Title: A new start?
Rating: 15
Summary: Can Hunter get his newley acquired neko to trust him?
Featuring: Hunter, neko!Randy, John and neko!Evan
Warning: implied mention of past abuse, angst, hurt/comfort
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters/people of WWE. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended and no money is being made.
Notes: A fic that was born after doing a drabble meme. It features Randy as a neko and damn I want to pet him! This may become a full series or not depends on how this strange little bunny feels x. As always this is unbeta'd so any mistakes you find, please, please, please forgive (I mean it PLEASE!).

x o x o x o x o x o

Hunter watched as the neko moved nervously into his large lounge. He still wasn't quite sure what had happened. 3 hours ago he'd be perfectly happy, living alone not having a care in the world then he'd got a call from his best friend asking him to go to help him choose a pet. Hunter didn't really like the whole pet/master thing that seemed to happen when someone acquire a neko but he figured as long as no one got hurt and both parties were willing then it wasn't his problem. And then something had happened. Trust John to fall for the cutest, most adorable little neko Hunter had ever seen.

He wasn't sure if it had been the smallness of the neko or the dark hair with the cute little ears or the glasses that made those neko eyes shine but John had fallen and fallen hard for the little kitten. The only thing was that little kitten was one fiery cat underneath the cute exterior. So fiery that once he realised he was about to be separated from the larger scarier neko he'd been sharing a cage with, he'd begged, pleaded and basically coerced John into obtaining the other neko as well. An additional pet John couldn't house or really afford which was why Hunter now found himself with a less than pleased neko glaring at him. Grey blue eyes regarded him in a less than friendly manner and Hunter had no idea what to do.

He sighed then smacking his lips together a moment and playing with his bottom lip he tired, "Umm welcome to your new home"

The neko just glared at him before rolling out the long neck. He was stunning. Hunter admitted that much. Tall, elegant and so full of fierce pride it practically radiated off the silent cat. Hunter loved the way the slim black tail flicked around, it reminded him of a snake the way it seemed to touch things before recoiling and setting off again. The dark ears stood out against the surprisingly shorn head, just a soft layer of near velvety soft stubble covering the neko's elegantly shaped skull.

"What did the guy..." stumbled Hunter, "Sorry what is your name again?"

The neko glowered at him then turning away he rumbled, "Does it matter?"

"I'd like to know who I'm talking to," replied Hunter softly, not sure he understood the strange expression flickering over the neko's face.

"It never mattered to anyone else," laughed the neko bitterly.

Hunter noticed a slight wobble to the voice almost a note of fear and suddenly he wondered what had made the neko so weary of strangers. He sighed again. He really didn't know what to do. He was half minded to call John up and tell him to come take the neko back. But he didn't. Something about this sullen, beautiful creature intrigued him – not that he would ever admit it out loud. Running a hand through his hair, Hunter suddenly huffed, "You know what I need a drink. You wanna beer?"

"I don't drink..."snapped the neko viciously, before adding in a low growl, "...in human company."

"Why not?"

The neko simply stared at him holding Hunter gaze before looking away as he confessed, "I prefer to be aware of what's happening around me, at least that way I can..." his voice trailed off he simply turned his head away staring out of the window.

Hunter frowned again. Somehow he knew something bad had happened in the past maybe more than one time and for some reason that made him angry but he had no idea why.

With a shake of the head he turned and padded into the kitchen. Pulling out a cold beer he paused and noticing the cans of soda he had lined up in the door he called, "D'you want a soda instead?"

There was no answer.

Shrugging he pulled a soda out anyway and wandered back into the lounge sipping his beer as he did. He froze, the bottle half way to his mouth as he watched the neko caressing and stroking his hand over the leather sofa. He'd never seen anyone touch his old battered couch with such reverence, such longing and again he wondered that the hell had happened in the past to affect the neko quite so much. Almost loathed to intrude on the moment he coughed giving the neko a chance to move away, then stepping in as if he'd seen nothing, he held out the can offering, "Here have a soda."

The neko glared at the can then, when Hunter wiggled it at him, he slowly took it. Hunter watched as the neko turned the can over and over, inspecting every inch of the can before he righted it again. He caught the confused look the neko throw him and that freaked him out. Taking a big gulp of beer, he snapped, "I haven't done anything to it! It's a sealed can for fuck sake."

"Wouldn't be the first time I've been handed a sealed can and found the contents have been spiked and..." the neko suddenly clamped his mouth shut when he realised what he'd almost confessed.

"Spiked?" asked Hunter slowly, "What the hell do you mean spiked? How would someone spike your can and anyway why would they ..." as he caught the look the neko was giving him - half angry half afraid - the reality of the cat's previous situation slowly dawned on him. Gulping he opened then closed his mouth before growling, "You've been...been owned haven't you? I mean in the worse possible way...you were..." his voice faded into a hissed expletive. He hated the idea of anyone owning the beautiful creature currently glaring at him, but the idea that his previous owners had hurt him and abused him sickened Hunter.

The neko refused to meet his eyes and from the way the elegant frame seemed to droop, the shoulders folding in on themselves Hunter knew the answer. And suddenly he found himself wanting revenge on anyone who had caused the beautiful neko a moment's discomfort.

"You're going to take me back, aren't you?" asked the neko flatly, "Now you know I'm tainted..that I'm...previously owned..."

The words hung between them, the silence growing thicker and heavier and more oppressive with each second that passed.

Then slowly without saying anything Hunter walked over to the couch the neko had been admiring and sank down into the worn familiar leather. Looking up he held the neko's gaze and smiling faintly he patted the leather cushion beside him. It was an invitation for the cat to come and join him, to make himself comfortable. It was an invitation that wasn't accepted. The neko simply stared at him, not moving, not responding, just the tail flicking around and around his legs, the nervous sway of the appendage hypnotising Hunter with its movements.

Hunter patted the seat again. But when the neko made no movement and didn't even give any sign of having noticed the offer, he just shrugged sadly then reached for the remote and flicked the large screen television on. Sipping his beer he pointedly ignored the statue still neko, trying to work out what the hell to do next.

x o x o x o x o x o x o

10 minutes later and the neko still hadn't moved. He was standing statue still grey eyes fixed on Hunter, the flicking tail the only sign of life within him. Finishing his beer Hunter glanced over and for the first time he noticed how badly fitting the neko's clothes were. He bit the side of his lip then called across, "Those aren't your clothes, are they?

The neko shook his head slightly

"And not your style either, I'm guessing," chuckled Hunter – the street style certainly didn't suit the tall elegant neko.

There was a hint of the smile but then the neko just nodded.

Hunter nodded in return. He went back to analysing the silent neko, his eyes narrowing when he noticed a dark mark on the smooth forearm. Leaning forward he squinted slightly noticing more dark marks on the neko's other arm and on his neck – his neko was filthy. Suddenly knowing what to do he got to his feet and said, "Come on, this way."

He didn't bother to wait to see if the neko obeyed him or not. He figured if he didn't then he'd just stay dirty but he half hoped the neko would trust him enough to follow him upstairs. The soft creak of a floorboard alerted him to the fact the neko was following him. Walking quickly Hunter led his new house guest to the large master bathroom. He moved to the large tub and began fixing the taps getting the water running. Without looking over his shoulder he called, "I'm guessing you're not really a bath salts and bubbles kind of cat, are you?"

There was no answer but then he hadn't really expected one. He shook his head chuckling to himself. Once he was happy with the way the bath was filling up, he turned around and looking at the cat lurking in the open doorway he chuckled, "Get in here. I'm running this for you."

When the neko made no move Hunter sighed and striding over to the neko he pulled him into the bathroom and shut the door behind them not wanting the gathering steam to escape into the hall. He saw the neko flinch as the door slammed shut but dismissed it as the cat not liking loud noises. He gave another little huff of annoyance and without thinking he grabbed the edge of the neko's' t-shirt. Starting to pull it up and off the silent cat, he explained absently, "Come on, let's get you out of those old clothes. They really don't..."

"Don't touch me!" hissed the neko.

Hunter frowned then as he tugged at the t-shirt pulling it over the neko's head, he soothed, "Relax, Kitty-kat, I just want you to have a..." but his explanation was lost in a sudden angry hiss and his own yelp of surprise as claws slashed his cheek. Recoiling he glared at the neko was now practically flat against the wall ear pinned down to his hear hissing angrily at him.

"What the hell..." began Hunter rubbing his injured cheek.

"You're all the same!" hissed the neko angrily, "Only you covered it up so well..."

"What the hell are you talking about?" growled Hunter wiping the blood of his face, "Cat, I don't understand what you are..."

"You're all the same!" growled the neko, lashing out when Hunter got within striking distance. This time he caught Hunter across the chest, drawing another hiss of pain from the big man. "All of you!" roared the neko, his ears flat against the top of his head, his tail flicking angrily around his legs, "You all think you can just take it and.." he lashed out again the claw-like nails catching Hunter across the chest drawing out another loud expletive from the confused human.

"Damn it! Stop doing that!" yelled Hunter trying to grab the failing paws.

He watched as the neko ripped the now ruined t-shirt off and stood exposed to the waist, the near perfect torso making Hunter's breath catch in his throat. But what caught his attention even more were the red marks – the scars – marring the left side of the neko's body. They trailed around his waist disappearing into the ill fitting track bottoms. Dragging his eyes back up Hunter stared into the grey blue eyes of the scared neko and suddenly he understood. He stepped back, his hands automatically coming up into the surrender position as he assured quickly, "Whoa – easy kitty-kat. I'm not going to hurt you. Please. I just..." he indicated to the baht behind him, "I thought a bath would be nice for you, give you a chance to get rid of the dirt from the cage."

The neko was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He was drawn up to his full height and Hunter just knew if he'd been a full cat his fur would have been standing on end.

With a soft sigh Hunter offered, "Look I get it. You've only known the worst of people but trust me I'm not like them. I don't want to hurt you and ..." he paused not sure what he did want. With a sudden huff of defeat he snapped, "Just get in bath, get clean and we'll..." he swore under his breath, chuckling to himself, "God I bet John isn't having this trouble with his kitten."

"What did you say?"

"That kitten," called Hunter fiddling with the taps, "Bet John is having no trouble at all getting him to..."

"God no – please..."

Hunter frowned not understanding the look of horror that had flooded his neko's face. Turning around slowly, Hunter asked, "Kitty-kat? What do you mean god no?"

"Evan...the kitten," breathed the neko, "Please I..." he bowed his head then without looking at Hunter he offered, "Please I'll do anything you want, I'll let you do anything to me, with anyone or anything but please.." Slowly he looked up, the expression of sheer broken despair taking Hunter's breath away as the neko whispered, "Just...just don't let him hurt him. He's too trusting. He'll believe anyone. He only sees the good in people, he'll trust him and ..." the neko raised his head and Hunter was stuck by the sheer amount of love shining in those eyes, "Please I'll do anything to save him."

Hunter regarded the neko a moment then as another light bulb went off in his head he swore again exclaiming softly, "You're already done stuff to save him, haven't you?"

The neko simply looked away, the strong body radiating agitation and annoyance.

"Those scars, on your hip," asked Hunter slowly really not wanting to know the answer but needing to know anyway."You got those protecting him, didn't you?"

The neko glared at him, the grey blue eyes flashing with a multitude of emotions before he nodded reluctantly, as if admitting it made it worse. He looked away lowering his eyes as he rumbled bitterly, "They...they were going to... all of them. I couldn't let them. I...had to...they were going to..." He screwed his eyes shut, obviously trying to block out the memories of whatever had happened.

Then suddenly his eyes snapped open and his lips drew back showing the fang-like teeth as he snarled, "It's none of your business!" He gave a low animalistic growl adding viciously, "What do you care anyway? You only bought me to fuck me so just get on with it! Stop the pretence. Stop caring! Just fuck me and throw me away!"

Hunter stared at the enraged neko blinking in surprise. He'd never once thought of using the beautiful neko that way. In truth until 3 hours ago he didn't know you could buy a neko the way you bought an ordinary cat. He suddenly felt sick. Sick with the idea that the neko thought he would be such a man and sick as well at the thought that if John hadn't acquired the two cats someone else would have bought them for that very purpose.

He glanced behind and saw the bath was nearly full. Quickly turning the taps off he paused grasping the sides of the bath, trying to control the anger currently raging in him. Drawing in a deep breath Hunter tried to force his anger down not wanting to scare or enrage the already freaked out neko.

Balling his fist his pushed away from the bath then staring straight at the neko he stated firmly, "Lets get a few things straight. One, I would never abuse anyone that way – so put that thought out of your head. Two – John is the same, in fact he's a better man than me. He bought your little kitten because he hated the idea of something so beautiful, so obviously good being sold like a common pet. He acquired him to give him a good home, a good life. And that is what he'll do. Trust me – John would never think of hurting him. And three..." he paused not sure what point three was he just knew he wanted them to get to a point in time where the neko wasn't staring at him with such naked fear and loathing.

He gave a tried sigh then shaking his head he pushed the long blond hair out of his eyes and, sighed, "Just get in the damn tub. Maybe a good wash will help calm you down."

He moved further way from the tub, intending on leaving the neko to his bath but as he glanced back he saw the neko shimmied out of the jog bottoms and his heart stopped. The scars that had marred his waist carried on down and around the base o the tail. They were far worse than the other scars showing signs of a brutal assault on the beautiful neko. They circled the base of the neko's tail and in some places Hunter could see the scars running down onto the black tail itself.

Without thinking he murmured, "They tried to take your tail, didn't they?"

The neko spun around, yelping with surprise. The jog bottoms held up to his chest as if they would protect his modesty. He glared at Hunter with such a look of outraged surprise, Hunter couldn't help but chuckle and tease fondly, "Damn you're cute when you do that."

"Don't call me cute!" hissed the neko glaring at the big man.

"Sorry," soothed Hunter still chuckling to himself. Then with the laugher fading, he asked firmly, "What did they do to you?"

The neko simply glared at him, a blank expression floating over the grey eyes - the same he'd worn for much of his time in the pet store - and Hunter knew he wasn't going to get an answer. With a soft nod of understanding, he turned and opened the door. Pausing a moment he glanced back offering, "When you're done in here, go to my closest in the next room. Choose some clothes that are more your style. They'll be too big but they'll be better than what you had on"

The neko's eyes narrowed suspiciously but Hunter didn't react, he simply gave a warm smile turned and shut the door leaving the neko to the bath and his privacy. Leaning back against the wall Hunter closed his eyes and growled, "Damn it, John. What the hell have you got us into!"

TBC