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Nesting Habits	By : trystkinkou Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 12185 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: :I do not hold any rights to anything in the Yugioh world. That all remains with it’s creator. No monies, etc were recieved.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Nesting Habits
Author: Kinkou
Betas: MaggieMay and Jazzy: Thank you for all your ideas and stealable plots.
Rating: M
Genre: AU Romance/Humor
Pairing: Jou/Seto, Yugi/Yami, Malik/Marik, Ryou/Bakura
Disclaimer: I do not hold any rights to anything in the Yugioh world. That all remains with its creator. And no moneys have exchanged hands.
Summary: This is the story how Jou finds an injured Black Dragon Duel Pet one night and raises it regardless of petnappers, lovesick dragonesses, or sadistic CEOs.
Chapter {4/?}
AN: Sorry I have not updated lately, but I’ve had a lot of issues come up and I wanted to give you a gift of a longer chapter with hopefully more fun-goodiness. AND maybe a posting of a new story-arc to better explain some of my world called Nesting Habits:Fledgling Flights within a few more days.
CHAPTER 4
Seto lay on the floor blinking at the ceiling in thought for a few minutes after Jou left.   They really needed to repaint here. Shaking his head, Seto sighed. It seemed this day would be longer than he originally feared and with no few surprises. Sighing again, he sat up. His choices were pretty clear. One: he could go to class and forget the answers to his questions. OR two: he could follow his Puppy and get his answers . Okay, there was really only one true choice. Standing, he rushed after the blond as fast as his limp allowed.
No one was present in the Headmaster’s outer office when he finally arrived. Apparently, the secretary ran off somewhere. Taking residence in one of the chairs, Seto opened his briefcase to remove his laptop. With it perched on his lap, he pulled up the program for the bugs in the inner office. Now he was doubly glad he’d had the foresight to install them. Earbuds in, he sat back and listened.
***
Jou positively bounced all the way to the Headmaster’s office; Kigai happily snuggled in his arms. His little one was talking! Some Pets could talk , he knew, but never had he heard of a dragon talking. This just proved his little Kigai was special. Then again, he already knew that. Thinking back, Jou could not remember if the teacher had said WHY the Headmaster wanted him, only that he was to go to the office.
In fact, he’d not known about the Pets getting out of the Center until he saw Anzu’s Shining Friendship float down the hall. That pink ball always got the bile rolling in Jou’s throat. It looked so sickenly sweet, but he knew it was cruel. He’d seen some of its interactions with other Pets before; he’d never wish that thing on his worst enemy. Then again… naw. When he realized it was loose, his fear spiked. If it was out then so was Kigai! Scared beyond reason, he started flying through the halls, searching everywhere.
Jou’s luck managed to catch up to him , thankfully, when he crashed headlong into someone. His head didn’t catch up yet, though. His relief flooded every inch of his soul. Cuddling his little one close, Jou finally breathed easily.
Jou’s strides took him into the outer office to confront the secretary. Her grin froze his blood. Only Anzu could get a worse reaction from him. “You can head on in. The Headmaster is waiting for you.” Shuddering, Jou nodded before he rushed inside.
The secretary followed. Her grin changed to a disappointed frown a second later. “Racine, please take those documents to the notary and public buildings. Also, pick up lunches for us.” Taking the documents, she huffed out the door. The Headmaster waited only a few moments more before turning back to Jou. “We’ll wait for Jenni to join us. She has some important information to share.” For some reason, his eyes refused to meet Jou’s. This was strange on several levels.
Shrugging, Jou sat Kigai down and allowed him to run around the room. Every so often, the little dragon would find something interesting and point it out to Jou with piercing squeals. Jou’s smile stretched further with each squeal. Being patient, he would tell Kigai what the other was pointing at before he went on to the next item. Since Kigai could talk now, he had to learn the words. Jou didn’t even take the time to look around himself; this place remained imprinted on his memories. More time was spent here than in his father’s apartment, thankfully.
Several minutes passed before the woman from the Petcare Center walked in, apologizing for the delay. Waving her off, the Headmaster began as she took a seat. “Mr. Jonouchi, I’m sure you are wondering why I called you in here.” Jou nodded absently as he watched Kigai. “There was an issue earlier in the Petcare Center.”
“Ya, I noticed summa da Pets were loose.”
Coughing, the Headmaster continued. “Yes, well, the problem is that Lucky caused quite a disturbance with a tantrum and damaged part of the Center. Mainly the doorway and hall outside was damaged to be precise.”
Blinking, Jou was in shock. “How’d he do dat? He’s such a lil guy?”
Jenni took the next part of the story. “Lucky was crying at the gate. Unfortunately, I do not know why. I turned my back for a minute to keep a fight between two other Pets from breaking out when I felt a huge heat blast. Hearing a boom , I turned to see the door, gate , and hallway a smoking mess. Debris everywhere and Pets racing out.”
“So,” Jou tried to wrap his head around this. “You think my dragon did it?” He never noticed his accent disappearing.
“He was the only one in the area that could have.” The woman shrugged. “Why didn’t you tell me, earlier that he could use his breath weapon.”
“He can’t as far as I know.” Jou still couldn’t believe his ears. “His eyes only opened a few days ago….” His voice faded at the end. Just what was going on today?
Narrowing his eyes, the Headmaster glared. “I find that hard to believe. A new hatchling does not have the knowledge or power levels to pull off such a stunt. It’s time you stop lying to us, Mr. Jonouchi. You’ve been barely holding a suitable grade to remain here and along with your less than stellar attitude and penchant for trouble, you are skating on thin enough ice, young man. I will not stand for any more disrespect and deceit from you.” Standing, the Headmaster stormed around his desk. “You are leaving me no choice but to ex….”
Bounding up to his Momma, Kigai held out a little ball he’d found under the desk.   When Jou ignored him to snarl at the Headmaster, Kigai got his attention. “Momma...Momma...Momma!”
Taking his attention from the scum of a Headmaster, Jou smiled at his little one. “That’s a really nice ball, Kigai. Why don’t you go over into the corner and play a bit, okay?” After the little dragon nodded vigorously and went to play, Jou turned back to the others’ startled faces. The Headmaster’s voice lost in his surprise, giving Jou his chance to speak.
Not even bothering to hold back his growl, Jou confronted the two. “I do NOT appreciate being called a liar! I have done many things, but I refuse to lie! Kigai IS only a few days old . Ryou can back this up since he was the one that helped me care for Kigai when I first found him. His eyes only opened on Saturday, for goodness sakes!” Jou remembered to censor his language with the little one present, but his tone and voice escalated with each statement. “And the rest is a JOKE! Barely holding suitable grade! Yeah because the teachers you employ REFUSE to actually look at my work; they just throw it in the trash half the time and the rest they mark as simply failed. It’s to the point, I’ve started comparing my papers to friends when they’re returned to catch the errors. Then my FRIENDS not me take the mismarked papers back to the teachers to be corrected. Do you know why?” Seto didn’t need his bugs to hear Jou now; he was actually surprised the hall didn’t hear the blonde’s rants. “Because, IF I brought it up, the teachers would only sneer down at me and inform me they could not make such mistakes and I am too stupid to notice. As for the disrespect, respect has to be earned and by their own actions and words have failed to do so.”
Finally catching a breath, a small sound caught Jou’s attention. Jenni, the Petcare Center worker, rolled her eyes at his dramatics. Rounding on her, Jou included her in his rage. “And YOU! YOU were supposed to be the professional here. I and every student here entrusted you to take care of our Pets, but you can’t even do that!” Jou cut her off as she opened her mouth, “You allowed not only Pets to fight in the Center, but to become hurt. You turn your back on very young Pets and allow them to do who knows what with who knows whom! Then when something happens, you blame a BABY! Something that has no idea yet of right or wrong! It may have done it; it may not have. YOU HAVE NO PROOF!!! THEN you allow them to wander the halls , without alerting anyone about them being loose! Kigai could have gotten hurt, or stolen and I would not have known about it! I bet most of the Pets are still out there looking for their owners because YOU did not tell anyone… EITHER OF YOU!! You are disgraceful!”
Kigai watched from the corner as Momma stepped closer and closer to the female human from the room. By Momma’s roaring, he was not happy. Well good! She wasn’t a very nice human anyway. Always talking on that little box in her hands and not watching them; serves her right. Hissing, Kigai noticed the smaller fat male moving to stop Momma. And the human didn’t look happy either. Thinking Momma was in trouble, Kigai toddled up; teeth clicking. The other male merely raised a foot to kick the little one back, but Jou interceded, whisking Kigai into his arms. “Don’t you DARE kick MY dragon!”
That was the straw to break the camel’s back. All participants froze as the door banged open. “ENOUGH!” Echoed off the walls as Seto stormed in. Arctic blue eyes stabbed the Headmaster and Jenni as he moved to Jou. The command to sit well understood. The blonde’s temper flared hotter as the brunette stood toe to toe with him. “Breathe, Mutt.”
“I don’t need your help, Moneybags! Just back off!”
Kigai looked between the two in confusion. The strange human from earlier was back. And he seemed to be angry too, if the cold fire coming off him was a clue. But it seemed to not be aimed at Momma. Tilting his head, Kigai thought about it a bit. It looked like he was mad at the other humans that wanted to hurt Momma...which means he was protecting Momma. Now who usually protects the Mommas? Kigai had to really think on this one. This was new.
“Just calm down and sit, Mutt.”
“Damn it, Kaiba! I AM NOT A MUTT!!!”
Kigai closed his eyes and focused deep inside, asking himself over and over who else besides him protected Momma…. From the strange place that answers his questions, a word whispered clearer and louder, until... "DADDY!!!”
Not even the crickets sounded. Jou froze, his eyes widening in shock as they flew to meet Seto's equally shocked gaze. "Kigai..." Jou rasped, his breath actually wheezing from him.
Seto, after a frozen heartbeat of time, reached down and gently patted the black snout. "Good boy, you are such a good boy. Your daddy's here now and going to take care of both of you." Was what Seto meant to say, but opening his mouth only proved to shove his foot further in. “Don’t you have a muzzle, Mutt? I’ll take care of this.” The blue gaze didn't waver from the wide, horrified golden gaze. He had to correct this. But no matter what his mind kept playing, Seto’s mouth would not accomplish. Finally, he settled on a simple message the little one took to heart. "Just like I’ll always take care of you, both."
Something flashed across those deep blue depths Jou could not name before it was gone. An answering whine crept up only to be swallowed back by the confused blonde. Falling back on normality, he lashed out. “I don’t need your help, Kaiba. I got this under control. Just get LOST!”
Seto’s smirk only brought the whine to the forefront again. “I can see how well you’re able to manage.” Running a soothing hand across Kigai’s head, he tsked. “Your little one is shaking from overexertion. Has he been fed lately? Because he’s showing every sign of shutting down soon.” It wasn’t true, but Seto didn’t want to fight with his Puppy right now. There were more important things to do. Too bad his Puppy wasn’t one of them...yet.
“Sh...shutting… down?” Arms tightened unconsciously. “What do you mean shutting … down?”
Fighting the urge to roll his eyes, Seto motioned towards the door. “Special abilities, like fire, require high energy levels to accomplish. For one as young as this, growth notwithstanding, the levels would be exponentially more. If he has not eaten lately, he would be preciously low on such energy.” When the blonde refused to move, the brunette huffed and changed tactics. Picking up his briefcase again, he removed a wrapped all natural granola bar. Mokuba was forever hiding them in there as a reminder for his brother to eat every so often. Seto quickly unwrapped it and handed to Jou. At least now Seto wouldn’t need to lie to Mokuba about it being eaten. “If their levels get low enough, the Pets fall into a comatose state temporarily until energy levels return to normal.”
Jou blinked slowly, taking in the information. “Oh.” The books he’d read mentioned special abilities, but he’d skipped over them. He honestly thought they’d not be needed yet. Now he wished he had read them fully. No matter how badly Jou wanted to argue with the jerk, he felt how hard Kigai’s tremors grew. Taking the bar, he held it out for Kigai. Forgetting the dragon’s eating habits. “AH!” Holding up the hand that previously held the bar, Jou quickly counted his fingers. He sighed in relief that all five remained. Golden eyes narrowed on the cooing, happily crunching, dragonette, “Kigai, you know to watch the fingers.” Jou could not stay angry long at those adorable red eyes. Sighing, his attention focused back on the smirking brunette.
“Thanks, Kaiba.” Barely made it softly to Seto’s ears.
A smile fought for facial control, but the CEO’s muscles remained stonewalled. Mental Seto bounced happily off his brain, however. Unfortunately, that brought the headache back. “You better get food into him that granola bar will not hold him long and I don’t have time to deal with The Bureau again today.” Turning his back on the blond, Seto dismissed his love in favor of glaring at the school’s incompetents. He felt the laser glare on his back, but ignored it as his mind spread out in various avenues. Scenario after scenario played out; his Puppy’s future building brick by mental brick until Seto’s plan was complete.
The closing of the office door finally allowed the dragon’s grin to spread. “Now. How about we talk about a few changes needed around here.”
***
Mumbling under his breath, Jou stalked back towards the classroom to retrieve his bag. Kaiba was right when he said the bar wouldn’t hold Kigai long. The little one’s mews grew with each step. At least his trembling ceased. And just what was that spoiled rich boy thinking, stepping in and taking over the meeting like that? Jou’d had everything under control, finally telling that pompous jerk of a headmaster what he thought and all.
Well...to be honest…. Looking down on his precious dragon, Jou sighed. He liked Seto storming in, every inch energized, poised to kill. The whimper from before rose. Seto’s uniform could not hide the tense muscles screaming for action, just as his blazing eyes screamed for something else. Something Jou could not name.
Between one step and the next a familiar darkness veiled his eyes. Lightning sizzled past his vision self while a deafening roar echoed. Jou blinked once. Then again. Slowly a large white shadow slithered from the darkness, but Jou did not fear it. He could not explain it, but he felt safer than he’d ever been before. Before the darkness released the hidden shadow, another roar called his attention from behind Out of the corner of his eye, a long black tail curled around his form; two large black-scaled forelegs resided on either side. Jou tilted his head up and smiled. With maw opened in a roar, a black dragon reared above, challenging the unknown shadow. The answering called Jou’s attention back. Slowly, the white form’s wings expanded to full glory , revealing the beautiful Blue Eyes White Dragoness before them.
Her scales shone with a moonlit glow all their own; only equaled by the electric blue glow of her eyes. Jou’s breath stuttered at the sight. She was magnificent . No one would be able to resist her. Settling his gaze back on the roaring dragon above him, there was no doubt in his mind. The Black Dragon stalked forward, every line of his body tense for a fight, his red eyes lashing out somehow familiarly. But not once did their roars stop. Jou’s own pleasant whimper joined their voices. Each movement , each posture was prompted by another set of roars. Closer and closer the two came.
“Just like a pair of dragons, always screaming their denials and fighting for dominance even when the decision is a moot point. Don’t you think?” Surprised, Jou jumped at the smooth voice just as he jump again at the strong arms wrapping around him. He tried to tilt his head, but the arms held him anchored too tightly to the strong chest behind him. Jou could tell this man was older and taller than he was in the vision, but how much so, he could not say for certain. Taking Jou’s silence in stride the man chuckled. “Those two have been eyeing and posturing at each other for the past five years. Finally they’ve decided to complete the mating dance, but still they fight each other. Makes me wonder just what they think at times.” Leaning down the man’s voice husked gently across Jou’s ear. “But I can tell your Ki will take care of my precious Nefer. I can see it in his eyes; the depth of his feelings can not be hidden with how they sear your soul. “
It was those words that called Jou’s own golden orbs back to the Black Dragon. The familiar feeling stabbed him deep. Now he remembered why it was so familiar. They held the same wildfire Seto’s did, barely leashed. With that realization the blackness swirled again, the warmth of the arms lost, as Jou’s consciousness returned to his task at hand.   A wriggling, complaining dragonet latched in Jou’s arms standing in his classroom’s doorway with the students’ surprised silence pressing in. His mind still refused to reboot. That voice… those arms… that feeling of safety he’d learned to live without for oh so long… it was not his mind but his heart that refused to reboot. Running on autopilot, Jou strolled passed his confused friends and teacher to gather his bag. Without a word, he turned and left with the now screeching Kigai.
A worried Ryou and Yugi watched on for a few precious moments before packing their own bags and racing out the door. Once in the hallway, they only had to follow the dragonet’s rather loud protests to find their blonde friend. The little one had a large set of lungs. They managed to find the two outside under a tree; the dragonet finished licking fruit juices from his muzzle. The blonde, however, stared off; golden eyes glazed in thought.
Walking steadily, Ryou tapped Jou gently on the shoulder. Kigai watched the other human closely. His crimson eyes narrowed. He knew this human would not hurt Momma, but after everything else today… well he would not take any chances. A low growl escaped. Shuffling in front, Kigai positioned himself to protect Momma. Since Daddy wasn’t here, he had to.
Ryou froze. Startlement flashed across his chocolate eyes as they settled on the little one. Kigai’d never growled at him before. The dragonete was usually happy go-lucky and never posed a threat. Just WHAT had happened today? Raising his hands in a peaceful manner, Ryou gently spoke. “Lucky, it’s okay. We’re not going to hurt your Momma. We’re just worried about you and him. Can we talk to him, please?”
Yugi jerked as an adorable Black Dragonet growled at the approaching teens. He’d seen several Black Dragons before, but this one’s crimson red eyes sought deep with in… trying to gauge him. Ryou’s soft voice quieted Yugi’s heart just as it seemed to quiet the dragonet a bit. Tilting his head, his amethyst eyes took in every detail between the little one’s decreasing tremors to Jou’s tense, seething form. Whatever happened was major. Moving slowly to not upset the little one, Yugi sat beside his best friend. “Jou?” No answer. Trying again, he shook the shoulder closest to him . “Hey, Jou. Are you okay?”
The blonde jerked out of the touch as if a brand lay there instead of a hand. Like watching fog lift from the city of gold, the glazed look lifted from Jou’s eyes and his inner light shone bright again. “OH! Yug, hey man what’s up?”
“Are you okay, Jou? You’ve been pretty distracted.”
Yugi didn’t realise how much his worry painted his words. But Jou caught the wide range. Sheepishly, he ruffled a hand in his hair behind his head. “Sorry about that, Yug. I’ve just had a very… unexpected day.”
Taking a seat on the other side, Ryou pulled the blonde’s attention. “Does it have anything to do with why the Headmaster called you to his office?”
A weak laugh escaped. “Yeah, you could say that.”
Amethyst and chocolate clashed for a moment, waiting for their friend to continue. When he did not, they took matters in their hands. “Well?” Their chorus usually brought a smile to Jou’s lips, but today only a sigh came.
“Apparently, there was an issue at the Petcare Center concerning Kig-er Lucky.” He’d only managed to catch himself before giving Kigai’s real name out. He needed to start working on that more. “According to the Petcare worker, a breath weapon was used to destroy the doorway and hall.” Seeing the startled looks, he waved his hands. “It’s okay. No one was hurt, just a lot of damage. Anyway, she insinuated that Lucky did it. But she had no proof. At that point she blamed me for not telling her about his abilities and the Headmaster called me a liar. He said he was fed up with my disrespect and disregard. I… I couldn’t take it anymore and lost my temper. From there on it was a yelling match until Lucky tried to protect me from the Headmaster.” A soft smile stretched for a moment only to turn into a sneer the next. “The Headmaster tried to kick him for his trouble.” Jou ignored the gasps in favor to finish his story. “I managed to grab Lucky up before he connected, and then Kaiba made an appearance.”
Jou’s confusion at this point was palpable. “I still can’t figure out why he just came storming in all cold fire and roars; he interrupted the arguments, got Lucky a granola bar to eat, and sent me on my way.”
Blinking, Yugi’s gaze found Ryou’s again. “And… you just… left?” That in and of itself was hard to believe.
“NO!” Fidgeting a little, Jou pulled Kigai into his lap. It was past naptime for little dragons. “Well, not quite. He said Ki-er Lucky looked to be shutting down soon...soooo I left. He said he’d handle everything.” The last barely counted as a whisper, but the other two heard. Eyebrows met hairlines. “What was I supposed to do? Lucky was trembling horribly, I was a ticking time bomb, and the idiots in the office were pushing all the wrong buttons. I had to take care of Lucky first and foremost so when Kaiba offered, I accepted.” Conveniently leaving out Kigai’s little contribution to THAT conversation, Jou huffed. They did not need to know that. Uh-uh. No way.
Rocking Kigai gently, Jou tried to get him to nap. But the little one had other thoughts.Red glares settled on the other two humans as he struggled to get out of Momma’s arms. He needed to protect Momma until Daddy got here and couldn’t do that asleep. Opening his maw in a mighty growl, Kigai found himself nearly cracking it with a yawn instead. With each gentle sway of Momma’s arms and soft hum, Kigai found his lids drooping lower and lower.
No! Shaking his head, Kigai glared at Momma. Momma wasn’t fighting fair! How was he supposed to protect Momma when Momma starts humming for nap-time. A pout settled on his face as his little paws crossed. Momma was being mean! But still Momma’s humming was nice. Yawning again, Kigai tried to fight, but he knew it was a losing battle. With a small mumbled “Daddy”, Kigai was out to the world.
Still humming under his breath, Jou smiled down at his precious one, missing the bomb Kigai dropped before the sandman took hold. A slight clearing of a throat brought him back from his happy musings. “Daddy?” Ryou’s voice brought a stone to rest in Jou’s stomach.
“Hmm? Oh, um… it’s nothing.”
That would have been believable, if his blonde friend’s cheeks didn’t match Lucky’s eyes at this point. “Uh huh. Let’s try again. What did Lucky mean by ‘Daddy’? I didn’t even think he knew that word yet.” Smirking, Ryou elbowed Yugi gently.
The answering one on Yugi’s lips brought a shiver to Jou. That expression did not belong on his angelic face. “Yeah, Jou. What did he mean by that?” If he was surprised by the dragon speaking, he did not show it. “Are you certain there’s nothing you want to tell us?” Yugi’s eyebrows wiggled suggestively while Ryou’s expression held the utmost seriousness.
A light cheery laugh exploded from Jou followed closely by the other two. No matter what, Jou knew these two could make him feel better. When his laughs finally subsided, he took a deep breath, finally calming his nerves. “Yeah, Yug. I’m sure.”
“Alright. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t forget your wedding present.”
“Or bachelor party.” Jou’s blush deepened from Ryou’s snip. “Sooo…. have you decided on a dress yet?”
Choking on his teeth, Jou sputtered while Yugi’s back hit the ground in a roll, laughing.
“Well. This is unexpected. Just what is going on here?” All movement stilled at the new voice. As one, the three turned their eyes on the newcomers. Anzu stood a few feet away cradling her Pet; a slight frown marring her face. The pink Shining Friendship in her arms echoed her expression. Grinning, Honda and Otogi weren’t far behind. “We were worried when you ran out of the room and here we find you laughing. Just what is going on?” Steel coated Anzu’s voice. Everyone could tell she was not happy.
Gulping, Jou looked to his friends for help. Ryou and Yugi just shook their heads; Jou was on his own. Cursing the traitors under his breath, Jou turned back. “Nothing major. Just having to deal with the faculty. You know how that goes.” He fidgeted with the sleeping dragonette as her eyes narrowed on him. “Er… Ryou and Yug were...just… cheering me...up?” No he did not just squeak. It was a sneeze, or so he swore.
Anzu let the blonde sweat a little longer, weighing his answer. The pink blob huffed. This human was sooooo far below her mistress, why she even acknowledges him Joli would never know. Fluttering her wings, Joli brought her mistress’s attention back to her. Anzu’s smile softened her features. With a sigh, Anzu nodded. “All right. I’m glad it was just you overreacting as normal.” Sitting down by the tree, she missed Jou’s slight flinch. “Anyway, I have some wonderful news! There’s going to be a Pet Pageant next month. Joli and I were asked to participate!”
“That’s great news, Anzu.” Jou cheered slightly. “I’ve got some news too.” Holding up his arms, he showed the group his sleeping Kigai. “I finally got a Pet. This little guy is Lucky. That’s not his real name, but … well it’s what you can call him.”
The group crowded around the blonde to get a look at the newest member. Shifting in Jou’s arms, Kigai stretched to their collective coos. Even Honda agreed the dragonet was the cutest thing he’d seen much to Joli’s annoyance. Her wings trembled in rage. How dare that worthless dragon take HER attention. Her own mistress was complimenting that… thing instead of her. That was not acceptable. But with everyone staring at it, there was nothing Joli could do. She had to bide her time.
“So you’re Pa finally let you get a Pet, man? That’s great!” Jou almost toppled over from Honda’s unexpected shoulder punch. Catching himself at the last moment, he turned a frown on his friend. Honda’s attention, however, lay with the last member of their group arriving. “Hey Malik! Finally woke up huh? Guess what! Jou’s finally got a Pet!”
Yawning large enough to crack his jaw, Malik waved. “Really? About time? What type did you decide on?” His eyes remained half mast, slowly sliding closed again as he got comfortable in the grass.
“That evening job of yours is really doing a number on ya. Don’t ya think ya better cut back a bit? Sleeps a good thing, ya know?”
Waving a tanned hand in dismissal, Malik shook his head. “Naw. I’ll be fine. We just had a few… emergencies come up that needed special handling.”
Jou rocked Kigai. The little one started fussing in his sleep; tiny claws grasping out. Jou frowned. It looked almost like Kigai was having a nightmare.   “Okay then, if you say so. And to answer ya question, he’s a Black Dragon.”
No, it couldn’t be. It had to be a coincidence. Jerking slightly, Malik was now wide awake. “R..really? Where’d you get him?”
“That’s a great question. Where did you get him, Jou?” Anzu tilted her head.
“I found him last Friday night. I was heading home from work, when I had … to take a shortcut in a drainage way. I saw a sack floating and pulled it out.” Unconsciously, his arms tightened in memory. “Inside was a lot of blood and gore. It looked like someone had taken a sledgehammer to the things inside. They were so squashed; I couldn’t tell what they were. But a little claw reached out, he was the only one alive in the sack. After that I took him to Ryou for help, and well, here we are. He’s mine and I’m his. End of story.” Golden eyes finally looked upon the stunned faces before him, missing the paling Malik. Only to return to the fussing form in his arms. Whatever disturbed Kigai’s dreams was bad. The tremors and whimpers grew.
“Almost,” Ryou quipped softly as Jou tried to calm Kigai. “Jou’s agreed to be my assistant at the clinic in exchange for Lucky’s healthcare and board. This way we both get what we need. It’s a win-win.” His smile never reached his eyes as Kigai’s whines turned to all out cries. Jou’s worried filled voice called softly to his little one to wake, but Kigai’s eyes remained sealed.
Cuddled tightly in Momma’s arms, his scent wrapped safely around Kigai. Colorful dreams danced behind the dragonette’s lids. All filled with love and light. Momma and Daddy reclined together on a wooden floor by a large ….water filled something. It was bigger than the bathtub-thingie Momma lets him play in and he could not see the other edge. Big green plants were everywhere with little flowers. Momma called them ‘trees’, or so Kigai thought. Kigai, himself, played tag with three older dragons. Well, HE played tag, but those stupid girls kept trying to wrap him in their tails. Pouting, he avoided another of their ambushes. Stupid stupid girls; didn’t know how to play right.
Suddenly, his nose wrinkled as the light slowly died. Something didn’t smell right. Dark clouds spiraled further and further in the stronger the scent grew. Shivering in the sudden freezing wind, Kigai curled into a tight ball. This was all wrong! Closing his eyes,   he hoped it would all fade away. But once open again, he could not see. Darkness greeted him. Kigai’s fear mounted as first muted sounds then feelings ghosted across his other senses. Pets. Lots and lots of Pets calling for their Mommas … for anyone to help them. The screaming pain in their voices and thoughts echoing in the large space.   Terror radiated around him, drawing the warmth away. Curling tighter, his own calls echoed.
Then something grabbed him in a bruising grip and tossed him with others into something rough. Kigai’s cries grew louder, more desperate. But the others were strangely silent. They did not cry, only tried to keep him from it. Tightly, they grasped the smallest between them. Cooing softly, one snuggled him closer than the others.
Don’t be afraid. Whatever happens, you’re special and will be all right. We’ll protect you as long as needed.
Then… oh then the pain started. Hit after hit echoed across their collective mind and bodies, but the littlest one was shielded as much as possible. A few managed to connect, but not as many as should. Kigai cried harder as more and more of the others fell silent… never to answer his calls. When the last warm voice faded, only the freezing cold remained stealing his breath…. He couldn’t breathe! Gasping, Kigai tried to whine, but a soft whimper came instead. Frightened, his little limbs thrashed. He had to breathe. Air! His lungs burned for an eternity, or so it seemed, until he finally started fading as well. His desire to escape the freezing darkness was almost all consuming. Hope died too long ago. A final whimper escaped his lips as he finally succumbed, allowing the darkness to pull him down.
Suddenly, warmth flooded his being as a heavenly, peaceful scent flooded his nostrils. Lighting his spark again, Kigai’s will screamed. He would NOT let the others down. He WOULD go on. Reaching a claw out, he tried to grasp the source of his warmth and peace. The source touched him and he was surrounded by light that forced the darkness back. The monsters retreated as the source spoke, it’s voice playing on the edges of Kigai’s mind. Opening his eyes, Kigai’s crimson orbs locked on the slightly worried golden ones above him. “Momma.”
Breathing a relieved sigh, Jou smiled. “Hey, Kigai.” A tanned hand gently rubbed the dragonette’s cheek. “I’m glad you're awake. I have some new friends for you to meet.” Jou tried to keep the worry out of his voice, but the little one picked up on it quickly. Cooing, Kigai nuzzled Momma’s hand. Such a small action took everything away, leaving only the glow of love. With a soft smile and greatly lighter heart, Jou turned to the others. “Kigai these are my friends. Guys this is Lucky.”
Yugi was the first to cheerfully greet the little dragon. Totally disregarding the narrowed crimson eyes, he patted the small black snout. “Hi Lucky! It’s great to finally officially meet you. Maybe later Jou and you can come meet my Pet. You’ll love Chibi-Dark, and I’msurehe’lladoreplayingwithyou.Youbothcanpractice….”
“Yug.”
“Andplaygamesandbethebestoffriends.Hecan….”
“Yugi.”
“Teacheachothernewmovesand….”
“YUGI!!”
Blinking wide amethyst, the smaller teen looked at his friend. “Yes?”
“Breathe.” Jou chuckled.
Kigai first stared at the strange new human, then up at Momma, then back to the human, and back to Momma. He didn’t know WHAT to think of this strangely colored human. He wasn’t like anyone else Kigai had met so far. Momma was laughing, so that was a good thing. Maybe this human wasn’t too bad. Cautiously, the little one opened his mouth. “H...h..i...h.i...hi.” A proud smile stretched Jou’s lips. “Hi!” Looking up at Momma, Kigai preened under the approving smile.
Yugi’s chiming laugh exploded. “Very good, Lucky! You’re a smart little one aren’t you?” He only laughed harder at the red glare centered on him for the ‘little one’ comment. Raising his hands in surrender,”Okay, sorry about that. I hate it when someone calls me ‘little’ also. You’re a ‘big dragon’, aren’t you?”
Both Jou and Yugi’s laughs at Kigai’s enthusiastic nods brought the rest out of their shock; Ryou merely shook his head with a tiny smile of his own. His best friends were goofballs, but he loved them anyway.
“Hey, Ryou, you’ve never let us meet your Pet, yet. You said you had one, but we’ve never seen it.” Yugi pouted as Jou threw his arms around the smaller teen’s shoulders, still chuckling.
“Yeah that’s right! I haven’t seen it yet and I live with ya!”
Facing his frowning roommate, Ryou sighed. “That’s because he’s presently at the Balance Bureau’s Headquarters aiding in some special testing. I took them a few years ago so I could open the clinic and will need to again next year.” Chocolate eyes settled on Kigai. “Actually, Jou, you will probably be getting a visit from the Bureau when Lucky’s a little older.”
Confused gold widened then narrowed. “Why?” Flames backlit Jou’s eyes barely concealing the suspicion.
It took a few moments for Ryou to catch on to how his comment sounded. Pretty petal pink lips formed a slight ‘o’ before he tried to collect his misspeak. “No...no… no. Nothing like that! It’s just that Lucky’s such a rare specimen; they’ll want to see if you’d allow them to use him for tests and such.” That didn’t seem to calm him any. “What I mean is for growth and training standards. You know we’re having to guess about certain growth processes since there’s almost no known research. Well, they’ll pick your mind and read our notes on Lucky’s life so that future Red Eyes owners will have a better idea what to expect. True there will be some medical tests, but nothing harmful. Also, future Pet Doctors and Specialists will observe his health and medical information to better aid in diagnosing and healing other Red Eyes. It’s all very important when you think about it.”
“Ah. That does make sense, I guess.” Finally cooling down as Ryou explained it all to him, Jou nodded. It would be a good idea to help others out. After all, they may not have someone as good as Ryou to help ’em out. “But I’d have to see when the time comes.”
“Speaking of which,” Anzu’s voice cut in. “Just what is wrong with his eyes anyway? They’re such a strange color. Is he a freak or something?”
To everyone’s surprise it was Malik that jumped to the little Lucky’s defense. Anger radiated from his as much as it did Jou’s form. “He is NOT a freak. He’s one of the rarest dragons you can find.”
Now Honda’s confused voice interrupted Malik’s rant. Moving to get a better look at the little one, Honda tried to see what the others did. “Black Dragons aren’t rare. Even I know that. You can find them just about everywhere; every Pet Shop has dozens of’em.”
Yugi’s hand grasping Malik’s shoulder barely controlled the other teen. Turning to Ryou for confirmation, Yugi’s calm voice tried to de-escalate the tension. “That’s true, Honda, but remember how we were talking about the different Magicians and their subsets yesterday?” Honda’s nod allowed Yugi to continue. “Well it’s like that. Chibi-Dark is a semi-rare Dark Magician. He looks like every other Dark Magician, but because his hair is that purplish-black it means he’s got more power than say the usual blue or blond haired Magician. Lucky just looks like every other Black Dragon, but because his eyes are so unique they are used to determine his strength.”
“But Chibi-Dark is just a larva, you said he’d form a cocoon in a few years to finish growing. Dragons don’t do that.”
Sighing, Ryou joined in. “Correct. Dark Magicians are one of the species that cocoon themselves to reach their adult growth. Several species do this; my own Change of Heart emerged from his cocoon only a year ago. That’s another reason I have not introduced you. He entered his cocoon only a month before I came to Domino. It’s been three long years since I’ve seen him, but once the tests are concluded he’ll be joining me here.” The grin in Ryou’s voice reflected in his eyes.
“That’s great to hear! I’m sure everything will work out for the better, man.” Honda nodded, pushing the confusing conversation to the back of his mind for later. He still didn’t understand what they were talking about, but he’d stew on it more.
This whole group was nuts. Anzu was certain. Disdain oozed from her pores as she scratched behind Joli’s wings. “I’ve NEVER heard of a Red Eyes Black Dragon. You must think we’re idiots to believe that Jou managed to find a super rare Pet that we’ve never heard of before.” Joli purred harder as her mistress put those...plebeians in their place. That black runt was NOT special in the least. Her mistress continued ranting, ignoring the outraged looks until a collective growl cut her off.
Looking up, all air gushed from Anzu’s lungs. The whole group’s hostile eyes centered on her alone. Quietly Jou stepped into her personal space; Kigai growling in his arms. “Are you calling me a liar?” It was barely a whisper, but Anzu heard it as if shouted. She could only nod. She knew he hated to be called a liar, but there was just no way anyone would throw away such a rare dragon. And she said as much, Kigai’s growl raising in contrast to Jou’s silence. “And how would you explain it?” His question was loaded in more than one way.
Gulping, she tried to step back, but Jou followed. “Maybe he’s not all that rare… or maybe you sto-”
“If you’re going to say I stole him, you can just stop right there. I may have done stuff in the past, but NEVER would I steal a Pet.”
“But how do we know that? Jou, you’re a thief and a thug. For goodness sake, you were in a gang! Who’s to say you’re above Pet theft?”
Her hidden sneer did not go unnoticed and with it Jou’s warmth seemed to disappear. Golden eyes took refuge behind his bangs as his head lowered. He could not refute her statement; it was true after all. “Is that really how you feel, Anzu?”
So quiet… so pained… so defeated. Everything Mommas are not supposed to sound like. And here this...this...human took delight in pulling everything that made Momma… well Momma out and stomped all over it. Her pink terror wasn’t any better. They were definitely a matched pair. Kigai felt the burning feeling from earlier tickling the back of his throat. He wanted nothing more than to protect Momma and make this…. banshee, that’s the word that whispered through his mind, … pay. But the image of Momma in that room with the other humans earlier floated by his mind’s eyes. How upset Momma was then. How much trouble there was. How Daddy had to come and rescue them. Swallowing, Kigai fought his fires back… mostly.
He tried. He really did, but that banshee was still screeching at Momma. And Momma’s glow got weaker and weaker. And...and...well he just couldn’t hold it ALL. One moment he was growling, the next a belch of flame and smoke exploded. Well, belch was a little too strong a word for it. Hiccup-burp was closer. When the smoke cleared, quite a sight greeted the boys.
Anzu stood in pure shock; it happened so fast. Little embers burned happily along the tips of her now rather patchy and uneven hair. Singed ragged fur, once a hot pink, now a dusky rose stood on end in Joli’s growing rage. Feathers danced in the soft breeze while ash and soot covered the pair. Decidedly there was far more pink, blistered skin showing than before. No beautician in the world could correct these stylized disasters.
The boys stared in amused horror as shorter and shorter the tips grew and more patches appeared. None could bring themselves to say anything; she deserved it anyway. “Hey, Anzu. Um… you might wanna put your hair out.” Okay, well maybe Jou could. Glazed mismatched green and brown eyes blinked in confusion. Frowning, Jou leaned further in for a look. “Are you wearing colored contacts?”
THAT seemed to snap her out of it fast. “No!” She snarled, patting out her hair.
“Then why do you have one green and one brown?” Snidely, Otogi put in. “Dear heart, it’d be better to gracefully own up to it than dig yourself deeper. But feel free to do whatEVER you want.”
Screeching, Joli woke from her shock in a rage, echoing Anzu’s. How DARE that little runt do that!!!! Leaping from her mistress’s arms, she tried to attack the miserable parasite, but a strong hand caught her damaged wing in a bruising grip. Snarling and cursing in her mind, Joli turned round and round trying to get the hand to release her. “That is quite Enough, you little gnat. Cease or you’ll be swatted.” She could only freeze at the deadly cold command. This was one predator she knew not to mess with. Even if her mistress didn’t. “Kaiba. Let. My. Joli. GO.”
Seto raised an eyebrow at the normally perky female, assessing the damage. It didn’t take his genius to figure out what happened. Giving the gnat a rather hard shake, he tossed it casually over his shoulder totally disregarding Anzu’s outraged screech. Not paying attention to anything else, his long legs carried him shortly to the happily wiggling Kigai and scowling Jou. “Well done, Bright One. Though next time you might want to use a little higher heat and flame with less smoke. Don’t worry, Daddy will teach you.” With a pale hand caressing Kigai’s horn base, Seto’s smirk settled on the now flustered blonde. “Trouble again, Puppy? Do I need to get a leash?”
“I AM NOT A D-”
“DADDY!!!!!”
Jou just sighed at Kigai’s ecstatic antics. He still hadn’t gotten to explain to Kigai about ‘Daddy’. He could just feel the evil grins stretching his friends’ faces. There was no way out of this. Maybe there was a firing squad nearby he could borrow.
“Yes, Bright One. I’m here.”
“Don’t encourage him, Moneybags! Kigai, that’s not Daddy.” At the confused chirp, Jou tried to explain further, but the little dragon just stared at him. It didn’t help that Seto’s smirk grew with Jou’s each failed comment and praising word Seto sent silently to comfort Kigai. Poor Kigai was almost certain Momma needed more protection now than ever...even from himself if he didn’t know Daddy was Daddy. He merely cooed and petted Momma’s cheek, gently in comfort.
“Daddy?” And cue the mentally damaging visuals his so called friends force upon his innocent mind. Closing his eyes, Jou leaned further into Kigai’s cooing caress as Otogi’s husky chuckle broke the silence. “I’m really hurt, Jou.” The firm finger teasingly following the back seam of his pants, focused Jou’s snarl on the pony-tailed dice freak. “And here I thought our love was eternal. How...how could you do this… to me?” Sniffing dramatically, Otogi threw his arms around the blonde. “My dress is all ordered, the invitations sent, we… we were supposed to wait for our wedding night!” The pony tail whipped Jou in the face as Otogi twirled on the frowning Kaiba. “And YOU. You homewrecker! How dare you force yourself on my sweet innocent love. There is only one punishment worthy of that.” No one was prepared for what happened next as Otogi’s lips locked on the unprepared Seto’s.
For a frozen moment, not a soul moved until a small soul wrenching whimper escaped Jou’s lips unconsciously, fanning the growing rage within Seto’s mind. That pained whimper freed him from his shock and with a bone rattling growl, Seto pushed the long haired freak away. He could taste the ozone twirling along his tongue like a fine wine; only his hard won control managed to stop the desperately desired barbeque. Calling on every ounce of arctic cool he could muster, Seto wiped his lips in disgust. Crackling blue eyes skewered the laughing teen now holding onto Honda. “Do that again, and no one will find your ashes.”
Otogi could only shake his head, laughing far too hard to breathe, unprepared when his support moved aside and he soon kissed the shoes before him. His eyes locked with the upset Honda’s in confusion. “What the hell was that for?”
“Totally uncalled for, man.” Moving steadily past the prone Otogi, Honda’s chin raised in a sneer. “If they are a couple, you just kissed Jou’s boyfriend. That’s just plain wrong on too many levels.” His arm rested comfortably around Jou’s shoulders when he reached his friend. “Don’t listen to that idiot. I’m happy for ya Bro.”
Wishing the ground would just swallow him whole already, Jou sighed rubbing his forehead. “Not you too? Look, there’s nothing going on between Kaiba and me! He’s just being a jerk as usual.”
“Indeed.” Kaiba’s cool tone belied Jou’s comment, but no one believed him anyway. “And as entertaining as this little show has been, I originally sought to inform you of the decisions the Headmaster has reached concerning your academic requirements and… unique conditions.”
Blinking, Jou had forgotten all about that. As an excuse to not stare at the brunette, he opened his bento box. “Really?” Feeling proud there was no quiver in his voice, Jou continued. “That’s cool. So how long am I suspended or is it expelled?”
Seto frowned while he grabbed an onigiri from Jou’s box regardless of the blonde’s protests. Handing it to the slightly trembling Kigai, “Don’t be so pessimistic. Since you have missed out on the most remedial lessons, we decided a tutor for the basic lessons, continuing with your classmates in their classes, and a mentor for the more advanced dragon-oriented lessons would be more than adequate.” Amid the happily munching Kigai noises, a small smile tugged at Seto, but he forced it down. “You will meet your tutor tomorrow at four in the park, and you’ll join in your new classes after lunch. Which you only have ten minutes remaining, so I suggest both Bright One and you eat. You’ll need the energy.” Jou allowed Seto to grab another onigiri thinking he’d give it to Kigai again, but yelled out as the brunette took a bite instead.
Cool blue eyes closed as a sinful moan escaped his pale lips. Usually onigiri was bland, but this was delicious. “Oh, Puppy,” Seto’s breathy voice called the whimper back to Jou. “you have to tell me where you got this.”
“Why?” Jou’s own voice husked, distracting himself he gave Kigai his last onigiri.
“So I can hire them. These are the best I’ve ever had.”
The honest praise in Seto’s voice brought a pink blush to the softly smiling blond. Before Jou could comment, Ryou cut in though. “Jou did. He’s a terrific cook no matter how surprising.”
Blooming to a fiery red, poor Jou’s face heated more at Seto’s blatant appraisal. “Not all that surprising. I’m certain he does other… things just as deliciously.” Smirking, Seto left before Jou’s fish impersonation ceased.
He wasn’t far before Jou’s found his voice again. “Wait! What about that mentor, you spoke of?”
Seto ceased his forward stroll, but refused to turn back; lest the blonde spot his draconic smile. “He’s quite busy so he will join your tutoring session tomorrow around five or so. From there, it will be a matter of scheduling.” With that said, his long legs carried him back to the building only to be met at the doors by a midnight-purple Chaos Magician- one he knew far too well. Growling, he did not halt his step until they were abreast. “What.”
“Master wishes to speak with you concerning the special requests you have made in the name of this learning institute.”
“I do not have time today. Tell him to call my secretary to schedule an appropriate time.” Trying to move forward, Seto found an arm baring his way. Laser blues latched onto their target.
“Master said it would need to be now. The Bureau is not willing to back the request due to prior arrangements unless you can provide adequate proof.”
Sneering, Seto turned. “Very well. I will meet him at my office.”
Midnight-purple eyes watched unblinking as the CEO stormed towards the road and the limo, even now pulling up. When he was certain the other was on his way, the Chaos Magician stepped into the shadowed doorway and vanished. His job here completed.
**
All eyes watched the tall back disappear towards the building; all feeling like they were missing a puzzle piece. Shaking off his own confusion, Malik looked around the group. Everyone shared the confused lost look, but something nagged at him. Counting off, he soon realized they were one so-called friend short. “Hey? Anyone see where Anzu went?”
Yugi and Ryou snapped to quickly, frantically shaking their heads. Jou just continued to eat his bento while feeding tidbits to Kigai. He didn’t care where the pink blob and her pet went, as long as they left him alone. He knew it was not nice, and she did TRY to be there for him once in a great while, BUT she was more a fair weather friend. As long as it was not an inconvenience to her and made HER look well… she’d lift a manicured pinkie to help. “She probably went to clean up.”
Honda’s blank look and Otogi’s shrug completed the round. Sighing, Malik stood. “I guess we better start heading back; class will be starting soon.”
“What do you mean ‘we’ ? You’ve missed every class this morning and hardly ever show up for the afternoon.” Honda snorted.
“What class is it anyway?” Interrupting before a fight could erupt, Jou closed his box.
Little dust bunnies flew off as Yugi brushed off his pants leg. Without looking up, he answered softly. “History.”
“History?” Wide golden eyes stabbed the others. “That’s it? Just history?”
Rolling his eyes, Ryou answered as the others laughed at their clueless friend’s crestfallen expression. “Yes, Jou, history. It’s a little different from the history class you attended, but history none the less.” He held his hand out to help the blonde to his feet. “I guess Lucky will be attending with you since the Petcare Center is no longer an option.”
“Will the teacher have issues with that?” Jou swallowed down his nerves as he took the offered hand.
Now the silver-haired teen laughed. “Not at all. She usually allows Pets and even younger years to attend her lessons.”
“That’s putting it lightly! You’ll love her class, Bro. She usually holds it outside and handles it like story-time! Yeah, we have tests and quizzes, but for the most part it’s just story after story with no real dates to remember.”
Shaking his head, Jou picked Kigai back up and started to follow the others back. As the others entered the classroom, Jou froze. Usually he was forced to leave after lunch since he didn’t have a Pet; forced into a small room with only a few other students, wasting time until the final bells released them from hell. Now, he was allowed to enter the ‘secret’ realm denied to him before. Taking a breath, he took his first step… and promptly stumbled at the excited “WELCOME EVERYONE!” that echoed in the room. Looking at the petite woman, Jou was surprised at how such a loud noise could come from such a small form.
“Come on! WE have a LOT to go through today and it is just so NICE out! We’ll be heading outside again!” The teacher, Jou assumed, was bouncing around more than Yugi after an energy drink...er… make that three. Her long black and white braided hair whipped around with each movement; her deep purple eyes sparked in excitement. She was certainly NOT what Jou expected. Somehow, he felt safe with her. Looking into her eyes, Jou felt...a kinship. Moving to follow the others out again, Jou didn’t realize the cooing call Kigai gave as the teacher passed nor the subtle nod she returned to the young one. “We have a great start today! We’ll be reviewing what we’ve covered so far for the upcoming exam!” Usually a class would groan at such a statement from any other teacher, but a soft cheering greeted her instead. This was certainly going to be something Jou would have to get used to.
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Nesting Habits