Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 11

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Dartz knocked softly on the door of Ryou's room before unlocking it and entering. The lights were off, and the bunny was curled up in bed, asleep. Tuc's ears perked up and he watched Dartz, who turned on the light.

"Ryou..." He called, walking over and petting Ryou's side. "Good morning, Ryou. Wake up..."

Ryou wrinkled his nose and grumbled softly, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "Huh...?" He mumbled shaking his head a bit, his ears flopping from side to side with the motion. "Oh...g-good morning." he mumbled still half asleep. His hair was the picture of bedhead, and his ears were slightly kinked, from sleeping on them awkwardly, the fur going every which way.

Dartz chuckled. "Good morning, gorgeous..." He teased, setting a bowl down next to Ryou, which Tuc nearly did a face plant into to get at the fresh fruit, pancakes and whipped cream.

Ryou smiled softly and rubbed his eyes. "Hello Dartz..." he said picking up the fork and cutting the pancakes to share with Tuc, before taking a bite. "Mmm... thank you... I was hungry." He said offering Dartz a grateful warm smile.

Dartz smiled, then suddenly plucked up Tuc and looked him over with interest. Tuc blinked, licked whipped cream from his nose then tilted his ears back and glared at Dartz, squirming a bit. Dartz simply smiled and gave a little 'hmmm' as he looked back and forth between Tuc and Ryou.

"Is... there something wrong?" Ryou asked after a moment, tilting his head to the side curiously. "Does he have fleas?"

Dartz laughed. "No, not at all." He said, setting Tuc down. The bunny huddled up to Ryou. "Just something Daisuke told me... apparently this little fellow was the donor of the DNA he used to create you, Ryou."

Ryou blinked and looked at Tuc. "He... was?" He said picking up his bunny companion and hugging him. "A-and they were just going to feed him to Marik?!" he shook his head and clung to Tuc, ears back worriedly.

"He said something about never using any donor more than once, to eliminate the possibility of hybrid in-breeding." Dartz said with a shrug. "So after they made you, your little friend here was useless to them."

Ryou shook his head, eyes wide. "Th-that's horrible! They could have given him a good home! They were going t-to just kill him?!" Ryou shook his head, clutching Tuc tightly. "I absolutely hate that man!"

"Well, Ryou..." Dartz said, petting the boy. "Think about it. They have to feed their carnivores. And rather than spend extra money for food..." He shrugged again. "It was the cheapest and most efficient way to run things."

Ryou shivered and his fur bristled at the idea. "Please... l-lets change the subject... I really hate that man... he's an awful creature..."

Dartz chuckled. "Very well." He said, continuing to pet Ryou. "I just got finished reading the feedback reports we have clients fill out after purchasing one of our hybrids for the evening..."

Ryou winced again. "Rafel told me…" He said looking down, his ears drooping. "That... Marik had been used..." he mumbled sighing. "He did it just to hurt me..." Ryou sniffled softly and tugged his ears softly. "I don’t like THAT man either..."

Dartz laughed loudly. "Yes, I read the feedback report on your mate." He said. "Apparently a good tummy rub gives him a joygasm..."

Ryou smiled slightly. "Well... I could have told you that..." he said, tips of his ears twitching slightly. "Thank you... that made me feel a little better..." Ryou said softly, once again offering Dartz a grateful smile.

Dartz smiled. "The gentleman also reported that he was so touched by Marik's devotion to his little mate, that he simply played with him talked with him and pet him all night."

Ryou's eyes brightened and he dropped Tuc, hugging Dartz in joy, just by pure instinct to hug. "Oh God thank you..." he said wiping his eyes, latched onto Dartz in his joy.

Dartz blinked, startled, but smiled and stroked Ryou's back. "You have that lion well trained, don't you?" He teased.

Ryou blushed softly, pulling away and looking to the side. "We're mates... of course we'll stay devoted to each other... it's how it was meant to be."

Dartz smiled, but said nothing to that. "Rafel said that you were being disagreeable last night."

Ryou's ears drooped again. "He was being horrible to me! H-he was telling me how my mate was... it hurt..." Ryou said hanging his head. "Marik was trying so hard... a-and I was the one who ended up ruining things..."

Dartz cuddled Ryou and rocked him. "Shhhhh...." He said softly. "It's okay... I'll see about letting your mate visit again today, hmm?"

Ryou looked at Dartz, eyes wide. "You... you would?" He asked eagerly. "Oh please! Please! I promise I won’t throw any more pillows at Rafel!" he said wiping his eyes. "Please let Marik visit me!"

Dartz smiled and kissed Ryou's forehead. "Okay."

Ryou grinned brightly. "Thank you!" he cheered picking up Tuc and kissing his forehead. "Hear that Tuc?! Marik's coming back!" he said eagerly. Ryou smiled warmly at Dartz. "H-how can I ever thank you enough?"

Dartz smiled. "It's my pleasure, little one..." He said gently. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to give Varon the lists of who is going for a walk today. Does your mate get along with that skunk? Can they be walked together?"

Ryou nodded. "They're best friends!" he said smiling. "Marik would love to be walked with Bakura... I'm sure they miss each other very much." He cooed nuzzling Tuc. "when you have time... I think I need to be groomed." He said wrinkling his nose. "My hair's a mess..."

Dartz laughed. "Right after lunch." He said. "It's a date." And he headed for the door. "Might that fennec friend of yours get along with the female, if they were to be walked together?"

Ryou nodded again. "Kheti and Malik are friends too. They'd love it!" he said eagerly. "They would all be happy to be walked together." He cooed contently, going back to his breakfast.

Dartz smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Ryou. That's a great help. I'll be back at lunch." And he left the room. Tuc hopped over to Ryou and nuzzled him, licking his cheek.

Ryou nuzzled Tuc back. "Aren't you glad? Marik's coming to visit! Maybe if you're good too, Dartz will let Dust come along!" he said taking a bite of pancake. "Wouldn't that be nice?"

Tuc nuzzled Ryou.

'I miss my family...' He seemed to say with a depressed sigh.

Ryou nodded and hugged him close. "I… I'll ask Dartz at lunch, if you can visit them...will that make you feel better? But you have to stop glaring at him... you catch more flies with honey." Ryou said calmly. "Okay?"

'Not if you're a frog!' Tuc seemed to say, shaking his ears in a bunny equivalent of a smirk.

Ryou laughed. "Now don’t you get smart with me little mister, you know I'm right. What has Dartz ever done to you?"

Tuc clicked and thumped his foot. 'He kidnapped us!'

Ryou nodded and hugged Tuc. "But he might let us go if we're nice to him..." he said softly. "Like Master Pegasus did..."

'Fat chance.' Tuc sniffed, but licked Ryou's cheek lovingly.

Ryou grinned. "You never know Tuc..." he cooed cradling his friend and tickling his tummy slightly. "He might just let us go.."

Dartz walked into his office and sat down at his desk. He looked over some papers, then pressed the button on his intercom.

"Varon? My office please."

Within moments Varon entered, carrying his signature Clipboard and looking rushed. "Yes sir?" He asked, taking a few notes as he spoke.

"New walk pair ups, Varon." Dartz said. "The lion and skunk will be paired up on their walk, and go ahead and take our two fennecs together as well. According to that rabbit those pairs should get along fine."

Varon nodded. "Yes of course sir. Anything else? " He said, taking note of the new pairings.

"Ummm... yes, actually... I think it's time the skunk and lion got a bath, too. Let Amelda know, please." Dartz said.

Varon nodded. "Right away" He said grinning. "I'll have them bathed today, before noon."

"Be sure to bathe them AFTER their walk, hmm?" Dartz said with a smile.

Varon noded. "Of course. I'll have their baths drawn in the bathing chamber in basement level two. Where will your favorite's bath be drawn today?" Varon asked, chuckling slightly.

"In the blue bathroom today, Varon. And have Amelda give the skunk and lion a thorough grooming after you bathe them, please. Oh! And the badger seems to be having a toothache, please ask Daisuke to check on him." Dartz said, looking over his notes. "And... you are scheduled for a day off tomorrow?" Varon nodded. "Very well. I hope you enjoy it. Though I doubt Rafel will be happy when I tell him that he gets to give the walks tomorrow..." The man chuckled.

Varon chuckled. "He'll manage. I'll take care of the animals that don’t really take well to him, so there'll be as little injury as possible." He said amused. "Is there anything else?”

"No, I don't think so." Dartz said. "Go ahead and take them for their walks."

Varon nodded and bowed curtly, before hurrying from the room to tend to his chores.

"Alright boys!" Varon said clapping his hands as he walked past Bakura and Marik's cages. "It's time for walks!"

Bakura lifted his head and flicked an ear at Varon, pausing in his grooming of Spunky's tail with the little grooming kit. "Huh?" He asked. "Walk?" His ears and tail perked at that word. Marik just snored in response from where he was curled up in his bed, Dust curled up on his head in a nest he had made in the lion's mane.

Varon chuckled. "Wake up lion, it's time for a walk!" he said knocking on the glass. "Wake up, it's time to go!"

Marik stirred and slowly lifted his head, blinking blearily at Varon.

"Hmmm?" He asked, shaking his head a bit, sending Dust into a flapping chittering frenzy of protest.

Varon smiled. "It's time for a walk, then you're to go see your mate." He said calmly. "Understand?"

Marik's ears perked. "Walk? Ryou?!" He asked, wagging his tail, eagerly.

Varon nodded. "Now, I'm going to walk four of you today, so you have to agree to work with me. Ok?" He asked smiling. "If you're good, I'll let you play in the commons later with some other hybrids." He reasoned. "Sound like a good deal?"

Marik blinked and cocked his head, Dust tumbling off and flapping his wings, fluttering gently to the floor. "Commons?" Marik asked, as Dust chittered angrily at being dumped out of his nest.

Varon nodded. "It's a treat reserved for the hybrids who bring in the most money. But since it's just you and me, I won’t tell." He said winking. "It's got a Tv, skiiball, foozeball, scratching posts, beanbags, radios, any food you want to eat...." he listed off. "All the comforts a hybrid could want, and toys to entertain your human sides too.'

Marik perked and his ears wiggled. "Really? Is... Is there a yard we can play in?" He asked.

Varon nodded. "It's fenced in, but yes, it's connected to the commons." Rafel said smirking. "There's flower bushes with beds FULL of grubs." He turned to smirk at Bakura. "A skunk's dream. There's tall grass filled with critters to catch, perfect for the beast of prey, to practice his pouncing..."

Both Bakura and Marik perked up eagerly. "trees to climb?" Marik gasped, breathlessly.

"As tall as houses." Varon said smirking. "You too Fox, you're coming along, and there's plenty of holes to crawl around in...with your foxy girlfriend."

Malik yawned and looked over. "Oh am I?" He asked, flicking an ear.

"Indeed. Now wait at your doors." Varon said calmly, walking to Bakura's door and opening it. "Come on then. Lets get you harnessed up." He said smiling. "I hope we won’t have any trouble, I'd rather you saved that for Rafel."

Bakura nodded. "Sure thing. Rafel is an ass. You're nice. Can Spunky come?" the skunk asked as Varon put the harness on him.

"Sorry...I have to keep him in your cage, so you don’t go running off." He said rubbing Bakura's ears. "If you ran off, I'd have a bit of a problem with my job." He added, walking to Marik's cage and opening the door. "I'll bring up some rabbit toys for them, so they won’t be bored."

Marik, who had been holding Dust, gave a sad sigh and set the bunny down in his bed. "Sorry, baby." He purred, nuzzling the little bunny, and walked out of his cage. He walked right past Varon and immediately began purring and rubbing cheeks with Bakura, who crooned happily as the lion gave him a thorough sniffing and a few licks.

Varon chuckled and harnessed Marik up. "Now, when you're in the commons, you're free to do whatever you want." He said patting Bakura. "That includes your mate." he said chuckling. "So, have fun." He said, walking to Malik's door. "Ready for a walk?"

Malik slowly got up and stretched, leisurely. "I suppose..." He sighed, but winked at his mate, who looked like he couldn't WAIT for the door to open.

Varon laughed. "You don’t fool me you cocky thing." He said ruffling Malik's hair after opening the door and harnessing him up. Finally he stopped at Kheti's door. She grinned and trotted over, letting him harness her up.

"Hey kid, good to see you a little better." She teased, giving Malik's ear a playful tug.

Malik, who had been hugging Bakura, turned and pounced on the female fennec.

"Kheti!!!" He squealed in delight, and was soon licking her face and nuzzling her, making excited little noises. Marik and Bakura both blinked.

"Who's the chick, Malik?" Marik asked, watching Malik's tail wagging so hard that his butt wiggled. Malik turned, grinning.

"This is Kheti!" He said. "We met when Pegasus took me an' Ryou to the Caribbean! Kheti, this is Ryou's lion-mate, Marik. And this is my mate, Bakura!" And he nuzzled Bakura, who crooned and nuzzled him back, curling his tail around his excited mate.
Kheti grinned. "So you're the lion that bunny had so much to say about. Congratulations." She cooed, before grinning at Bakura. "My but you're a big skunk... no wonder he loves you... I bet you're hung like a horse..."

Varon coughed. "Alright guys, c'mon... enough of that." He said leading them to the elevator.

Bakura blushed at Kheti's comment, but also put on a smug grin. Marik rolled his eyes. "So you're the big handsome stud, eh, Bakura? Wild mustang, is that it?"

"You bet, Ishtar." Bakura grinned.

"Hung like a mustang, hmm?" Marik smirked, and Bakura's grin widened.

"Yep."

"Guess that makes me a Budweiser Clydesdale then." Marik said, casually. Malik's ears and tail perked and he shot Marik a look of surprised amusement.

"WHAT?!" Bakura yelped, tripping and falling flat on his face as Malik exploded into laughter. Marik grinned and strut into the elevator.

Kheti laughed. "Oh don’t over dramatize it. If you were hung like that, poor Ryou would bleed during sex... EVERY time." She teased. "His little rump couldn't support that kind of sex."

Varon sighed rubbing his forehead. "Every time..." he mumbled.

Marik chuckled. "You'd be surprised what Ryou can take." He said, watching Bakura slink into the elevator and shoot him a glare. "Awww... what's wrong, Flower?" The lion cooed. Bakura glared and growled. "Mine's bigger than yooouuurrrs." Marik sang, and Bakura lay his ears back.

"Awwww..." Malik giggled, and nuzzled Bakura lovingly. He kissed him, gently. "but you're the perfect fit..."

"Excuse me." Varon said calmly. "I'd like it if you saved that kind of talk for the commons please." He explained, walking out of the elevator and towards the commons, they'd be walking the grounds of the building.

There were large stone fences along the outermost edge of the property, and the gardening and landscaping was top notch, the drive was paved with cobblestones, to match the unusually old look to the building. "This is what the outside of the house looks like, by the way. It's a pretty place, isn't it?"

Marik looked up at the building and gulped. "It's... intimidating..." He said, but Bakura was looking around eagerly at the garden, his ears wiggling and tail twitching.

"Oh no... no digging for grubs." Malik said sternly. "This isn't my sister's garden."

Varon chuckled. "The grubs are in the commons Gardens Bakura. These flowerbeds are bug free." He explained. "We plant grubs in the back, there's thousands of them." He flicked the leashes a bit. "Start walking, sooner we're finished, the sooner you get to those big juicy grubs."

Bakura and Marik lurched forwards, throwing their weight into the harnesses, and poor Varon yelped and did a face-plant into the lawn. Marik and Bakura took off running, chasing each other around. Malik sighed and shook his head, glancing at Kheti. "Boy, does THAT bring back memories." He said, turning to Varon. "You okay? I hated it when they did that to me..."

Varon sighed, propping his head up on his arm, laying in the grass. "At least the grass is soft..." he grumbled. "You might as well run around too...I give up. I go through this every day, thank GOD tomorrow's my day off..."

Malik smiled apologetically, then turned and smiled at Kheti, and the fennecs calmly walked in the direction that Marik and Bakura were rough housing in.

"So... how are your kits?" Malik asked.

Kheti smiled. "Beautiful, simply beautiful. Anibus is already winning prizes...his coat has grown in nicely...he's gorgeous. He'd put you on a run for your money." She said laughing. "How have things with you and your mate been going?" She asked calmly, tugging his ear gently, smirking.

Malik smiled. "Fine." He said. "Until he went missing with the bunnies and ended up here..." He sighed and shook his head. "but... at least I'm with him again..."

Kheti nodded. "Yeah...I miss my kits...we'll get home soon enough. They're passing laws as we speak, even if we aren't found it's only a matter of weeks." She said calmly. "Besides, it's not like the sex will kill you...I've learned some new tricks I just cant WAIT to use on my mate..." She said grinning wickedly.

Malik's eyes widened. "You... you don't mind that you're being... used?" He gasped.

Kheti nodded. "I mind...but what's more important to you? Staying loyal, or making it through this alive?" She asked softly. "I've seen some of the hybrids be led out...to never come back."

Malik stared at her. "R-Really?" He gasped, eyes wide and ears laid back, worried. He looked down at Marik and Bakura. "Ryou... and Marik will never give in..." He said softly. "Neither will I... or Bakura... at least... not for our own sake..."

Kheti gently groomed his ear. "Malik, if you don’t look out for number one, no one will. If you don’t live through this, then what was the point of going this far?" she said softly. "You grit your teeth, bare it, and come out stronger."
Malik sighed and nodded. "I... I guess... but... I don’t wanna be used!!! I mean... it's different for you, Kheti... you have SO much more to live for than I do. I mean, I have Bakura, and beleive me, that's all I need. He's my life. But... I would... I think I'd rather die than let someone other than Bakura have me... and I'm sure you feel that way about your mate. But you also have kids. Kids that need you. That you need to get home to..." He nuzzled her.

"Malik, you have family too." She said softly. "A sister that needs you, if I remember right. Friends who love you, Bakura...all the reasons in the world to live. Don’t try to put yourself down, as an excuse." She said nipping him. "Even though it sucks, if you don’t act up, you don’t really get that much attention drawn to you. People want to break in the fighters, more than the ones who don’t care." She explained. "If you act like you don’t care, you don’t get as much to do."

"Well, then I've been doing it right." Malik said. "I won’t be a problem until some guy tells me to spread my legs."

Kheti nipped him again. "Malik, just do what you're told... I don’t know what I'd do if I saw you being lead off, knowing you wouldn't be coming back..." she said, looking at him worriedly, her ears tilting back. "Please? Just do this for me...no matter what."

Malik looked at Kheti, then sighed and lowered his head. "Alright." He said softly, and gave her a little smile. "I'll try." And he licked her cheek and wagged his tail softly.

"Besides, you have to live to see my kits...they miss you and Ryou." She said laughing softly. "The little tykes miss 'the white fluffy thingy’." She laughed. "So we'll both live, maybe we'll meet up in the psycho ward when all things in life are said and done." She added grinning.

Malik blinked at her, then laughed. "I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up there!" He said, shaking his head in amusemnt as Marik and Bakura tumbled past.

"HEY!! No biting!" Marik yelped. Malik sighed.

"After all their rehabilitation, they're still a pair of dumb animals..." The fennec laughed.

Kheti laughed. "Just like little kids..."

Varon groaned, checking his watch. "Ok boys! Come on, it's time to go to the commons." He called, tapping his pocket watch. "I've got work to do, so lets make this fast."

Malik sighed as Marik and Bakura didn't even pause.

"HEY!!" He shouted. "SIT!!" the pair stopped and turned to look at Malik, and sat. Malik snickered. "Yep... dumb animals..."

Varon sighed. "Everyone over here!" He called. "I'm running late. I've got things I need to do!" he called quickly gathering the animals and harnessing them. He tugged them into the building and to the commons... a little piece of heaven.

He grinned, letting Kheti and Malik go. "You two have fun..." He called grinning.

Malik smiled and trotted off with Kheti to dig in the yard. Marik and Bakura looked at Varon.

"What about us?" Bakura asked, looking anxiously after his mate.

"You two have somewhere else you need to go first." He said tugging them back to the elevator. "It won’t take long." he said grinning. "Then you can both see your mates."

Marik perked up and eagerly trotted after Varon, but Bakura was much more reluctant and tried to follow Malik instead. But eventually, he was tugged onto the elevator.

Varon grinned. "Who wants to push the button?" he said laughing. "Whoever does, push B2."

Bakura pouted, so Marik eagerly pushed the button. "Where are we goin?!" He asked, wagging his tail.

Varon chuckled. "To take a bath." He said calmly.

Marik froze, and his eyes widened. "BATH?!?!" Bakura looked up and chuckled.

"Heh... you said the evil word..." The skunk laughed as Marik slowly backed into the corner, a look of horror plastered across his face.

Varon nodded. "A bath. You both need it, plus, don’t you want to look your best for your mates? You'll get your claws trimmed and filed, your hair will be combed and trimmed where needed... You'll look like kings when you come out." Varon explained. "And I think your mates would enjoy having you look that good."

"FILE OUR CLAWS?!?!?!" Both hybrids shrieked, and the next thing Varon knew, Marik was trying to hide beneath Bakura, who was pushing random buttons on the elevator. The doors opened at B1, and the pair bolted out of the doors and down the corridor.

Varon groaned. "Oh for God's sake." He mumbled, walking slowly after them. They'd either discover where they were, and run in terror, or get caught in the action.

B1 was the floor where new sex toys were tested and shown, to be determined if they could be used.

Marik and Bakura rounded a corner and crashed into a pair of men carrying boxes. With a crash, the boxes, hybrids and men fell. Bakura's head poked out of the chaos first, and looked around. He blinked, and stared down at the pile of dildos he was sitting in.

Varon chuckled. "Alright, you had your fun." He called catching up. "Now you can either have your bath... or be test subjects for our new shipment of toys..." he said smirking. "Which is the greater evil?"

Marik's head popped out of an assortment of cock rings.

"Wow... looks like we hit the jackpot here..." He said, picking up a shiny purple vibrator and looking it over.

Varon rolled his eyes. "I'll let you have it if you take your bath. You can use it on Ryou." He said, taking the thing away. "Now into the elevator."

Marik and Bakura glanced at each other, then with an explosion of cock rings and dildos, they were off running down the hall again... anything to keep their claws.

Varon growled and grabbed their leashes tugging harshly, knocking their feet from under them. "Look we're just going to round your claws off, trim your hair and bathe you! For god's sake we're not killing you!"

"NOT MY CLAWS!!!" Marik howled, and Bakura started chewing on the leash.

Varon glared. "If you two act up, I will mention it to Dartz, and I don’t want those baby bunnies harmed any more than you do." he warned.

Both slowly grew quiet and still, staring at Varon with hurt looks on their faces, as if they were taking his threatening the bunnies personally. And their ears and tails drooped.

Varon patted their heads. "I won’t let them file your claws off. We're just rounding the sharpness... I don’t want you hurting anyone on accident, understand?" He said kneeling as the elevator began descending again. "It's nothing big... just a 20 second filing."

Both pouted. "I won't hurt anyone!" Marik whined, and Bakura just glowered at the floor.

"Oh hush, a little hygiene never hurt anyone." Varon said calmly. "Besides, Ryou's taking a bath right now, so he'll be clean for you when you visit."

Marik frowned. "Whaddya mean hygiene?! I have good hygiene!" Bakura blinked and looked up.

"No you don't."

"I do too!"

"Dude... you lick your crotch." Bakura said, making a face.

Varon rolled his eyes. "And you kiss your lover with that mouth?" he said giving Marik a disgusted look. "I think you need a thorough mouth cleaning as well." He said getting a good hold on their leashes, before the elevator opened. What it revealed was something akin to a bathhouse, each room holding a bath suitable for three or more. "Bakura, you'll be in here. If I get a bad report, I'll have to pass that report to Dartz." He said calmly, handing one of the 4 incredibly attractive, scantily clad women his leash.

Bakura and Marik slowly lifted their eyes up the women's bodies, and the further up they got, the wider their eyes and mouths got, and the higher their tails and ears got.

"Have fun." Varon said, tugging Marik. "One per bath buddy." He said calmly. "You both need special care."

Marik blinked and slowly plodded in the direction that he was being tugged in, unable to tear his eyes off of the women.

Varon tugged his leash. "Stop staring." He said calmly, turning as the giggling women fawned over Bakura, before tugging him into the room. "I thought you loved that mate of yours, and here you're eyeing up those women like a starved wolf."

Marik blinked, then shook his head. "Well, what would you do if you were bi with a raging libido and hadn't seen a naked woman in four years?!" The lion blurted.

"Get over it." Varon said calmly. "When I agree to love someone with all of me, I don’t go thinking about others in a sexual way." He said amusedly. "You'd better hope Ryou's not bathing down here…" He said, stopping at another door. Four more scantily clad women, in leopardskin bikinis met him at the door.

"AWWW look at the cute lion!" they all squealed, like highschoolers. "Thank you Varon! We'll have him clean just as soon as we can!" they said in gratified unison.

Marik froze and stared like a deer in headlights as they swarmed over him, but within moment he was purring like he'd never been happier as they petted him and scratched him in ALL of those heavenly places, and soon enough, he dropped and rolled over to get a tummy rub.

"C'mon pretty kitty..." they said in unison once more. "We have lots of treats for you if you take a bath." Two of them hopped in the water, instantly getting soaking wet, water glistening on their slender bodies. Oh yeah, this was a wet dream come true. "We have some yummy shrimp and veal for you on a platter." they cooed, motioning to a platter full of cold cuts, next to the tub.

Marik felt like he had died and gone to heaven.

"Murrrow!" He exclaimed happily, prancing and pawing at the water.

The girls pushed him in playfully, the two already in the water hugged him, their bodies pressing close to him, in very interesting and pleasant ways. "Oh such a sweet little kitty." They cooed, and began massaging him, rubbing soaps and oils into his skin, bathing him in a very enticing way.

Marik sputtered and thrashed. "MREEEOOOWWWLLL!!!" He howled, NOT liking the water ONE bit.

Bakura, in the meantime, was crooning loudly and nuzzling the woman who was in the easiest place of his nuzzling reach as he was bathed.

The girls giggled and treated Bakura like a skunky king. "Are you hungry?" One asked, while another massaged the shampoo into his hair, a third doing the same to his tail. "Are you thirsty? How's your back? Do you need a massage?" they asked, each in turn, the last girl giving him a chest massage, working up his neck, even giving his cheekbones a slight massage, which was weird, but just as comforting, in an odd way.

And through it all, Bakura couldn't stop crooning long enough to make any other sound.

Marik in the meantime was yowling and whining and struggling to get out of the water.

The girls giggled softly and held Marik still. "C'mon pretty kitty, we're going to get you all squeaky clean, then dry you off just as quick as we can ok? If you calm down we can finish just as fast as we can!" one girl said hugging him tightly. "Don’t struggle, relax, we promise the water wont bite, and look at all the yummies you can eat while we get you all clean!"

"NYAAAAOOOO!!!" Marik howled, dog paddling to get to the edge, but the women held him in place; he looked utterly miserable...

"Don’t you want to be clean for your bunny friend?" one girl cooed softly. "He wouldn't want a mangy flea-ridden kitty going to see him, and you need a bath! You probably have a flea or two from roaming around outside!" she said beginning to shampoo his mane. "IF you hold still we can have you out of this water in three minutes."

"MURRRROWWW!!!" Was Marik's response. "Murrrrrrr...." He continued trying to paddle his way to the edge of the tub, but still made no progress.

The girls hurriedly washed him, and helped him out of the tub, sitting him on a towel, and beginning to dry him off, blowdryers everywhere, as one girl combed and the rest patted him dry, and blew him with hot air. "Good kitty." The hairbrushing girl cooed, carefully trimming away any split ends.

Once he was dry, the other girls began rubbing him down with sweet scented oils that would moisturize his skin, and one began gently trimming his claws and filing. She stopped after a few moments, admiring her work. It hardly looked like she'd trimmed anything at all, but his claws were a lot less deadly now.

Marik had his eyes closed in contentment, all yowls and whines replaced with delighted purrs. He was wagging his tail and enjoying every moment, and never even noticed that his claws had been filed!

The girls giggled, petting his now dry fur and giving him a new kimono to wear. "Aww you're such a sweet little furball." one cooed, scratching his ears. "See? That bath wasn't so bad...and look how handsome you are!" she said holding a mirror infront of him. Sure enough, due to someone's handiwork with kohl, and a comb...he looked like egyptian royalty! "Now that's a king of the jungle! He's so cute!"

Marik purred and nuzzled his reflection stupidly, his senses overloaded by all the attention.

Bakura, however, was laying calmly on a towel, crooning in delight as the women worked diligently on his tail.

One girl gently combed his hair, as the other three worked contently on his tail. "Such a sweet little skunk." She cooed, tickling his chin. "You're such a friendly little cutie too!" She said pausing her combing to put some kohl on his eyes. "Your mate will just adore you..." She cooed spritzing his hair with a sweet smelling liquid and combing it away. "You'll have the softest fur in the building...that's my own special conditioner. One feel of your hair, and your mate will jump you." She said grinning and giving him another good spritz, before passing the bottle for the girls to spritz his tail.

Bakura crooned even louder, nuzzling and licking the girl's hands, and trying hard to hold his tail still... but it wasn't easy.

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

Malik had a frown of concentration on his face as he dug furiously, sending showers of sand and dirt out behind him.

Kheti watched amusedly. "What are you doing?" she laughed, laying down and beginning to soak in some of that warm sunshine. "Working so hard on your break..." She teased.

Malik paused in his digging and looks at her, flicking an ear.

"Whaddya mean "on my break?" this is the first exercise I've had since I've BEEN here!!" And he went back to digging like a fanatic. "so..." He said after a while. "How did they get you, exactly?"

"Broke into mistress' house in the dead of night..." She said softly. "Thank goodness I was able to hide my kits..." She said shivering. "I'd hate to have them see their mother do what they make me do..." She said softly, ears drooping. "But once I'm out, I'll be a better mother for them...I'll have lessons to teach...some stories to tell."

Malik stopped and gave her a gentle smile. "You're a great mother. And you'll get home to them and your mate." And he licked her cheek. "and you'll have to come and visit me and Ryou and Bakura and Marik at The Jungle! And meet Yami, and Seto, and Rem!" His tail wagged eagerly.

Kheti nodded. "I'll ask Mistress to the minute I get home." She said calmly, stretching out more, to enjoy the sun she'd been so deprived of.

Malik grinned. "Great!" He said, then turned and dove into the burrow he was digging for absolutely no reason.

Kheti laughed. "You're such a kid..." She said amusedly.

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

Varon peered into Bakura's bathing room. "Bakura, it's time to go." He said

Bakura turned and looked at Varon. "Busy." He said simply as the women STILL worked on his tail. Marik poked his head in and grinned.

"On the furry monster sprouting from your ass?" he asked, using a phrase that Seto had coined in regards to Bakura's tail.

Varon chuckled and harnessed Marik. "Bakura, you can have another bath tomorrow if you like them so much." He said impatiently. "But I have to get you two to the commons now, I have work I need to do."

Bakura frowned. "My tail isn't done." He said firmly.

"It is now." One girl said, petting his head. Bakura turned and looked over his tail, critically. Then he nodded and got up.

"Not bad." He said, strutting over to Varon.

Varon harnessed Bakura and walked toward the elevator. "Did you two enjoy your baths?" He asked, pressing the button that would take them to the right floor.

Marik growled. "I HATE baths..." He muttered, and Bakura snickered.

"Baby."

"Bite me."

"Okay."

"OWW!!" Marik roared, and smacked Bakura, who glared and smacked him back. There was a slight pause, and then the pair leapt at each other.

Varon growled. "Baby bunnies!" he shouted. "Knock it off or they get it!" he howled, frustrated he was so behind schedule.

The pair froze and stared at Varon, then huddled down on the floor, pressed against each other, whimpering.

Varon sighed. "I have enough trouble on my hands, without you two attacking each other. Save it for the commons. I don’t care WHAT you do there." He grumbled. "I'm a very busy person, with a very airtight schedule, I don’t have TIME to settle your fights." He added as the elevator doors opened and he ushered them out into the hall, heading to the commons once more.

"We're sorry..." Marik whined, and rubbed against Varon, purring in an apology. He wanted to stay on this guy's good side; he was nice and gave rewards, like Bakura's grooming kit. He may even help him see Ryou more!

Varon smiled. "It's fine. Just try to not let this kinda stuff happen when I'm so bogged down with work. I'm ten minutes late taking the rabbit to his bath." He said opening the door to the commons and shoving the two in. "Have fun, be good, rewards if you don’t do anything bad. I've got to go." He rushed, shutting the door behind him.

Marik and Bakura blinked at the door, then turned and looked around the common, and all of the hybrids in it... staring at them. Bakura gulped nervously, and moved closer to Marik.

Varon hurried to Dartz's office. He opened the door politely and bowed, though it was obvious he'd been walking quite fast, if not running to make up for lost time. "Ryou's bath is ready, you can take him whenever you wish. I took the liberty of leaving various moisturizers and oils for his skin out for you, as well as adding some cream to the water, to keep his complexion clear and his skin from becoming unhealthy by any means, as well as the usual mix of salts."

Dartz looked up and glanced at the clock, then at Varon's panting. He smirked. "Trouble with the skunk and lion, Varon?" He asked, amused.

"Yes sir..." he mumbled hanging his head. "I'm sorry I'm late..." he added sounding like an ashamed child.

Dartz chuckled. "It's alright. Handling hybrids is not predectable and schedules can come undone. I hope they weren't TOO much trouble for you." He said, standing and heading for the door to get Ryou.

"Not too much sir." Varon said, smiling in relief. "I'll head to my next chores then, I'll have yours and Ryou's lunches prepared while I'm at it."

Dartz laughed and clapped Varon on the shoulder. "Slow down, or you'll be SLEEPING through your day off!" He chided, heading off to Ryou's room. "Where the hell is Amelda? Have him help you, that's what I pay him for!"

Varon laughed. "Yes sir!" he called after Dartz.

Ryou tickled Tuc. "I have your nose!" he teased, gently poking Tuc's nose. "It's MY nose now." He teased grinning.

Tuc's eyes widened, and he shook his head before pawing at his nose.

"You be nice to that poor little fellow." Dartz chuckled walking into the room.

Ryou smiled and put Tuc's 'nose' back. "I'm just playing. Tuc knows I'd never really steal his little nose." He said hugging his friend and flicking his ears. "Can I be groomed NOW?" he asked impatiently.

Dartz chuckled. "That's why I'm here. There's a bath waiting for you, Ryou." He said, opening the door and inviting Ryou to come with him. "So hop on over."

Ryou stood and smiled. "I prefer to walk..." He said leaving Tuc on the bed. "I'll leave you here, since you hate baths." he added practically prancing over to Dartz. "Lets go." he said grinning brightly.

Tuc flicked an ear and seemed to frown, then leapt off of the bed and scampered after Ryou as fast as he could. Dartz grinned and watched.

"Looks like he won't let you out of his sight."

Ryou laughed. "If you come Tuc, you're getting a bath." he warned. "Understand?"

Tuc froze, ears perked straight up. 'I just GOT one!!'

Ryou flicked his ears. "I'm going to take a bath, if you're coming, you're having one too." He said firmly. "So you can either stay here, or come with me and take a bath."

Tuc looked very upset and very torn. He didn't want to let Ryou out of his sight, but... he REALLY didn't want a bath. Dartz raised an eyebrow as the bunny sighed and his ears drooped, and he slowly hopped after Ryou.

"I think he has resigned himself to a bath." Dartz chuckled.

Ryou laughed. "Tuc, just stay here. You look miserable." He said picking up his friend and depositing him back on the bed. "I promise to come back soon."

Tuc made an immediate leap off of the bed and followed Ryou again. Dartz just blinked and watched.

Ryou giggled softly and picked Tuc back up, and put him back on the bed. "Tuc, I promise I'll be fine!" he said shaking his head amusedly. "Stay here." He added hurrying to the door so that the small creature would stay behind.

But Tuc didn't. He leapt off of the bed, ran to the door, which Dartz quickly closed. He blinked and looked down when little sounds obviously told him that Tuc was trying to dig his way underneathe the door. Dartz looked at Ryou with a raised eyebrow.

Ryou wrinkled his nose and backed up. "He'll be ok..." he mouthed, knowing if he said anything, Tuc would hear him.

Dartz sighed. "Okay..." He said, and led the way down the hall, hearing Tuc's frantic digging, and as they turned the corner, he began to make verbal noises, obviously in great distress at being left behind.

Ryou's ears twitched and he looked back worriedly. "Should... should we go back for him?" He asked softly.

"Did he act like this when you went to work?" Dartz asked, looking down at Ryou.

Ryou blinked. "Well... sometimes... but once he had his family he mellowed out..." he said, tugging an ear worriedly.

"Hmmm... he seems to get distressed when left all by himself..." Dartz said slowly. "Perhaps I could have his mate sent down to stay with you and... Tuc, is it?"

Ryou grinned. "He'd like that...he misses his mate." He said smiling. "I'm sure that would make him feel much better!"

Dartz nodded and smiled. "Then I will have her sent down." He said, and walked over to the nearest intercom. "Varon or Amelda... please remove the female rabbit from the male fennec's room and bring her to Ryou’s room when you have a moment."

Ryou smiled brightly, his ears twitching as the response "Yes sir." Came over. Varon at work once again.

Dartz smiled at Ryou. "Now... on to your bath." He said, placing an arm around Ryou's shoulders and guiding him down the hall.

Ryou relaxed slightly. "Thank you...you're doing so much.." he said softly, walking next to Dartz calmly, letting Dartz guide him down the halls.

Dartz stopped at a door and opened it, and guided Ryou in. Ryou's eyes widened at the sight of the bathroom. The tile floor and walls were a light blue, and the lighting was dim. There were several candles and tranquility fountains around the room, and a couple of wall waterfalls and numerous plants, most of them bamboo. And in the corner was a steaming bathtub, sunken into the floor, little votive candles floating in the water. Dartz smiled and made a mental note to give Varon a bonus for setting this up.

Ryou squeaked softly. "O-oh my goodness..." he breathed, stepping forward and looking around. "This...i-is very extravagant..." he added softly, looking at Dartz with a surprised look.

"Ummm... yeah..." Dartz said with a sheepish grin. "Jeeze, all I asked was for them to draw you a bath in this room..." He laughed.

Ryou giggled softly. "Well, I'd say they did their job a bit well...you should compliment them." Ryou said sniffing at a candle, and sighing. "mmm...Chocolate...my favorite..."

Dartz smiled and walked over to the tub. "They also set out several oils... looks like all floral scents to me..." He looked over them. "Lavender, rose, lily or freesia, my dear?"

Ryou blushed slightly. "Lily I suppose...Gardenias are my favorite..." He said sheepishly.

Dartz grabbed the lilly and turned back to Ryou. "So... you gonna get in?" He asked, his eyes drifting down to Ryou's legs.

Ryou squeaked. "Oh yes, of course!" he said, calmly untying his belt and slipping the kimono off almost fluidly, before climbing into the tub contently. His ears bristled and he grinned shivering. "Oh it's perfect!" He said softly. "It's been so long since I've had a bath as nice as this..."

Dartz smiled and slowly lowered himself to sit by the tubside. "What about yesterday?" He asked. "Was that bath not nice?"

Ryou squeaked. "Yes it was, but this...this one is...very VERY extravagant..." His ears relaxed. "and the water sounds are so calming..." he added cooing softly and closing his eyes, to appreciate the sounds further.

Dartz smiled and grabbed the shampoo. "May I wash your hair?" He asked.

Ryou nodded. "sure..." he said softly, offering a smile.

Dartz tilted Ryou's head back, thoroughly wetting his hair, then began to massage shampoo into it. The scent filled the room, helped along by the steam rising from the tub. Dartz smiled down at Ryou.

"You're beautiful..." He whispered.

Ryou looked up at Dartz and a blush creeped across his cheeks. "Th-thank you..." he said softly. "Master Pegasus...told me that a lot...it's why I was made a hyrbid..." he said looking away. "Because I was beautiful..."

"Well... you make a beautiful hybrid." Dartz said, gently petting Ryou's ears.

Ryou smiled softly, his gaze returning to Dartz. "Thank you...it makes me feel better...to know I'm not hideously deformed." He said, grinning slightly. "some people seem to think hybrids are."

"You're not." Dartz said with a tender smile. "You are beautiful. One of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen."

Ryou blushed more. "You're just saying that to make me blush." He said covering his eyes with his ears.

Dartz laughed and lifted one of Ryou's ears and looked down at him. "I am not." He said. "You blushing is just an added bonus."

Ryou blushed more, tugging his ear away lightly. "w-well thank you.." he said softly, staring up at him bashfully. "It's not so often anymore...that I get compliments like that.." He said softly. "Marik tends to call me sexy, rather than beautiful."

Dartz chuckled. "Uncultured fellow..." He said. "Ah, well... I'm sure he does his best for you." He dunked Ryou's hair and risned the suds from it.

Ryou shook his hair out a bit. "It's all I'd ever ask from him...he's done so much for me already." He said smiling in rememberance. "He changed so much...fought so hard..."

Dartz smiled. "He loves you." He said softly, running his fingers through Ryou's hair, and handing him a bar of soap.

Ryou nodded, beginning to wash himself. "Yes...and I love him very much as well." he replied, bathing slowly, enjoying the moment.

Dartz's smile faded slightly, but he just sat silently and watched Ryou bath himself.

Ryou sighed contently, closing his eyes and washing himself carefully, and though he was just bathing, he almost seemed to do it artfully. Just like a beautiful creature could, he was bathing in a spectical of beauty. Even the dim light of the candles glistened against his body and hair, giving him an almost etheral glow.

Dartz watched Ryou's every move, and couldn't help but hope that soon Ryou would permit HIS hands to bathe his body...

Ryou stretched softly and he groaned. "It's good to bathe like this...Marik hates baths...So I havent been as content as normal...since I bathe every other day now.." he grumbled softly, wrinkling his nose. He turned to Dartz and handed him the soap, sighing contently and flicking his ears.

Dartz smiled. "You have to bathe every other day because Marik doesn't like baths?" He asked, amused.

Ryou nodded. "Well yes...He feels bad if he saw how unclean he actually was..." he mumbled, ears drooping. "It's really very irritating..."

Dartz laughed. "Well, perhaps you might be able to teach him to bathe everyday if you do. He seems like all he wants to do is please you... he would feel dirty and to make you happy he would take a bath."

Ryou sighed. "I tried that. He just hates bathing. It's alright...I'll just cherish these baths." he said smiling. "Besides, nothing at home could compare to this. I haven't felt this good since Master Pegasus used to bathe me."

Dartz smiled. "Next time, would you like for me to bathe you? Like your master used to?" He asked, petting Ryou's damp hair.

Ryou blushed slightly. "I...I dont know..." he said looking away and biting his lip. "Master had hands that tended to roam..." he said softly. "He loved me a great deal...in...many ways."

Dartz blinked, then burst out laughing. "My hands will not stray." He giggled. "I promise!"

Ryou gave Dartz a suspicious look, before smiling. "Alright...you can bathe me then....if you want..." he said softly. "But dont you try anything funny!"

Dartz laughed again. "YOU'RE the funny one!" He said, getting a towel. "Are you ready to get out?"

Ryou shook his head. "Nope." He said grinning and hunching down in the water. "You said you wanted to bathe me, and I'm quite enjoying this bath." he teased.

"Oh? do you want me to bathe you now?" Dartz asked, cocking his head and smiling.

Ryou nodded. "No time like the present." He said smiling.

Dartz grinned and knelt. "well... it will be quite hard with this bathroom... you're too low!"

"so?" Ryou said flicking an ear.

"I'll fall into the tub if I try!" Darts cried.

"You'll be fine. Besides, I dont want to get out!" Ryou argued stubbornly, making a cute stubborn face.

Dartz gave Ryou a skeptical look.

Ryou matched Dartz's look, with the dreaded....the terrible....'eyes'.

Dartz melted. "Okay...." He sighed, grabbing the soap and a cloth, lying on his stomach so he could reach Ryou, and began to bathe him.

Ryou settled into Dartz's hands and sighed contently, deciding this 'pampering' thing wasn't so bad. "Mmm...thank you. Now I dont have to go back to my lonesome room so soon..." he cooed.

Dartz blinked. "Oh, is THAT why you want me to bathe you?" He asked with a laugh.

Ryou giggled softly. "Yes..." he admitted softly. "There's very little to do...and this is the only time I get to walk around and enjoy good conversation." He said closing his eyes and leaning back, sighing contently. "I enjoy the time when you come to visit me."

Dartz smiled. "well... perhaps I can arrange for you to go to the common for a few hours a day. It's like a recreation room and exercise yard. Would you like that, little one?"

Ryou's ears tilted back. "...I dont know...what's it like?" he asked softly, opening his eyes to look up at Dartz's. "I'm not much of a people person...large groups frighten me..."

Dartz smiled. "well... after I groom you, I will take you down there and let you take a look at it. How's that?"

Ryou smiled slightly and nodded. "I...I think I'd like that. Just don’t leave me alone?" he asked softly, his ears flopping back onto the floor. He nuzzled Dartz's cheek, making his face and some of his hair a bit wet.

Dartz chuckled. "Okay." He said, and took the opportunity to kiss Ryou's cheek. "I won;t leave you alone. But you know..." He said in a teasing voice. "There is SOMETHING there that I KNOW you won't be able to stay away from..."

Ryou blinked. "What?" He asked eagerly, paying no mind at all to the kiss. "Oh what is it?!" he asked eagerly, his ears quivering lightly in his excitement.

Dartz chuckled. "I'm not telling!!" He sang in a HORRIBLE teasing tone.

Ryou's ears fell back, and those eyes seemed to grow wider and gather tears. "Please?" he said, his lip trembling for effect. Oh he was good at the eyes.

Dartz laughed. "Ohhhhh not this time, kiddo!" He said, tapping Ryou on the nose. "Nope nope nope!"

Ryou sniffled softly. "Pleeeeeeeeease?" he mewled, nuzzling Dartz's cheek once more. "Oh please? I hate secrets!" he pouted, ears drooping "Please tell me, I'll tell you anything you want to know in exchange!" he offered grinning.

"Nope!" Dartz giggled. "You'll find out soon enough!"

Ryou wrinkled his nose and pouted. "Oh that's quite cold of you..." he said pouting cutely. "Witholding information from me..." he said in an almost offended tone. "The one who provides you such warm company."

"It will be a wonderful surprise." Dartz assured him. "Ready to get out?"

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "You missed my ears." He said raising one wet ear, before letting it fop back to the floor. He grinned. "You wanted to bathe me, so I wont let you miss anything." He giggled softly.

Dartz quirked an eyebrow, then shook his head and chuckled, washing Ryou's ears gently. "Picky picky picky." He chided.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled into Dartz's hands. "I'm not picky, I'm just thorough." He said softly, yawning and sighing contently. "And enjoying myself.."

Dartz grinned. "Well, you're all done. So why don;t you hop out, dry off, and I'll groom you and take you to the common."

Ryou nodded slowly and climbed out of the water, beginning to dry himself off with one of the nearby towels, His drying ritual was nearly as accidentally sexy as his cleaning ritual, only there was quite a bit more to be see, while the little bunny had his eyes closed in appreciation.

Dartz grinned at Ryou's little damp tuft of a tail, then finally decided that he couldn't keep his hands off of Ryou any longer. He swung the bunny up into his arms and carried him from the room.

Ryou laughed and squirmed. "put me down!" he giggled, clutching the towel to cover himself. "I need my kimono!" he giggled shaking his head. "I'm still wet!"

"That's what the blowdrier is for, my dear." Dartz said, and couldn't help but think about how soft and light and.... naked Ryou was in his hands. "Now let's get back to your room before your little friend tears up the carpet and escapes."

Meanwhile, a certain little white rabbit by the name of Tuc HAD escaped, and was racing through the house in search of Ryou. He darted across a hall and tripped Rafel, sending the large man crashing to the floor with a yell, and zipped around the corner before Rafel could find the culprit.

Rafel growled and looked around. "Fucking..." he grumbled, standing, having not caught a good look at Tuc to realize it was him. "I hate this house." he grumbled, assuming he'd tripped on the edge of a rug.

Varon however was working down the hall and blinked at the sight of Tuc, scampering down the hall. He pounced on the bunny, catching it by the ears. "What are you doing out?" He asked calmly, petting Tuc's back. "Are you looking for Ryou?"

Tuc squirmed in his arms, making a few small noises to let him know that he was upset. His eyes were fixed on the floor that he was desperately trying to get back to.

Varon smiled and cradled the bunny. He carried him to the elevator and pressed the button for the dormitories. "You know bunny, I'm glad we crossed paths. You reminded me of something I hadn't done." He stepped out and opened the door to Malik's cage, and placed him inside, locking the door.

"I was supposed to get you your loving wifebunny." Varon said smiling.

Tuc blinked and looked around, and a moment later, Nod's head popped out of Malik's bed. Tuc and Nod's ears shot up, and Tuc took a flying leap into the bed and tackled Nod. The pair was all over eachother, licking and grooming and making happy little squeak noises before finally growing quiet and just cuddling.

Varon smiled warmly. "Now there ya go." He turned and left the bunnies to their loving, feeling the rewards of a job well done.

Ryou squirmed more, giggling. "I can walk!" He said around his giggles. "I have legs too you know!" He laughed harder, clinging to the towel and growing still, laughing all the while. He didn't want to give Dartz TOO much trouble...just enough would be fine.

Dartz chuckled and turned the corner, then stopped, looking down the hall. "Ah... well... it seems we're a bit too late." He said, and Ryou turned, seeing little bits of carpet scattered around the door of his bedroom. Dartz walked over and opened the door and looked around; Tuc was nowhere to be seen.

Ryou squeaked, ears falling back fearfully. "Oh no!" He gasped, shaking his head. "Tuc!" He squirmed more. "H-he'll get hurt! O-or lost! Or Daisuke will hurt him! O-or Rafel!" Ryou looked at Dartz, desperatly. "Oh please do something! I-if he was hurt because I wouldn't let him come along...I...I'd never forgive myself!"

Dartz quickly deposited Ryou on the bed then left the room, making his way over to the nearest intercom.

Dartz hit the button. "All personell be on the lookout for an escaped non-hybrid white rabbit. He is to be caught and returned unharmed to the bedroom of the hybrid rabbit ASAP." He announced through the house.

The response was almost instant, as Varon's voice came on. "I found him, he's in the Fennec's cage at the moment, showering that girl rabbit with love." He said, his voice full of amusement.

Ryou peered out of the room, still dripping wet. "Oh thank heaven..." he said, breathing a sigh of relief.

Dartz chuckled and pressed the button again. "Please bring both of them down to Ryou's room, Varon. Thank you. Our little hybrid knows releif like no other right now."

"Yes sir." Varon said laughing softly and going to get the bunnies.

Ryou smiled at Dartz. "Thank you..." He said bowing his head slightly. "how can I ever repay you?" he said softly, still clutching his towel.

Dartz laughed. "Repay me? For what?" He asked, guiding Ryou back into the room and grabbing the blow drier.

Ryou sat on the bed calmly, the towel draped across his lap. "For... well... making sure my friend was ok..." he said smiling sheepishly.

Dartz chuckled. "How about you get rid of that towel and let me groom you?" He said.

Ryou blushed slightly. "W-well..." he stammered, ears falling back fearfully. "I... I suppose... s-since you're grooming me." he said softly, blushing darker, and setting the towel aside.

Dartz smiled and walked over to Ryou, armed with a brush and a blow drier, which he flipped on. He began drying and brushing out Ryou's hair and fluffing his tail.

"There you go... do you like that?" Dartz asked, blowing Ryou's body with the warm air.

Ryou closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes... thank you. I was cold..." he mumbled, cheeks still stained pink, though he leaned into the warm air. A smile crossed his lips and he sighed contently.

Though at the moment he was thinking of Marik, wondering if his lover was ok.

Dartz smile and finished Ryou's hair and tail, and cleaned out his ears, cared for his claws, and was rubbing the moisturizing lotion into his skin when Varon arrived.

Varon smiled, placing the two bunnies next to Ryou. "Now you two behave. Don’t tear up our carpet anymore." He added tapping Tuc's nose and bowing to Dartz before leaving.

Ryou smiled and picked up his friends, hugging them tightly. "Tuc! Nod!" he cooed, nuzzling them both in turn. "I missed you!"

Nod let out an excited squeak and began licking Ryou's face in eager excitement, and Tuc was changing back and forth between licking Ryou and Nod. Dartz chuckled.

Ryou giggled and hugged them both, giving them each a happy lick. "Oh...I missed you both so much..." he cooed, sighing happily and just hugging his friends close. "Thank you Dartz..." He said turning and smiling. "My friends mean so much to me..." He added, leaning forward and giving him a peck on the cheek, before turning back to his beloved bunnies and showering them with affection, and grooming.

Dartz smiled and moved back, sitting at the little desk in the room and just watched Ryou and the two bunnies, all three licking and grooming each other happily. They were TOO cute. He slipped out of the room briefly and returned with a digital camera, snapping a few photos of Ryou and his precious little friends.

Ryou giggled and began to tickle Tuc and Nod. "Did you two miss me?!" He said teasingly. "You looked very happy mothering Malik Nod, I'm jealous." He added, nuzzling her and covering them both up with the damp towel.

The pair fought playfully to escape the towel and get to Ryou again, and a moment later, Nod squeaked out from under it and began to diligently groom Ryou's ears, mothering him.

Ryou sighed and laid on his side, so she could reach his ears better. "Aww Nod..." he cooed, nuzzling her. "Thank you. I didn't realize my ears needed more grooming." He teased.

Apparently they did, for she just went to town with the grooming. Tuc's head popped out from under the towel and flicked an ear, then just settled down to watch his mate groom Ryou.

Ryou grinned and pulled Tuc into a hug. "Mmm... it's good to be near some of my family.." he cooed, grooming Tuc's ears. His tail flicked softly, in time with his licks.

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