Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 10

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Dartz shook his head in amusement as Ryou and Marik curled up together, then went to the intercom and called for Rafel.

Rafel appeared soon, grumbling. "Yes sir?” He asked impatiently, having seemingly developed 20 new chores in the last ten minutes.

"Please take the lion back to his cage, Rafel.” He said. "Then take a flea bath."

Rafel glared and nodded. "Wonderful sense of humor.” He grumbled, walking into Ryou's room. "Ok lion, it's time to go.” He glared. "Now come on."

Marik's head jerked up, and he quickly bared his teeth and growled. Tuc's ears shot up, and he darted under the bed to escape any scuffles that might happen.

Rafel glared. "Pitch a fuss and I can assure you, you won’t be seeing that rabbit again for the rest of your breathing days."

Marik's growl slowly died down and he sheathed his claws, slowly turning and licking Ryou's cheek.

"I love you.” He said softly.

Ryou nuzzled Marik. "We'll see each other again...” He mumbled, ears drooping. "I hope it's soon...” He added softly.

Rafel snorted slightly. "Come on you mangy cat, or I'll have to mention how disagreeable you're being at leaving."

Marik glared at Rafel. "I am NOT being disagreeable...” He snarled through clenched teeth, hopping off of the bed and walking over to Rafel, sitting at his feet to be leashed.

Rafel leashed him. "Stop your growling, in case you forget, I'm the one who decides whether you're behaving or not."

Ryou's eyes widened. "P-please! He’s being good! Please don’t say he's being bad! I... I don’t want him to be away forever!"

Marik choked off his growl and grew silent. He turned back and stared at Ryou.

"Murrrrrrrr...”

Ryou sniffled softly, ears drooping. "Marik...” He mewled softly, clutching his kimono to cover himself.

Rafel rolled his eyes and tugged Marik's leash harshly. "Come on you ugly overgrown cat, before I decide to report you as a rotten apple."

Marik winced and shot Ryou a despairing look, then lowered his head and followed Rafel, who slammed the door. The lion gave a great window-rattling roar as the man had slammed the door on his tail. The door opened quickly and Ryou watched the tail dart out of sight, and the door was closed again.

Ryou's ears drooped pathetically, as he sniffled. "Marik...” He mumbled softly, sighing at the loss of his lover. He picked up Tuc and nuzzled him. "W-well... we're both filthy all over again...” He mumbled, blushing softly, nuzzling his companion. "But, I feel a little better... how about you?” He asked softly, standing and wandering to the bathroom, hoping to find a tub, to take another bath.

And he was delighted to find that not only was there a bath, but it was a large Jacuzzi tub and a shower next to it. Tuc took one look at the tub and began to struggle.

Ryou laughed. "Tuc you're getting a bath, you reek of sex!” He huffed softly, turning on the Jacuzzi. "Come on Tuc, I promise if you're good and let me wash you, it'll only take two minutes." He cooed. "Ok? Then I'll dry you off and you can sleep on the bed with me.” He added.

Tuc heaved a sigh of defeat and dangled limply in Ryou's arms, resigned to his fate.

Ryou smiled and climbed into the Jacuzzi once it filled, and began gently washing Tuc. Within moments the small white bunny was cleaned and dried. "There! Nice and clean and handsome.” He cooed, smiling. "Nod would drool if she saw you Tuc, you look the best I've ever seen you!" Ryou commented proudly. "Your fur is the purest white I've seen it in ages!"

Tuc shook the water from himself and gave Ryou a look.

'You lying son of a...’ he seemed to be saying, before trying to groom his fur into an acceptable smoothness.

Ryou laughed. "I'm not lying.” He said smiling. "Once you dry off, you'll be the best looking hare around. Those stray garden bunnies would flock to you wanting a little of your own special brand of loving.” He laughed. "You could be a little bunny sugar daddy."

To Ryou's surprise, Tuc seemed to quirk an eyebrow before going back to diligently grooming himself.

Ryou laughed and began bathing himself. "You're spoiled rotten you little brat.” He cooed.

Tuc ignored Ryou this time as he worked; his fur was a MESS!!!

Ryou grumped softly, beginning to root around the bottles laid near the Jacuzzi, looking for the conditioner. He whimpered painfully as some soap got into his eyes. "Ahh!” He yelped, hands rushing to his eyes, only worsening the dilemma.

Tuc looked up and blinked at Ryou, flicking an ear and cocking his head.

Ryou splashed water into his face to rinse away the suds, though the sting remained. "Ahh... Tuc can you find me a dry washcloth? I got soap in my eyes...” He whimpered softly. "It burns...”

Tuc blinked, then looked around, hopping over to the pile of towels on a vanity chair. He tugged them down, getting buried. He grabbed the hand towel in his teeth and hopped over to the tub, pawing at it to make noise to get Ryou's attention.

Ryou felt around and smiled. "Thank you Tuc!” He said gladly, taking the cloth and drying his face, though he didn't open his eyes for the moment. "That feels much better...” He said grinning and rinsing his hair. "Sometimes I wonder how you got to be so incredible...” He said softly, reaching down to scratch Tuc's ears blindly. "You're an amazing friend...”

Tuc licked Ryou's fingertips, lovingly.

Ryou finally opened his eyes and blinked them a few times, testing whether or not they still stung. He leaned over the side of the tub, his ears dripping slightly. "Tuc, do you like this new room?” He asked softly, looking around the bathroom. "I mean... I don’t know... I feel... unsure about it. I am much more comfortable here... but I can’t shake the feeling like... something's out of place...”

Tuc blinked at Ryou and sighed, then flopped down to go back to grooming.

Ryou laughed. "Oh now you don’t want to talk to me?” He teased, tickling Tuc's ears. "You're spoiled absolutely rotten!"

Tuc looked up at Ryou and blinked, then scratched an itch before going back to staring at Ryou.

'You getting out yet?'

Ryou wiggled his ears and cozied into the Jacuzzi. "Oh stop complaining, Marik and I don’t have one of these at home, I want to enjoy myself.” He cooed, turning on the massaging water jets and grinning. "ahh...” He mewled, laying his head against the side of the tub, ears drooping over the side as he closed his eyes. "I've never been this pampered... even Master Pegasus didn't do this much for me...”

Tuc sighed and made himself comfortable. Ryou was NOT getting out of there anytime soon...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Marik sighed and stared at the floor of the elevator as he was taken back to his cage. He wanted nothing more than to chew through Rafel's leg and run back to Ryou.

Rafel rolled his eyes. "Don’t be a big baby, Dartz'll let you see him again soon if you don’t give me any trouble. You should feel honored. You're getting a better deal than that fox and skunk, but you can’t even take a gift. You just pout and whine."

Marik winced and had to fight not to growl. "The difference between their deal and mine, is the guy who made it.” He snarled.

Rafel chuckled. "What? Don’t like Dartz? He'll treat that rat better than anyone would, and I doubt he'll even leave that room, other than to be groomed and trotted around like a show pet." Rafel snorted slightly. "Dartz has a thing for showing off beautiful things; you should feel honored knowing your mate won’t be touched."

Marik rolled his eyes. "No, I was saying that I don't like YOU!” He snapped. "But I don’t like him either. I don’t like ANY one here."

Rafel chuckled. "You'd better learn to like Dartz, AND me.” He said as the elevator opened. "We're your hope to see your mate...” He said shoving Marik into his cage and unleashing him, locking him in. "And his damnation if you act up...” He chuckled evilly.

Marik glared. "Nothing will EVER make me like you...” He growled. "And harming Ryou or keeping me from him will only make me hate you more." He moved over to his bed and sniffed over Dust, just to make sure all was well.

Rafel smirked. "He's not bound by loyalty anymore rat face... it wouldn't take much to hook him up with a female of his species and you'd be left alone and tending to little rat there.” He said amused. "Natural attraction is a lot stronger, for a rabbit."

Marik glared. "He loves me. He loved me before that fuckin loyalty came into play. I have faith in him." And he settled down around Dust, nuzzling and licking the bunny.

"Remember those words, when you're alone with nothing to show for that faith." Rafel sneered. "Because if you don’t behave, I can assure you, you will be."

Marik snorted. "Just go away. Your stench is offensive."

Rafel chuckled. "Whatever.” He said leaving Marik to his words, and his rabbit.

Marik snorted and continued to groom Dust, carefully spreading open one of his wings and getting ever little inch of it, holding the squirming bunny still. Then he moved to the other little wing.

Dust clicked his tongue at Marik, warning him about touching his wings. 'Don’t touch the feathers!' He wiggled his nose, and huffed softly. 'They’re clean as they are!'

Marik purred and licked Dust's cheek, then went back to grooming his other wing.

"Be a good boy...” He said softly.

Dust grumbled and swatted at Marik with his paws 'Lay off the wings!' He squirmed and pouted. 'They're clean they're clean!

Marik chuckled. "Okay, okay...” He said, letting go of the bunny. "Don't get your feathers ruffled, or I'll have to groom them again."

Dust huffed softly and flapped his little wings a few times before hopping to Marik’s food, and beginning to nibble on the remains of his own food.

Marik sighed and watched little Dust.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryou nuzzled Tuc and licked his ear, having since dried off and put on a new kimono, which he'd found many of, in the dresser.

He grinned and put a small collar on Tuc's neck. "There! Now we match.” He cooed smiling. "What do you think?"

Tuc made a face and pawed at the collar, trying to force it off.

'I think it stinks! Get it off!!'

Ryou pouted. "Aww Tuc, but you look cute...” He mumbled, sighing and taking the collar off his companion. "But I guess you just weren't made for collars...”

Tuc scratched his neck then sniffed and flopped over, making himself comfortable. 'Damn straight.'

Ryou laughed. "How’d you get so cocky?” He said tickling Tuc softly, giggling. "Those children of yours must have done it."

Tuc flicked an ear and yawned, then closed his eyes lightly

Ryou sighed and nuzzled him, curling up next to him. "Poor thing... you must be worn out... you did ... desecrate that pillow... a lot."

Tuc opened his eyes and gave Ryou a look. 'Excuse me for humping the pillow instead of violating YOU!'

Ryou laughed loudly and kissed Tuc's forehead. "You're just a wee bit too small for that job Tuc, neither of us would have had any fun THEN.” He laughed. "But thanks for the... disturbing image."

Tuc flicked an ear and closed his eyes. 'Sure thing.'

Ryou smiled and sighed, looking at the ceiling. "I wonder if I should... pick a book to read.” He said softly. "Something to entertain myself...” He added, before sitting up and walking to said bookshelf, to look over the titles offered him.

The door opened and Dartz walked in. "Hello, Ryou.” He said with a smile. Tuc turned and glared.

Ryou blinked, putting down the book he'd decided to examine more closely. "Oh! Hello...” He said offering Dartz a smile. "I wasn't expecting another visit today...” He added sheepishly, looking away. "I... wasn't expecting the last visit either.” He commented, blushing darkly.

Dartz chuckled. "I take it that you enjoyed it?” He snickered.

Ryou's blush darkened. "W-why the visit?” He asked, hoping to change the subject.

"Well... it had been so long since you and your mate had been together...” Dartz said with a shrug.

Ryou coughed softly. "Y-yes... b-but why another visit? I'm used to only one a day; today I've been graced with three.” He repeated softly, picking up the book once more, to hide behind its pages.

Dartz smiled. "Well, now you're at a location that is more convenient.” He said. "That and I want to make sure you're settling well into our new environment. I always worry about such things with my hybrids."

Ryou nodded and smiled behind the pages of his book, though it showed in his eyes as well. "Well... I am quite happy... the bed is soft... the bath is warm... there are clothes, and books... it is almost as wonderful as my home was...”

"I am glad you enjoy it." Dartz said. "How about your little friend.” He walked over and pet Tuc, who glared, but let him. "Is he adjusting?"

Ryou followed and glared at Tuc, warningly. "He likes it as well, though he hated having two baths today...” He said smiling. "Neither of us really enjoyed the other room... the bed was uncomfortable, and I absolutely have had enough of litter boxes, for the rest of my days."

Dartz chuckled. "Well, then I'll hold off on providing one for you and just let you use the toilet.” He said, turning from Tuc and petting Ryou.

Ryou flicked his ears and slowly put the book down once more. "Thank you... for letting Marik come to visit me...” He said softly, offering a genuinely happy look. "I missed being near him...”

Dartz smiled and continued petting Ryou's hair. "I know... that's why I decided to send him in to you when I saw your... frustration."

Ryou grumbled softly, blushing darkly. "Um... a-about that...” He mumbled embarrassedly. "I... well... I...”

Dartz chuckled. "It's okay. Don’t be embarrassed. It's a natural thing.” He gently kissed Ryou's forehead. "I'm glad you were able to spend time with your mate."

Ryou smiled and nodded. "Y-yes... I am too. Thank you...” He said sitting on the bed. "So... um...” Ryou stammered softly. "Dartz... in all this time, you've asked me many questions about me... can... I learn a bit about you?"

Dartz blinked, surprised. "Me? Ummm... well... I guess so...” He said, taking a seat at the desk and crossing his legs. "why?"

"Curiosity... I suppose." Ryou said pulling a blanket across his lap, not liking how much leg was left to the eye, because of the kimono. "You've asked me so much about myself... I thought it'd be nice... to... to know some about you."

Dartz nodded. "I suppose it's only fair.” He said slowly. "What do you want to know?"

Ryou looked thoughtful. "Well... how... about...” He paused. "Have you ever been in love?” He asked beginning to groom his ears.

Dartz blinked and thought. "Have I loved? Yes. Have I ever been IN love... no. No, I haven't. Unless you count my tutor when I was eight, but you know how that is with little kids...”

Ryou laughed. "So, you've never loved someone with all your heart?” He said giving Dartz an amazed look. "That... that's rather sad... aren't you lonely?"

Dartz cocked his head, and then nodded. "Yes, I suppose I am a bit lonely.” He said. "But that is where my hybrids come in.” He smiled at Ryou. "I have been much less lonely since we started our little grooming sessions."

Ryou blinked. "Well... companionship is one thing, but I could never replace someone you could love. Love is something truly powerful... I could never be someone you couldn't live without."

Dartz nodded. "Understood. You have a mate. And you are that for him.” He said with a smile. "Perhaps one day I will find someone... but until that day, I will simply be satisfied with the companionship of hybrids."

"I thought though... that you loved that gazelle... you sounded so fond... when speaking about...” Ryou said softly. "You... didn't love the gazelle?"

Dartz sighed. "I did love her. Perhaps the closest I ever came to being IN love... She was... precious to me."

Ryou looked confused. "How can you love someone, yet not be IN love...” He said calmly. "I mean... I understand friendship... and dear dear friends and loved ones... but I love my mate, and my master, who stepped down from being my mate, for Marik... to see me happy. I love them both with all of me...”

Dartz sighed. "I don’t know how to explain it...” He said. "I loved her. With all my heart... but... I just didn't... I wasn't really... I don't know... It's hard to explain how I felt."

Ryou smiled. "I'm sure you'll find... someone.” He offered. "Maybe then you'll close this place?” He asked beginning to groom his other ear.

Dartz chuckled. "You never know.” He said with a smile. "You are such a dear little thing...”

Ryou blushed slightly. "My master... used to tell me that all the time.” He said smiling slightly in remembrance. "If he and Marik got along better, I'd spend more time with him... I feel awful... leaving him out of our love... I know it's just because of what Daisuke did to me... but I still love him dearly, and I feel like a bad mate for not letting him enjoy my love as much as Marik does...”

"But if he gave you up on his own, I'm sure he's fine... Don't worry so much." Dartz looked down. He had almost said 'get your master and mate to sit down with you and the three of you have a talk' but that was not possible. Not now that Ryou was property of the Twilight Menagerie...

Ryou sighed. "I still feel badly...” He said looking down as well, his ears drooping. "What would you do?” He asked suddenly. "I-if you were in my place?"

"I don’t know." Dartz said with a shrug. "And don't hate me saying this, but it doesn't matter anymore."

Ryou's ears drooped further. "Marik is still here, a-and he's still my mate...” He mumbled looking away bitterly. "I wish you'd reconsider what you're doing...”

"I will not. This is my business and I intend to make it prosperous." Dartz said.

Ryou gave him a pained look. "How did this 'business' even come about...? Surely you didn't just wake up one day and decide to whore off hybrids for kicks"

"You think I'm doing this just for kicks?" Dartz asked. "I'm not. I found a small group of stray hybrids whoring themselves out on the street in exchange for the necessities; food, and shelter. I could not bear to see them like that, so I offered to feed and shelter them free of charge. But they insisted that they pay me for my kindness, and the next thing I know, they’re whoring themselves out for money, and bring in even more strays. They called me master, and I grew to love them. Then one of them got killed... and so I told them that I would not allow them to walk the streets like that any longer. They protested and this came to that and the next thing I know I have them here in this building providing their services where they were safe doing it. Word spread and suddenly I find myself overwhelmed with calls from people wanting to make reservations and this comes to that and the Twilight Menagerie was born. We pick up strays that have nowhere to go and give them a home and a purpose."

Ryou blinked. "But I wasn't a stray... we had a home and a purpose... we were HAPPY...” He mumbled sighing softly. "It's a noble start... kind of... b-but you kidnap hybrids who already had loving homes. I know for a fact Kheti had a very loving mistress, and before I was kidnapped, your goons tried to take my friend Yami, and Seto is VERY fond of him.” He added.

Dartz stood. "I no longer handle the details.” He said. "Only hybrids without collars are taken. I am simply given files and I pick out who I want.” He said.

Ryou pouted and looked away. "You can’t possibly expect us to... enjoy doing this.” He mumbled, ears hanging limply in his face, drooping. "Who I lay with... is very special and sacred for me... I share myself as a sign of love... not because someone just decided to use me for the night...” He said softly. "I have very little to offer as a mate, other than that special moment... I'm not particularly big... or strong... or adept at anything. I'm a clumsy stammering shy little whelp...” He gave Dartz a teary eyed look. "What gift could I offer my loved ones... once the only thing I have is taken?"

Dartz looked at Ryou. "I think that is a question that would be best answered by your mate, little one.” He said with a gentle smile, petting Ryou. "Ask him, next time I allow a visit." And he turned for the door.

Ryou tugged Dartz's sleeve. "Please... is there another way I could... earn my keep? I... I am... well I can clean.” He said softly. "Surely there's something less...” Ryou looked away. "I'd even wear horribly degrading and revealing clothes while I cleaned, if it could... keep me in one piece. Other than my mates... I've never...” He whispered, a blush creeping up his face. "I'd do anything... please Dartz... I can be far more useful... th-than just an item for sale... I'd do anything for you, if you spared me from hurting my mate like that."

Dartz looked back at Ryou and looked him up and down. "... I will consider it.” He said softly, and then slipped out of the room, locking the door behind him.

Ryou covered his face in his hands, and cried softly, fearing what would happen if Marik ever found out he actually had been touched... fearing how he'd feel once it happened. "Please... Please God, don’t let them...” He whispered to himself. "Let Dartz come up with something... a-anything... I'd give everything... except...” his tail flicked softly at that comment.

He felt awful that he'd even consider being molested to the point of no return, as long as no one took away the fact he'd only been penetrated by his two lovers. He sobbed softly. "I'm... such a whore...” He mumbled

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zaine whistled calmly, waiting on the elevator to arrive. With a ding, he stepped out. "Hey skunky.” He said grinning to Bakura, who looked half asleep in a nap.

Bakura grunted and slowly lifted an ear and opened one eye to see who it was. He blinked and yawned, opening both eyes and lifting his head, revealing Spunky who had been curled up under Bakura's long hair. The bunny curled up tighter, then lifted his own head, irritated at the disappearance of his blanket.

"Whuh...?" Bakura asked, blinking at Zaine.

Zaine chuckled. "Just came back for another visit.” He said smiling. "Why don’t you go back to sleep? That bunny looks irritated you woke up.” He chuckled. "I've got business with the lion today."

Bakura blinked. "With Marik?” He asked, lifting a foot and scratching his left ear. "What do you want with him? OW!!!" Bakura yelped as Spunky got up and started smacking Bakura in the face with his front paws. "Little brat! HERE!!” He curled his tail around and watched Spunky make himself comfortable in the thick fur.

Zaine laughed. "If it's not the fox, it's the bunny...” He teased. "I'm just going to give him a few 'lessons' too. That little hare of his had him under his cute little thumbs."

"Who, Ryou or Dust?" Bakura chuckled, nuzzling the baby bunny. "Cuz everyone knows that Ryou has Marik wrapped around his little finger."

"Ryou." Zaine said chuckling and walking to Marik's cage. "Hey you, Simba, wake up.” He said calmly, tapping the glass. "I want a word with you."

Marik looked up at Zaine. "Why the hell does everyone call me 'Simba' dammit?!” He snapped, watching Dust playing with a grape, rolling it around and flapping his wings delightedly before giving chase.

Zaine chuckled. "Tell me about your mate.” He said, sitting down leisurely in front of Marik's cage.

Marik blinked at Zaine. "Ryou? Why?” He asked.

"Just tell me." Zaine said calmly. "Tell me your thoughts on him, and how dominant you are in that relationship."

Marik blinked again and flicked an ear. "Ryou is... the love of my life." He said, watching Dust chase the grape past. "He IS my life... He's my soul mate."

"Sounds nice... now, who's the boss in your relationship? Who wears the pants? Who makes the demands?" Zaine asked taking out a cigarette and lighting it, beginning to smoke.

Marik blinked. "Well... no one.” He said. "And... We both wear pants...” He snickered. "When we wear anything at all...”

Zaine smirked. "Oh really? So you're not the one on top of everything? That little rabbit makes all the demands and is the boss of you?"

Marik frowned. "Ryou does not make demands.” He snorted. "He asks me to change a light bulb, I change a light bulb. I say I'm hungry, he makes me something to eat."

Zaine chuckled. "No no, I mean, if it came down to someone needing their life saved, who would do the saving? Are you the one who'd have the balls to do something? Or would Ryou?"

"Of course I would do something!!!" Marik cried, tail lashing. "But so would Ryou. He gets a lot of guts when someone he cares about is in danger. But if you think I would just sit back and let Ryou charge in on his own, you are SADLY mistaken!"

Zaine smirked. "So, you'd let that bunny mount you then?"

Marik blinked. He blinked again, and then flicked an ear. "Heh?” He finally managed to get out, cocking his head. His face was the picture of confusion. "Ryou? Mount... ME?!” He blinked, then snorted and shook his mane. "He would never even consider trying.” He finally said with a smirk.

"Oh really? Why, because you're so dominant that he knows better?" Zaine asked smirking. "Because from what I saw earlier, you look like you're the submissive in that relationship."

Marik blinked. "What?!” He asked, cocking his head the other way.

Zaine chuckled, taking a long drag from his cigarette. "I'm just saying, you look like the one catching, not the one pitching."

Marik blinked. "How do you figure that?” He asked, getting up and padding over to the window, sitting down before Zaine.

Zaine rolled his eyes. "Because, that bunny has you wrapped around his little finger.” He explained. "When was the last time you did something he didn't much care for, and didn't get verbally lashed?"

Marik blinked then smiled slight and blushed. "I know he has me wrapped around his little finger...” He said with a slight purr. "And I don't care. I love him that much. And there have been plenty of times I've done something he didn't like and he didn't yell at me. He's learned to pick his battles with me.” He gave a goofy grin.

Zaine chuckled. "Ok then, how about I ask this... do you think you're fulfilling his every sexual desire?"

Marik blinked and frowned. "In here? No... Back home...” He slowly grinned. "OH yeah...” And he wiggled his ears and chuckled.

Zaine laughed. "Really now? All of them? That little rabbit is totally satisfied?"

Marik grinned. "I'm pretty confidant he is. I mean, he has to be patient at work and wait for us to get off before we can... play... but then I give it to him until he can't take it anymore!"

Zaine smiled. "Want some ideas to use on him?"

Marik blinked. "Huh?"

"You know, new techniques to use to... entertain yourselves?” He explained. "I'm sure there are areas of sex you never even imagined."

Marik blinked. "Really now?” He asked, intrigued.

Zaine nodded. "Yes of course. I'm sure there's lots of things I could teach you, that you'd never even imagined could be done. Say Bakura, why don’t you tell him a little about it?” He said chuckling.

But the only answer Zaine got from Bakura was a snore.

"Lazy skunk...” Marik snickered. "But sure... I'm open to new ideas."

Zaine smirked. "You realize, to learn what he'll like most, you'd have to be submissive for tonight... right?" Zaine chuckled. "But I promise, I won’t penetrate you. I respect your wishes."

Marik blinked and his ears perked up, then lay back a bit, nervously.

"Ummm... okayyyyy...” Marik said hesitantly.

Zaine grinned. "Then you agree to be my company tonight?” He said smirking. "Once you make a deal, there's no changing your mind. Are you sure?"

Marik frowned slightly and bit his lip. Well... the guy DID say he wouldn't...

"Okay." The lion nodded.

Zaine smirked. "I'll see you downstairs shortly then.” He said standing and putting the cigarette out. He headed towards the elevator and left.

Not more than ten minutes later, Rafel shuffled in, and knocked on Marik's cage. "C'mon then you mangy cat. Someone wants you."

Marik walked over and scooped up Dust, putting him in the bed, then moved over to the door and sat down patiently.

Rafel leashed him up, and lead him to the elevator. "Act up, and both bunnies get it.” He hissed as the elevator descended. The elevator stopped with a soft ding, and they got off on the floor. "Be good." Rafel growled, unleashing Marik and shutting him in the room, which looked very much like a rich man's bedroom.

Zaine smirked. "Good to see you.” He said calmly. "Get on the bed."

Marik blinked and growled at the door, then moved across the room and hopped up onto the bed, flopping down immediately and looking around, ears turning in every direction.

Zaine smirked. "What does Ryou like when he's in bed Marik?"

"To sleep." Marik said calmly, flipping onto his back and squirming around on the bed, making pleased noises as he enjoyed the feel of the fabric.

Zaine smirked. "Really? You must be boring in bed then."

Marik chuckled and looked at Zaine from an upside down view point. "Who says we screw in bed?” He asked. "Ryou seems to enjoy linen closets...” He giggled at the memory.

Zaine laughed and sat on the bed. "Do you want to please your mate or not?” He said calmly. "Because I'll tell you something, I've HEARD through the grapevine something you might not like...”

Marik frowned and flopped back over onto his belly and blinked at the man, flicking an ear. "What?” He asked.

"I heard from a friend, who heard from another friend who heard from his friend's coworker... that Dartz is digging on your little bunny." Zaine said calmly. "Now, I'm not endorsing that this is 100% true, as it's from a grapevine... but... it's never too early to wow your mate with amazing 'I love you more than anything' sex.”

Marik's ears tilted back and his eyes darkened as he began to growl deep in his chest. "I'll kill him before I'd let him touch my mate...” He snarled, digging his claws into the bed. "Bastard...”

"ahh ahh ahh, calm down!" Zaine said thunking Marik on the head slightly. "It may not even be true, besides, wouldn't your mate tell you if he thought Dartz was flirting or loving him?"

Marik frowned and looked down. "I... I hope so...” He said softly, rubbing his head.

Zaine nodded. "Now, how do you intend to wow him so thoroughly he won’t consider taking Dartz's offer? As I've been told, that loyalty enhancement of his was negated. He's open game now...”

Marik froze and his eyes widened. "What?!” He gasped. "They took it away?" Slowly he smiled. "Oh, thank the gods... Does... does Ryou know?"

Zaine chuckled. "To be honest I don’t know... I'm sure if someone mentioned it he'd figure it out. They gave him a shot the very first day he was here. He's been free of his loyalties for... a long while now. You should be glad that he still loves you so greatly."

Marik frowned. "He loved me even before I triggered his loyalty." Marik said. "I love him. And he loves me."

Zaine smiled. "Love is a beautiful thing... but now he's in danger. Dartz could win him away from you easily right now...” He warned. "I know this, because I'm so involved in this place.” He explained. "But if Dartz wants him, he'll try his very best to convince Ryou that you're not worth his time. He's a very determined man, when he wants to be."

Marik frowned and growled slightly. "Ryou is MY mate...” He hissed. "I fought too long and too hard to lose him...”

Zaine chuckled. "What can you offer in comparison to Dartz? He's a very handsome man, he's very rich, he's well mannered, and almost as soft-spoken as Ryou. They're both foreigners here.” He said calmly. "Dartz isn't from Japan; I think he's from somewhere in Europe originally... I've heard from Daisuke that Ryou was originally from England... already he's a step ahead of you."

Marik snorted. "Yeah, well I'm Egyptian!” He whined. "And Ryou wouldn't abandon me... he knows how far I've gone for him, how hard I've worked for him. He knows what he means to me. I turned my entire life upside-down MORE than once just for him... He knows that he's the center of my world and my single reason for living."

Zaine chuckled. "Tell me Marik... what made him loyal?"

Marik growled, his ears tilted back. "I do not like what you are implying...”

"Oh, so you'd rather not know at all?" Zaine asked chuckling. "Well they do say ignorance is bliss."

Marik gave a half roar, half growl, lifting himself to his feet. He glared at Zaine, his ears back, teeth and claws bared and tail lashing.

"Are you going to hurt me? The one who's warning you?” He asked boldly. "The one who has nothing to do with it? Is that your intent?” He hissed back. "Because I don’t have to help you. Hell, I could decide I like Dartz more than Bakura's little friends."

Marik growled louder, and his very voice vibrated with his growl. "Ryou would not betray me...”

"Really? Because if all it took to be loyal was a shot...” Zaine said calmly.

"It WASN'T the damn shot... He LOVES me...” Marik snapped.

"nice. But if all it took to make him loyal to anyone was a shot, then wouldn't it be just as easy to reintroduce that shot? He'd be a blank slate... Because loyalties are triggered AFTER the shot." Zaine explained. "And I doubt you'd be allowed near him after a shot was reintroduced...”

Marik's eyes widened and the growling faded as a look of horror crossed his face. "He... He wouldn't...” He gasped, shaking his head and suddenly looking very afraid.

Zaine smirked. "Oh really? How far would you go for Ryou?"

Marik slowly looked down at the floor. "I... I'd do anything...” He said softly, ears and tail drooping.

"Exactly, and so would ANYONE else, who wanted him." Zaine added calmly. "So you have to work hard to keep yourself appealing to him, in every way."

"Murrrrrrr...” Marik moaned, slowly lying down and resting his chin on his paws. "But... they don't even let me near him... today is the first time in a week that I've even been able to SMELL him...”

Zaine nodded. "So you have to make those little visits count.” He said calmly. "When I found out, I was a little upset. I don’t approve of what this place really does; it didn't used to be this way. But what's done is done."

Marik sighed listened to Zaine, watching him intently.

"I don’t approve of him moving in on taken territory, but he's human, and he seeks a lover, who is beautiful in his eyes... and those eyes fell on Ryou." Zaine said shaking his head.

Marik lifted his head, ears drooping. "But I got him first!!!"

"That doesn't matter... if he orders that shot, then nothing will matter." Zaine said shaking his head once more. "You can’t attack him though Marik, that will just get you killed."

Marik got up and began pacing back and forth in agitation. "But... If he gives Ryou that shot... I... I've SEEN what it does to him!!” He whimpered. "And... I don't think I can live through it again... I can't!!!"

"Tell me what it does Marik." Zaine said calmly. "I've never encountered a hybrid that's had that before. What happens?"

Marik shook his head. "He... all he can think about is... being with the one he's loyal to... Pleasing the one he’s loyal to... And he'll forget me. He will LITERALLY forget me! And he will defend his relationship with the one he's loyal to with his life! He... he nearly KILLED Malik once... and attacked him several times... I... I'd rather die than have that happen again...”

"I see... how did you get through it last time?" Zaine asked looking curious. "How did he end up with you if he was loyal to someone else?"

"Because... I had activated his loyalty as well...” Marik said softly. "And... His master, he... after months... he finally gave in and realized that Ryou was torn... He really loves Ryou and... He knew that everyone would be happier of he just... surrendered. And he gave Ryou to me... It was... It was luck...”

Zaine nodded. "Are you sure?” He said reaching forward to scratch Marik's ears. "Or maybe it was Ryou... who did the talking for you, when you couldn't?"

"M-Malik...” Marik said softly. "And that's how he almost got killed."

Zaine nodded. "Then you have to warn him Marik. You have to tell him what might happen...” Zaine said calmly. "I wanted to warn you without anyone knowing... I don’t approve of Dartz's actions, and I don’t like people taking other people's lovers... its wrong."

Marik nodded. "It is...” He said softly, then turned and nudged Zaine's hand which had stopped its scratching.

Zaine scratched more. "You'll get through, if it happens. I know you will. Warn your friends discreetly. Dartz doesn't know I've told you, and I don’t think he wanted you to know at all."

Marik sighed. "How... how did you find out?” He asked softly, giving Zaine a half hearted purr.

"I went to the annual meeting." Zaine said calmly. "And like I said... I have friends in high places... and one of them is close to Dartz...” He added, scratching Marik's ears more. "Normally I don’t mind what goes on here... but you're a friend of Bakura's... and I rather like him.” He said chuckling. "He's got spunk. I thought I should warn you; give you a chance to fight back before it's too late."

Marik purred loudly and licked the man's hand, staring at him with large watery eyes. "Thank you...” He said softly, wagging his tail.

Zaine chuckled. "I'll always have a soft spot for lions and skunks...” He said grinning. "I loved Bambi growing up, and Lions will always be a symbol of strength. Carry that title proudly Marik...” He said giving the tan lion a hug. "I'll find a way to help you... but you can’t let anyone know. Understand?"

Marik nodded eagerly, his tail wagging. "Murrrrumph!” He exclaimed, licking Zaine's hand.

Zaine grinned. "You want some sex?” He laughed. "Or should we fake our way out of it, and say you owe me a favor later?"

Marik blinked and flicked an ear again. "You said you were gonna teach me something that Ryou would like?" Marik asked, cocking his head curiously, obviously very interested in learning anything that would please his mate.

Zaine smirked. "Well that was just a ploy to get you down here. The walls have ears around here.” He said softly. "But I suppose I could give you a lesson or two...” He added. "Tell me... have you ever spied on Ryou?” He said smirking. He loved bringing all the sins of his partner out, before a lesson. Plus it was fun to watch them squirm

Marik blinked. "Well... I guess. I mean, when he's out back working in the garden, I get a great view of his tail from the bedroom window."

Zaine laughed. "No no no, I mean... in the shower, or maybe while he's changing... when he's doing something private and doesn't know you're watching."

Marik thought. "There's a shower curtain in the way. If I catch him in the shower I just ask if I can join him... And he changes too fast for it to be fun...” Marik chuckled. "I watch him take a bath, but he knows I'm there. I just lie in the doorway... sometimes I watch him sleep. He's usually naked when he sleeps, so...” Marik shrugged.

"How about before you two lived together... I heard you met him in a pet shop... did you ever spy on him there?" Zaine asked. There was no way this lion could be 'sin free'.

"Well... I did once... it was in the middle of the night, and everyone was asleep... And I heard a noise and it woke me up... Ryou had been hiding under his log all day because he didn't want anyone to see him. But he came out to get something to drink and the water bottle makes this clicking noise... That's what woke me up. And he was just... sitting there, all wet... He must have used the water to bathe himself before I woke up... And I just... stared at him...” Marik sighed, smiling slightly at the memory.

Zaine chuckled. "What were you thinking at the time?” He asked, curious if this lion was as innocent as he put on to be.

Marik blushed slightly and smiled. "That he was... cute.” He said softly. "He was pretty... it made me purr...” And he began to purr just from the memory.

"He was pretty? How pretty?" Zaine asked. "I haven't really had a chance to see this bunny up close."

Marik smiled and curled up on the bed, purring. "He's... perfect.” He said, the tip of his tail flicking about. "He's my little white rabbit and couldn't be more perfect... He has this... soft white skin... not a mark on it. And long white hair and long soft ears and a fluffy little tail...”

"What if one day you came home to find him naked, on the bed, masturbating. Would you watch silently or alert him you were there?" Zaine asked calmly.

Marik chuckled. "That would depend on how surprised I was and how quickly I got a hard-on."

Zaine chuckled. "What if he was moaning out your name? Begging for you to be there, and he didn't know... what if that was the best damn show you'd ever seen?"

Marik grinned. "I honestly don't know WHAT I’d do!” He giggled.

"Hmm you really are naive." Zaine said laughing. "I'm sure it's why that bunny loves you so much, you’re honest and dependable." Zaine rubbed Marik's head. "What gets you the absolute horniest?"

Marik blinked and thought. "Hmmm... Good question...” He said. "Playboy bunnies?” He joked.

Zaine rolled his eyes. "So someone other than Ryou makes you horny? Shaaaame...” He teased. "Now what if I told Ryou that?"

Marik snickered. "Ah, did I mention what Ryou wears to work?” He asked with a big grin. "He wears a little Playboy bunny outfit. It's really hot. He looks great in fishnets... I'd love to get him into some women's lingerie...”

Zaine laughed. "I don’t think I can teach you anything! You're too goofy, anything I'd try to teach you you'd forget!” He said teasingly. "But how about buying Ryou some girl’s clothes... and hiding the rest of his clothes, so he has to wear them.” He said smirking. "Something small and beautiful... like a school girl skirt, or maybe bunny themed lingerie, with frilly frilly panties...”

Marik blinked and chuckled. "Hmmm... Tempting...” He snickered. "A little THONG!!!" And he burst out laughing. "Oh, I'll be sleeping on the sofa for that...”

Zaine chuckled. "Do it. Buy him girl clothes; make him wear something sexy for you. Then return the favor for him. Maybe as your reward, you could ask for something sexy to wear... just for when you visit Ryou?"

Marik blinked. "Like what?” He asked, looking honestly baffled.

"What do you think Ryou would like? Maybe something to show off how wild you can be? Or maybe something that makes you look as exotic as you are...” Zaine said thoughtfully. "You could wear almost anything, and make it look good, a rare blessing."

Marik blinked, then flushed and looked away. "R-Really?” He asked, not used to being complimented like that.

"Of course! With that tan, those eyes, and that hair? You make the outfit, instead of the outfit making you." Zaine chuckled. "Tell you what, I'll go out and buy you something sexy. Something to wear for Ryou."

Marik blinked and flushed even brighter. "Y-You... you will?” He blurted, his ears cocked at comical angles.

Zaine smirked. "Sure thing. I'll buy something real good. Something to curl Ryou's little bunny toes." Zaine said chuckling.

Marik blinked. "And how would you know what would "curl Ryou's little bunny toes"?" Marik asked.

"Because he registers as a complete submissive. I know what submissive like... it's my JOB to know." Zaine said smirking. "I run a Bondage Domination and submission club."

Marik blinked and his ear perked up. "You DO?!” He blurted.

Zaine nodded. "And if you and your skunk friend were available, I'd invite you to work there.” He said chuckling. "Maybe when this is all over...”

Marik blinked, and then chuckled. "It's... very kind of you to offer, but... we have jobs. At a Hybrid club. It's called The Jungle, in Domino." The lion said.

Zaine chuckled. "Well if you find yourself in need of a job, I pay well.” He said smirking. "And you get the joy of making sex fun. I imagine Ryou'd love it if you had a job at my place... imagine all the fun things you'd learn... and take home to use on him?"

Marik blushed and looked down again, but he was smiling. "I dunno... I don’t think he'd like me working at a place like that, no offense...”

"The point of my place of work is to make sex better, you don’t actually HAVE sex.” He said calmly. "A common misconception."

"Yeah, but... I dunno...” Marik said, laying his head down on the edge of the bed and sighing, staring at the floor.

"What's wrong?" Zaine asked patting Marik's head.

Marik sighed. "I miss him already...” Marik said softly. "I wanna go home...”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rafel snickered and knocked on Ryou's door, stepping in amusedly. "Hey Rat...” He said smirking at Ryou's fearful shocked look. "Guess what? Your little mate's off tonight, lying with someone else."

Ryou's eyes widened and he shook his head. "N-no...” He breathed, his voice trembling, as he felt his heart breaking.

"Oh yes, he's sleeping with someone right this very moment." Rafel said grinning wickedly. "I just thought I'd tell you, since you couldn't see him being led off.” He added chuckling at his own evil-doings.

Ryou shook his head, beginning to cry. "Marik...”

Rafel turned and grinned. "I've seen what this guy can do... he had your skunk friend a bit before you came in... and by the time I got there, that overgrown rat was passed out cold, and we could hear him begging for more all the way down the hall... and I'll bet that if I head in that direction that lion will be doing the same thing...”

"Stop it!" Ryou said sniffling and giving him a hurt look. "Please! Don’t tell me! Stop!” He choked back a sob. "Marik wouldn't do that... h-he loves me!"

"It's only a matter of time before that lion becomes a wanton whore... and can't WAIT for me to take him out of his cage and deliver him to the next customer... he'll be DYING to get fucked up the ass... the same way he fucks you...” Rafel taunted. "And then... it's only a matter of time before he forgets you...”

Ryou gave Rafel a shocked look. "You... you're lying! Marik would never forget me! H-he loves me!” He wailed clutching a pillow and hugging it tightly, his ears falling back. He felt suddenly very insecure... the idea of Marik forgetting him... deciding to leave him... it sent chills up his spine. "I-if he left me I'd have nothing!” He said biting back the tears that freely flowed down his cheeks.

"awww... now that's not true...” Rafel said in a sickening tone. "You would have your work. Cuz it's also only a matter of time before you forget him and look forward to me showing up to take you to a client...”

Ryou glared at that. "NEVER!” He howled, throwing the pillow he'd been clutching at Rafel. "I will NEVER look forward to seeing YOU! You're a horrible man; I will never look forward to having sex with someone I don’t love! You're a wretched horrid creature! More animal than any hybrid in this building!"

Rafel growled and flung the pillow back at Ryou. "There goes your next visitation...” He snarled, and then grinned. "And that lion is trying SO hard to be good so he didn't blow a visit... how will he feel when I tell him that YOU blew it?"
Ryou instantly gasped and shook his head. "P-please! Don’t!” He cried, clutching the pillow, more tears working down his cheeks. "Please... Don’t take him away...” He sniffled.

Rafel chuckled. "Eh, even if I told him it wouldn't matter. He'll be too out of it from the fucking he's getting. If you like, I can take a peek at the security monitors and tell you EXACTLY what's happening...” He sneered.

Ryou cried softly. "Please! Don’t take away his visit...” He whimpered burying his face into the pillow. "Please... I... I'm sorry...” He pleaded, not wanting to tempt Rafel further to tease him with Marik's current situation. "I... I'm good...”

Rafel grinned. "Or maybe I'll even hook up a monitor in your room. Then you can see him at every moment... even when he's getting his brains fucked out... And just to be fair... I'll give him a monitor so he can watch YOU."

Ryou's eyes widened and he heaved a harsh sob. "P-please... don’t...” He choked out. "Please... c-cant you see we're hurting enough? Wh-why are you doing this to me?” He said softly, sniffling.

Rafel chuckled. "Because you deserve it.” He sneered, and shut the door.

Ryou sobbed harder, hanging his head in defeat. "M-Marik...” He whimpered softly, placing the pillow at the head of the bed and crawling under the covers, sniffling. "You... you wouldn't really forget me... w-would you?” He breathed, gently pulling Tuc closer to him and curling up, beginning the long process of crying himself to sleep.

Marik, in the meantime, HAD forgotten about Ryou... but it's hard to think of anything else when one is receiving a fantastic tummy rub!!!