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: Yugi cries. More than usual.
Author’s Note: Persuasion is just so....delicious.

Questions Questions

Seto spun his pen in his fingers once, regarding Bakura with an appraising eye. “What made you change your mind?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know. Do I have to sign something?”

The young CEO shrugged. “Would you like to sign something? Can you write?”

“I would say ouch, but your zingers are getting a little weak.”

“I was serious. Do you need assistance as well?”

Bakura got up, tail puffing in anger. He snatched the pen from Kaiba and wrote in big letters on his desk calendar, “FUCK YOU!”. Kaiba clapped slowly, rolling his eyes.

“Well, isn’t that cute. If you’re going to work for me I need to make sure -.”

“This is a trial you filthy human!” Bakura hissed, his claws dangerously near Kaiba’s neck at that moment. “Don’t you forget it! Your arrogance will be your death!”

Seto looked him dead in the eyes and didn’t blink. “Is this how you thank everyone? How original.”

“Fuck you Human. I don’t need this shit -HEY!”

Seto was rubbing the tips of Bakura’s ears between his fingers. “Oh my...”

Bakura was so stunned and outraged he didn’t move at first, then regained his senses and swatted Seto’s hand away. “NO PETTING!”

“But you’re so fluffy!” the brunette grinned.

“I AM NOT FLUFFY!” Bakura yelped, growing alarmed as Seto let his tail run through his hands. The young CEO laughed softly as Bakura jumped over the desk, pointing at him accusingly.

“You really are one of those perverts! I can’t believe it!”

“You were purring.”

Bakura growled then. “I was not! You take that back you pervert!”

“You liiiiked it.” he sang, grinning. “It’s fine. Just you being you, I understand. But come on, I know you’ve dreamed about it.” He fixed Bakura in a gaze. “Some one running their hands through your hair, petting you in all the right places?”

Bakura put his hands on the desk, leaning forward. “Why are you projecting your fantasies onto me? Are you into kinky Neko cosplay? You want me to put a collar on you and tell you you’re a bad kitty?”

Seto leaned forward. “Bad Kitty.”

The Neko couldn’t help it. A sliver of a purr escaped him and he gave a lopsided grin. He really didn’t have too much of a problem with Humans and this one seemed to be on his toes...

He wrapped his hand around Seto’s tie, smiling still and leaned to whisper in his ear. “Meow...”

“That mean you want to be my Kitty-cat?”

“That mean you’re gonna let me and my brother stay here and rip your heart out and rob you blind if you double cross us?”

“Ninety day trial and Ryou can get training at our facilities for his powers.”

“And?” Bakura liked the way this one smelled too. He put a knee up on the desk and took a gentle sniff at Seto’s hair. He didn’t know it, but his tail was straight up and he was giving off purrs.

“You have full access to the mansion and the center and anything else...” Seto’s hand wandered down Bakura’s back, beginning to pet him. He wondered if a grown Neko would rub against you the way a cat would.

Bakura arched into the touch for a moment then shoved Seto away, getting off the desk. He smoothed his clothes and snapped his tail at the man as he walked away.

“See ya.”

“When will you be here?” Seto panted, suddenly overwhelmed by the whole experience.

“Whenever. I’d let that brother of yours know.”

The young CEO collapsed into his chair as the door closed, loosening his tie.

That Alabaster...Neko Cosplay? What the hell is that?

****

Varon silenced Jou’s heated whimpers with his tongue and drove into him harder, trying to be as quiet as possible in the open living room. He’d intended to get Jou alone in his room, but the retriever mix had crashed in front of the tv, not that Varon minded. He liked the way Jou wagged his tail -or tried to, when they were together.

He licked at the other boy’s neck and pressed his fangs back in, re-establishing dominance. It wasn’t all that necessary, but Jou tasted sweet to him in so many places. He gave a grunt and was done, pushing a little more before he was ready to pull out. When he was done, he drew back and licked at Jou’s neck, taking some sniffs between his legs before he settled down next to him, Jou wiggling back into his jeans.

“Jou?”

The blond shifted on his back, catching his breath. He thumped his tail and moved closer to the Aussie Shepard.

“No.”

“Anything?”

Jou gave a shrug. “I dunno...guess it just doesn’t happen.” He sat up a little. “I’m going to my bed.”

Varon was up then too. “Me too.”

The blond wagged his tail again and let Varon hug him from behind in the hall, kissing his neck and pressing his nose to his ears.

“Love ya...”

“Didn’t always...” Jou fell into the plush Inu bed, making room for Varon beside him. He turned on his side and got comfortable, Varon biting rapidly just against his scalp, searching and sniffing his hair quick for fleas.

“Don’t. I got a bath for that crap. I have to wear that stinky collar too.”

“Just makin’ sure Love. Saw ya pawin’ at yer ears.”

“You paw at your ears.”

“Oi do...” Varon gave a playful growl. “Let’s play tug o’ war!”

“It’s late. Matty’s asleep, so let’s go to sleep.”

“Oi guess...”

****

This morning was different. Honda knew that much.

As opposed to being locked in the hotel room like all yesterday with food and instructions not to bite anything or anyone, Pegasus was actually in the room. With the Other One.

Raphael sniffed the air and frowned. “Master, it was a mistake to give him his own room without supervision. Croquet should have stayed with him. He didn’t bathe.”

“He’ll learn.” Pegasus snapped and Croquet came forward to put Honda’s collar and leash back on.

The man looked Honda over. “How do you think he is on planes?”

Raphael crossed his arms. “He’ll probably throw up.”

The white haired man shook his head. “Not on my jet he won’t. Croquet, give him the pills. We’re leaving.”

Pegasus and Raph left, giving Croquet sometime to talk to Jou. “Now Pup, we’re going on an Airplane. Know about those?”

Honda just shook his head and leaned into the pats. Croquet was nice. The women who came to clean were nice. Everyone was nice except that man and the Other One.

“Well, it flies and it’s real noisy. I’ll see if you can stay with me, but if you make any mistakes I’ll have to drug you and you’ll be asleep. Alright?”

“Okay...can I have something to eat?”

“We’ll see.” He moved toward the door, looking back at Honda. “For the record Pup, ‘heel’ mean I want you at my side, walking with me. I don’t like tugging the leashes.”

Honda nodded.

“Heel Pup.”

Honda walked over next to him and Croquet gave him some candy. “Eat that for now. We’re going.”

****

Yugi frowned as he looked around the gym locker room. There sure were a lot of Inus this year. He sighed and put on his shirt, smiling when he was glomped by friends, chirping “hello” to those who said hey. He loved school, he knew he did. He just wasn’t having a good time anymore.

He went outside with everyone else and did stretches and other exercises, frowning when the Inus started playing chase on the track and messed up his rhythm. He saw Malik talking to the Fox mix Inu and went over.

“Malik, let’s go sit in the shade.”

The Neko looked at him and smiled. “Not now Little One, I’m busy.”

Malik turned back to talk with Kurama and Yugi blinked, wandering away.

“Little One”?

Yugi frowned, glancing over his shoulder and clenching his fists. He wasn’t anyone’s “Little One” except Grandpa’s. He snapped his tail, failing to see a soccer ball veer off course and slam Malik in the side of the head.

He found a patch on shade and sat down by himself, wondering what was going on as Malik cursed at the soccer players, hands over his ears.

“Stupid Malik...” he sighed and wiggled his tail in the grass. “Little one...”

Earlier in the day, someone had made fun of his lunch, saying Kitty bento was only for grade schoolers. Yugi had blushed to his ear tips until Malik had stepped in and said he could eat whatever he wanted.

The Kitten growled, remembering the pat on the head.

I can have Kitty bento if I want...there’s a snack in it. I don’t see them getting candies in their lunches. Yami makes good lunches. They don’t know what they’re talking about.

He thought of his cat face shaped lunch box and his ears drooped. Everyone else had square boxes or American style lunch boxes or paper bags. He was the only one...

“Motou-kun. May I sit with you?”

Yugi looked up and moved over a little, letting the long haired Neko sit next to him. The tri-color suddenly envied the others waterfall of black hair.

“Hotohori...” Yugi began. “You’re...a Chinese long hair?”

“A Black Ho-oh. Suzaku here in Japan.” the youth smiled gently, his small triangular ears swiveling towards the noise on the field. “Why are you all by yourself? Don’t you and Malik usually go sit on the bleachers?”

“Malik is busy.” Yugi gave a smile. “I like watching things sometimes.”

Hotohori nodded. “Well, I’m taking a rest myself. I don’t enjoy running like the Inus. Sometimes I think Tasuki loves it.”

Yugi looked out on the track and sure enough, the wild orange haired Chow mix was running and grinning like there was no tomorrow.

“There are lots of Inus this year.”

“Are you speciest then?”

Yugi blinked at his friend. “No. They just make too much noise.”

“As opposed to rambunctious Neko dances on the lunch tables?”

Yugi giggled, remembering his freshman year. “That was a dare! I think professor Jin was about to dance with us too...until the principal came.”

They both shared a laugh then, knowing the quiet etiquette and history professor would have never danced on the tables.

Hotohori blushed. “Professor Jin is a Black Suzaku as well, you know.”

Yugi smiled. “I see.”

“He’s into the samurai code.”

Yugi just smiled more and more.

“So what I’m asking is...Yugi...”

“Yes?” he was bubbling over. No one ever asked for his advice.

“Is if you could ask Malik to come meet me later. I need some advice.”

Hotohori looked at Yugi and noticed the Kitten’s ears were flat. “Are you okay? Ear mites?”

“No.” the youth said between closed teeth. “I’ll tell him.”

Hotohori got up then, brushing his long tail out of the way. “Thanks Yugi. He’s a lot more experienced at this than you are. No offense.”

“None taken.”

“No offense, but you really are a child sometimes. I know a few people who really like you, but they’re worried you’re immature. Just telling you.”

Yugi grinned. Hard.

“Thanks Hotohori-kun.”

“See you Motou-kun.”

Hotohori walked away and Yugi growled, ripping up a clump of grass. He put his head on his knees and stared into his lap, hot tears running out of his face.

Grandpa...

****

Honda felt dizzy when he woke up. He briefly remembered freaking out before he even got close to the big metal bird and being forced to swallow pills. He vaguely remembered biting something or someone and closed his eyes again, trying to make the room stop.

“Awake?”

Honda opened his eyes again and sniffed. It was Croquet.

“Dizzy?”

“Those would be the pills. Just go on to sleep. Still got a few hours to go yet.”

Honda leaned his head against the wall and was about to drift off when he caught a glimpse out of the window.

At the clouds.

And freaked the hell out.

The was barking and running and jumping, failed commands and orders to tranquilize the Shepard as Honda finally stopped in his own tracks and collapsed, Croquet leaning over him and listening to his chest.

“Well he’s still breathing.”

Pegasus was furious. “Not even Raphael was this much trouble and he peed everywhere!”

The guard Inu covered his face in shame and looked the other way. His puppy years left much to be desired.

“When we get home he’s going in the dog shed!”

Raph growled. “That’s my shed!”

“Fine! Put him in the kennels with the other guard dogs. I don’t care. I won’t let him in the house till I know he’s trained.”

Croquet nodded wondering why the hell Pegasus would take in a stray if he wasn’t ready to raise another Inu.

****

Yugi went home and went to his room, scooting under the safety of the bed and curling up against the wall near the headboard. Yami tried to ask him how his day was and he just ignored him.

His day was crap.

Did everyone think he was a little kid?

After gym he’d paid attention and sure enough heard the whispers and the jokes, listened and realized that the friendliness and praise bordered on snide and sarcastic most of the time and briefly wondered if Malik was even really his friend.

He heard the phone ring and ran down stairs, snatching up the portable phone before Yami could even get near it.

“Grandpa!?”

“Hi Yugi! How was school?”

The boy ran back upstairs and under the bed, beginning to cry out his day to the only person who seemed to really care.

****

Ryou stared at his brother’s hands while he wrote. “Why are we going?”

“Just to see.”

“Information?”

“Something like that.” Bakura finished signing the consent forms but didn’t date them. He’d make sure he had all the information about this “training” facility before he let them take his brother there.

“I really get to go?”

Bakura looked at the Kitten. “Of course. Why not?”

“I might get in the way?”

The Neko rubbed his brother’s head. “Never.”

Ryou ducked his head and purred, hugging his brother. “Will there be cookies there?”

“We’ll see.”

“That place is huge! Will we steal?”

“If you want.”

Ryou looked up at him. “Can I take Ake-chan?”

Bakura was confused for a moment then remembered the teddy bear he’d gotten Ryou. It was very much abused by now as Ryou liked to pounce on it and “kill” it. Ake-chan was missing a leg and both eyes now.

“Sure.”

“Are we going now?”

Bakura shook his head. He had things to check out first. “In a few days.”

Ryou nodded. He let go of his brother and stared at the papers again. “What do those say?”

“A lot of things about legal things.”

“Oh.” the Kitten said as if he knew. “I’m going to play.”

Bakura nodded. “Back before midnight and stay in the area Ryou. I heard someone might have seen you.”

“Yes Brother.” The Kitten disappeared out of the door, shutting it softly.

****

Yugi finally stopped crying and was now sniffling and purring into the phone, nuzzling the receiver that was his Grandpa.

“I’m sorry this happened Yugi. Why don’t you just focus on your studies from now on? Hm? You don’t need friends who say mean things to you right?”

“Right?” he repeated.

“No, say it like you mean it.”

“Right!” he said with more force.

“Good. Shadi called and said you’re sluggish in the morning.”

“I don’t want him driving me. When are you coming home from Camp?”

“...Not sure Yugi, but till then, just be good. Shadi likes you. He wants to make sure you’re safe.”

“Okay.”

“And make sure you eat all your vegetables too. And don’t eat Kitty bento everyday. You have to have a balanced diet.”

“Okay.”

“No chocolate milk after nine and I want you in bed at -What?” the man sighed. “Yugi, Grandpa has to go now.”

“No!” he whined.

“Sorry Yugi. Grandpa will call again on Thursday. Alright?”

“Okay...” he said dejectedly.

“Bye.”

The other end hung up and Yugi hung up, curling into a ball again. He’d never found out what time he was supposed to go to bed. Was it nine yet? Could he still have chocolate milk?

He started crying harder and listened to things fly around the room. He heard the door open and a loud curse.

“Yugi?!” Yami called. “Yugi dinner’s ready!”

I don’t want dinner... the Kitten thought, gripping the phone. What’s wrong with me! My head hurts now!

He heard a shattering sound from behind him and fled from the safety under the bed. He got up on the other side and saw that the window was broken. He wiped his face and looked at Yami who just stood there in awe.

“Yugi...”

“I’m sorry.” he muttered, holding his forehead.

The window fragments shattered more and Yugi shook his head. “Stop...” He moaned, motioning for Yami to leave. They left the room and Yugi handed the other Neko the phone, wandering off toward the bathroom.

When he was inside he washed his face and got a cold cloth, pressing it over his eyes.

Don’t feel good... he kneeled beside the toilet and leaned his cheek on the fuzzy cover until he felt more stable.

In a while, he got up and went downstairs and sat at the table, Yami leaning to look at his face.

“Aibou?”

“I’m okay...” he murmured, beginning to eat.

Yami leaned over and began washing his face with his tongue, Yugi protesting weakly as he tried to keep eating. He finally gave up and let Yami pull him on his lap and groom him. He normally would have felt comforted but it didn’t work as he knew Yami would be leaving after dinner.

He moved back to his seat and finished his food, leaving before Yami could talk to him. He went to his room and laid there until he heard the doors downstairs.

Yami was gone. He was alone.

The window was fixed. Somehow.

Maybe Yami... the boy thought.

He watched as it was opened and Marik came through giving him a sly grin. “Saw Yami leave with some Neko. He got a boyfriend?”

Yugi just turned away and curled up. He didn’t feel like doing that.

“Chibi, what’s up? Got a tummy ache?” Marik sat on the bed and rubbed his back. He leaned over Yugi. “Miss me?”

“I don’t want to.” he said, turning over again.

“Wha?” Marik thought about it for a second. “Oh, that’s fine. I wasn’t here for that...” He smirked. “Unless you wanna.”

Yugi just stared off into the distance and Marik grew worried. He dangled his keys in Yugi’s face and when he got no reaction kneeled in front of him.

“Meow...” he whispered.

Yugi didn’t answer that either, just turned over and Marik’s ears flattened. He got angry and stood up.

“Who was it? Who hurt you!?”

Yugi’s ear swivelled a little towards Marik. He sighed and sat up. “What do you want?”

“I came to see you Chibi. Now tell me who hurt you.”

Yugi shook his head. “I want to go to bed.”

“It’s not even nine yet! Come on!”

Yugi stared at the bed spread. Before nine meant chocolate milk. He didn’t know when he was supposed to be in bed. An Inu today had asked if he’d had a bed time right after he asked Yugi why he wasn’t allowed outside alone.

It hurt.

He felt someone licking the side of his neck and purring and he turned to look at Marik, the Golden giving him a soft kiss when he did.

“...do you know when I’m supposed to go to sleep?”

Marik blinked. “Before midnight? Anytime you want Chibi. You’re sixteen. Why?”

Yugi blinked away tears. “Then how come...why’s everyone older than me?”

The Neko was confused. “What? I was born before you that’s why. Marik’s right around your age. You’re the same age.”

The boy shook his head. “No we’re not...not in here.” He tapped his temple and took Marik’s hand and put it on his chest. “Not there either.”

The Golden just stared. “Yugi?”

“What’s wrong with me?” he whispered, leaning into the other Neko.

Marik set his jaw and held Yugi away from him, looking in his eyes. “Nothing Chibi.”

Yugi blinked, about to protest.

“Nothing. You’re you. You’re just the way...you were made. The way...God made you.”

“But -.”

Marik shook his head. He knew about the Tri-color file. He knew about Yugi and the project to create “lap” Neko’s that would never grow up.

He kissed the Kitten’s forehead. “You’re alright. I think you’re just fine.”

He knew about it all but he didn’t care. He’d protect Yugi.

The Kitten nodded absently and Marik kissed him again, hugging him. “Malik said he ditched you today. Is that why you’re upset?”

“Yes.” Yugi whispered, feeling warm.

“I didn’t go to Neko school...but yeah, I know it can suck when your friends just up and ditch ya.”

“Do they say you’re immature and that you need to grow up?”

“You should hear Ishizu when I jump on the counters.”

Yugi smiled a little, moving closer into Marik’s embrace. “Do people not ask you for advice?”

“...yeah. Mostly because...I’m a little crazy...But I think that gives me charm.” He looked at Yugi. “Like...driving on the sidewalk. Wasn’t that fun? Until the cops came? And we had to drive across town to escape?”

A giggle escaped Yugi’s mouth. That had been fun. It was last year though.

“Don’t worry about it Chibi. You can advise me! You can say, ‘Marik, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to drink twelve beers in a row!”

Yugi laughed out loud then. “You drank twelve beers?”

“...I was thinking about it.”

“What’s beer taste like?”

Marik scratched his head. “Like...you want to drink?”

Yugi smiled. “Marik, I think you should give Yugi a beer!”

Marik pointed to the underage Kitten. “I think I shouldn’t, but your cute face is getting you somewhere.” He smiled. “Feel better?”

Yugi nodded and gently tackled Marik to the bed. “I can have chocolate milk before nine!”

“Fuck that, you can have chocolate milk anytime. You should have some Bailey’s.”

“What?”

“...It’s like...um...Irish Creme.”

“For Neko’s?”

Marik grinned. “Sure. Say, let’s go and I’ll take you to a special place!”

“Where?” Yugi got up and started thinking about changing clothes.

“A magical place called the all night liquor store.”

Yugi perked up. “Magic?”

****
*Ah Yugi...poor honda...Otogi is coming up. Um...SMUT? Yugi wanting SMUT? Of course.
*Black Ice...if yer readin this...request a pairing for your one shot. ^w^
*I do not condone drinking. Underage. You over age, that’s your thing. I personally don’t believe in it as I am addicted to soda and peach juice, but ya’ll can go ‘head.
*Schwarzwald has tense shoulders.