Chapter one: First encounter, one month deal

Kyo

It's actually come to this. I've seen it happen to other strays but I was smart, it never should've happened to me. After all, I'm was a warehouse cat; an unknown half human and half cat race. Not the best existence in the world, but I worked with what I had. My intelligence was human for the most part, not primal and animal like. So how the hell had I gotten caught by the pound? My stomach tightened painfully for the hundredth time that today and I had my answer. It was because I was starving. After almost two weeks of rotten luck I had finally found some food, and just as I was digging in, I was caught and tossed into a cage. It was so cliche, a huge shot to my pride being captured like that! I gave that catcher hell though, he'll think twice before touching me again.

These humans haven't even fed me yet, not that I really expected them to. Humans are so cruel. I knew better than to fall for the outstretched hand, the smile and the annoying baby voice. But on the other hand, animals are cruel too. My human smell pushes them all away, afraid and disgusted by my wrongness, my unnatural existence. I was an outcast to both worlds and had only met one of my kind in my life. Both humans and animals hurt and shun whatevers different from them, whatever they don't understand. Something like me just doesn't belong.

I ignored the humans passing my cage, trying to get my attention. I knew what was going on and there was no way in hell I was going to be taken to some human's prison, what they called home. I wouldn't become someone's pet so they could take their offers and shove it. The second they find out I'm a freak they'll just toss me away. I knew if I didn't get chosen by someone I'd get euthanized, but that wasn't happening either. The second I got a chance, I'd transform into my human form and get out of here. Fingers made it a lot easier to open cages and in times like these I was almost glad I was a warehouse cat.

"You look lonely." A soft voice spoke and I looked up.

A human with dark gray hair and purple eyes was keeled down in front of my cage, his expression almost . . . tender.

'Who are you calling lonely?' I thought and half heartedly hissed at him.

It pissed me off a little and I didn't want to admit that it might be true. Thinking about it just made me depressed so I always ignored it. Yet here was this strange human saying it as if he knew me. I hissed with more feeling this time and oddly enough the human gave me a small smile in return. Then he got up and left without another word. Well he's a weird one, who smiles at a hissing cat? It was cat language for 'get lost and come near me if you dare'. I inwardly sighed and returned to sulking and ignoring. Not even five minutes had passed before that human came back with the bastard that had caught me.

"This is the one?" The bastard huffed, glaring down at me.

"Yes, I'd like to adopt this cat." Purple eyes said and I hissed again. 'Like hell you'll adopt this cat!'

"Are you sure? He's a feisty one. Tore my hands up real good." The bastard said and showed purple eyes his hands.

That's right, better get a good look and take it as a warning if you know what's good for you. Purple eyes looked at his hands and then at me, face blank. My tail swayed back and forth as I thought 'Be afraid, be very afraid'.

"I'm sure I can handle him." Purple eyes insisted and had the nerve to smirk at me.

I felt shivers go down my spine and my orange fur slightly stood up, instincts telling me he was bad news. That smirk reminds me of a snake. No, a rat would be a better description. A no good, sneaky, vile rat.

"If you're sure . . . " The bastard said and went to probably get a cat carrier.

Purple eyes kneeled in front of my cage again as he said "I think I'll call you Kyo."

'And I'll call you Damn rat!' I thought and hissed for the third time.

Purple eyes just kept smirking and it was really pissing me off. We'll see who's laughing when I claw that pretty face of yours. I'll make you regret adopting me.

Yuki

I watched in amusement as the man, Mr. Giddings if I remembered correctly, wrestled to get the orange cat into the carrier. He suffered more wounds to his hand and I could've sworn the cat was laughing at him. He was right about the feisty thing, but I had seen much more in this stray. All of the other cats had been active and alert, playing and meowing as people passed by. Yet this cat had been laying still and didn't so much as twitch at any attention directed at him. He had looked so lifeless and . . . alone. It may have been me projecting my own feelings, but I really thought I felt a kind of kinship with him. Once I got his attention and he hissed at me, I knew I wasn't imagining things. He still had some fire in him even if it seemed it was slowly going out. It was almost like looking at myself and I didn't know if it was endearing or . . . unsettling.

After the paperwork was done, I took the carrier and was on my way with the orange feline. Kyo hissed and growled the whole drive, but I paid him no mind. I was a stranger to him and I expected no less. We had no trust between us and I had no idea what his experience with humans had been like. A small part of me was still a little hesitant about getting a pet, but the rest liked the idea. I would be needed and depended on, helping another life live day to day. This was a rather selfish way for me to feel wanted and to be responsible . . . but it was something I was missing. Perhaps listening to my brother's suggestion would pay off in the end and Kyo and I would get along.

We soon arrived at the vet and once Kyo had seen the white lab coats, he wasn't happy at all. The growling and hissing grew dangerous and threatening, not the warning and dislike tone it had held in the car. The vet cautiously took the carrier from me and left to give him his shots and a bath. Any cat of mine was going to be healthy and clean whether he liked it or not, this was a must. When they were done the vet came back with a passed out and sedated Kyo, lots of scratches along her hands and probably her arms. Kyo had put up a fight, not that I was surprised. I offered her an apologetic smile and took the carrier. He was still out when I got home and I took the chance to put him on my bed.

It looked like he would be out for a while so I left to buy cat food, cat litter, a cat pan, etc. I wanted to take good care of that fiery orange cat and I had a feeling he needed me as much as I needed him. Or so I hoped.

Kyo

My whole body was in pain and I couldn't move from my spot on top of some soft surface. I don't believe it. That Damn rat actually took me to the vet! He will pay dearly for this, just wait til I- owowowowow! It really hurts . . . . maybe I shouldn't have been so violent with that vet. I felt like this pain was her way of payback, I couldn't even turn into my human form in this condition. I looked around the simple room to at least get my bearings since I wasn't going anywhere fast. A closet, a dresser, an entertainment center with a tv, and two doors surrounded me. One door most likely led to a bathroom and the other right my freedom. The question is, which is which? Suddenly one of the doors opened and Purple eyes walked in dressed in blue jeans and a white t-shirt. He was smiling at me as he walked over to the bed, oblivious of the pain he had caused me. Okay you Damn rat, time for round two! I brought out my claws and swiped at him, ignoring the sting it had shot through me.

"Now, now, no need to be violent. Come here, Kyo." He cooed and his hand grabbed me like lightning, I hadn't even seen him move!

The jerk managed to grab every cat's weakness, the scruff on our necks. My body instinctively froze as he held it firmly, smug at my helplessness. I glared at him and as I shouted 'I hate you' over and over in my head. He calmly sat down on the bed and placed me on his lap for who knew what. He kept his hold on my neck as his other hand started petting my orange fur, like it was something he did everyday.

'Bastard, how dare you pet me! Don't think for one secon-oh wow, that feels nice.' I thought as he rubbed my tense muscles.

His hands seemed to be petting the pain away and I unconsciously started purring. In all honesty, no one had ever pet me before so this was a first. I hadn't known human hands felt this nice, all my previous interactions with them were abusive. I closed my eyes as I relaxed against the gentle touch. He let go of my neck and used that hand to scratch under my chin.

'Oh man, right there, that's the spot.' I thought and my tail begun swaying lazily back and forth.

"So you do have a sweet side." Purple eyes chuckled and I woke up from my momentary trance.

I bit one of his fingers as hard as I could and then quickly hid under the bed, a little frantic about having my guard broken so easily.

"Ow!" He yelped in pain and it was my turn to smirk. Serves you right!

My victory was short lived when I scolded myself for letting him get so close. What the hell was I thinking?! And was I actually purring?! Curse that Damn rat and his magic hands! I watched his sock covered feet as he went to the bathroom, putting a bandaid on his finger. This rat is really dangerous . . . he shouldn't have been able to tame me so quickly. I needed to stay alert and escape as soon as possible. But first I'd need to recover my strength to turn into my human form. Purple eyes came back and laid down on the bed, not even glancing in my direction. I was a little uncomfortable that I couldn't see him, but I at least knew where he was.

"That hurt you know." He said evenly and I responded with a hiss.

I was a little confused by his reaction. Why doesn't he sound pissed? Wasn't he upset that I bit him? This guy is weird. Usual a human would get angry and hit me or something, that was the normal reaction. Maybe it was a trick and he was waiting for me to come out so he could strike. I stayed under the bed for a while to wait him out, but he didn't say anything else. After a few more moments, I could hear his even breathing and wondered if he had fallen asleep. I quietly moved from under the bed and peaked at his limp form. I didn't know humans could fall asleep that fast, he was totally passed out. Either way, this was my chance. I scurried to the door despite my aching body protesting. Then I pushed it with my orange paw but he had shut it tightly, the stupid thing wouldn't budge.

I glanced at him again to make sure he was still asleep and then up at the door knob. Well, it's now or never. I tried to change into my human form again and forced my way through the pain. I was finally able to transform but I need up on my hands and knees, panting. Shit . . . that really hurts. I was dressed in a black t-shirt and blue jeans as I always was by default. The pain was more intense in this form, if even possible, and I struggled to maintain the transformation. Gotta escape quickly or else my body won't make it. I reached for the doorknob again but before I could turn it, I heard a gasp behind me. I whipped my head around to see Purple eyes wide awake and staring at me in shock. If I were still a cat, my fur would be sticking up as I inwardly panicked. Damn it, he saw me! He totally saw me, right? Did he just see me transform?!

"Kyo?" That is a yes, he definitely saw me transform.

I tried to shake off my fear and prepared myself for what was to come. He's gonna call me a freak just like all the others, I just know it. I glared at Purple eyes and willed myself to stand. I won't let him look down on me . . . . even if I was a freak.

"Surprised? Don't see something like me everyday do you, Damn rat?" I asked coldly and felt behind me for the doorknob. I was in no condition to fight when this got violent, it was better to escape while I could.

"Don't run." He ordered, having read my mind and slowly got off the bed. He moved as if I was some skittish animal, which I was, and his focused gaze made my heart race.

I found the knob and turned it, quickly forcing my legs to bolt out of there. I ran down the hallway only to fall before I reached the end, my body giving out on me under the constant push over my limits. Purple eyes was right on my tail and didn't hesitate to pin me down.

"Get off me!" I yelled, but his surprising strength plus my weakened state equaled zero cat power. I was on my stomach with my wrists held down on both sides of my head, the bastard kneeling between my legs and leaning over my back.

"I told you not to run, you stupid cat." He said and I glared at him over my shoulder.

"Who the hell are you calling stupid, Damn rat?!" I spat. "What the hell is with you, why are you so calm? Any normal person would be freaking out, not chasing me down like a maniac!" This wasn't normal and I was got the feeling he was some kind of psycho or something.

He just stared at me with a blank expression. "I'm surprised alright. I have no idea what you are, but . . . . I have no intention of letting you go. You're my cat, Kyo, whether you like it or not." He deadpanned.

I knew he was weird, completely off his rocker!

"I don't belong to you or anyone else!" I yelled and hissed at him. He looked startled by the sound, but quickly regained composure.

This is bad, this is really really bad! What am I gonna do now? No, don't panic, keep it together. I'll just bide my time until I get my strength back and then I'll kick his ass and escape. He won't know what hit 'em.

Yuki

I narrowed my eyes at his stubbornness and inwardly sighed. Must he really fight me every step of the way? Regardless, what was going on here? I was utterly shocked when I saw him transform into a human, but there was no denying it. I saw it with my own eyes . . . that orange hair and those orange eyes were unmistakable. He was Kyo no matter how unsettling and impossible that fact was.

"Putting that aside for now, explain yourself. I won't let you go until you do." I threatened and his glare intensified.

"I'm a warehouse cat, alright? I can turn into a human and a cat . . . that's all there is to it so get off already." He grumbled.

He turned his glare to the floor and I furrowed my brow. A warehouse cat? I had never heard of such a thing or seen anything like him. Uncertain of what to do with the information, I questioned him further.

"Why were you at the pound? You can turn into a human . . . why were you on the streets?" I asked. Surely he had more options than that, right?

He turned his gaze back at me. "Look, I don't have to tell you my whole life story, okay? It's none of your damn business!" He yelled and hissed again. His fingernails lengthened as he flexed his hands, my mind making a mental note of the threatening ability.

"Fine. But if you have nowhere to go then why not stay with me?" I asked and he furrowed his brow.

I was well aware that my attachment to his was odd to say the least. I had just met and adopted him today and with the recent discovery his human side, I should cut off my involvement. However, the familiar look in his eyes, the need to be saved but not wanting it. It was sickeningly relatable.

"Stay . . . with you? Why would you . . . No way, you're insane! I don't know what you're trying to pull, but it won't work." He said and tried to get out of my grip. He stopped as soon as he started, wincing.

He's in pain? I wasn't using my full strength to hold him down. I was confused until I remembered he was like this earlier in his cat form. It must have been the trip to the vet, there was no other explanation.

"I'm not trying to pull anything." I insisted. "How about we make a deal? You stay here for one month and if you absolutely hate it, then I'll let you go." I offered and he scuffed at me.

"Ha! As if! I'm outta here the first chance I get." He said and stared at me in defiance.

I found myself smirking and leaned in until there was barely any space between our faces.

"You can try, but I promise you won't make it out the front door. I'm a lot stronger than I look and I'm pretty sure I can outsmart a stupid cat. One month is the deal unless you want to stay here permanently." I said darkly and felt him flinch under me.

The best way to get through to stubborn types was by brute force, they wouldn't listen to any reasoning. I slowly leaned back and waited for his reply. He was quiet for a moment before his nails turned back to normal, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Fine." He mumbled, but I knew full well he didn't mean it. If I had learned anything in the short time of being his owner, it's that he was determined to do things his way.

I let go of his wrists and watched in awe as he transformed back into a cat. Then I picked up the limp orange fur ball and carried him back to my bedroom. He didn't look happy at all, not that I could fault him for it. I was keeping him against his will, but I could feel how thin he was in my arms. He may not have been skin, but his lack of and bones food was apparent. Any guilt I had was gone and as if on cue his little stomach growled. I put him on my bed and confidently went to the kitchen. His strength was practically gone now, he wouldn't be escaping today.

This had to be the strangest thing that has ever happened to me. A warehouse cat? Surely other knew of them, Kyo couldn't be the only one in existence. So why have I never heard of them before? Perhaps they were really good at blending in and hiding . . . Kyo being the exception seeing how he let the cat out of the bag on day one. I would be lying if I said the whole situation wasn't surreal. I opened a can of cat food and put it in a little bowl. Then I took it back to my room and placed it in front of the orange cat. I wasn't sure if he liked cat food or human food better, but I figured the form determined the food. He growled at me and turned his head away from the bowl despite his obvious hunger.

Honestly, how stubborn is he? I patiently waited in silence, pointedly staring at him. After a few minutes he gave in but made sure to add another growl for good measure.. This wasn't going to be easy, dealing with a warehouse cat, but I wouldn't let him get away. I didn't know where the want and need to keep him was coming from. It was strange and somewhat vexing. One thing was for sure though, this was going to be a long month.

A/N: Finally, I got it edited and posted! Thanks to everyone waiting and supporting me, I hope it was worth the wait!