Who Knows the Cat Better then the Rat

Chapter Two

By: Catrina

A/N: Originally the first chapter was supposed to be one shot. Well on demands from my sister and a couple others, I wrote a sequel, though if the inspiration hadn't been there I wouldn't have wasted my time. Anyway there are some assumptions that this story is based on:

That the zodiac members closest to Kyo don't know about his confinement, but the others such as Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame do.

I have never met Rin or the rooster (I don't even know his name) so they will not be in this story.

I have no idea if Akito is a man or a woman, so I'll write as the man he was in the anime…okay?

Also this is only part one of this chapter, it got to be fairly lengthy so I cut it in half.

Well thanks for clicking on the story…and enjoy!

00-00-00-00

Bliss, Yuki decided was waking up beside the person that you love every morning. This morning was no different. Slowly he woke stretching while Kyo beside him still slept. It was rare, that he would awaken first and he loved to take the opportunity to watch his lover as he floated in his dreams. His red hair had grown slightly longer, and he had not trimmed it since he discovered that Yuki had a slight fetish with his hair. Oh that had been an interesting day, Shigure had told Kyo that he had scheduled him for a hair cut. When he had seen Yuki's glare the dog had smiled and said that he had made one for Yuki as well. Yuki proceeded to act normally but when he and Kyo had a moment together he informed Kyo if he cut his hair, he would not have sex with in the next month. The threat seemed to work, though he was going to have to get it cut before graduation.

The start of their lives, Yuki couldn't help but be excited. He knew that he had been accepted to Tokyo University, but he wasn't sure about Kyo. They had filled out their applications together, and then Kyo had dropped them in the mail, while Yuki had heard back but Kyo hadn't. The boy really didn't seem worried about what college he would be going to though. He simply lived on as he did every day. Kyo had become a little more clingy, especially in the mornings. He never wanted to let Yuki go and while Yuki was resentful to leave the warmth of his lover's body, he knew that they would have to continue going to go to school so that they could graduate. They were all on schedule, but Yuki hoped that he and Kyo would live together, away from the prying eyes of the Sohma family. That they could walk hand in hand, that they could kiss anytime and anywhere they wanted. He wished that they could shout to the world that they were in love with each other. He wanted everyone to know, but knew that that was not a possibility.

He stared at the ceiling as his thoughts seemed to run away with him. Why was it that now he was looking forward to the future? Why was it that this peer had brought so much joy to his life? He never wanted to leave Kyo's side, and he knew that his lover felt the same. Kyo may not say the words, but occasionally there would be desperation in his touch, a question in his kiss, a need for reassurance in his embrace.

Kyo started to stir, and Yuki couldn't help but chuckle when Kyo pulled him closer and nuzzled his neck. Kyo's fingers clawing his waist then massaging gently to ease the sting. Yuki watched as crimson eyes opened slowly, framed by the dark lashes. For a moment his eyes seemed blank but quickly they cleared, and he smiled at the rat. Kyo had snuck into his room last night and while this had been going on for almost three months now, they had yet to get caught by anyone but Tohru, but then again, Yuki and Kyo still both had tempers that would flare at the slightest warning. And thought it would not lead to a fight as often, it would still throw others off of their trail.

"Good morning," the cat whispered, sleep still making its presence known through the deep and throaty sound of his voice. Yuki smiled.

"Good morning. I love you," Yuki ended on a whisper. He placed an elegant hand on Kyo's cheek, and the smiled spread to his eyes, when Kyo turned his face and kissed his palm. Watching Kyo sleep was amazing, but when he was waking, he was gentle and serene almost. It was then that Kyo seemed truly happy, that he was tender and cuddly. His cat was a cuddler, go figure…

"KYO! Phone call!" Shigure's voice rang up the hall reverberating through the room destroying the peace. Kyo shook his head and stood up slowly, grabbing his boxers and his t shirt, but stopped when he noticed that, yes, another t shirt had been torn by Yuki.

"You owe me 3 now. It's just as easy to take them off you know?"

"I know, but you know it turns you on when I rip your clothes off," Yuki smiled knowing the reaction that statement would get. And sure enough, the tell tale blush ran across his cheek saying basically 'Yes Yuki I love it when you want me so much that you actually rip my clothes off my body.' But of course what did he actually say…

"Whatever." It was said on a mumble as he walked across the floor. When he turned back he looked sad. "Be right back…"

Kyo left the room wondering who the hell would be calling him before school no doubt. He had barely woken up and he was very much enjoying his cuddle time. When he looked at Shigure, the dog looked serious. That was when he figured that this may be it…the call that he had been dreading. He held out his hand and the telephone receiver seemed very heavy in his hand. He lifted it to his mouth and looked at Shigure.

"Hello?" His voice was still gruff.

"Kyo…I think you know who this is."

"Yes, Akito."

"Come to the house today, we have things to discuss."

"Look, I'm busy…"

"NO! You see me today when I say. And I say four, right after school." Akito spoke smoothly and without argument. "See you then." Kyo hung up the phone and looked at Shigure.

"So…" Kyo turned on a growl and Shigure could swear that his eyes were glowing.

"Don't say anything… not to anyone… Tohru, Haru, Momiji, and not that damn rat. Got it?" Shigure nodded, he wished that he could help Kyo, but Shigure considered himself a coward with only one person. And it was that person that Kyo was against. Akito.

00-00-00-00

The rest of the morning was odd. Kyo and Yuki were fighting, and Tohru was trying to serve breakfast. She made the mistake of placing a leek on Kyo's plate but Yuki glared at him. Needless to say he was upset. After the phone call Kyo had come back, angry. Slamming doors and muttering, but when Yuki had approached him his lover had snarled at him and told him to get away. Yuki had a feeling this fight was going to last all day.

"Don't say anything. Miss Honda has been distracted lately." Kyo didn't respond but looked up with narrowed eyes, then looked down guilt written across his face. Glancing around quickly Yuki noted they were alone and placed a hand on Kyo's knee. Shocked Kyo looked up, also noting they were alone he relaxed slightly.

"What's wrong, Kyo? Who called?" Something was wrong, something had changed.

"No one…it's nothing." He grumbled pushing the food around with his chopsticks.

"Don't lie to me…" Yuki growled. Kyo looked over to the rat who was sitting beside him. He loves me. Why does he love me so much? Yuki was truly beautiful, silver hair falling gracefully around his face, grey eyes filled with concern. It will hurt him, should I just break it off…no I want just some happiness before it is all over.

Yuki watched him think, and then he saw him smile. That little smiled that no one ever saw but him. Kyo reached up and placed a hand on Yuki's cheek gently.

"Don't worry. It's all okay." Tohru walked in and smiled at the picture that they made.

"You guys are so cute!" She squealed and they both jumped surprised. When Shigure came in he wondered why they were all blushing.

00-00-00-00

He walked as slowly as possible and reached the house right on time. He looked at the huge complex all the buildings and realized for the first time how cold it seemed. How while it was full of people it was truly empty of anything that matters. He never thought that before, not before Yuki. He couldn't believe how much his views had changed with in weeks. The door opened and a short man rushed forward.

"Are you Sohma Kyo?" He nodded before being led into the complex. For the longest time he wanted to be part of this world and now all he wanted was a chance to choose his future.

It was a maze really and all too soon he found himself facing a door. He walked through with much more confidence then he actually felt. He failed to note that the door did not shut behind him…his hands were shaking so he clutched them behind his back. Then he was facing his fear…Akito.

"How is the bet going, cat?" The voice flowed and sounded surprisingly sane.

"I still have time…" Don't let him know the truth.

"Really?" A smile twisted cruel thing lips. "Still holding out Kyo." He watched as the graceful figure rose and glided over to him. Cold fingers touched his face. "You will never beat Yuki. You will become mine. Unless you beat him and give him back to me."

"I will beat him!" Lie…be angry make him believe.

"No you won't. He is so much higher then you…my beautiful Yuki."

You will never touch him, his mind screamed but he stayed silent.

"You will be here…midnight of graduation day; you will be placed in your cage and forgotten."

"We'll see." Before he knew it a fist stuck out connecting with Kyo's jaw. The strength knocked him off balance and he stumbled slightly

"You are mine. GET OUT!" The scream filled the room and passed into the hall. The person standing there jumped. Kyo rose from the floor and stalked out of the room feeling lucky that this was it. He closed the door and leaned against it. Gently he touched his face realizing that he would bruise, and that part of this would have to come clean. Yuki would not be pleased with him; sometimes he wondered why he even tried to keep it all a secret. As far as he knew most of the older Sohmas knew. And even though many people in the family looked down on him, those of the zodiac knew what would happen and kept it secret. He closed his crimson eyes trying very hard to think. To plan, he tried to do anything, but all that came to mind was darkness and what he would fall into. He opened his eyes on a sigh and it was only then that he noticed the listener.

"Keep your mouth shut, cow." But Haru simply stared looking at the cat, so many things becoming clear, and so many things began falling in line.

He walked home quickly not surprised to find Yuki there. Yuki glanced up from talking to Tohru and saw his face. A bruise was already visible on his tan skin. He watched as Kyo looked at him then headed straight up the stairs.

"Excuse me Miss Honda." He didn't wait for a response but followed up the stairs. He pushed open the door and slammed it shut. He flew across the floor and grabbed Kyo's face.

"Ow you damn rat…that hurt."

"What the hell happened? And if you say nothing I will kill you now you stupid cat." Kyo didn't think that he had actually ever seen his lover this angry. His eyes were narrowed and his cheek flushed with anger. But while he was angry, he was gentle. The hand on his face was gentle as it inspected the bruise.

Six weeks…I only have six weeks.

"Akito called…"

"This morning." Yuki assumed holding Kyo's face still so that he had to look in his eyes.

"Yeah, wanted me to come by."

"Why?"

"He wanted to know about my plans for the future."

"He didn't like them." His temper seemed to calm as he stroked the bruise.

"No."

"What did you tell him?"

"The plans, omitting you of course," I'm a horrible person I'm lying to the person I love more than anything else.

"That's it?"

"Yeah."

"Why did he hit you?"

"I don't know, don't care." Kyo shrugged his shoulders, trying to pawn this off as nothing.

"You got hit for a reason."

"He isn't exactly sane, ya know!" Kyo raised his voice slightly.

"I know what he is like, Kyo."

"Look it's just my turn to be his toy. That's all; he'll just play with my mind for awhile and try to screw me over." He turned away not looking at Yuki.

"Kyo…"

"Listen, he just doesn't want me to be happy, that's all." He said, this time stating the truth.

"He doesn't want any of us to be happy." Yuki whispered, framing Kyo's face cautious of the forming bruise.

"I'll be fine."

"Are you telling me everything?"

"I've had enough talk about Akito, can we discuss something else?" He whispered trying to avoid lying any more. He placed his hands on Yuki's waist and slipped his fingers under the shirt. "You know, Shigure has lots of plans for the next week, this may be the last time we are alone in a while"

"I know." He was caving, Yuki knew that Kyo was hiding something, but he couldn't push. He would tell him in time.

"Really?" Kyo asked knowing that he would be interrogated later but for now this distraction was what he needed. He raised his face and accepted Yuki's gentle kiss. This…this was all he needed.

00-00-00-00

Over the last week though, Yuki had been forced to watch the bruise heal from a distance. Between getting ready for graduation, exams, and student council he had rarely seen Kyo in the last week. Not to mention Shigure and Ayame kept dragging both him and Kyo around preparing for graduation. He hadn't actually slept with Kyo for the past four nights, and with all the visitors, mostly his brother, around the house, they hadn't made love in god knows how long. And even more then that he still had so many questions to ask Kyo.

Why did he go to Akito?

What happened?

What was it that drove Kyo to touch, kiss, caress, and bite every inch of his skin? Why had he felt so cherished?

…Not that he was complaining.

What made Kyo so desperate?

But that lead him here, he was in school thinking about his lack of love life while his lover was a mere two feet away. He needed to get his hands on Kyo today, even for a just a little bit. Lavender eyes glanced at the clock.

In two minutes…

One minute…

Then the bell rang.

He watched as everyone shuffled out of the classroom. "Yuki are you sure you don't mind?" Tohru asked, she was going in early tonight so that she could get home early to study for the finals

"I told you that I would assist Kyo cleaning the class rooms today. Really Miss Honda, it's not a problem." He talked softly walking her to the door.

"Okay, I'll see you tonight then, and remember Kyo…you're making dinner!"

"Yeah, yeah." He muttered in acknowledgement. He heard her leave but paid no mention to the soft clicking noise or the footsteps behind him. He did stop however when he felt Yuki's hand on his waist.

"Rat?" Kyo turned but didn't have time to catch his breath as Yuki's mouth covered his. God it felt good. So good, Kyo moaned glad that Yuki had taken initiative.

"You are sleeping in my bed tonight, no matter what." Yuki hissed as he pulled away. Kyo's sensual lips parted in a small smile

"Really?" He lifted his hands to lie on Yuki's waist. He pulled his lover close pulling their bodies together. He laid his head on Yuki's shoulder while he nibbled his neck. He raised his head following the path of his lover's graceful neck nipping his way up the slender column. He moved his hands to the small of his back, slightly pulling up his shirt and brushing his fingers along the smooth skin. "Miss me?" He asked while he traced the rim of Yuki's ear with his tongue.

"Like you don't?" He asked put proved his point when he ground their hips together, pointing out the obvious arousal on both of them. Both of them let out a moan. "God I need you." He panted before moving his hands to dig into Kyo's waist so that he could control the kiss.

"We're in school, Yuki…let's finish up here…" the rest of what he said was lost as Yuki kissed him again.

"Let's just make out here a little longer." Yuki whispered moving his lips down his neck and pulling open his school uniform.

"What are you…an exhibitionist?" Kyo asked between breaths as his lover moved down his chest. Kyo leaned against the desk he had been standing in front of, his desk, and then places his hands on the edges of the desk. Yuki slipped his fingers inside the waist band of his pants and unbuttoned them. He looked up at Kyo asking permission, when Kyo didn't stop him he smirked then grabbed the zipper in his teeth.

Kyo knew that he was never going to look at this classroom the same again.

00-00-00-00

With graduation getting closer and closer, Kyo tried to think as little as possible. He was telling himself, that he was simply living in the now. But it was insane, waiting for this that and the other and playing the part. For some reason Ayame was designing clothes for them to wear, just yesterday he spent two hours at a fitting, granted, Ayame was listening to him and he had to admit the man was making him some beautiful clothes to wear for his graduation. But still with all his time running out all he wanted to do was spend it with Yuki.

He already knew that he could never fight Yuki and turn him back over to Akito, but while his mind whirled, he knew that the rest of the Sohma family would suffer if he were to just run away. Not that he was sacrificing himself for anyone; he was just keeping Akito from the person he loved. He didn't know for sure when he decided to not tell Yuki, it would break his heart, and he was scared about what Yuki might actually do. Would he go to Akito on his own? Would he not care?

Kyo shook his head flinging those thoughts from his mind. He knew that was not the case, Kyo had actually never felt as loved as he did now, and, wow, did Yuki tell him every day. He wished that he could say them more, but no matter how many times he said it, it always seemed like it was hard to say. So he did what he could, and in their moments alone he knew that it was shown. Yuki never questioned and never asked. Quietly he looked over his shoulder and noticed the rat quietly taking notes. The exams would be next week and after that…after that, graduation. Yuki looked up and caught him looking. He looked around seeing that no one noticed and smiled. Kyo smiled in turn then turned to face the front. Looking down at his desk he remembered what they had done in this room earlier in the week. It seemed like they could no longer get anytime to themselves at home, so they ended up 'accidentally' bumping into each other in quiet spots, like the bathroom, locker room, or the janitor's closet. Speaking of they had study period next and Yuki always went to the library…or so all the teachers thought, but they would never question 'Prince Yuki.' The teacher dismissed those to study for exams, Yuki raised an eyebrow and Kyo nodded and the deal was set.

Yuki snuck into the closet noting that there was more room then normal…the mop and bucket were missing, how odd. In the middle of the day too, the door opened and he hid his presence for a moment in case it wasn't the cat sneaking in, but really who else would it be?

"This always brings me back to your little jealous rampage." Kyo smirked as he closed the door and locked it noticing that it was a little more open. The only thing that ever worried him about the closet was that it opened back wards, so that if someone were to open the door, they couldn't block it, they would have to grab the handle and hold off the assailant.

"We need a new make-out spot." Yuki muttered a little upset that Kyo brought that up, again.

"But such fond memories," Kyo protested as the rat moved forward.

"Yeah, for you…"

"You enjoyed yourself…it was the first time at school. Then I discovered that you are an exhibitionist."

"Not true…we just never get any time to ourselves," Kyo decided that Yuki was adorable when he pouted. He leaned forward and nibbled on the pouting lower lip. "We haven't been able to sleep together or do anything for over a week."

"You're telling me? If only Ayame wasn't around all the time" Kyo stated waiting for Yuki to stop complaining so that he could kiss him in peace. Their plans to even sleep together earlier this week had crashed down when they walked home to find the snake there.

"Then why aren't you touching me?" The rat growled changing demeanor.

"Cause you wouldn't shut up… didn't want to distract you, ya know?" He placed a hand around the tie that Yuki wore and used it to pull Yuki to him, and then slipped fingers behind the knot, making it come apart. Then he started on the buttons all the while careful not to touch skin. Each button came loose but still no touch to the skin.

"Stop teasing." Kyo leaned so that his lips were close to Yuki's neck, the hot breath giving his shivers.

"But it's so much fun."

"God damn it, cat! Wait till it's your turn" Yuki muttered giving up on Kyo. Instead he placed his hands in the red locks and pulled the cat up from adoring his neck, and slammed his lips to his own. Quickly he snuck his hands up Kyo's shirt and clawed into his back, before massaging the sting away. The feel of Kyo's skin was amazing, so smooth and soft. Some how he worked the shirt off his shoulders, but paused for a moment when he heard a sound, ignoring it he pulled his lips free and moved down his shoulder and to nibble down Kyo's chest. At the same time he felt his own skin bared to the warm air of the closet. Kyo's hands were on his back massaging the skin, while moaning when Yuki bit the stiff nipple, bringing his fingers to twist the other gently. They both ignored the sound of the door as it jingled assuming that students had hit it walking by. Yuki raised his head trailing kisses back to Kyo's neck.

It was then the door was pulled open and light flooded the small room.

00-00-00-00

Haru glared at the teacher, but when she respectfully asked that he go put away the mop bucket, he nodded. He was the cause of the mess to begin with, so it was only fair. He pushed the mop bucket down the hall and paused at the closet. He pulled on the door and in seemed to be stuck. Sharp blue eyes glared at the door, and pulled harder. To his surprise when the door pulled open he found that it was being used for an all together different reason. But he recognized the head of hair…

"Kyo?" Sharp crimson eyes turned and glared at him, and for a moment Haru truly feared him. He watched as Kyo clutched the person close to him, hiding him from Haru's view. "What the hell?" Haru would never say that his cousin looked oddly exotic with his tan skin showing where his shirt was pulled off his shoulder. He could see a small love bite on his neck, and his eyes were dark, very dark. It was then that he noticed the arms around Kyo… that wasn't a girl's uniform…

It was a boys'.

Kyo was necking in the closet with a boy.

"Kyo," He whispered almost seductively, "If I knew that you swung that way…"

"Shut up you stupid cow," Kyo growled looking down at Yuki seeing that he was indeed hidden from view, he pulled him a little closer hoping to hide him from Haru.. Their eyes met for a moment and he noticed that Yuki was smiling. He started to relax a little. "Can you…uh…"

"Do I know this guy?" Haru asked his eyes adjusting to the light and seeing that there was a pair of legs shifting in front of Kyo. "Who in the world would lead you from your sweet little Tohru? Or did Yuki win her affections."

"Haru…" Kyo warned. It was then that Haru walked into the closet, but left the door open. "Can we have a god damned minute?"

"No I want to know who would…" It was as he approached the pair that he realized he could see a head of hair. It was almost as recognizable as Kyo's. "Yuki?" He whispered taking a step back. It was then that Kyo dropped his arms and his head. Yuki took a step to the side and Haru stared at him. His lips were swollen, bruised, like Kyo he had a love bite but his was on his collar bone, his tie was on the floor and his shirt was completely open. "Oh god…"

"Haru," Yuki paused extending his hand to his cousin as Kyo started to straighten his clothing.

"Him, you chose him?

"Haru, it's…"

"Why, I was right here, I've always let it know I like you…" The younger boy was visibly upset. He looked to Kyo and his eyes opened wide. "Kyo, how could you…with what's going on…with Akito," He got no farther then the name before Kyo hit him.

"Don't say a word," he growled so softly that Yuki didn't hear him. He looked back over his shoulder and looked at Yuki, his gaze and posture softening. "I'll let you handle this one; I think I would just make this worse." He stood back up and looked over to Yuki. The rat walked forward placing a small kiss on Kyo's lips before letting him go. Since Haru was already on the floor Yuki sat beside him and waited as Kyo finished straightening his clothes and closed the door, leaving the other two alone in the closet.

"I don't expect you to understand." Yuki started softly slowly buttoning his shirt, and started to tie his tie.

"I…I just," Haru stopped unsure of where to go, he didn't understand…he had been there the whole time.

"I'm sorry, but I can't stop loving him."

"How long have you two been…together?"

"A while."

"Why?"

"Because I love him, and he loves me. It may not seem that way but Kyo's like that." Haru glanced at him, saw the rat smiled, saw his skin glow, his eyes they were different and he simply came to a realization.

He couldn't compare to that.

"What about the future?" Do you know?

"I hope that we can go to Tokyo U together, but we haven't received a letter for Kyo yet."

"And you're happy?"

"Yes."

"Then that's that." With you anyway, but the cow glared at the door knowing that he had someone else to talk to. He knew that Kyo would walk home after school, and it didn't take long to catch up, knowing that Yuki would not be with him.

"Kyo!" He grabbed his cousin's arm.

"Yeah, yeah, just spit it out."

"You haven't told him, why not?"

"It will break his heart." He said it softly and with a slight shrug of his shoulders. As if it where nothing.

"You have two weeks until graduation…what are you going to do?"

"You heard the bet Haru." He stopped and looked at him, "I was supposed to beat Yuki and turn him back over to Akito. I knew from the moment I actually hit him that I would never win. It hurt me more then it hurt him. I couldn't do it, by then I knew what was going to happen. But I didn't expect this; I didn't expect to love him."

"But what are you going to do?"

"Nothing, I have to protect Yuki, I can't let Akito ever touch him again. So I will take the little happiness he has given to me and live the rest of my life in a cage trusting that the other people who love Yuki will take care of him. The people like you, Haru." For a moment the cow thought that he was going to cry. The tightness in his chest almost stole his breath as he watched the cat walk away.

How was he being so strong?

00-00-00-00

It was a day of joy, a day of smiles and a day of happiness, but someone was sad, someone went through the motions of happiness, and walked through the parties but nothing could stop time and his was gone.

It was graduation day.

00-00-00-00

Okay so here ends Chapter Two Part One. Anyway, let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading

Cat