JUNJOU ROMANTICA

IV

FOUNDATION OF LOVE: HONESTY

Slices of tomatoes, onions, meat and potatoes fried in the pan, sizzling softly in a Monday morning while Misaki served small portions of rice in two plates. Looking at the clock in the wall he furrowed his brows, his tail moving softly between his legs, he still had time. Turning off the stove he took the pan and served 2 portion of vegetables and meat in every plate, leaving a small amount for his master to heat up later on, in a glass bento box.

- Slam!. Flinching for a second Misaki lifted his eyes to the second floor where he's beloved master appeared, manuscript in hand and dark circles under his eyes, another all nighter weighting on his handsome features. "Usagi-san you finished? breakfast is going to be ready soon"

Without responding, Usami placed the manuscript in the living room table and went straight to the kitchen, and behind the working kitten. Misaki, focused on his chores didn't notice the movement, or the intent stare of the author, like a carnivore stalking it's prey. So he gasped in surprise, when strong arms pulled his body against a hard chest with a deaf thump, "Misaki" called Usami and Misaki closed his eyes, staying still, frozen for a second, but when the second was over he started wriggling, fighting the gentle embrace "Usagi-san please, I have to finish the lunch... University"

"It's okay, I can drive you there, it's only 8 minutes in my sports car" responded Usami cutting Misaki's argument with a kiss to his neck. Misaki felt his body melt into his master's ministrations, his knees buckling, but instead of letting his master have his way he doubled his pushing and wriggling, "Please don't use people's body like a toy!" Suddenly Usami's hand opened and Misaki moved away taking the plates to the table quickly, before Usami changed his mind. "please sat down already"

"Hmph!" fumed Usami like a child being denied his favorite toy, sitting in front of Misaki. "I don't know why you have to bother so much with Uni, when being here for me is enough"

"Of course not!" responded Misaki feeling insulted "It is Nii-chan's dream, for me to continue my pet's education..." but stopped when a flash of doubt and pain passed through Usami's eyes, was Nii-chan's mention so painful? Misaki wondered "I'm sorry Usagi-san I just don't want to become a bother..."

"You're in no way a bother" instantly responded Usami, looking straight to Misaki's eyes, making him blush, his tail lifting up and vibrating slightly "... Usagi-san..." he was about to speak when Usami continued on, rather, matter of factually "Of course, it would do you no harm to stop sleeping in your pet bed and accept my bed for..."

"Like hell I would!" Misaki grumbled back, his tail lowering instantly and fluffing "But I love touching your **** and making you cry and moan when I *** you **** and..."

"STOP SAYING THAT!" growled and screamed Misaki launching to block Usami's mouth with his hands, but retreating instantly, aware again of his position as a pet. Why? Why can I keep my mind rational with him? This never happened with Nii-chan. Noticing the kitten's distraught Usami sighed sadly "do you hate it that much when I touch you?"

"Of course I do!" responded Misaki without thinking and regretted it the moment the words were out of his lips, "I... I mean..." troubled, he lowered his gaze, "If this continues on... he'll take me back to Nii-chan, he..." Misaki's brows knitted together, staring at his clock he noticed the numbers, a set of time that called something to his memory. "Oh, look at the hour, it's getting late..." he laughed awkwardly, moving his chair away and standing up. "Usagi-san I have to go... there's food in the fridge I'll... I'll be back at 5" he said walking towards the entrance hall, the author said nothing in return and Misaki couldn't bring himself to turn and see his expression. "Aikawa-san said she have to come, so please be awake to open the door for her" Misaki took his backpack with one hand and moved towards the door. It was when he heard, the author's low voice, a sad tune in it, that he turned and saw him, staring at his plate, nonchalantly taking a bite of his meal, "No need to, she has her own duplicate key"

"Oh, ah! Really? That's... great" Misaki felt a pang of pain. He knew, since he was a kitten, that he was slower than most to catch on second meanings, lies and other things like that. Most people treated that as pure "innocence" but Misaki mostly felt it as stupidity and immaturity, and wished for his body and mind to finally finish growing. It was a natural situation for his breed, which seemed to remain in kitten-hood till 25 or 30, he had even heard of a 35 rag-doll mating. So why was he so quick, so easy and capable of seeing, noticing, certain things which happened in the Author's life?. Cause, for Pets, it had no meaning to have the key for an apartment, they were service staff and had to be able to come and go without bothering the masters of the house. But, on the other hand, for a human to have a duplicate it was an invitation to a person's private life, something so intimate it was meant for lovers or the closest family, and he knew not only because of his older brother's words but by Usami's own words and reactions, that the Author HATED having people intruding in his life. Why? Why is she different? Is she special? What makes her so special? "Oh, so you give all your editors a duplicate key?" Misaki asked, half jokingly trying to ease his troubled heart, his knuckles white, holding tight the doorknob, his shoulders tense, not looking at Usami, who continued to poke his food around "Of course not, it's only her"

Only her... repeated Misaki in his mind and a troubled laugh was heard again, "Oh... I see..." This can't be worst thought Misaki biting his lower lip, his ears flattening, tears threatening to fall. Why was he feeling so down?. "Misaki, are you alright?" Lifting his eyes Misaki met a pair of gentle lavender eyes, brows knitted in a worried expression, the author's body turned and tense, as if ready to run and catch the kitten, if he were to fall at that very moment.

"Oh yes! I'm fine" responded Misaki quickly smiling instinctively, closing his eyes to draw the tears away, I can't make him worry, what kind of pet would I be if I were to preoccupied my master with unnecessary feelings... He swung his bag up his shoulder and moved it back with a circular motion of it, "see you later Usagi-san"

"Be careful" Usami responded before the door was closed, but Misaki dare not turn and see his master's face. Whether Nii-chan is married or not, there's always going to be someone in Usagi-san's life. Someone as handsome and intelligent as Usagi-san would never see Me as something more than a pet. But then, why is he always touching me? Misaki traveled quickly down the streets, towards M University, to his special cat-class. Passing down stores and markets he saw his reflection, his ears had went flat against his chocolate locks and had not lifted from the moment he closed the apartment's door, his tail listless also hang down between his legs in a defeated sign. He was in love with my Nii-chan, there's no way his feelings has diminished, a few days are just not enough to break the feeling of a long time love... so why? Why?... what am I to him? His beloveds pet? His beloved's substitute?

A substitute, the name hang in the air while he climbed the university's stairs. Looking at it, the pet's entrance door was not as big as the human's one, but they were still in winter, and having their entrance on the back, the main building created a protective shield against the wind and they also faced the sun, giving them a warm place to stay. Pets where always more affected by the weather, specially Misaki who was a pure breed, with royal soft chocolate main and back fur that ended where his thin long tail started, his body never reached the necessary warmth, even with one pair of jackets and two sweat pants. Not at all like his big brother, why would Usami use him? … as a substitute

"Misaki!" a cheerful voice called and pulled him out of his troubled thoughts. "Ah! Sumi-senpai, you have classes so early in the morning?" asked in calling Misaki, smiling, he didn't want to trouble his friend. "Yes, I took another class so I could see you more" responded Sumi smiling back, he was a very tall, handsome Inu pet, his owner who had like Takahiro bought him when young to be their family's child decided it was time for him to prepare in college and sent him to study. Sumi was a very bright student and since the beginning, offered his friendship to Misaki.

Hearing the response Misaki beamed, truthfully happy he followed his friend to their classroom and sat beside him "that's so great! I was really scare to face this new professor alone, I heard human students call him Kamijou the devil!" explained Misaki his tail waiving in small nervous swifts.

"Oh, don't worry, if anything happens I'll protect you" Sumi said petting Misaki on his head, in tears Misaki took Sumi's hand "Sumi-senpai! Thank you!"

Every college day was a trial for Misaki, using his whole energy to focus on the lessons instead of the butterfly flying over the trees outside, the nervous tick of a neighbor's tail or tomorrows lunch menu. He knew he was no good in studying but wanting to make his Nii-chan proud he did his best, and of course he had his new master's tutelage, the writer as irresponsible as he was had graduated from laws and was in deed a very good tutor. But today proved to be the hardest for Misaki, for everything turned Misaki's thoughts in Usami's direction, why can't I just stop thinking about him?!. It was ridiculous to him how just the mention of a book, eggs, a song, or something completely random could make Misaki's mind wander back to Usami's soft lavender eyes. Why was the author so anchored in to his heart?

When classes finished he couldn't help the happiness of seeing his master again be clouded by the idea of seeing him beside Aikawa-san. The young editor was a well mannered, soft spoken women with the needed strength and perseverance to pull out the manuscripts from Usami's undisciplined, irresponsible, ill-mannered, perverted mind. Misaki knew she was a very good person and even thought he was nothing more than a pet, she would always bring him sweets and presents to lighten up his days, she was always so considerate he could not understand why his heart ached, filled with bitter sadness and an acid feeling he could not name, for he had never experienced it before.

"I'm home" Misaki mewled entering the room and closing the door, leaving his bag on the entrance hall he was stopped short, startled by a very good looking version of Usami in a black suit, the woolen coat framed his toned body marking his broad shoulders, his long arms and legs, while the silvery gray tie around a white shirt collar, thought beautiful, did nothing but help his eyes stand out more. "Usagi-san you're going out?"

"Yes, there's a producer I have a meeting with" Usami responded in a bored tone while adjusting his cuffs buttons, "It's a very important meeting for a new serialization" Aikawa explained appearing from the second floor with a manuscript on her hands, giving a nasty glare to the author, then turning to Misaki she smiled "Mi-chan how are you doing? Want some cat-sweets?" Misaki in response smiled and nodded, taking the small box that was quickly presented to him, the sweets smell, coming from the sealed box was so enticing Misaki inhaled it deep and sighed, a good chocolate brand was the only answer to such rich fragrance. "Thank you Aikawa-san"

"Don't mention it" beamed the editor smiling brightly, then, turning again to the author she scowled "Sensei! You're necktie is crooked!" walking towards Usami she naturally took the gray fabric in her hands to adjusted it "Now you look as handsome." Watching the scene unfold Misaki felt again the pang of pain deep inside him, confused, a buzzing sound in his ears deafened what was told between the two humans. Staring at her hands, touching Usami's chest, he felt anger flutter with a bile taste in his mouth, biting the inside of it he stopped harsh words before they were spoken. "No, don't touch him, stop touching him! Don't let her touch you! The only one that can touch you is..."

Usami sighed, the least he wanted to do today was to spend his evening with a boring set of people, but turning to see his kitten he frowned, said kitten's ears were pinned, his tail tensing and fluffing low between his short legs, in what Usami understood, was a warning signal. "Misaki are you alright?" Misaki without changing his stare mumbled a "Yes" what could be bothering his cute pet so much?, he took one step closer but a hand stopped him, "Let's go Sensei, the taxi is already here and this person is very annoying about punctuality. "I'll be going then" he said and Misaki's ears barely twitched registering he had heard his voice.

When the door was closed again Misaki tightened his grip on the box and trembled, letting his body be consumed by the tormenting sensations, for the first time in his cat life a low anxious purr rumbled from the pit of his stomach to his throat and then subsided as suddenly as it had come replaced by the feeling of pure sadness and a mewled whine. "I think what I hated the most is that at that time I thought they looked good together, he is a human, it's obvious he's going to be with a human. I'm only a pet... a pet in love with it's master..."

"...Iaaahh! what's with this maiden mode?!" freaked and growled Misaki registering the words he had thought, looking at the box still in his paw Misaki growled louder "FINE! I'll eat my frustration away!" and dived in to the box's contents. The moment his fangs pierced the chocolate coat a minty and herbal flavor saturated his taste buds, forcing his eyes close and his limps to relax. It felt so wonderfully light and sweet, Misaki wanted it to last longer so to make it happen he instantly took two more chocolate bonbons. And when the bonbons hit his fangs the essence intensified, just as his body weight disappeared making him feel lightheaded and dizzy. In seconds the filled box was reduced to non-existent, only dark crumbled paper around it. Focusing on the empty box Misaki pouted, why was it empty? He couldn't understand nor remember why, looking at his surroundings Misaki stood up and tried to walk, stumbling at every furniture he found in his way, falling quickly face first at the 3 body sofa.

"Mmm..." moaned in pain the poor kitten, his face had being saved by the soft couch but his tail still around his leg had being crushed and bent. Not wanting to cry for something so stupid Misaki only sniffed, but then before he could struggle to stand up again his nostrils detected a familiar strong perfume, spicy, with the menthol flavor of cigarettes and a soft trace of shampoo. "Usagi-san" Misaki mumbled rubbing his nose against the fabric, the movement he quickly noticed seemed to intensify the smell, so he repeated it, alternating with his cheeks to mix his master essence with his own spice, the results made his tail twitch and stand up, vibrating strongly, his paws starting to push and pull, kneading on the shirt's threads, a loud purr resounded within him.

It was late in the night when his name, called in a low, baritone voice woke him from his dreams.

"Misaki... Misaki!"

"Mmm... Usagi-san?" responded Misaki, sitting down and rubbing the sleep from his eyes with his clenched paw, but when his master did not response he lifted his eyes to see him. His master, with his arms crossed over his chest looked at him intently, but rather than looking at his eyes he was looking intensely to something on the kitten's lap, so Misaki's stare changed, following his master line of vision to his lap and the white shirt that rested on it, one part clenched between his claws. "Ah.. Ah! Don't don't misunderstand this is... this was... I... the bonbon's" stuttered Misaki trying to explain something he himself could not start comprehending, why had he fallen asleep hugging so tightly Usami's garment? "I was so sleepy and this... it was so cold and my fur... I..."

"Enough" cut Usami Misaki's incoherent mumble, and bending he took the kitten in his arms and easily carried him on to his back to the second floor, Misaki trashed and punched Usami's back "Put me down Usagi-san! Put me down!" but Usami continued on as if nothing happened, opening his bedroom's door and throwing him on to the bed to instantly top him, straddling him with his long legs. "I thought I should wait but I can't anymore, clenching my shirt while sleeping, I can't think of nothing else but that you're trying to provoke me" Usami explained taking Misaki's hands up to pin him up and stop him from moving. Misaki feeling trapped struggled even stronger, his whole fur standing on end, his ears pinned flat "Stop, don't ever touch me, I'm not Nii-chan's replacement!" Misaki felt his voice quiver and break, tears forming in his eyes "Specially when you already have Aikawa-san!..."

"What?" confused Usami stared at Misaki, trying to decipher his kitten's words, Misaki hurt and irritated closed his eyes letting his feelings pour out, embarrassed as he had no more pride to protect himself. "Don't joke with me! I can't understand anything anymore, all BECAUSE OF YOU!..." cried Misaki hot tears threatening to fall "Even thought I love Nii-chan so much... you... because you loved him I hoped his marriage would let you heal but now... I don't know what's wrong with me, even thought I'm only a pet, even thought my work is to look up to your happiness, I can't help feeling angry and this... this aching loneliness mixed with such an acid sensation whenever you're with Aikawa-san, and she's such a nice person and yet... and yet I..." Misaki cried hiding his teary face under Usami's shirt "I'm turning into a violent pet... I don't know what to do anymore... why you?! ...you Stupid!"

Releasing a sigh he didn't knew he was holding, Usami sat down at the edge of the bed "That's because you're in love with me"

"Eh?" Misaki responded, his voice breaking off with a cry, confused by Usami's clear and calm response. Sighing again Usami looked at Misaki's form under his white shirt "... I just left you for a little time and there you go thinking stupid things, how could I ever have anything with Aikawa?" asked Usami and Misaki instantly doubted his thoughts, "But..."

"And what is that that you're saying of being Takahiro's substitute? First of all you're nothing like him" Usami said and Misaki felt his heart ache, then why? "and that is one of the things I love the most about you" Usami continued as if reading Misaki's thoughts "Every time I'm by your side I get angry for not being able to control myself and without realizing I'm thinking about you all day long and that makes me even angrier."

Just like me? Feeling again his head dizzy and his heart pounding Misaki stilled and tensed under the shirt, "I love you," sensing Usami moving, bending closer to him, a hand pulling the shirt, he couldn't help clenching the fabric tighter, but said hand placed on top of his hand softened the grip and managed to withdraw the shirt completely. "Give up already, I told you, time's up"

"How many times is this men going to break my heart?," Misaki felt his body tremble and warm instantly up, feeling Usami's arms surrounding him, holding him close. Gasping in response when Usami's hot mouth found his skin, the caresses slow and sensual, claiming every part of him until Misaki's body burned with desire, the rapid beating of his heart seeming to revive the flavor of chocolate and herbs in his mouth, as if Usami's passionate kisses had triggered them back. "What's wrong?" asked Usami into Misaki's ear, hot air making it twitch, "Usagi-san's hands are cold" Misaki gasped, yet his whole body felt hot, his blood boiling inside.

"Then warm them up with your heat" purred Usami, taking his clothes off one by one and pressing his body against Misaki's back. In response Misaki moaned and arched his back, to Usami's delight, in the receptive pose, his tail moving up and to one side, showing his desire. Moving his hands lower Usami took Misaki's manhood, pressing and rubbing it until honey poured out, laced with cries and moans from Misaki's mouth. "I love you Misaki" called Usami and Misaki felt his heart ache with a new feeling, stronger than any other he had felt before, the sensation swaying his logic. "Usagi-san... Usagi-san" mewled Misaki thrusting his hips in need and Usami responded moving his fingers lower and up to caress Misaki's entrance, continuing on with his preparations until Misaki could not hold it any longer, and convulsing came in Usami's hand, crying his name.

Seeing that, Usami smiled and turned the kitten to embrace him, peppering him with kisses and bites all over his neck and chest, earning more cries from Misaki's swollen lips "No please... please..." no longer knowing what he was doing Misaki opened to Usami and he positioned himself. "I love you" Usami's voice like a incantation pierced Misaki's ears.

"Uhhggh..." Feeling Usami in his entrance Misaki moved his hips up to meet him, their rhythm starting with need and passion. "Misaki" called Usami gasping and Misaki responded moving his arms around Usami's neck to hold him closer. "Usagi-san..." The rhythm, becoming harder and faster made both, man and neko approach their release, and when it came Usami bent instinctively to brand Misaki with a mate mark, a bite strong enough to draw blood and push Misaki over the edge.

Barely able to breath Misaki searched for Usami's eyes in the darkness of his room "why even thought he says he feels the same as I do..." and whispered his name "What?" responded Usami never breaking their embrace "I might love you" Misaki responded and Usami chuckled, the happiness rumbling in his chest "...how can he still be able to see through me?

"Of course you do" Usami responded smirking, delighted.

"It irritates me..."

-0-

Author's note: I don't fully remember the first version I did of this chapter but one thing that was important to change from the get go came actually from the manga and anime. Unfortunately the author loves to play with "non consent" that is basically rape in many of her mangas and her characters. Since Usami has more experience and his older as well he seems to push and force his intentions on to Misaki. As the readers we know he is indeed falling in love but he doesn't consent most of the time to the sexual intercourse, he's actually actively refusing to follow through. It is presented as "sexual" or "sensual" but it's more "rapy" than anything and I have always felt uncomfortable with that. So in my fanfic I wanted to give more power to Misaki's character, to voice out consent as much as I could and I will also include some discussion about consent in the future and Usami's weird point of view about it and love. I believe because of the non consensual relationships he has had Usami doesn't know how to express his feelings, so I would like to try and go a little into that to grow him as a character and to strengthen their relationship. I hope that is to your liking and that you love more this consenting relationship than the kind of abusive and weird the author portrayed. Sorry if I'm ranting a tad.