A/N:: This was supposed to be a oneshot, but I realized how long it was getting and still in the process of typing, so I split it! This was purely because I felt like it.
WARNING This will include MPreg, its a main part in it, so there is no avoiding it. So if it's not your cup of tea then this is not the place you need to be. Sexual content and some type of violence!
Enjoy!
Breed
Every piece of me wanted nothing more than to claw my way out of this cage. Every part of my instinct knew this place was just a prison before you are sentenced to death. It made me nervous, being here for only six months and was already used. I had wished I wasn't a rare breed of leopard. According to the man who has harbored pure breeds, I was known as the only Fire Leopard left and my seed is worth a lot.
Shivers went down my spine when I thought of the contraption they used on me many times to extract it from me. It was downright embarrassing! Just because I am an animal, well part animal really with just ears and a tail. Classified as an Animal for racial purposes and we had our subcategories. Some Animals have human type of 'owners' still, going back to the ways it was when we were classified as Pets before we got our freedom. It's hard to break from tradition since it was merely twenty-four years ago by one man; and that man was my father.
Since we have our own means to be free, the Sabaody market went crazy with their hidden auctions and Animals were sold still as Pets. Of course it's illegal, but people will do crazy things for money and this man who kidnapped me is no exception. I had been living peacefully with a barmaid, she was like a mother to me and took very good care of me since I was a child. I bet she was really worried about me since they just literally plucked me off the streets with a cloth covering my mouth.
Now my waist is chained with it connected to the wall behind me so I couldn't reach the bars across from me. I let my tail sway lightly before grasping it with hands, licking to it as I knew I needed to bathe. The only problem is that if you look like it, they will scrub you clean, having to look presentable for any higher up individuals that want to see the variety of breeds. My fur is a big indication of my breed, fur that is sandy yellow with tints of red throughout with black spots that had red backgrounding them. It was something I have always loved, but now it only made me sigh out that I was brought here for those purposes.
My life had been simple, saving up money working for Makino – the barmaid – and was getting close to finding a job somewhere in Raftel. I wanted to go there since that's where my parents were from and the most accepting of Animals. Not only that, but I heard the mayor there – that just recently took over five years ago, combined territories so he could help Raftel along with Red Line. They had some people that helped out Animals and humans alike. They showed to be fair to all and I really took to that.
Clank.
Hearing the door squeal open after being unlocked made me twitch with anxiety and I heard the resounding steps coming down the hall. The other occupants in cages shift with their chains making noises, probably away. Rough grumbles were heard as they were getting louder and I stopped my cleaning as I stayed where I was, bare chested and a pair of shorts on me. One voice was familiar and the other sounded like some high noble. They showed into view as the noble was gazing to the other cage across from me first, noticing the cowering red haired male, who barely looked legal. Then eyes sharply found me as he tilted his head and I lowered ears with a stare.
"What is he?"
"A Fire Leopard." The deep tone was no one other than the owner of this business that made me want to cringe.
"Oh?" Interest showed and I swallowed harshly at the thoughts of what would happen if he picked me. "Is it a dominate gene?"
"No, it is a recessive, that's why it's rare." The words came out made me think of someone who was waiting on a second baby as the first had no shows for the fire gene.
"I see…" A thought showed as the noble was examining me before waving a hand out. "Is there any way to present him better?"
"Beast," a growl left me at the way the owner always referred to me as he soon twitched in the face of irritation. "Be good and present yourself better and I will make sure you get an extra helping." The mention of such things made me calm with ears perking up lightly as I knew he was always true to that.
Surprisingly anyways.
So I shifted away from the wall, following what I have been forced to do. Resting sideways on hands and knees, I was facing towards the side wall, slanting forward a little with my chest puffed out. Hands kept me still as I perked ears up and my tail showed to arch lightly before settling in a curve at the end. A hum was heard and I cursed lowly as I made sure knees were settled correctly.
"Such a good form, those traits showing seem to be very good for an outstanding show and working breed." I stayed facing the wall as I soon heard a noise come out. "Very well, I want a tube, Akainu." This cringe was on my face as I soon shifted to sit back with my face going to where the chain is attached to the wall.
"Very good, Sir! I will have one prepared as we do the paperwork." They moved away and I quickly glanced as I noticed Akainu grinning to me.
A shiver went down my spine as I soon noticed the white coated people approaching with precautious equipment on as they knew how I could be in resisting. Nerves shot all over the place as I backed away to the wall with a low growl. They merely came for me as I soon lashed out with a hiss, causing whimpers from a few other occupants in the other cells. I caught one of them a few times before I was restrained with a howl of pain at the feel of the clamp on the back of my neck. My knees curled inwards as I whimpered at the feel of being restrained in the most common way. For some reason, the clamp hits perfectly in spot for us to be rendered helpless; for felines anyways.
I was carefully moved out of the cell after my waist was freed, my eyes narrowing at the ground as I barely could move at all and I felt others stare. They seem to whimper for me, knowing in just a short amount of time I have been dragged off more than they have in a year. I was the new thing people wanted, a rare breed that anyone would want their hands on and try for their own. My breed would sell for a high price if it went through to the child, but that's how rare I was. The recessive gene is hard to catch onto a kitten. Though, they do say it's more likely in a male than a female, which made it seem odd. My mother was definitely a female, along with being a Fire Leopard herself, and you would think a womb already there would be better place than when they give medicine to create a womb for males. Whoever made that medicine must have been cited as crazy at first, it only works on Animals anyways, so some human male-male couples were a bit jealous before just adopting.
"Bring him over." The tone came out light with a weird laugh and I growled as I was soon laid onto a table as I was still curled with my hands being held behind my back. "He seems to be becoming more popular, shororororo!" My shorts were tugged on, making me shiver as I was exposed and could only cringe as my toes curled.
My legs were shifted as I soon trembled at the feel of something latching to around my waist like a harness and my member was encased in a contraption that looked like a pump. From doing this already, I held my tongue as the last thing I need is them to add anything more than necessary; since they liked to run new tests on those most unwilling. A prick was felt in my lower back and I groaned lowly as I tried to ignore everything.
"Insert it now so we can put him in the box." My body tensed at the feel of one of my butt cheeks shifted and it always made me squirm as much as I could, which wasn't a lot with the clamp still in place. Something cool and slick pressed into my body before I was moved by two other people.
They placed me in this small confining space, making me sort of glad that they didn't watch when it happened. Doesn't mean I was happy about everything happening, especially as they finished up on all the wiring being shifted and my ankles secured across from me so I couldn't use feet to pull at wires or stop anything. Hands were restrained to the sides like usual and soon they removed the clamp so I could shift with a stuttering breath. The drug finally caught up as I pulled at my restraints and they closed the box off. I knew a ventilation system was in here by the vent showing near the top and I merely tugged on my restraints.
Laying back on the inclination had me facing the white ceiling that wasn't that much up from me and I whimpered at the tingling sensation spreading warmth through my veins. Hands gripped into fists as I arched with a small cry at the feel of vibrations going up my spine. I pulled on the restraints with a whine at the feel of myself get aroused by the ministrations. Moans flowed out as the pumping sensation started and I pressed knees closer together as I gasped out in breaths. The whole process didn't take too long, using a strong drug that made your body feel as if it was in season even though you haven't met your mate yet.
"Aaaahh~!" The moan left me as I squeezed eyes shut as the vibrations picked up and I was arching from how much pleasure racked my whole body. I shifted around with my tail curling around my thigh as I sputtered out with cries at the pumps picking up on my throbbing member. Claws came out as they dug into the firm surface below me, ripping whatever type of cushions, and arching with a cry. I felt my vision spot as I came with whimpers leaving me as I soon fell back with labored breaths. Everything calmed as I trembled lightly from the intense feeling swarming my body and soon felt as my mind gave in to exhaustion of not getting enough sleep.
It always bothered me, selling my sperm without my permission, and I had always hoped that my trait didn't go through to the kitten. I didn't want these twisted people having something they don't deserve. Part of me had this feeling, though, that the trait wouldn't come out to show anyways. Like my own instinct showed it to be something I wouldn't know unless it happened, but not by the way these people were doing things.
A sigh left me as I curled in on myself and wrapped arms around my legs. After that man came, a previous customer stopped in for another vial and I was exhausted from the torture of having to do something like that. My body was forced into a state of mating, thinking my mate finally shows and then it's like a betrayal. My spirit felt worn down, as if I had my mate ripped away from me or something. It wasn't a pleasant feeling.
Having a mate is a big deal since you really only find a few potential ones in life, which is why it was a big deal for Animals to get those artificial hormone pills to create wombs. Some have a mate that is a male and want to carry on their own genes and now that it is a possibility. A sigh left me at the thought of never meeting my mate… My body was already confused on what was going on since the drug is very potent. After all this, if I ever get out, my body probably won't know if I do meet my mate or not.
Sounds like shouting was heard muffled and curiosity left me, shifting to try and look down the hall. The Animal across from me perked his ears up in interest, but didn't want to brave the move closer. I tried to see for anything, but my vision is limited and then I was startled from a loud noise, as if the door was kicked open and then I heard the shouts clearly.
"Make sure to get the rare ones!" Someone shouted, one of the guards and I soon shifted away as a man was directed to my cell. Growls left me lowly as he came at me once getting the cell open. Claws swiped out as I hissed defensively and made sure to kick out. Curses left him as he had a clamp out, ready for the right moment to strike, but I refused the chance. I was on my feet with a hunched body as I made sure to bare my teeth effectively.
"Hurry up!" The voice of another guard was heard before a curse as he came running in and I hissed out aggressively. The man took a chance as he tackled me into the wall and I let out a vicious noise with claws on him before my arms were grasped and I noticed the clamp. I tried to move away and soon it made contact and pinched harshly into skin. The holler that came out sounded hoarse as I suddenly bit down on the man before me who began punching me in the stomach. "You didn't get it on right!" The man yelled as I dug claws into his ribs and was clawing his shin with a foot.
"Shit! Shit!" I was released to scramble to the side and get some space as I reached for the clamp, feeling blood tickling down my back as I tried to get it off before just ripping it off. Whines left me as I looked to it as it showed some of my skin and blood on it. "We have to get him!" One sputtered as they tried to gang up on me before gunshots were heard closer.
"Akainu would kill us if we didn't get him!" The other claimed as they soon dived for me again, one grasping legs as I was pulled down. Hollers of protest left me as I was manhandled around aggressively to soon have my face shoved into the ground with a hand pulling at the clamp in my hand. It slipped from my grasps, my blood had made it slick and I soon cried out in pain of my wounded neck being clamped again, but properly this time as I felt arms shrink into my chest. The chain was removed from my waist as I heard voices getting louder and I curled in on myself as they lifted me off the ground. Blood trickled around my neck and I noticed droplets on the ground as they soon headed out of the cage.
"Stop them!" A new voice shouted as the guards made a break for the other door and I noticed several still left in cages. I heard hollers to get others out whilst some chased after us and I had hoped they would stop them.
The man holding me suddenly hollered out in pain and soon I was sent to the floor in a tumble and stayed curled up. I couldn't move much, feeling vulnerable in my state. The guard shifted around in pain before the one not injured grasped one of my arms to suddenly fireman carry. It was evident on how important I was to Akainu and his sells. The way I was laying showed the door ahead and I trembled lightly as I soon moved to bite aggressively into his shoulder. The sudden pain caught him off guard as he stumbled with a grip on me as I did it again, piercing sharp teeth somewhere else. Curses left him as I gnawed on his shoulder as he was getting closer and I bit down whilst pulling back, tearing skin. The man stumbled again with a cry of pain before he was suddenly yanked back and I noticed a figure shift around with a gun now pointing to his chin.
"Don't move." The threatening tone was there and I felt his grip lighten up and hands were on my body, supporting ribs and a leg. "Slowly release the boy." The demand was heard as it was followed and soon I slipped into a slight roll into a new hold, legs curling in with arms to my chest. Viewing up, a reassuring grin was showing on an auburn haired male with amber eyes shimmering in concern. The man seemed to focus back on the guard before him as I stayed still and was viewing the scar that was like a crescent around my savior's eye.
"I will take him back so we can get the clamp carefully removed."
"And I will restrain this man properly." The man holding me nodded before shifting as he began to walk and I felt myself enjoying the fact that someone came for all the Animals here.
"Don't worry, we will get you patched up!" A grin was showing on him as I heard commotion and the slamming of cells being opened and chains clattering to the ground. This relief was fluttering in my chest and I merely let him carry me to wherever. We had moved a little while and up some stairs to what seemed like a home. I was a bit surprised as I viewed the rich red colors before I was carefully set down. "Come help me, Vista!" The man shouted with a look to someone else and this man with curly black hair back in a clip and a moustache that curled on the ends showed up to crouch next to me.
"I will remove the clamp from your neck." I eyed him lightly as he showed his hands before shifting to get a hold of the clamp, the way it pressed lightly showed that he had a hold before it was pulled away from me. I stuttered out a breath of relief as I shifted to grasp at the spot and cover it. My muscles began to relax as the man named Vista shifted away with a nod and soon went to go help with something else and a woman approached.
"Let me help on wrapping him up, the other nurses are busy!" The tone was not of a female, blue eyes showing and brown hair shifted as hand brushed through locks and I noticed the perked up ears. "My name is Haruta!" The male greeted as he brought a box over and shifted to behind me, making me turn and peer with a low growl. "Don't worry, I am just patching the neck, if you think otherwise then bite Thatch or something."
"Oi, oi!" The complaint left the auburn haired male as he laughed lightly before a hand was petting through my locks. "What's your name?" A grin was to me as I viewed him with legs shifting up and I rested arms around my knees. Eyes viewed him and this look showed of interest with a mouth shifting as he was about to speak again.
"Ace." I muttered lowly as a towel was cleaning around my neck and without thought, my tail flickered out towards the auburn haired male. A small hiss left me as I felt something cleaning my wounds and soon looked forward to notice others being treated and looked over. The hand continued to pet me as I enjoyed it, not wanting to think about the past months of being here.
"Well then, Ace," I looked to Thatch with only my eyes and he was grinning. "We are going to take you back home with us only temporarily so you can heal and then make sure you are taken home safely." Eyes just stayed on him as I soon looked forward again as I noticed a large male letting out a bountiful laugh that sounded like a rumble and a blonde standing next to him, gazing up, but I couldn't see his face.
Home?
"So you are a rare breed?" Curiosity showed on this man named Izo – he was the one who held the gun at the guard – and Haruta as I was sitting on a window seat in some bedroom. Izo was sitting in front of me on the seat, hands messing with his bangs with irritation showing when they moved wrong and those brown eyes stayed to me in interest. Haruta was sitting on the ground with a beaming smile and I could practically feel the aura screaming to have a playmate. They all gave me a few days to heal better and settle down more. Haruta and Thatch chattered with me mostly with Izo sometimes coming in to join; that's if I wasn't being touted by Jozu.
"Yeah, not that I care…" I muttered out and this hand was patting my bare foot and Izo sighed lightly.
"We don't care either, but it would make sense on why they were so bent on taking you with them. Plus you gave them a run for their money, those wounds looked hellish." Izo mentioned with a proud smile before a hand flicked out a fan out of nowhere and let it flutter to get air to his face.
"You would want to, too, after being there…" I mentioned as I soon felt a body pressing into my side and blue eyes piercing up at me with that grin.
"Play with me! We could pull pranks and everything!" Hands were gripping tight as he wrapped arms around me.
"Now, Haruta!" The scold came out of Izo in frustration of the male pressuring me, but this spike of interest went through me in thought since I have been getting bored.
"Play?" The word left me softly and Haruta was beaming brighter and soon tugged on me.
"It will be fun!" He released me before tugging me to stand up and I looked in curiosity.
"Like what?"
"Come on!"
It was merely a couple hours later where we both found ourselves rolling on the floor laughing as Thatch was screeching about his hair being ruined. Of course, we had scrambled away as he chased us lightly with cursing and threats as we were still laughing. As we ran, a large male stepped in our path and we were both scooped up easily into arms to rest.
"Jozu! Set those rascals down now!" Thatch claimed as I noticed the man standing tall shake his head with a protective hold.
"Pops wanted to see Ace."
"Then hand over Haruta at least!" The auburn haired male insisted with a frustrated growl that was impressively close to an Animal growl.
"Negative, not until you calm down." Jozu merely turned to carry us off, and I high-fived Haruta as we soon kicked our legs at each other in a playful manner. I noticed a chuckle leaving Jozu as he merely let us play and soon we were walking through a large doorway. Voices were heard as I soon looked with a wide smile still on me as I noticed the man they refer to as 'Pops' and the blonde from before. Viewing the blonde made this boiling in my stomach, but I ignored it as I viewed the man known as Pops since he spoke out.
"Oh? Haruta as well?"
"Thatch was about to throttle them both for a prank they pulled on him." Jozu mentioned as we were set down and Haruta was chuckling with me.
"Ace is a genius with pranks as well." Haruta bumped into my shoulder as I pressed back and soon a loud rumble of a laugh was heard.
"It's good to see my boys so happy!" Another laugh left him as he soon peered to Haruta. "Give us a minute, son?"
"Sure thing, Pops! I'll come find you later, Ace!" A hand hit against my shoulder as I turned with a big smile and nod in agreement as he left with Jozu, pouncing onto his back for a ride. Once they left and I was facing the other two again with a look of curiosity on why he wanted to see me.
"Come here, son." A hand shifted to pat the arm rest of his throne in this study and those grey eyes gleamed at me. This confusion was on me, but nonetheless I shifted forward before shifting to jump up onto the arm rest. I got comfortable, crossing legs, and noticed the blonde do the same on the other one with a file in hand. Viewing into deep blue eyes had the boiling in my stomach grow with something flourishing through my chest and I merely ignored it again whilst looking to Pops. "You put up a good fight, guararara!" A proud grin was showing as he began petting my head and I couldn't help the grin appear on my face.
"Here." The blonde mentioned as he shifted to hand the file to Pops so he could move it to me. I blinked in confusion before taking it and opening it up.
It was my profile, probably the one they had at the place and I noticed the notations. A heat flared to my cheeks as I noticed things being written down of notation of during those points of time in the confined space and for future things to be tried out. This grimace was on me at all the things notated before growling and tearing the file apart in aggravation. A hand found my head again as he pet there and I tossed the papers in frustration. This huff left me as I let legs curl up and grabbed around them with a look to my knees.
"You're safe now, my boy." Hearing the comforting words helped a little as I knew I could trust in him, they did save me and many others. Plus my instinct knew they were good and I let my head tuck in with my forehead resting on my knees. The hand shifted to rub along my back and I soon felt as the hand began pulling me closer and I was resting against the large man with a stuttering breath. "I am required to ask if you want to return home, but I also feel obligated to ask if you would stay with us, son." Confusion flared through me as I noticed the blonde giving a look towards Pops as if a scold was about to leave lips. A rumbling chuckle was under me as the older man thought it amusing of one of his sons giving him such looks.
I contemplated on the thought of staying with these people. They seem very nice and had a variety of Animals and humans among the group. Plus from what I am told, I have only met some of the brothers since there is around sixteen of them. It made me curious on the others and they had some other smaller groups they consider family. I got along with Haruta and Thatch really well since we had been talking and Izo was very kind to me. Not to mention Vista being affectionate when I seemed to need it and then Jozu was there to tote me around because he felt like it mostly, but I couldn't really complain since Haruta would tag along. Plus it is nice to be carried around and have someone to talk to and he always listened quietly.
"Pops, you can't just drag people from their homes."
"Oh, Marco, calm yourself!" A chuckle rumbled out as I noticed the two looking at each other, a scowl showing on the blonde.
"I wouldn't mind…" I muttered out lightly, blue eyes flickered to me in question as I soon felt a couple sways.
"See! Guararara!"
"Don't you have family to return to, yoi?" Marco questioned as to get reassurance of my decision and I frowned to him.
"Not really, I had been staying with someone after my mother passed and she has been watching me until I was able to leave." A shrug left me as I enjoyed the affection being shown as the hand was massaging behind my ears. This purr left me, causing a chuckle to rumble through Pops and this nod left Marco.
"Then about the caretaker?"
"She would be happy…" I mumbled lightly in thought of Makino who had been helping with me trying to open up to people more.
Everyone in our area, though, were major dickheads and grimaced when seeing me. These people didn't and plus I got so much attention it was almost crazy to think I was actually here. Since smaller, I am very big for affection and when my mother passed away when I was seven, it was heartbreaking. Makino took her place to show what I needed, but she also knew that I was aware of all the people there being snobby towards me; my instinct knowing on demand. The only other people I opened up to were Shanks and Benn, but they only visited on occasion, taking a few months at a time before stopping in.
"Then Ace, you are a part of our family! Guararara!" A grin found me as I looked up to the man and he pulled me closer with fingers rubbing my head.
"Thanks, P-Pops!" The name left me a little foreign on my tongue, but nonetheless it felt right as I joined his chuckle.
A couple weeks passed by and I was adjusted to the home mostly, finding my way around and Haruta showed me all the nifty hiding spots with a few that Thatch didn't know about. Thatch is an amazing cook! Izo is really good with clothing and playing the violin, along with Vista playing the piano for fun. Vista also is sure to show me affection with a few pets to my head, no matter what he is doing, even in a rush to get somewhere. Jozu still toted me around and by now I was like Haruta and would cling to his back for a ride whenever the man was in sight.
Meeting some of the others, Curiel showed me some good music and sang some tunes whilst cleaning his guns; he's a Doberman. Fossa would challenge Jozu to an arm wrestling tournament a lot along with Blamenco and Blenheim from the first time everyone was home. Blamenco had some really good jokes, but Jiru had better ones along with his different accents being used. Rakuyou was another one to ruffle me with affection as he seemed to exactly know how to love an Animal, and I became more aware when he did the same thing to Haruta. He's also a doctor for humans and Animals, so that was cool. Then another male named Namur, a Rottweiler, joined in the fun with Haruta and me when visiting; causing the home to be in more chaos according to some of the brothers.
Atmos was an interesting guy, showing to be loyal and is on good terms with Kingdew, being partners at the home they share with Blenheim and Blamenco. It seems certain people shared homes in areas to help keep an eye on things. Curiel and Namur stayed in a home together and then Fossa shared a home with Jiru and Rakuyou, they enjoy the smaller homes and each other's company. I wasn't too well met with some of them, but I had time since I became a part of the family. Last, but certainly not least, is Marco. He wasn't the oldest, but he was the first son of Whitebeard's and have taken the role as the type of 'older' brother even to the ones older than him. The blonde is really laid back looking, though, and surprised me on how much is put on him. Even so, he has made sure to show me some attention along with calling me a brat like he does the others, not that I mind, but I would never tell him that.
Plus… there is a bit of something more. My body would feel weird near him and I wasn't sure exactly on why in the beginning, but it sometimes lead me to just curl up against him for a nap. Not that it is misplaced since I do it with Izo and Vista on occasion, but I craved the other man's warmth. I tried not to make it obvious, but I really just wanted to be near him when I could be. Though I make sure to keep in check and decide to bother other's if I crave affection. The only problem now is that Izo figured it out and seems to be up to something. I didn't mean to slip up, but he was talking about something when I was dazing off and when he asked me the question, I was still hazy in thought. Of course, it made me embarrassed that I let something slip out like I did since I was trying to figure things out.
"What are you talking about, Izo?" I asked out as the man was smiling behind his fan, I knew by the way his eyes gleamed in mischief.
"Just trust me." A look of disbelief was on me as I soon nodded stiffly and he began walking away. "Wait here." I frowned at the words as I sat in Marco's bedroom with legs crossed whilst on his bed.
The door closed and I glanced around the familiar room I have frequented since his desk is in here and I noticed that even though his floor is organized, everything else is not. The desk in a disarray of folders and papers, his bed was partially made since I flipped his comforter correctly, and his bookshelves were stacked with books being on their sides and had other knickknacks showing. A huff left me as I had arms cross over my chest and my tail flickered around in irritation. Noises were heard in the hall, a protesting tone and soon Marco was being pushed into his room.
"Now both of you stay in here until you figure it out!" A rough tone came out of Izo as he soon straightened his posture with the fan fluttering. "We all would like for air to breathe! And it's a pain trying to push hints in both of your directions!" A huff came out as he soon moved to close the door and I stared in confusion.
"What? Breathe?" I asked out in confusion and soon noticed Marco sigh out with fingers grip the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Give it some time, I'm sure Izo will cool and we can leave." I mention as I could see his aggravation and soon he looked to me.
"No, it's alright. I needed to get work done anyways." Feet shifted as he was moving to his desk and I grinned when he was moving some things to the seating area he had. My body bounced off his bed and once he sat down, I rolled over the back of the couch and let my head find his lap with a chuckle. Fingers began petting through my hair, purrs automatically leaving me as I enjoyed it and soon shifted to roll onto my side, facing him with eyes closed. Fingers lined to rub at my ears and I let my tail sway as I very much liked the affection from him.
Only a little of time passed before he sighed out, seeming as if he was contemplating something and the paper he had was moved. I didn't move as I was resting comfortably and soon both hands were massaging my scalp. My quiet purrs grew at the attention being received and this chuckle left him as he continued. After a little time, the hands pulled away and though I was disappointed, my purring continued.
"So you didn't have a mate back home?" The question surprised me as I soon stopped purring and looked up at him in confusion.
"What?"
"You said that you only had a caretaker back home that would be happy for you, but no mate at your age?" The question came out as he eyed me carefully and I wasn't sure where he was going with this.
"Everyone in my town were assholes, why would I mate with one of them? If anything I was repulsed." I muttered out the last part as I soon shifted and let myself rise and was resting on my legs whilst sitting back on feet. "What does this have to do with anything?"
"From what I can decipher from Izo's outburst that means you have some type of attraction towards me, yoi." The words made my cheeks flare with heat and he smirked lightly at the answer he received as I couldn't defend myself now. "I wouldn't go for someone who had a mate, since I know that is a major thing for Animals." The words came out and this confusion flared through me as I tilted my head. A snort left him as he shifted a hand to my face and I purred at the attention. I was pulled forward and watched as he pulled me close before lips found mine softly. It was chaste as he pulled back, supporting me as I flushed with that fluttering in my chest picking up.
"B-But… I'm an Animal?" Confusion flared through me as he would act this way towards me and this chuckle left him before a thumb rubbed my cheek.
"Does that matter?" This feeling in me soared at the thought of Marco returning my feelings and was in agreement of not caring of what race you were.
"I guess not." A smile found me as I shifted and was pulled in for another kiss that lasted longer, purrs leaving me. Arms wrapped around his neck as I soon pulled away and pressed my face into his neck with loud purring and snuggled up into his body. Arms were around my waist as I enjoyed the warmth he gave me.
"Now I can get some paperwork done." A chuckle left me as I could tell he had been distracted by what Izo had done and if we could actually be together.
The whole house was aware of Marco and me, not that we felt the need on hiding the factor. Everyone was basically waiting for it to happen, it seems, and were happy that it finally happened. Izo, Vista, Thatch, Haruta, and even Jozu had thrown a party with Pops rumbling with laughter at how his sons were perfect together. Things were going great as I showed my affection towards Marco with a face rubbing into neck a lot and even clung to his back with my cheek rubbing the back of his head. None of my actions ever seemed to bother him, even if he was having a serious discussion and I would come up to nuzzle him before running off. It was like the new norm in the home and so it was a little surprising when a couple of the extended family came in to stay for the week.
"Marco!" I had called out, the blonde looked to me briefly as he uncrossed arms and I came up to nuzzle his cheek as he leaned in for it before I chuckled out. "Thatch is throttling Haruta again!"
"Did you do something, brat?"
"Whaaa~?" I played coy as I avoided his hand swiping out for a cheek to pinch and I chuckled whilst noticing our company that stared in confusion. "Ah, you both must be Teach and Squard!" I mentioned with a grin and received a laugh from the larger male who kind of gave me the creeps, but I said nothing.
"I'm Teach." He mentioned with a grin and was patting his chest as he laughed some more. "I've never seen someone so affectionate towards Marco!"
"Really? Haruta is kind of like me?" I asked in confusion and soon a hand was rubbing one of my ears.
"Ace, I need you to go take the punishment from whatever you did to Thatch." The words made me frown as I crossed arms with a look to him.
"Thatch totally started it!"
"I don't care who started it, end it, yoi." A stern gaze was to me and this had me stick my tongue out before pulling away. I grinned to the other two, Squard having a crinkled nose as he gazed to me in questioning and Teach was laughing again.
"Nice meeting you guys!"
"To you as well, Ace!" A wave came from Teach as I began trailing off with a whistle and was hollering at Jozu as I jumped him, climbing onto his back, mindful of my claws.
"I'm going to the kitchen."
"Perfect!" I claimed with a cheer and soon had legs around his neck as I purred out with a grin as I found the perfect perch.
After admitting I was the one to add 'Hot Mamas' hot sauce to Thatch's food and received my punishment, I was wondering around. Haruta went out with Izo for something and as punishment I was told to stay home with helping Thatch. The man had me wash dishes with him, but didn't take long and I was soon left to do other things. Thoughts of finding Marco were there as I walked along the first floor hall, thinking on going up to my mate's bedroom. We weren't exactly mates, yet, but I do consider him to be that.
"Ah! Sorry!" I about rammed into a body, noticing to be Squard, as I soon bowed lightly and moved out of the way.
"You are with Marco?" The question came out as he was viewing me with scrutiny and I felt myself swallow the lump in my throat.
"Yeah?" I answered in confusion on why he would be asking in such a way and for the first time since I have been here, disgust showed on his face.
"Animals don't belong with humans." The simple answer made me frown as I gave a harsh look to him.
"Excuse me? I don't think this pertains to you." I growled lightly as he kept the scrunch on his face before he looked to not have liked my answer.
"It does, don't mix races. It's wrong. You may have all succeeded on being individuals, but doesn't mean you can intergrade with humans. There is a big difference between the races and I will not allow a Pet to be compared with me." The venom showed in his voice at how much hatred he already has for me and I felt it stabbing into my chest, a wince being held back.
"As I said," I steeled myself even though it did strike me hard, "this is none of your concern. This is between Marco and me, not you. Mind your own fucking business." A low growl left me as I crossed arms and eyed him with a glare whilst he returned the stare.
"Damn beast should have stayed enslaved." The words came out as he began walking away and this had everything fluttering through me as I watched him leave before I moved upstairs. It's been awhile since someone so full of hatred was like that, Akainu doesn't count in this case, I am meaning just in general of the populace. Plus, did this mean he didn't care for the other brothers as well?
"There you are, Ace." Hearing the words, I noticed Marco standing with Vista as they were discussing something and noticed me come up the last step. I paused in my steps with eyes to them and they both stared in questioning before I cringed and moved to go upstairs.
Every part of me wasn't in the mood for anyone and I just wanted to curl up in a ball and disappear for a little bit. It hurt hearing those words again, those hateful words towards Animals, and how we shouldn't be free like humans are. I moved to Marco's bedroom, finding myself not being able to intercept the decision and soon was thinking of the part of the ceiling that slants. In the room it had a small cubby space near the ceiling and I clambered up it, a type of layered rope there so I could claw my way up. Once reaching the area, I moved in whilst curling up and facing away from the room towards the wall. My tail wrapped around my thigh as I viewed the wall with a deep frown and ears were down.
Hearing the bedroom door didn't surprise me as it softly clicked closed and I could feel eyes on me. "Ace?" My name didn't make me move as I stayed in my spot and I could almost feel the worry coming from him. "Did something happen, yoi?"
No words left me as I stayed curled in spot and he seemed to wait on me, but I could only feel my throat constricting. I wanted nothing more than to disappear at this moment and this sigh was heard. Feet shifted and I heard the door open up, but I knew he was still there with a last look.
"I need to go talk with a few people and then I will be back with some food." I still didn't move and he soon left the room with the door closing softly.
Time passed, I had took a nap for most of it and was merely staring blankly at the wall as I noticed a few people check in on me. None of them said anything as you could easily spot me from the crack of the door and then they left quietly. I could feel their concern, but I was really hurting from those words and even though I said it didn't matter, it still hurt that someone considered family would say such things. I had hoped he never said anything to Haruta because it was awful to even imagine.
The door opened again and I heard someone walk in, noticing the steps being heavy. "Please come down, son." My body shifted lightly as I stayed curled and I noticed the steps get closer and could tell he was by the wall now. A hand found my back as he rubbed what he could reach, going to about the bottom of my shoulder blades. "Everyone is concerned, what happened, son?" Trembles began to leave me as I finally felt my barrier breaking and I swallowed the lump in my throat.
"You didn't tell me that Squard didn't like Animals…" I spoke lightly, afraid of being heard and the hand stopped before a noise was heard.
"Squard spoke to you privately?" A stiff nod left me as I knew he could see and this noise left him like irritation. "I see, I will have a word with him." The hand found my shirt as he began tugging before I was pulled off my perch and shifted against him as he held me. "Squard has some deep seated personal issues, I do apologize for whatever he spoke of."
"He doesn't like that I am with Marco." I mentioned quietly as it hurt the most that he would be showing any disdain towards my mate.
The body stiffened and I heard a noise of disappointment before he began moving. I shifted as I clung around the stern neck, and it surprised me on how this man could be in his late fifties and move so swiftly whilst carrying me. Confused noises were heard from a few people and I could hear feet moving behind us as Pops moved down the stairs. I peered to notice we were headed for the dining hall where chatters were heard and I was held firmly in spot and soon tucked my head into his neck. The doors opened as he pushed them firmly, causing the room to turn quiet and I could feel eyes on us.
"Squard, I know you lack diligence for Animals, but you know exactly on how you should interact with your brothers." The stern tone came out as I kept my hold and I heard this grunt in the air. "My son, I am also aware of you mentioning along the lines of hatred for your brothers' happiness. Do not interfere even if one is a human and one is an Animal. We do not discriminate on such trivial matters."
"You what?" That was Marco speaking now as he seemed irritated. "You had the nerve to tell Ace that we don't belong together because of our races being different? I wasn't aware that you were a part of this relationship, Squard." This noise was heard of distaste and soon shifting of chairs. "If you make any more disturbing words about Animals not being our equals like you did towards Haruta, then I will personally kick you in the head until it settles in." I was a little surprised at the words showing threat and the atmosphere was feeling stiff.
"Marco, its best if you leave for now." Pops commented and I was soon shifted away to stand. A hand grasped mine as Marco began leading me out of the room, passing Izo and Jozu who held apologetic faces.
Once leaving the room and headed for the stairs, I pressed into Marco with my hand moving to grasp his arm. We moved silently to his room as he made sure that I was there and we found the room. Entering in and closing the door, my body was pressed into the door and lips found mine. A moan left my throat in surprise of him pressing against me with hands cupping my face. Our lips moved together as he let thumbs rub along my freckled cheeks and soon pulled back with gleaming blue orbs staring down at me.
"Don't let him get to you, Ace. It doesn't matter if we are different races, yoi. I like you for you and I know you like me in return… nothing else matters." The words brought a lot of comfort as I began to grasp around his neck and pressed to him. My face nuzzled into his neck as he held me around the waist comfortingly and I felt myself swallow with his scent finding me to bring comfort.
"If… If he doesn't like Animals, does that mean he doesn't like Roger?" I asked out as I needed to get it out before anything else.
"Yes, he doesn't care for Roger. He doesn't understand how a human could support the Animals so much like he did. Pops tried to help as much as he could with the support needed to free Animals and Squard looked past that since Pops saved him." The words came out as I soon shifted to peer up at him and this look was to me. "If you mentioned Roger, then may I ask you something?"
"No need," I mentioned as I kept my view on him to watch his reaction carefully. "Roger is my biological father." This surprise showed as he soon flickered eyes to my ears and I chuckled lightly. "My mother was a Fire Leopard."
"Then that would explain it, yoi. I knew Roger had someone special, not that I knew much since I was only eight at the time when Pops started helping out more." Marco soon grinned as hands pressed to my back as I was pulled closer and lips grazed my cheek. "That doesn't matter though, you are mine no matter what."
"I'm glad my father helped free our race." I mentioned as I tightened my hold so I could nuzzle against his chin as I took in his scent and he chuckled.
"Me too."