No Longer Pets

Chapter 2 of No Longer Pets! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2

Kise kept a sharp eye on the tiger hybrid as they began to approach the thick thorns. So far he had been gentle, accepting, and very patient with his friend. However, even though they worked with the Alliance, he wasn't about to let his guard down. He knew all to well how sly and manipulative some hybrids could be so things would turn out in their favor. He knew it wasn't all hybrids, but he wasn't about to be all accepting just because two hybrids were suddenly nice and willing to help.

Even the panther hybrid beneath him, he had been accepting, but he already could tell that he wasn't as patient as the tiger. He seemed like the kind who wanted to get things done quickly and through actions, whereas the tiger planned it out and made sure everyone was comfortable with the plan. He had to admit, he had never met any hybrids like this, and he knew that Kuroko hadn't either. In fact, he knew that Kuroko had only seen the bad side of hybrids, while he's at least seen a few that wanted to help him.

"Oi, Kagami, why are you stopping?" Kise blinked and focused on the two before them. Seeing that Kagami was staring at the thick branches of thorns around him, his tail and ears twitching as he thought about something. Kise couldn't help but to tense as he shifted Kuroko so he could support him with one arm instead of both.

"Still comfortable?" Kise watched as Kuroko remained tense on the hybrid's back, but gave a small, slow nod. Kise felt his eyes widen as Kagami then reached forward with his bare, free hand and began twisting the vines with the thorns away from them. Sometimes even snapping them off completely before advancing forward.

It took him a moment to realize that he was making sure that the path was clear for them, and that the thorns weren't even touching Kuroko. And by doing so, he was willing to take the thorns with his bare hands. Sure, Kise had gotten a little help and concern from other hybrids, but nothing like this. All the others usually just gave him pitying looks, or gave helpful suggestions on running away, never actually partaking in an escape or showing how to get away. Yet, here these two were, not only helping them get further away from their previous owners, but doing so in a way that neither of them would receive any more strain on their bodies.

He had heard of many hybrids that were among the Alliance that were willing to go as far as they could go to help get humans out of abusive situations, but this...This went beyond expectations. They almost seemed like they would be ready to go to war for them, even though they had just met.

"Heh, shoulda known." He glanced down at the dark blue haired hybrid beneath him, and waited to see if Aomine would continue. He honestly wasn't surprised when he didn't have to wait long.

"That bastard always had a soft spot for humans, and always treated them as equals. I do as well, but nowhere like Kagami. That damn tiger will always be the first in line when it came for human's rights and everything." He blinked before looking back to the tiger that was carrying his best friend. Maybe, just maybe, he could truly trust these two to help Kuroko, to even heal him.

"So, just to prepare you for what to expect when we get to our apartment, there will be a good friend that's a doctor who'll check both of you over. All medical records will be given to a counselor back at HQ, they will be creating a case to try and take down both of the families that previously owned you. Now that you are within our custody, you are considered free humans. However, for your safety, HQ will be providing for you until the case is done and it is assured that neither family will approach you again. Now, an HQ counselor will eventually reach out and try to get to know everything that happened..." Kise's head shot up as Kuroko tensed and leaned his head forward on the tiger's back. His thin hands clenching into the hybrid's shoulders, causing him to look back with concern.

"Aomine. Not now. Let's get them settled and just tell them what they need to know as we go along. Nothing else." Kise stared as the tiger hybrid continued to give a soft glare over his shoulder before whispering something to Kuroko that had him relaxing a bit. Kise watched as his light blue haired friend gave a nod before shifting into a comfortable position as they continued forward. He was thankful that he wasn't about to push either of them for their history with their owners so suddenly, it had only been two weeks after all. In no way was that enough time to work through everything that had happened, especially since they had gone through years...

"Oi, Kagami. It's better to tell them everything up front to save time and hassle later." Kise felt a strong urge to slap the hybrid beneath him, wishing that he could at least try to understand that was something Kuroko couldn't handle at the moment. Hell, Kise wasn't even sure he could handle telling everything he went through. Which was basically nothing compared to Kuroko! Why was this panther demon so damn persistent on doing everything right from the get go!?

"We can't just drop everything on them at once, Aomine. You. Know. This! If they realize everything that needs to happen it will just cause them stress. It will be easier for both Kuroko and Kise to take it one step at a time."

"Yeah, but what if we're not around when another step approaches, huh? They can't be expected to trust everyone who knocks on our door."

"I've already got that part figured out. I've got some time to spare from HQ, all paid. This way at least one of us will be with them at all times. If they choose to stay with us that is."

"Damnit, Kagami! You can't hold their hand through the entire process. That's the main issue you have in this job!"

"I'm not going to be holding their hands. But a familiar face being around surely helps a lot more than being surrounded by Hybrids they know nothing about."

"They'll be around one another. Those are the only familiar faces they need."

"Aomine, you're really starting to irritate me at the moment. Don't make me call Momoi and have her drill the rules and regulations into your head. Again!"

"Tsk. Fine, but when they become so dependent on you, don't come crying to me."

Kise could only watch as the argument ended just as quickly as it started, and saw the confusion on Kuroko's face as well. They both had suspected that the two hybrids would drop them any second to fight it out with the claws and fangs they were born with. Just like they had witnessed, and even been apart of, multiple times. Never had either of them seen two hybrids just have an argument with words.

"Oi, make curry for dinner tonight." Kise gave a start and looked down to see that Aomine was dead serious, which left his mind reeling at the sudden change of topic. Only to look up as Kagami released a sigh.

"Yeah, yeah. If it gets you to shut up." Kise continued to look forward, until Kuroko peeked over his shoulder. A confused and nearly concerning look in his eyes, and Kise could only give a small shrug. He had no idea what to think of these two hybrids, they were so different from what he was used to. So the sudden hot and cold swings between the two were throwing him off as well.

"Alright, we're finally out of the woods." At Kagami's cheer, he winced as shaded woods gave way to the evening sun. Giving a small smile as Kuroko lowered his head until it was tucked into the back of the tiger's neck, no doubt the sudden light hurting his eyes as well.

"Ah, sorry. Guess I should have warned you sooner." Kise watched in fascination as the tiger lead them over to the edge of the trees, where plenty of shade still lined the ground. Enough so that it dulled the light just enough so their eyes didn't strain.

"It...It's alright." Kuroko's soft reply had Kise perking up. A smile nearly breaking his features, as he tightened his hold on the dark shirt beneath him. The mere fact that Kuroko had said anything back in the woods to the hybrids had been shocking enough, but to hear him reply to one out here was something even better.

"Do you two like curry?" The sudden question had Kise looking down as Aomine looked up, and he felt his eyes widen as sharp, deep, dark blue eyes caught his gaze.

"It...It's fine." He felt stupid for muttering the answer instead of just straight out answering, but just the fact that he had finally seen the panther's face up close was a bit unsettling. Especially since those eyes were sharp, unrelenting...A true predators gaze, and he couldn't help but finally feel a bit of intimidation from the hybrid that he had foolishly thought he could pickpocket.

A panther hybrid! A strong predator that could have easily laid waste to him. Hell, he hadn't even broken a sweat just twisting Kise around when he had attempted to throw him off balance. He recalled precisely how it felt crashing into his back...Almost like he had run right into a brick wall. Aomine had merely leaned forward with the motion, before twisting back and grabbing his arm, bending it behind his back and easily taking him down. Yet, through the entire process, he hadn't left a bruise or even allowed Kise to scrape or slam into the ground. Oh no, this hybrid had amazing power, and complete control over it. Which made him all the more intimidating.

Kuroko peeked over his shoulder to see that Kise was trying to do everything possible to distract himself from the fact that he was being carried by a true, predatory hybrid after having made eye contact. It was unsettling to say the least, they had just finally escaped from predatory hybrids they were forced to call their owners, only to be rescued by even more predatory hybrids two weeks later. It didn't help that all the predator hybrids he had ever met had been cruel, harsh, abusive, and looking only for pleasure. Rather pleasure from the taste and sight of blood or forced pleasure from human bodies.

A shiver shot through him as memories filtered through his mind, causing him to become lightheaded and nauseous at the same time. Pressing his face into the back of the tiger hybrid's neck, he inhaled slowly, his nose twitching at the slight smell of sweat and a strange, earthy musk that was actually a bit soothing. Kagami's scent reminded him of the smell of the rain forest he once visited, and he could nearly picture it within his mind...

Large trees, dense and sheltering from the harsh heat of the sun. A high climate that had sweat beading his skin along with the moisture already in the air. Thick foliage that hide even the most lethal of predators. Then, the shadow of said predator stalking through the trees, making not a sound to tell of his approach. His red fur slashed through with black markings, and his paws sinking easily into the soft soil, leaving a print. The only evidence that it was there. Watching. Waiting. Ready to pounce at any...

"Oi, Kuroko? You okay? You're starting to tense up really bad." Kuroko blinked open his eyes, and slowly released the breath he had been holding. Willing his heart to stop racing from the image that he had conjured up in his mind. Already knowing all too well that Kagami no doubt heard the thundering pace that was beating against his ribs, and possibly smelling his fear. Even if he didn't comment on it.

Regardless of the fact that they were helping them, these two hybrids were of predator species...Just like their owners had been. It was frightening to trust them, when it was that group of species that they had been trying to get away from.

"S...Sorry." His word was a croak, and he could feel Kise's gaze on his back. He knew his friend was greatly worried about him, to the point that he wasn't even worrying about himself. He needed to straighten up...Even if just a little...

"Here, wait here just one second." Kuroko blinked as Kagami suddenly shifted him off of his back and onto the cool grass within the shade. Kagami waited until Aomine was a bit closer and then dashed for the basketball court a few yards away. Where Kuroko saw two bags laying beside some benches.

"Oh yeah, we completely left our bags unattended. Lucky they're still here." Kuroko watched as Kagami grabbed the two black bags before rushing back over while rummaging around in one. Handing the other to Aomine before dropping before him and holding out two items. Kuroko winced at the sudden movement, but managed to keep his eyes on the items, and blinked as he saw that one was a wet towel, and the other was a bottle of water.

"The water is a little warm, but still cool enough to drink." Kuroko accepted the bottle and twisted the lid. Surprised to find that it hadn't been open before, and took a hesitant sip. Feeling relief wash over his parched tongue and mouth with the cool liquid. A glance up showed Aomine handing Kise one as well, who greedily accepted the water.

Kuroko tensed and felt his eyes widen as clawed hands suddenly appeared before his eyes, but managed to keep still as Kagami carefully placed the cool rag around his neck before leaning back. Red eyes calculating and watching closely so as not to frighten him.

"There. That should help you two cool down a bit. I thought that you were beginning to look a bit feverish, so hopefully this will work." Kuroko looked up into those sharp, lethal looking red eyes, and could only blink as he saw kindness, compassion, and a soul willing to help in any way that he could.

Looking at the bottle, he raised it to his lips again and took a few large gulps, feeling tears prick his eyes at the sudden strain and for the feeling of relief washing through him. This hybrid before him...actually cared. He was looking at him! Not like a possession, or a slab of fresh meat, but like an equal that deserved to be treated better. It was something new, and he honestly wasn't sure how to take it. Especially after just having thoughts about not trusting them merely because they were predator hybrids!

"Whoa, easy, easy. You'll choke or make yourself sick drinking that fast." Kuroko lowered the water and took a few deep breaths. Taking the edge of the wet rag and holding it to his lips, closing his eyes at the cool sensation it brought with it.

"Come one Kagami. We really need to get these two to Riko and Hyuga." Kuroko faintly heard Kagami agree, and then felt himself being lifted by the red haired tiger again. This time though, he wasn't hesitant on hanging onto him. In fact, he clung to his shirt like his life depended on it, and nuzzled his face into the back of his neck. Taking in the soothing scent again, and soon found his conscious sliding away as his fatigue, injuries, and worries finally caught up with him.

Kuroko slowly came to, and for a moment he was in a blissful state. For once, his mind was completely blank. There were no worries, no emotions whirling within him, no pain within his body...He truly felt blissful to feel nothing. Just staring up at the blank, whitish gray ceiling was all that made him peaceful at the moment. Yet, just like all the other times, his mind slowly began to come back. Figuring that it had wandered far enough and decided that it was time to face reality once more.

At first it was just a numbing sensation along his limbs, a prickling sensation. Such as when your arm falls asleep, so you adjust it so the blood flow become normal once more. Then his body began to feel heavy and tired, like an enormous weight was suddenly added within him. Finally his emotions began to whirl about...Tiredness was first, settling in his mind and eyes. Then fear made itself a home within his chest, making less room for his lungs to function and his heart to beat fast to make up for it. Anxiety and worry were a couple pair that planted themselves in his stomach, making it roil and clench at the unwanted feelings. Finally sadness just wrapped around him, making him remember that this was all that he was, and all that he had. This was his life, and there was nothing he could do about it.

A soft knock on the door caused him to turn his head, making him realize that he was on a bed. One that was actually comfortable, and provided just a small amount of warmth that seemed to ease all of his feelings. When the door pushed open, just enough so someone could peek their head inside, he finally recalled everything that had happened. Keeping the fear that wished to raise within his chest at bay, he kept the red gaze of the tiger hybrid as he gave a small smile and stepped into the room. Being careful as he moved so as not to upset the tray that he carried.

"Oh good, you're finally awake. Not gonna lie, you had me worried there for a moment." Kuroko could only stare as the tiger hybrid-Kagami! That was his name-sat the tray on the small table that was nestled between the bed and a desk.

"I'm not sure what all you remember, but when you're ready, my friends Riko and Hyuga are here to give you a look over. Nothing invasive, just a monitor of your heart, lungs, vitals, and to see if you have any major injuries that could be concerning. Although, I figured you might like some curry before they started." The emotions that shot across Kagami's face were strange to Kuroko, having only lived with a hybrid that showed only disinterest or arrogance. To see worry fade into relief and then transform into content wasn't something that he was familiar with.

However, his body seemed to have thoughts of its own, and gave little care to the hybrid before him as his stomach gave a loud rumble. A twitching atop Kagami's head caught his gaze, and he watched as the two, rounded red and black tiger ears twitched again before Kagami gave a smile and picked up the tray.

"Food first, I see. There is no rush, and no worries. Your friend Kise told me that you didn't really care for spicy or heavily flavored foods. So I made this as mild as possible, but still with enough flavor so it wouldn't be...Whoa!" Kuroko shot upright on the bed as his mind finally registered Kise's name. Looking around, he tried to find his blond haired best friend, and felt his anxiety begin to make a journey upward to board with fear within his chest.

"Kise?" The name was a whisper on his dry lips, and actually caused his throat to burn. However, before he could even begin to cough at the irritation within him, a glass of water was before him as Kagami met his gaze with a calming, understanding look.

"Easy. Kise's in the other spare room, he's already being looked over by our friends. He's safe. I promise." Those eyes, he couldn't find any reason to distrust this hybrid within those eyes. They were so open, forward, and kind. Accepting the glass, he gave a small hesitant nod before taking a sip. Actually wincing as the nearly too cold water slipped over his cracked lips, dry tongue, and down his irritated throat.

"I'll let Kise know that you're wanting to see him, just to assure you that he is fine. But go ahead and eat, it's best to start rebuilding your strength as soon as possible." He raised his hands slightly as Kagami slid the tray onto his lap, before giving another smile and standing. Kuroko watched as he left the room, and then looked back down at the tray before him. Feeling his face blush ever so slightly as his stomach gave another grumble before he finally picked up the spoon. Lifting the food to his mouth, he accepted the first bite, felt his eyes widen before his jaws clenched as his eyes squeezed shut in an effort to stop the tears from streaming out. The food was good.