barking and the Neko ran for the phone, dialing security.



“Marik, are you sure you stayed here?”



The Golden nodded. “Yeah. Three seventeen.”



“THIS IS TWO SEVENTEEN YOU CAT BASTARD!” the Inu barked, beginning to throw things.



Marik dodged. “Two seventeen? The Girl’s floor?” He ducked, taking Yugi with him. “My mistake!” He started to run, dragging Yugi with him. “Let’s go to the third floor Chibi!”



Yugi ran with him, not knowing whether he should say something or not. It was really fun, but those girl’s looked mad.



Marik slowed and Yugi ran into his back.



“Marik!” He was about to go on when he heard a challenge growl sound out of Marik’s throat. It started low and then he could hear it loud and clear.



He looked around the Golden and saw two people. A brown haired guy in a blue suit and a white haired Neko.



Yugi flicked his tail. “Who is it again...” he said to himself.



Seto crossed his arms. “Marik. I’d almost forgotten you existed, you haven’t killed anyone lately or botched a job.”



But Marik wasn’t listening. He was growling at Bakura who could have cared less. He stood beside Kaiba.



“I understand now Kaiba. You need someone a bit more stable, so you need me. How...cute.”



“What?” Marik’s eyes were slits and Yugi didn’t like the feeling in the air. He was scared.



“Marik...” he whimpered. “Please let’s go -.”



“Shut up Brat! Let me handle this!”



Bakura snorted. “Handle what? Getting your ass handed to you? By the way...how did you like that bomb?”



Claws were out and Marik growled again. Bakura winced and closed one eye.



“You -you -Don’t try that mind shit on me!” he snarled. Black began to roil in the hall and Seto stepped out of the way, getting on his cell phone to call for back up.



Yugi clung to Marik’s arm, whimpering as the blackness swirled at his feet. “What is he doing? Stop it!” he whined.



Bakura just laughed. “It was good of me to come here today! I can finally settle the score for what you did to my brother!”



The shadows surged up and Marik didn’t know how to react, Yugi screaming.



The blackness closed in, trying to form a dome and was stopped. Bakura cursed.



“What the fuck!?”



It was repelled and and Yugi was slumped by Marik’s side, screaming, “No, no no!” as he gripped his head.



The walls dented and doors flew off the handles and Marik growled. “Fuck! See what you did!”



Kaiba jerked Bakura back as a wall exploded near him, revealing the outside. The Neko started to protest and the CEO looked behind him, calling for security to hurry.



“What are they gonna do?!” Bakura spat. “That kid is outta control!”



“No...” Kaiba said. “He’s scared!” He pointed and sure enough, there were tears on Yugi’s face and Marik picked him up, more debris leaving the wall.



Marik looked at the giant gaping hole and below to people looking up from below. Well there goes my idea of trying to get Yugi in school...Fuckin’ Alabaster...



He stared death at Bakura and jumped to the floor below, disappearing.



Bakura went to the hole and looked down, amazed. “All this...”



Kaiba was directing his staff as to how to deal with the mess. “And get the fucking counselors. I pay them for a reason. Let the fuckers earn it now.”



****



Ryou tossed the bell into the air as he walked back through the house. He hadn’t liked napping on that concrete floor so he’d go back to his room and wait for Big Brother.



He caught the bell, relishing the sound when he nearly bumped into something. He looked down, about to sidestep it when he saw what it was.



It was Noa.



The younger Kitten looked up, his ears flattening. He backed up, lowering his eyes. “I’m sorry.”



Ryou held the bell tightly in his fist. “Why are you following me!?”



“...I...I wanted to see where Big Brother had gone.”



Ryou was puzzled. “You have a brother?”



“...Big Brother with white ears. Yes.”



The Kitten growled. “He is NOT your brother! He is mine!”



Noa fell to the ground, cowering. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry Big Brother!”



Ryou wanted to -to lash out. He’d never felt this way before. He looked at Noa, narrowing his eyes, then looked away.



No...he wasn’t allowed to do that unless Brother said so.



He felt Noa’s hand against his leg and looked down, ready to kick him away. The Kitten moved closer, his head still bowed. He rubbed against Ryou’s leg.



“I’m sorry. Please don’t hit me Big Brother.” Noa whimpered. He knew how it was. He had to do this so they’d like him and accept him. He didn’t want to hurt anymore and so if he was nice to this one, they might let him in their family.



“Get away.” Ryou whispered coldly, nudging him off. “And get off the ground Stupid.”



Now Ryou had a different feeling. It was heady and exhilarating. “I said get off the ground!”



Noa got up and stared at the ground. “I’m sorry.”



Ryou wanted to dance. This was exciting. “Wh -.”



“Noa?”



The Kitten looked up. “Mas -Mokuba?”



“Let’s go play video games!” the boy came over, smiling at Ryou who wanted to hiss suddenly. “Want to come too?”



Ryou just turned his head and walked the other way.



“Gee, what’s his problem?”



Noa looked after him. “Please don’t say that about Big Brother.”



Mokuba looked at the Kitten. It was odd of him to be so forward. “...Okay...still wanna play?”



Noa looked down the hall and Ryou wasn’t turning back. “...Okay.”



****



“I’m sorry.” Yugi said, watching Marik pace. “I thought...and then...” he looked down. “I was scared.”



“At least you didn’t pee your pants...”



“Are we in trouble?”



“Um...yeah Yugi. We just destroyed the side of a building. Not that it wasn’t kick ass...but I was hoping you’d go here.”



Yugi looked confused. “To be a Neko secret service?”



“No, to...to get your powers under control.” Marik stopped and lit a cigarette. “I’m sorry to say this Chibi, but you’re fuckin’ dangerous.” He blew smoke and looked at the Kitten who just seemed more upset. “It’ll be fine.”



Yugi looked around the dilapidated house. “Okay.”



“Believe me!” He sat on the very ratty couch. “My hideout just needs...work!”



The Kitten sat down beside him, curling his lip as rats actually exited from underneath. “...Marik...”



“Yeah I know...Rats.”



Yugi looked at him and Marik gave a rueful smile. “...It’s mine?”



The Kitten shook his head. “Marik.”



“Fine...fine. We can stay in a hotel!”



“...I have to do homework.”



Marik fixed him with a look. “Are you familiar with the term...buzz kill?”



“Nya?”



****

*Nya? Will there be reviews...still? How’s that gonna work? Ah, just reply if you’d like! *eats cheesecake bites*