The Jungle

The Jungle

Mally-chan and Hato Chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing within this fic.

YAOI WARNING

Pegasus/Ryou, Marik/Ryou, Bakura/Malik, Seto/Yami

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Chapter 17

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Yami yawned and looked at Seto. It was the best time of day... the best. Otherwise known as the ass-crack of dawn. He smirked. Starting the days this way every day made it almost worth being a hybrid....

He stretched his wings a bit, before letting out the loudest crowing noise he could, chuckling in amusement as Seto SHOT out of the bed looking utterly terrified that something awful had happened. Somehow he forgot this little session every night before bed.... and every morning it was the same routine.

Seto yelped as he stumbled over his feet and fell back onto his ass. He stared around the room, eyes wide and chest heaving as he panted in his half panic. Then, he turned when Yami began laughing hysterically.

"God Dammit, Yami!" Seto roared, glaring at Yami in fury. "I've already go a blood pressure too high for someone my age, you're going to give me a heart attack at age nineteen!!! GOD!! Do you WANT me to die?!"

Yami laughed even louder, feathers quivering in his amusement. "I can’t help it! You'd think one of these times you'd LEARN!" he said shaking his head slowly climbing out of his hammock, his laughter slowly fading. "Now I know why Mokuba has so much fun. You're a laughing riot." he said shaking his head and helping Seto to his feet.

"Same time tomorrow?" he chuckled.

Seto glared. "I think you may be spending the night in the aviary from now on if this is going to be a daily thing..." Seto growled, rubbing his face and heading to the bathroom to get cleaned up for the day.

Yami stretched after Seto left and yawned softly. "He'll be gone for a while..." he thought out loud, slowly walking over to the dresser and digging through it. Seto had a second dresser put in his room, specifically for Yami, who refused to leave the room after nine, knowing Mokuba liked to prowl the halls for unsuspecting bystanders...

He pulled out his clothes for the day, and slowly stripped himself of the pajamas he'd been wearing, stretching his wings wide, yawning once more.

Seto washed his face, brushed his teeth, then fixed his hair. He had a meeting to go to later on that day, and had yet to tell Yami about it. But he had to. He walked out into his room and over to his dresser.

"Yami..." He said to the bird, who was dressing. "I have a meeting to go to this afternoon." He said. "At Industrial Illusions. I'm meeting with Pegasus. And... Ryou is going to be there because some of our colleagues are curious about him and asked to see him."

"Then I am accompanying you as well." Yami said calmly, finishing tying the almost halter-top like leather shirt on. "If one hybrid is allowed, then two are."

Yami stretched his wings once more, giving them a quick combing through with his fingers, before repeating the process to his hair.

Seto sighed. "I didn't want to tell you this because I knew you would say that." He said. "Yami, I don't think I can do that..." And he fastened his pants, then turned and looked at Yami. "I don't think Pegasus will allow you to come. Not after that day in the park."

"When did someone else become your boss?" Yami asked calmly. "If he can take his, you can take me. If he acts suspicious I'll act like a mindless bird until he stops complaining."

He had to see Ryou, see if he was ok, ask him if he as ok. "I have to talk to Ryou if I can... I feel awful. If I can get a word in to him... I might be able to come up with a way to save him." Yami added, looking at Seto worriedly. "Just like you feel it's your fault... and really it somewhat is... that I'm this way, I feel that way about Ryou... he had so much he wanted to do, and to add insult to injury, he's with that awful man who looked to be abusive."

Seto sighed. "Pegasus will not let me bring you in..." He said, firmly, but then, he froze and his eyes widened. "At least... not if I bring you with me..." And he slowly walked over to Yami. "How well can you fly?!" He asked, grabbing one of Yami's wings and spreading it out to examine it.

Yami yelped and tried to tug his wing back, both hands shooting to Seto's arm, eyes wide in shock and slight fright. "I can... fly... well.... well enough." he said most concerned with Seto touching his wing at the moment, just waiting for him to handle it too roughly and break something. Though part of him was deeply pleased that Seto had bothered to touch the wings he'd been preening day in and day out just for him. The same wings that had the brightest plumage he could muster, just to attract a mate... but he wasn't quite THAT aware of Seto.

Seto looked at Yami, releasing his wing and absentmindedly stroking it. "I'll take you with me." He said. "But I'm going to leave you in the car. Wait an hour, then fly up to the top of the building and find the meeting room. It's on the second floor down from the top. Just flap around and get our attention and I'll act like you must have escaped from my own building and came to find me. And you WILL have to act like a bird... sorry... I'm sure Pegasus will let you in if you make an appearance like that."

Yami nodded a bit. "The top... hmm..." he said stretching out his wings once more. "Well… I can fly well enough... I just hope there's not bad wind up there.... I haven't had enough practice flying for that.... if a large draft hits me, I might just end up tumbling out of the sky, and flying like most people I know... like a rock." he said looking outside slightly.

He looked down at the dresser and picked up his leather collar, strapping it around his neck. The collar had since gotten a new attachment, a triangle dog tag, which read the information needed should Yami be picked up by animal control. He'd refused to wear it for the longest time... but this time he'd make an exception. For Ryou. "I'll be your pet for today Kaiba." Yami said calmly. "Tell me what needs to be done, to make it more convincing then."

Seto nodded, then smirked. "First off, no squawking and scaring the living shit out of me." He said poking Yami in the shoulder.

Yami laughed. "I only do it in the morning. It starts my day off on a fun note." he replied amusedly.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm not sure how a bird hybrid is supposed to act. I guess... bird noises, preening... maybe doing something irritating to get attention if you've been ignored long enough... I don't know. Use your best bird judgment. And I think you will have to call me Master. Ryou was calling Pegasus that, wasn't he?" And he looked at Yami for confirmation. "Otherwise, maybe watch how Ryou interacts with Pegasus and mimic some of that."

Yami nodded slightly. "Do you think I should wear this then?" He said motioning to his favored leather. "Or do you think it's a little... unconvincing?" he added, wrinkling his nose a bit.

Seto blinked, then grinned. Yami felt his heart drop. Seto reached into the wardrobe and pulled out the harem pants that Yami had first come in. "Harem pants..." Seto sang, holding them up and shaking them at Yami, who began to back away. "Harem pants..." He said again, chasing Yami who was now shaking his head. "Harem pants..."

"NOOOO!!!" Yami howled, and ran. Mokuba blinked as Seto's bedroom door burst open and watched Yami half run, half flap down the hall, Seto on his heels waving a pair of billowy purple pants.

"The harem pants are gonna gitcha!!!" Seto sang, and Mokuba sweatdropped.

"Okaaaayyyy...." The boy mumbled, and retreated to his own bedroom.

Yami scrambled to fly up onto the chandelier and sat down on it, glaring down at Seto. "No! I'm not wearing them!" he howled down. "I didn't MEAN that! I meant tone it down from animal hide to cotton!" he squawked down, growling. "Besides I'll get cold without a shirt FLYING in the wind that'll be up there!"

Seto chuckled and looked up at Yami. "Awwww..." He pouted, playfully. "Fine. It's okay if you wear what you're in. They'll just think I have a leather fetish instead of you."

Yami gaped "Oh hell no." he said taking off his pants immediately, leaving only his boxers remaining, and throwing them at Seto's head. "Hell no."

Seto laughed and held up the harem pants with a smirk. "Well, then I guess you go in these.... or your underwear. Or naked. Take your pick."

Yami glared and flapped down, grabbing the harem pants and storming back into Seto's room, grumbling all the way. He peered out a moment later. "Do you at least have a shirt or vest I could wear? jeeze..."

Seto grinned and laughed to himself, picking up Yami's leather pants and walking back to his room.

"I kinda like the shirt you're wearing now." He said.

Yami wrinkled his nose slightly. "Purple harem pants and a leather shirt? When did THAT become a fashion statement?"

"Since I said so." Seto answered smugly, and went about looking through his own wardrobe for a shirt since he was currently running around without one.

Yami grumbled and crossed his arms seeming to be pouting about the whole harem pants versus leather fetish idea. "When are we leaving?"

"At about four." Seto said, tucking his shirt in and selecting a tie.

Yami nodded. "Well... then I guess I'm going outside." he said after a moment. "I'll use the time to practice flying."

Seto nodded. "Fine. Just don't wear yourself out."

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

Ryou yawned softly curling up under the wood shavings, having buried himself completely beneath them, enjoying the slight warmth he got from snuggling close to the soft shavings. He was feeling much better now, dreaming of tanned skin and blonde hair and Paris in the spring. He yawned and slowly rubbed his eyes, his ears twitching at the sound of nearing footsteps. He slowly crawled more into the shavings hoping to escape being awakened further.

Pegasus chuckled as he saw the little lump under the wood shaving move around a bit. He opened Ryou's cage and caught him.

"I gotcha!" He announced, plucking his bunny out of the shavings and taking him from the cage, cuddling him to his chest. "How's my good bunny?"

Ryou yawned and nuzzled into Pegasus's shoulder sleepily. "I'm sleepy still.." he said softly, beginning to snooze softly in Pegasus's arms, content to stay forever in his warm embrace. "How... is master?" he asked curling up as Pegasus held him.

Pegasus chuckled. "Master is fine. It's time to go to the office." He said, walking across the room. He set Ryou down on the grooming table against the wall and opened a box. He had been wanting to do this for quite some time. He took out a vibrating egg and the remote control to it, putting batteries in both, unnoticed by the dozing Ryou. Then he slipped the remote control into his pocket and smeared some lotion over the egg, then slipped it into Ryou leaving a small string hanging out of him so he could get it out later. That was bound to be an unexpected wake up call...

Ryou yelped slightly, jolted awake as he jumped forward slightly, squirming at the unexpected intrusion. "Master... y-you're not going to train me more are you?" he whimpered, hunching down and scooting away slightly, looking fearful.

Pegasus chuckled. "In a way. But you have no reason to be afraid." He said, taking down Ryou's bunny suit. He dressed Ryou in the suit, then in his gloves and booties, then put Ryou into his harness and clipped the leash on. "There we go." He said, tying a little blue ribbon around Ryou's neck. "Ready to go?" He asked, setting Ryou down on the floor.

Ryou squirmed once more and nodded slightly. "What did you...?" He asked, as he hopped after Pegasus to get into the limo, which was ready and waiting.

Pegasus chuckled. "Just a little something to make work a bit more... interesting. For us both." And once Ryou had hopped into the car he pressed a button on the remote control, sending the egg into sudden vibrations within Ryou's body.

Ryou yelped, falling over immediately from shock. "M-master!" he yelped, squirming desperately to get away from something that he could, under no terms get away from. "p-please do not!" he groaned, shaking his head as a soft blush began to stain his cheeks. "n-not where people c-can see!"

Pegasus chuckled and released the button, climbing into the car behind Ryou. "I'll only do it if I think you deserve it." He said, closing the car door. The car began to pull away and Pegasus smiled down at Ryou, then patted the seat next to him, encouraging his bunny to hop up next to him.

Ryou slowly hopped into the seat. "D-deserve it? is it a punishment?" he asked softly. "W-was I a bad bunny?"

Pegasus began to pet Ryou. "No. I just did that because you were asking what I had put inside of you. Now you know. And you never know when I'll.... push the button...." And he gave the button a quick jab that made the egg in Ryou give a sudden jump.

Ryou whimpered softly and nodded. "B-but you won’t... push it often will you? ....I don’t... like where people can see..." He said softly, giving Pegasus a pleading look. "I am a much better bunny where people can’t see..."

Pegasus smiled and pulled Ryou into his lap, cuddling him. "I love my little bunny." He said with a smile. "He's such a good little boy... Who's my good bunny?"

Ryou smiled and nuzzled into Pegasus. "I'm a good bunny." he said once again yawning. 'Master.... is so comfy...' he curled up and laid in Pegasus's lap contently.

Pegasus smiled and let Ryou relax into a light snooze until they got to his office building. "We're here." He said, and set Ryou on the floor of the limo, then got out, Ryou's leash in hand. "Come on."

Ryou hopped beside Pegasus occasionally stopping to admire the outside that he wasn't allowed to visit, other than in between car trips. "We... can go outside later?" he asked hopefully, as Pegasus held open the door so he could hop inside.

Ryou pouted, slipping and sliding once more... stupid marble tiles.

Pegasus chuckled at Ryou's trouble on the floor. "Perhaps. We will see." He said, and made his way across the lobby, shoes clicking loudly on the floor. Everyone stopped and turned to watch poor Ryou trying to keep his footing.

Ryou whimpered softly, slipping and sliding across the floor until they finally reached the elevator, the stinky elevator. He once again however, began to nibble at the plants within, seeking an afternoon snack.

Pegasus frowned and jabbed the button on the remote control.

Ryou yelped, coughing harshly at the half-choked on swallow of greens, backing away from the plant. "I'm sorry!" he whined.

Pegasus gave Ryou a look through a narrow eye, but then smiled and chuckled, shaking his head and petting Ryou's hair. "No eating my plants. I'll have something sent up for you. But no eating my plants, okay?"

Ryou nodded pouting. "I like the plants better..." he mumbled standoffishly

"You like them better?" Pegasus laughed. "You don't even know what I'll have sent up for you!"

Ryou smiled sheepishly. "This one tastes yummy..."

Pegasus burst into laughter and sunk to his knees, hugging Ryou. "You are just wonderfully amusing, you know that?" He said, placing his hands on Ryou's cheeks and making the bunny look him in the eye. "I could not ask for a better pet than you. You are a good, good bunny, and I love you very much." He said, petting Ryou's hair and kissing his cheeks. "You make Master very happy..." And he stood again, smiling down at Ryou.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Pegasus's leg. "I am a good bunny." he said proudly. "I will have a playmate?" He asked once again, hopeful of getting something or someone to play games like tag or roll around with.

Pegasus blinked and sighed, shaking his head. "No, Ryou." He said sternly, as the elevator doors opened. Pegasus stepped out and headed towards his office.

Ryou sighed and hopped after. "party pooper..." he pouted, slipping around until they reached the meeting room, glad to discover that this room had carpet as well. He laid on the carpet and stretched.

Pegasus smiled and removed the leash from Ryou's harness. "It's going to be another hour before the meeting starts, so I'll have your bed and toy chest brought in for you while I work." He said. "And... would you like a fruit salad?"

Ryou nodded and yawned stretching more, enjoying the feel of the carpet, rather than wood shavings. "I may sleep then?"

Pegasus smiled. "You may do almost anything you want." He said. "Now... did you want a fruit salad?"

Ryou grinned. "I want a nap." he said curling up. "I was having good dreams." he added, beginning to snooze once more. Like most bunnies, he'd developed a habit of sleeping more than he used to.

Pegasus blinked, then shook his head and chuckled, calling his secretary and asking her to bring in Ryou's toy chest and bed, and to bring up a vegetable medley salad, AND a fruit salad. And a few minutes later, she and a few office assistants brought it all in. The chest was set against the wall, and Ryou's bed was placed next to a plant in the corner. Then, Pegasus went to the chest and got out something that he wasn't sure whether or not would amuse Ryou; a remote controlled racecar. He grinned and set the thing down, then drove it straight at Ryou.

Ryou yelped when his ears picked up the sound of something coming near him. He jumped up and looked around, spotting the car. He yelped and began running away from the possessed thing. "help help!" he whined loudly. "It's after me!"

Pegasus grinned and laughed to himself, making it chase Ryou. True, he had hoped it would be the other way around, but hey... This was quality entertainment. The car chased Ryou around the meeting table, speeding up.

Ryou whined loudly and hopped into a chair, and ONTO the table, looking down at the vicious car fearfully, before scampering across the table and into Pegasus's lap, sniffling.

Pegasus blinked in surprise, then frowned and set Ryou down on the floor. "NO!" He snapped. "You were not given permission to get on the furniture!!" He said, before driving the car after Ryou again.

Ryou hopped up into Pegasus's lap and climbed over him, hiding his face in his master's shoulder. "it's angry at me!!" he wailed, tears welling up in his eyes. "tell it to stop!"

Pegasus tried to contain his laughter as he punched the button to activate the egg in Ryou. "I said NO!! Down!!!" He commanded.

Ryou whined loudly. "I'm not ON the furniture!" he wailed, clinging even tighter to his master. "Please master! make it go away!"

Pegasus frowned, then smirked. "No." He said, pushing Ryou down onto the floor again and standing, so Ryou couldn't jump into his lap. And the car came flying towards Ryou.

Ryou squeaked and ran for the only other safe haven he knew of. He dove into his little bunny bed, pressing his back against the wall, hoping his master's gift would protect him from the moving evil little machine.

And it did. The car ran into the side, and came no further. Pegasus chuckled and shook his head, having mercy on his bunny. He walked over, picked up the car and took it away, hiding it in a drawer. "There we go. I think you're safe now." He said, snickering.

Ryou nodded smiling slightly. "thank you for saving me..." He said, curling up once more looking around fearfully, just waiting for the car to return.

Pegasus smiled and walked over to Ryou with the two salads and sat next to his bed. "I have some treats for my good bunny." He said, and offered Ryou a grape.

Ryou took a nibble off of the grape and yawned once more, intent on his afternoon nap. "Thank you...." he said rubbing his eyes slightly.

Pegasus smiled and nodded. "You're very welcome, baby. Now get some sleep. The meeting is in half an hour." And he turned and went to the table to go through some files.

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

Seto sighed and stared out the window of his limo as it pulled up in front of Industrial Illusions HQ. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He said, turning and looking at Yami.

Yami stretched his wings out a bit. "I'll be fine Seto." He said calmly. "Why are you so worried? It's not like you to care much about MY well being... not that it's a bad thing." He said rubbing his own shoulders a bit, still slightly sore from the long hours he'd spent flying in preparation of this moment.

Seto frowned at Yami. "I care very much about your well being, Yami." He admitted slowly. "And if you have any doubts that you can make this flight, then I don't want you to even attempt it."

Yami sighed, stretching his wings once more. "I'll be fine." he repeated. "This is for Ryou... you wont have the chance or means to get close enough to him without looking suspicious. I have to do it, if we ever plan to get him out of Pegasus's hands."

Seto sighed and nodded. "Well, I have to go in now. Remember... Second floor from the roof... One hour. Okay?"

Yami nodded and crossed his arms. "I do, the question is, does your driver?" he asked slowly, looking up at the large building a bit unsurely.

"He knows to stay near so you can fly up there. Be careful." Seto said, then got out of his car and walked towards the building, waving off reporters who had caught wind of this big meeting of rich and powerful people.

Meanwhile, upstairs, the first of the men were arriving. Pegasus greeted them at the door of the conference room, and one of the first questions was "where is your hybrid?"

"He's over there in the corner, in his bed." Pegasus said, and three of the men headed in that direction while another two hung back to speak with Pegasus. The first man, about age sixty, knelt and held his hand out to Ryou.

"Hey, little guy..." He said gently, quite excited as he had never seen a hybrid in person before.

Ryou yawned like a lion and opened his crimson eyes, sniffing at the hand, half expecting a treat. "hello." he said getting up and stretching slightly. "Who are you?" he asked, finding the smell of the old man interesting.

The old man grinned in delight and reached out to pet Ryou on the head. "Oh, what a delightful little creature you are!" He exclaimed, and the two other men moved in closer, as if waiting to see if the elderly gentleman was going to get bitten for touching Ryou.

Though quite the contrary happened, Ryou began to lick the man's wrist and nuzzle into his arms, loving the attention and the serene feeling he got from the older gentleman. He yawned once more, sitting down in his bed and stretched. "Have you come to play with me?" He asked hopefully.

The old man chuckled and scratched Ryou's chin, and the other two men moved in, one petting Ryou's head, the other petting his back and side.

"Not quite, little fellow... But I did want to meet you..." The old man said, smiling in delight at Ryou's innocent and gentle demeanor. Pegasus stood back, smiling proudly at his little bunny.

Ryou pouted and his ears drooped slightly. "You won’t play with me?" he said slumping into his bed, desperate for a friend. He sighed softly and nuzzled the petting people, licking at their hands and settling for enjoying the attention.
Then, Seto Kaiba walked into the room. He turned and stared at all the men surrounding Ryou, all trying to get in close enough to pet Ryou. He frowned slightly and walked in, shaking hands briefly with Pegasus.

Ryou's ears perked up and he sat up suddenly, looking at Seto and grinning. He slowly nuzzled past the petting visitors and hopped over to him. "hello!" he said brightly.

Seto smiled and slowly knelt. "Hi, Ryou." He said. "How are you doing?" Pegasus narrowed his eye and watched closely.

Ryou hopped into Seto's lap and nuzzled into him. "It's good to see you" he said grinning ear to ear. "Everyone has come to play with the bunny today!"

Seto frowned slightly. "Oh have they?" He asked, softly. Pegasus cleared his throat.

"I believe that we have to start the meeting. Everyone to their seats, please." He announced, and the men all made their ways to their seats, Seto included. "Ryou, come." Pegasus called, taking his own seat.

Ryou pouted slightly, and hopped over to Pegasus's seat and sat calmly next to him, wondering why Pegasus had called him to sit nearby as well. "Am I good for the meeting too?” he asked propping himself up to peer over the edge of the table, wanting to see what was going on.

The men around the table chuckled at Ryou, and Pegasus smiled and pet Ryou's head. "This is Ryou." He said, proudly. "Hop up so they can see you, Ryou." He said, patting the table top.

Ryou looked at Pegasus questioningly. "... I thought I wasn't supposed to hop on the furniture?" he said softly enough only Pegasus could hear. The last thing he wanted, was to be a bad bunny in front of all the people Pegasus was trying to be friends with.

Pegasus blinked and laughed, and repeated what Ryou said to the curious men at the meeting, and they all laughed.

"I told you, you are allowed on the furniture with my permission. And right now, I want you up here so I can show you off." He said, petting Ryou's head.

Ryou hopped up onto the table and looked at all the men, hopping from one to the next, sniffing them, once again expecting a treat from at least one of them.

Pegasus chuckled, watching the men petting Ryou as he passed by, and was amused that Ryou was looking for treats. He got out the fruit salad as Ryou got closer to Seto Kaiba and pulled out a small piece of watermelon.

"Ryou..." He called, holding out the watermelon. "Is this what you're looking for?"

Ryou's ears perked up, and forgetting about Seto he hopped back to Pegasus and snatched the treat from his hand, eating it like a frenzied gerbil. "mmmm...." he hummed munching delightedly on his treat.

Pegasus grinned at all the laughter that Ryou was causing, and he offered him a chunk of pineapple as he pet his head.

Ryou caught one whiff of the pineapple and looked between it and the piece of watermelon he had left, it took a few moments, but he dropped the watermelon and went after the pineapple.

That got even more laughter, and Pegasus chuckled. "And here I thought you liked the watermelon best." He said, petting Ryou. Seto frowned as he watched this. Marik would be broken hearted if he saw this...

"Do you want some celery?" Pegasus asked Ryou.

Ryou blinked, dropping the pineapple now, not playing favorites just eager to get even more treats! he could always eat them later, after all; once Pegasus gave them to him they were his.

Pegasus laughed at this and drew Ryou off of the table and into his lap, holding a celery stick up to Ryou's lips.

Ryou eagerly began nibbling the celery. It wasn't long before the treat was gone, and he yawned again licking Pegasus's hand in gratitude. He curled up and closed his eyes. "am I important for meeting? Is the meeting for me too?" he asked softly, an ear flicking lightly, listening to the other men murmur amongst each other.

Pegasus chuckled. "Well, not really, no. But everyone wanted you here because you're such a good, pretty little bunny..." Pegasus said, and gave Ryou the left over bits of pineapple and watermelon, then set him on the floor. "Why don't you go play with your toys, baby?"

Ryou nodded and hopped over to the little chest, and pulled out a toy. He carried it over to his bed and curled up around the toy, gently chewing at it occasionally.

Pegasus smiled in loving adoration, then began the meeting. And after a while, Ryou had been forgotten. And that was deemed unacceptable by the little bunny...

Ryou huffed slightly and hopped back over to the table, propping himself up on it to peer over the top, curious as to what was MORE interesting than him. He pouted slightly and hopped over to Pegasus, before letting out a LOUD whine, signaling his displeasure.

Pegasus stopped mid sentence and blinked, while the other men chuckled behind their hands. Even Seto lifted a hand up to his mouth to hide his amused smile. Pegasus frowned slightly and slipped a hand into his pocket, pushing the button that activated the egg in Ryou and held it, keeping the vibrations going.

Ryou yelped and backed away from the table, squirming before diving back into his bed desperate to escape the vibration. He whimpered and squirmed around slightly, glad when Pegasus finally released the button. He lay down and decided waiting wasn't so bad.

Pegasus chuckled and looked over. "Ryou... if you want something, then you may try to get my attention quietly." The other men chuckled. "Now... did you want something?"

Ryou puffed his cheeks out, before rasberrying at Pegasus. "Attention." he said wrinkling his nose.

Pegasus blinked, and the men around the table burst into laughter. Pegasus was quite bewildered by Ryou's sudden bad behavior; blowing rasberries was a new activity for his bunny.

"Oh really?" He said, scratching his head. Seto smirked; Ryou certainly was effective at interrupting meetings right when things were getting boring.

Ryou hopped over to Pegasus slowly and nuzzled his leg. "You haven't cuddled me in forever..." He whispered softly, rubbing up against him. "I'm a good bunny and deserve pettings and lovings." he said firmly, looking up at Pegasus pouting. "And you're just talking! It's so lonely and boring..."

The men started laughing again, and Pegasus chuckled. "Excuse my bunny," he said to the men. "He seems to think that he is being neglected." And he moved his chair away from the table and pat his thigh, signaling Ryou that he was permitted to jump into his lap.

Ryou immediately did so, curling up in his master's lap and yawning. "thank you." He said softly, laying his head on Pegasus's shoulder and nuzzling into his neck, beginning possibly a third bunny-nap.

Pegasus smirked and began to pet Ryou, scooting back closer to the table. "Okay... where were we?" He asked, and Seto glanced down at his watch. It had been about an hour. Yami would be showing up any minute. He pretended to pay attention to Pegasus and the papers he was supposed to be looking over, but his attention was really focused on Ryou, happily getting cuddled and petted by his master.

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

Yami stepped out of the limo and looked up. "...Ra.... when did they get so much taller?" he said shaking his head. He wasn't sure he could do this at all, but for Ryou's sake he had to try. He stretched his wings once more, giving a few practice flaps, before taking off.

It wasn't hard to get high into the air, thanks to the thermal winds, the hot air that floated off of the hot pavement. It was a matter of steering. The higher he got, the stronger the wind was between all the nearby tall buildings.

"Ra strike us down for thinking bigger meant better!" he grumbled, focusing greatly on just maintaining his altitude. "If I fall... I hope I have a place in paradise..." he added flying close to the building and beginning to circle it, looking for the appropriate office window.

"ah..." he said flapping harshly to keep from falling, or getting too much wind in his wings, and sweeping away from the window. It only took him a minute, to think of a way to get attention, before a broad grin formed on his face.

He took a deep breath.... and just like he had this morning, he let out a large loud crow, likely scaring the life out of Seto a second time that day.

Yami's reward was seeing Seto jerk straight up in his seat, eyes snapping wide and seeing his mouth open in a startled shout before he toppled off of his chair and out of sight.

Everyone else at the table also jumped, whether at Yami's squawk or Seto's shout was unknown, but then Yami noticed two big bunny ears sticking straight up in the air over Seto's shoulder, and a moment later a startled Ryou leapt from the man's lap and darted towards his bed in a panic.

Pegasus doubled over, then fell from his own chair and started rolling around on the floor cradling his groin. Men started leaping up, some running to Seto, some to Pegasus, and the rest stared in amazement at Yami through the window.

Yami squawked again, loudly. He groaned and flapped harder, maintaining this height while not GOING anywhere was really straining his wings. He wasn't a hummingbird, his wings were meant for soaring, not fluttering, and this was beginning to wear him out, and the wind was not helping.

Finally, Seto's face popped up above the table edge and looked at the window. He stared at Yami for a moment, then growled and shoved by a few men, storming across the room and towards the window. Pegasus had been helped to his feet by now and was currently glaring between Ryou, Seto and Yami. Seto flung open the window and poked his head out.

"GOD DAMMIT, YAMI!!! GET YOUR FEATHERED ASS IN HERE!!!" He roared, before moving aside and giving Yami the space needed to fly in.

Yami did so, flying in and perching quite contently on the back of one of the chairs. looking grateful to give his wings a rest. He'd have to comment on that to Seto later, and also laugh at having scared him a second time.

Ryou hunched in his bed at Seto's screaming, but at the flash of bright colored feathers he perked up, sitting up to see his friend, beginning to preen on the back of a chair.

"Yami!" he cheered and scampered over and propped himself up, his small tail twitching. "Yamibird!" he said again, grabbing a mouthful of feathers and tugging lightly. "You are here to play!"

"What is HE doing here?!" Pegasus demanded loudly. Seto frowned and crossed his arms, glaring at Yami.

"No idea. He must have followed me here."

"Don't you keep him locked up somewhere?" Pegasus demanded to know.

"Yes." Seto said. "I do, however, have a brother who finds it amusing to piss me off at any given time."

"Ryou. Come here." Pegasus commanded. "And Mr. Kaiba... please move that... bird... to your own chair if he must perch somewhere. And keep him SILENT!!"

"That's the trick now, isn't it?" Seto said with a smirk, and glared at Yami. "You heard the man. Move your ass. Now." He snapped, taking a seat in his chair again, and slowly the other men drifted back to their seats, one waiting for Yami to vacate his.

Yami looked at the man for a moment, pausing in his preening to examine him, and much like other birds it was undetermined if he was considering biting or not. He went back to preening his wings, much too tired to consider moving for a moment.

Seto rolled his eyes and sighed, standing, then dragged his chair over to where Yami was, leaving it, and grabbing the chair that Yami was perched on and pulling it back to his own spot, glad that the chairs had wheels. Then, he sat down under Yami, and the other man sat down gingerly in the chair that was formerly Seto's.

"Now... where were we?" Pegasus growled, squirming slightly, still feeling the discomfort of being racked by Ryou in his panicked leap from his master's lap.

Ryou looked at Yami eagerly. "Master... c-can I play with Yami? Pleeease?" He said just softly enough for Pegasus to hear. "I-I promise that I wont snuggle him, or be a bad bunny! we... we could play tag and chew on toys!" he pleaded, still just loud enough that Pegasus could hear him.

Yami looked at Ryou calmly, preening, before beginning to gently preen in Seto's hair, making beautiful cooing song-like noises.

Seto's eyes widened in shock and embarrassment as all the men at the table looked over at Yami's cooing, and chuckled behind their hands.

"Ahh... so there IS a reason for your awful hair style..." Pegasus taunted. "That explains everything." Seto glared.

"Yami, knock it off." He grumbled. Pegasus, in the mean time, looked down at Ryou.

"No, you may not play with Yami." He said.

Ryou pouted and laid at the foot of Pegasus's seat, looking miserably at Yami.

Yami frowned and stretched out his wings, flapping them a bit, glad that he could work a few of the sore kinks he'd required flapping so hard. He let his wings droop to the floor, the feathers falling back into place in a cascade of brilliance, which ended as the feather-tips hit the floor.

He stopped preening now, and simply began singing the most beautiful song he could think of, hoping to draw attention away from Ryou, and because he enjoyed pissing Seto off slightly.

Pegasus stopped in his talking and slowly looked up. Seto, in the meantime, slowly closed his eyes and let his face fall into his hand. He NEVER should have let Yami come.

"Mr. Kaiba..." Pegasus said sternly, but Seto raised a hand to silence him as a pair of bunny ears and red eyes appeared above the edge of the table.

"I know..." Seto moaned. "Yami... shut up."

Yami became quiet, leaning down to Seto's ear. "Am I bothering you that much? And here I thought you liked my singing." he said amusedly, before sitting back up. "I'm hungry." he said calmly. He looked to Pegasus and spread his wings slightly, giving him a dignified looking bow. "You are my master's host? I am hungry, please let me eat something." He added in the most respectful and submissive voice he'd ever faked, and it was damn convincing too.

Yami folded his wings and hopped off the back of Seto's chair, to sit on his knees on the floor, once again preening his wings.

Pegasus and Seto both gave Yami confused looks that were completely identical; mouth hanging open slightly, and one eyebrow quirked.

"Uhhh... food will keep him quiet?" Seto offered, weakly. Pegasus rolled his eyes and slid the fruit salad across the table to Seto, who caught the plastic dish. "Here." He said, offering it to Yami. Pegasus in the mean time set the vegetable medley salad down before Ryou.

Yami smiled warmly at Seto, a mischievous glint in his eyes, despite his submissive acting. He was having his amusement for the day, shocking Seto with just how submissive he could act. "Thank you master." He said in a rich pleased voice.

Ryou licked Pegasus's hands and nuzzled him, and as if on cue, Yami gave Seto a kiss, nothing passionate, a chaste kiss on the lips, before retreating with his fruit salad, and a serenely submissive look on his face.

Inside however, he was HOWLING with laughter.

Pegasus blinked, then smirked as Seto's mouth dropped open and his eyes looked ready to pop out of his head. Slowly, Seto turned and looked at Yami, bewildered.

'Maybe I should have that bird around Seto more often... I never get to see him caught off guard like that...' Pegasus thought to himself as he gently pet Ryou.

Yami couldn't help but sneak Seto an amused look, mouthing the words. 'You're not a very good Actor.'

Ryou nuzzled into Pegasus's hands, nibbling on a piece of cucumber. Yami was welcome company in his book, and he was glad that he wasn't the only hybrid there. "I think his wings are pretty." He whispered to Pegasus, licking his cheek slightly. "You should get a bird too.... he's so pretty, and he sings too!" Ryou said softly, grinning.

Pegasus blinked and looked down at Ryou.

"I am NOT getting another hybrid. You are already almost more than I can handle." He said, and the men at the table chuckled; this was the most entertaining meeting they had ever attended!!!

Yami snickered softly.

Ryou pouted and went back to his veggies, munching quietly, allowing the meeting to continue once more, both hybrids calmly eating, though one was slipping Seto amused looks in secret.

After half an hour the men around the table began to get bored, and kept hoping that one of the hybrids would try something. Then, one of the man reached into his pocket where he had a mint. He unwrapped it and tapped it on the underside of the table, hoping to get Ryou's attention.

Ryou perked up immediately, and seeing the small mint in the man’s hand, thought it was a treat. He grinned and hopped over and began licking at it while the man held it, before taking it and chewing. He wrinkled his nose a bit at the hot flavor.

Yami inched closer to Ryou. "Hello." He said smiling as Ryou grinned and nodded.

"Hello!" he said sitting up proudly. "I missed you..." he whispered looking Yami over, before checking to make sure Pegasus wasn't looking. "is....?" He said, not daring to mention any name for fear Pegasus might be examining his thoughts. Yami nodded.

"Yes he's fine... and so are your bunnies." He said softly, hoping to get a chance to talk to Ryou about how they'd get him out of Pegasus's clutches, before the white haired millionaire noticed their little rendezvous.

The man's hand appeared again, this time holding a little orange TicTac. He waved it around a bit, trying to get Ryou's attention again.

Seto glanced down at Yami and saw him whispering. He smiled to himself, glad that Yami and Ryou were talking.

Ryou snatched the tictac and ate it, squeaking at the delicious taste of the candy.

"I'm not... sure if you can get me away... he put a microchip in me..."

Yami frowned. "Does... he leave you alone at all?"

Ryou sighed softly. "No... I wish Marik was here.... I... I don’t know what's wrong with me... b-but every time he says something... I listen... Yami I need to get away... I'm forgetting who I was!" he said sniffling softly. "He's going to rip my soul apart before much longer... I... I want Marik back..."

Yami frowned and hugged Ryou. "We'll get you out... just hold on until we can."

Yami squawked suddenly, as someone had stepped on his feathers, pulling some out of his wing. "RA!!!" he yelped scrambling out from under the table, looking thoroughly pissed.

Pegasus blinked and Seto and the majority of the other men in the room jumped, startled. Ryou squeaked and streaked out from under the table, running to his bed. Pegasus blinked and watched Yami flap out from under the table. He frowned.

"I, ummm... I think we should just stop where we are. Obviously we aren't going to be getting anything done... So I guess that will conclude the meeting, gentlemen, I will get back to you to schedule another meeting... without a bird hybrid present..." And he gave Seto a look that the brunette returned. "Mr. Kaiba. I wish to see you in my office to discuss a small matter if you would please..." And he walked out the door, leaving Ryou in the meeting room. Seto blinked and followed. "And bring your hybrid." Pegasus added, so at a look from Seto, Yami followed.

Pegasus closed the door after Seto and Yami. "Mr. Kaiba..." He said, slowly. "I understand that sometimes these hybrids have a mind of their own... however, I do not want, under any circumstances, to catch your bird anywhere NEAR my pet. Is that quite clear?"

"For God's sake, they're friends! They miss each other!" Seto cried, and Pegasus glared.

"Not anymore they're not. You may give Yami as much freedom as he wishes, but Ryou belongs to me, and I will not allow him to come into contact with any hybrid that I feel may ruin him. And your bird is one of the top three on that list."

"Let me guess..." Seto growled. "The others are the skunk and lion."

"That has nothing to do with you." Pegasus snapped. "If I see your bird within ten yards of my rabbit again, I will press charges. Is that clear?!" Seto glared and grit his teeth.

"Crystal." He growled, and left the room, Yami at his heels.

Yami followed quietly at first. "He put a microchip in Ryou..." He said after a moment, worried about Seto's mood slightly. "Seto..." He added softly, feeling somewhat responsible for the uncomfortable position Pegasus had put Seto in.

"Son of a bitch..." Seto spat, jabbing the elevator button. He turned and looked back as Pegasus returned to the conference room where the other men at the meeting were fawning over Ryou.

"Ryou is nothing but property to him... I don't think I want to know how he treats him in the privacy of his home..." He stepped into the elevator, Yami behind him, and sighed as the doors closed. "Is... Is Ryou doing okay?"

Yami nodded slightly. "But he wants to get away... and I don’t blame him... look what he's been reduced to...." He said shaking his head.

It was a minute before Yami spoke again. "Sorry, if I embarrassed you a bit in there." he added softly, worried about Ryou, but also sorry for any trouble he caused.

Seto blinked, then turned and glared at Yami.

"Oh yeah...." He growled. He moved across the elevator, backing Yami into the wall. "You were a pain in the ass... but there's one thing that went a bit over the line, and I want to know what it was all about...." Yami blinked, feeling cornered and very nervous.

"And that is?" He asked. Seto glared down at Yami, then smirked. He bent over, and before Yami could do anything, he kissed him.

Yami blinked, a blush creeping over his cheeks, before Seto pulled away, and he was staring at him shocked, bewildered and more than a little pleased. His feathers quivered slightly, the very idea Seto had kissed him, pleased him a great deal.

He opened his mouth a few times, trying to form words, but not sure what there was to be said...

Seto smirked and stepped away. "What are you feeling? Surprised? Confused? Maybe even happy? Not sure what to do?" Seto asked, and slowly. Yami nodded. "Now you know how I felt." He snickered.

Yami shook his head a bit and glared. "Don’t mock me." he grumbled, crossing his arms and looking away.

Seto blinked and looked at Yami's body posture and position, then looked down at his own. And he burst out laughing; they were exactly the same.

Yami's feathers ruffled at the laughter and he growled. "Don’t mock me!" he shouted swatting Seto with a wing. "I'm still very human, human enough to want to walk away with my remaining dignity." he grumbled, upset that Seto seemed to be laughing at him.

Seto slumped against the back of the elevator as he tried to get a hold of himself.

"I'm sorry!" He squeaked, between laughs. "Oh God... I'm losing my sanity... I'm sorry, Yami... I'm not.... I'm not mocking you.... I promise... God... I need a drink...." He giggled, rubbing his reddened face.

Yami glared and sighed looking down, feeling suddenly humiliated. Seto was laughing at his expense, over a kiss...

His wings drooped slightly and he focused his attention on the intricate design the flooring of the elevator had to offer.

Finally, as the elevator opened, Seto got himself under control. He looked at Yami and smiled.

"I'm sorry..." He said, again. "Seriously. Come on." And he took Yami's hand and pulled the reluctant hybrid across the lobby and outside, heading for his car. "In. In, in, in..." He said, pushing Yami into the car. "How are your wings? You didn't look like you were having fun outside of that window..."

Yami sighed. "I guess I was not made for hovering in one place for very long... the wind didn't help at all." He said groaning and rubbing his own back slightly. "I'm gonna be grounded for a while I think..."

Yami sighed sitting down in the car, careful of his tail feathers. "There's too many high buildings here to try just getting into one little place and staying there... I was lucky I didn't kill myself."

Seto frowned and grabbed Yami's shoulders. "What did I tell you?!" He asked harshly, as if scolding a child. "I told you if you couldn't handle it not to do it! If you were having trouble you should have landed! I don't want to see anything happen to you!!!"

Yami rolled his eyes. "It was for Ryou." he said pulling away slightly. "Besides, how else would I have gotten to check on him if I didn't?"

"We could have found another way!" Seto said, moving behind Yami and beginning to massage his sore muscles. "Promise me... next time if it's a strain, you won't push yourself."

Yami groaned slightly, closing his eyes and enjoying the massage. "You know I can’t promise that if it's for something important." he mumbled, stretching his wings out a bit, content that Seto was rubbing away all the knots that had formed in his back from the intense flapping. He had to give Seto one thing... he had amazing hands.

Seto sighed. "I know... you are... a very compassionate man, Yami. And very determined." He sighed. "I admire that. I just... don't want to see you hurt..." And he bent over slightly and pressed a gentle kiss at the base of Yami's neck.

Yami felt his cheeks burn slightly, a new blush forming on them. "....I uh...." he was once again cut short on speech. He'd never practiced what to say if Seto suddenly started putting the moves on him.... what could he say? "Thank you?" he started, dumbly.

Seto blinked, then chuckled. "Umm... You're welcome?" He teased, getting a look from Yami. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry." He said, then just sat there and smiled at Yami for a moment, which quite honestly unnerved the King of Games. "Hey... you wanna go see Marik? See how he's doing, and let him know how Ryou is?"

"Yeah... it'd be best. Although I don’t think we should mention his endless cuddling with Pegasus... I don’t think he'd like hearing that part." Yami said smiling a bit, folding his wings and yawning slightly, his mid-day nap seeming a lot nearer, thanks to his little workout. "And after that I'm sleeping."

Seto chuckled. "Okay." He said, and called the driver, telling him to change their destination. And fifteen minutes later, Seto and Yami were ringing the doorbell of Malik's home.

"I GOT IT!!!" A voice screeched, and Seto and Yami exchanged looks when a 'clump clump clump' was hear coming closer to the door. Then, the door was swung open and they faced Bakura, in large boots covered in buckles and a pair boxers, sucking on a popsicle and had one hand down his boxers, crudely scratching his crotch. His eyes fell on Yami, and they narrowed. Then, the door was slammed in their faces.

Inside, Bakura returned to the living room and dropped into a chair, turning his attention onto the TV.

"Who was it?" Malik asked.

"Jehova's Witnesses." Bakura said. "I waved my dick at them and they left." Malik blinked.

"He's lying." Marik said from where he was on the love seat, cuddling Tuc and Nod in his lap. "It's Seto Kaiba and Yami. I can smell them."

"Snitch." Bakura spat.

Marik snickered, but Malik glared. "Bakura..." he said warningly. "remember what I said last night? I need to talk to them anyway!" Malik said sternly.

Marik chuckled once more, picking up Tuc and nuzzling him.

Bakura snorted. "If you wanna talk to them, YOU answer the door." He grumbled, watching Marik gently licking Tuc and Nod all over, bathing them as if they were his cubs.

Malik glared. "You got there first, you answer it, or last night won’t be a repeat performance." He said angrily. "Don’t be rude to guests."

Bakura glared at Malik and growled. "I am NOT letting that bastard bird in..." He hissed, and Marik looked up, amused at this argument.

"Fine, don’t. But you're sleeping with Marik tonight." He said glaring daggers.

Bakura glared at Malik and growled, but then snorted and folded his arms. "Fine." He snapped, and Marik chuckled.

"Awww.... I get another fuzzy buddy!!!" He announced, happily, and Bakura growled. Marik looked at Malik. "He REALLY doesn't like Yami." He offered as an explanation.

Malik grinned. "And while you're sleeping with him, I'm going to go club hopping... they're having male wet t-shirt contests over at a few of em..." he said thoughtfully. "Oh you know what, go ahead and stay in your room, I'll spend the night over at a friend's place...." he said, grinning.

Bakura turned and glared at Malik. "You are NOT tormenting me into opening the door for that buzzard." He growled, and Marik snickered, finally hopping off of the sofa.

"You two are stupid." He snickered, trotting towards the door on all fours, Tuc and Nod on his heels.

Malik sighed. "Marik... you're supposed to walk." he said opening the door. "you two just stay in here." he said, exiting, more than a little steamed that Bakura didn't care about his threats even slightly.

He shut the door behind him and locked it from the outside. "Hey Seto." He said smiling slightly.

Seto nodded. "Having trouble training the skunk?" He asked. "I would suggest teaching him not to answer the door with his hand down his pants." He drawled, giving Malik a look.

"Forget him." he fumed irritated. After a few moments he smiled softly, however. "I've been meaning to ask you about something..." He said. "There's a club in town, called the Exotica... and it hasn't been doing badly, but I thought a great way to give some hybrids their lives back... would be to buy it... and, well, employ them." He said so softly that the ears of Bakura or Marik wouldn't be able to hear the plan he'd come up with.

Seto blinked, having not expected anything like this at all. He turned and looked at Yami, then back at Malik.

"S-Say what?" He gasped.

"Buy the strip club, and turn it into a dance club." Malik explained. "The Exotica could have a hybrid theme, no one would know they weren't human." Malik said slowly. "We could give them jobs, a way to support themselves, and if it does well enough... you know..." Malik sighed. "Marik and Ryou... well he wants to be able to support Ryou, to travel with him, and if he has no job, he has no way to do either thing... and I can’t afford anymore mouths to feed Seto..."

Seto nodded. "I understand. I know your sister isn't a wealthy woman. And I think you may have been straining with one hybrid, and now struggle with two... I think it sounds like a good idea... what do you think, Yami?" He asked, looking at the bird.

Yami nodded. "A fine idea. It gets boring sitting around all day letting Mokuba pluck my feathers, or hanging from chandeliers to escape him. " He explained. "It will be good to be around people again, and considered one." He added.

Malik nodded. "And with a paying job, you could afford the things that make you happy again, like well... anything. Maybe if the club does well enough, we could use the profits to buy a plot of land to house you guys, so you wouldn't have to live with us, if you didn't want to." Malik said smiling. "I don’t think Marik's life-plan centers around my house..."

Seto chuckled. "I can imagine." He said. "But anyway, we came by because I just came from a meeting with Pegasus... and Ryou was there. Yami spoke to Ryou, and now needs to speak to Marik. Can we come in?"

Malik nodded and unlocking the door, he opened it for Seto and Yami. "Marik, Yami wants to talk to you!" he called in, waiting for the lion to tackle them.

But Marik didn't. Tuc and Nod darted out the front door and Marik chased them, knocking Malik and Seto into Ishizu's flower beds and Yami into a bush. He ran around the bunnies and began nudging them, herding them back towards the house.

Yami grumbled, climbing out of the bush as Marik slowly herded the bunnies back into the house shutting the door behind them.

Marik smiled a bit. "What'd you need?" He asked.

"Seto was in a meeting, and we saw Ryou there... I got a chance to talk to him. He's ok, but he misses you dearly." Yami explained, watching Marik's face light up. "But getting him back may be a problem... Pegasus had him microchipped...." Yami added, seeing Marik's face fall, as fast as it had lit up.

"M-Microchipped?" He repeated. "You mean... like a dog?" Yami nodded and Marik sighed. "Poor Ryou... Is... Is there anything we can do?"

Yami sighed. "I can’t think of anything at the moment.... if we tried to steal him, Peg could just track him down with the microchip..."

Malik nodded. "The only way we could get him away would be to get that chip out of him, or magnetize it REALLY bad. I don’t know how we'd do either without hurting him."

Seto shook his head.

"That's not true." He said with a smirk. "A microchip only works when scanned with a scanner. It's like an identification tag that can't be removed, NOT a tracking device."

Malik raised an eyebrow. "We're talking about a psychopath millionaire... are you sure he didn't think of that?" he said calmly.

"I'm sure they don't make transmitters to stick inside of animals." Seto said, nodding. "But it IS possible that Pegasus got one..."

Malik nodded. "Well... unless we're sure it doesn't transmit, we can’t try kidnapping him without fear of getting seriously busted, in a big way."

Seto nodded, frowning.

"Is there a reason we're hanging out on the porch?" Marik asked, glancing down at the door where Tuc and Nod could be heard scratching the wood.

"I'm mad at Bakura." Malik replied grumbling. "Which reminds me... I told him I'd be going to some clubs tonight, and I intend to make well of the promise." Malik said walking towards the garage. "Marik, you and Bakura watch the house, and make sure you tell him where I am if he bothers to ask."

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

After berating Seto Kaiba about his hybrid, Pegasus returned to the meeting room where a few men were standing around talking, but many had cornered Ryou and were patting him and offering him little tidbits of fruit that Yami had not eaten.

Ryou nuzzled each of them, and struggled to decide which treat was most appealing. In the end he ended up taking one, only to drop it for another, and to his frustration, and their amusement, they'd pick the treat back up and offer it again while he haplessly nibbled on the new one before dropping it for the next.

Pegasus chuckled. "For heaven's sake, he's only an animal, you're confusing and overwhelming him!" The man cried in mock annoyance. "Let him finish one before you offer another!"

The men chuckled softly, though still continued their little game, just not as quickly.

Ryou looked at Pegasus and mewled, taking the final remaining treat and nibbling on it, the others finally having been eaten. He nuzzled the men once more, taking another curious sniff at the elderly man, who seemed most interested in him. "You smell funny..." he said smiling and nuzzling him. "I like it."

The old man blinked, then he and the other men burst out laughing.

"I simply MUST get myself a hybrid!" One said. "Mr. Pegasus, do they make chipmunks?"

"They make any mammal." Pegasus said. "And as you saw with Mr. Kaiba, they have progressed to making birds." He said, and the men all began slowly drifting out the door, talking excitedly at the idea of getting their own little pet hybrids. Finally, they were all gone and Pegasus turned and smiled down at Ryou.

"You were a very, VERY good bunny." He said with a smile, kneeling and petting Ryou.

Ryou nuzzled into his hands. "I liked the old one... he's soft." he grinned. "Can he come to play with me? Pleeeease? I want a playmate..." Ryou said putting on his best pout. If he asked enough, maybe Pegasus would bend a little and grant his meager wish. "Pretty please master Pegasus? I promise to be the best bunny ever!" he pleaded hopefully, wanting desperately not to be alone when Pegasus left him in the bunny room.

Pegasus laughed at the idea of the old man coming over to play.

"I don't think so, Ryou." He said, petting Ryou's hair. "Come on, let's go to my office." He said, and turned and walked out of the meeting room, calling for someone to return Ryou's toy box and bed to his office.

Ryou hopped carefully behind Pegasus and gladly returned to his office to sit beside the window, gazing out over the city. "Can I please have a playmate?" He asked once more, eyes once again fixed on things he remembered from his past. Schools, buildings, the game shop where Yugi lived. "It's lonely..."

Pegasus blinked and looked over at his bunny's depressed tone. He sighed.

"I'll think about it." He said, finally, then turned and began accessing his e-mail. He went through them, then stopped and stared at his seventh. He frowned and read over it. A boy by the name of 'Malik Ishtar' had been trying to locate a bunny hybrid named Ryou. He picked up the phone and dialed the Hybrid Pet Shop. Rem answered.

"This is Pegasus." He said. "I want to know who owns the lion that you were supposed to destroy." He growled.

"He was a boy named Malik..." Rem replied thoughtfully. "I don’t recall his last name off the top of my head, but he was a blonde boy, very tan." She added. "Why?"

Ryou blinked up at Pegasus, ears back fearfully, not liking his tone at all.

Pegasus frowned. "For God's sake, look the boy up in your files. I want to know when he came in for the first time, when he bought the lion, and anything else of significance. I want everything." He said. "And I want it now."

Rem bit her lip. "Pegasus... this isn't exactly legal... I'm not supposed to divulge personal information..." She said softly. "But if it will satisfy you despite my mistake...."

She picked up the receipts and read through them. "His name is Malik Ishtar, he came in a few weeks back to get Marik, the same day you picked up Ryou; he also owns Bakura the skunk." She read off slowly. "Is that all you need?" She asked, not having much more to offer.

Pegasus frowned and thought a bit, then nodded. "Yes, it is. Thank you very much. He has been... harassing my employees, and all I knew was that he owned that lion. I simply wish to tell him to back off before I have to take legal action." He said. "You have saved me a lot of trouble Miss Rem, thank you very much. How is your coyote doing, Rex I believe?"

"He's doing fine Pegasus. Do you need him to come back for another visit?" She asked curiously.

Ryou whimpered loudly. "I... I've been good!" he wailed, backing away from Pegasus slowly. "N-not a bad bunny!"

Pegasus chuckled. "You should see Ryou... all I had to do was mention Rex and he's ready to cry and hide... No, Ryou has been a VERY good bunny. He went to the vet the other day and was scared out of his mind, but he's such a good boy now, your coyote did a good job. And... I got Ryou microchipped, I think I'm supposed to register his chip with you, give you his ID number, correct? I'm e-mailing it right.... there. I just sent it. But yes, Ryou has been a VERY good bunny, you did an excellent job with him, thank you." The man said.

Rem smiled. "Thank you, is there anything else you need?" She asked, writing down Ryou's registry numbers and beginning the paperwork to send to animal control, just incase Ryou ever ran away. "I'll have this information sent to animal control by tomorrow, by the way." She added quickly.

"Thank you very much, Miss Rem, you have been a great help. That's all I need. And... I will be in touch... you WILL be hearing from me soon. Have a good day, and give that coyote an extra treat from me, please." Pegasus said, typing away at his computer.

Ryou yawned softly, crawling into his bed and curling up, deciding a nap would be best until Pegasus was ready to go home. He seemed irritated... and Ryou was exhausted from the meeting.

"Goodnight..." He mumbled softly, falling almost instantly asleep, comfortable in his little bed.

Pegasus chuckled as he hung up the phone. But he then left the room and pulled out his cell phone, walking into the empty meeting room. He held the phone to his ear after dialing. A moment later it was answered.

"Daisuke?" He called over the phone. "This is Pegasus."

"Oh hello! How is that bunny? He serving your purposes well?" Dai said, checking on some newly made hybrids. He smiled and wrote a few notes down. "Does he need a check up?"

"No, I just took him to the vet the other day, and he is fine. I am beyond satisfied with him, well done, sir. However... I have found a bit of a nuisance in my life, recently... it has to do with that lion that was a little too close with my rabbit. Are you aware that he was not destroyed as I had ordered?" Pegasus said.

"What?!" Dai said shocked. "How is that possible?! Your bunny hasn't exhibited any signs of loyalty to that lion has he?" Dai asked worriedly. "I'm so sorry, I'll have a stern talk with Rem once I'm done here."

"It's quite alright." Pegasus said. "She has been more than helpful in trying to make up for her... disobedience. It is thanks to her that my bunny is so well behaved now. It is the lion that is the problem. He was bought by a young man named Malik Ishtar, who, as I have discovered, has been trying to find my rabbit ever since the lion came into his possession. And I know that it's the lion's fault. I cannot touch the lion now... but his owner is another story. I want to order his kidnapping and genetic fusion."

Daisuke couldn't hide the broad smile that spread across his features. "What sort of animal would you like this boy to be altered to?" He asked, pulling out a paper and beginning to write down the information. "Also, would you like any enhancements, such as loyalty like your rabbit?"

Nothing excited Dai more than a new labrat...

Pegasus thought about this for a moment. "Perhaps, just not as strongly as the rabbit was. And as with Ryou, find something that suits him. But I want it to be a small animal. Cute and cuddly, but with proper attitude and... he seems to be a feisty young man... I want that trait kept alive in him. After what you did with Ryou, I trust your judgment. You will call me when it is done?"

Dai nodded. "alright then." He said smirking. "I'll choose something suited to him. And you want a loyalty boost then? Anything else?" He began adding the figures. "Since you're special ordering a second hybrid I'll give you a 20 percent discount. Oh yes, would you like to visit him like you did for your rabbit?" he added calmly, looking over the chemicals he had available.

Pegasus thought a moment. "I think I will. But not as often as I did with the rabbit. He gets quite upset when I leave him alone. But this way, Ryou will get used to Malik's smell, so I hope he will be more accepting when I take him home, though Ryou has been begging me for a playmate since I got rid of those rabbits of his." He said. "I expect I will come by every other day."

"Alright then. Oh yes, if you could, stop by and drop off any blankets or treats you wish this hybrid to have, I've run out of them, we've had a boom in hybrid orders lately, you're lucky you called when you did, I'm almost completely booked. you got the absolute last spot."

Pegasus chuckled. "I'll bring them by when you call me to let me know that you've caught the boy." He said. "Will that work?"

"That will work fine. I'll add a bit of a new chemical I've produced, that will make his scent a bit more inviting to other hybrids, that way your rabbit will take a liking to him faster." He added, hanging up the phone after a quick goodbye.

Pegasus smiled and put his cell back into his pocket, then returned to his office. He walked over to Ryou and knelt, petting his head.

"Ryou?" He called, and watched his bunny flick an ear and open an eye. "I've thought about it and I made a decision. In a few weeks, you will be getting a play mate."

Ryou's eyes lit up and he hopped into Pegasus's arms and began an attack of nuzzles, licks and kisses. "Oh master Pegasus! Thank you!" he practically sang, showering him with love. "I promise to be the best bunny ever! I promise you won’t regret giving me a friend!"

*~*~*~*~*~*

Malik yawned softly, riding around town. "Stupid Bakura..." he grumbled. He wasn’t really mad that Bakura had refused to open the door... well ok maybe he was a little. His biggest disappointment was that Bakura hadn't even seemed to care when he said he'd go club hopping. "I'm not fond of one night stands..." Malik grumbled, though it hurt him deeper than he let on. The idea that he'd opened himself up to this kind of blow, this sort of let down... this hurt.... it just... he regretted it in a way. But really he'd forgive Bakura in a heartbeat... if he apologized and meant it. Right.

If Bakura had known what was to come, he would have apologized... A car had been tailing Malik for quite some time, but Malik was too angry to have noticed. Finally, when Malik parked in front of Exotica, which Seto had decided to try and acquire for hybrids, the man behind the wheel parked his car down the street a bit. He watched Malik through binoculars, making sure he could identify him, then got out of his car and made his way into the club a few people behind his victim.

Malik sat in a booth, ordering a margarita with lemon, he sighed and began thinking, while sipping away at his drink. He didn't really want to but his mind kept drifting back to Bakura. Worse was it hurt him to think about it. "Stupid jerk..." he mumbled. finishing off his first drink, and ordering a second without much thought.

The man Daisuke sent waited until Malik was almost finished with his second drink before approaching.

"Hello." He said with a friendly smile. "Mind if I sit down?"

Malik blinked and nodded. "Sure, it's a free world." He said, finishing his second and ordering a third. "You look like you're having a good day." Malik mumbled taking a bite of some pretzels on the table.

The man smiled and nodded.

"You look like you aren't." He said. "Girl trouble?"

Malik sighed. "Guy trouble..." He said smiling slightly. "Gave up on girls a while ago... too snippy. Ra... sometimes guys aren't much better though...." he mumbled beginning to drink his third margarita, thankfully paying the waitress.

The man chuckled. "Guys, huh? I'll bet you attract would be dates from both sexes, though, you're cute." And he winked. "So... what happened with your guy?"

Malik grinned a bit, happy to get a compliment. "He's just... an ass." he mumbled. "Doesn't seem to care at all if I go off to places like this." he added glumly. "I thought I meant a bit more to him than that..."

The man frowned and sipped his own drink thinking a bit. "How long have you been together?" He asked, leaning back.

Malik thought for a minute. "Couple weeks... but last night was the first intimate one..." he admitted sheepishly.

The man frowned. "Last night you were intimate, and tonight he's being an ass? Sounds like he's using you, no offense."

Malik sighed and looked down. "I don’t want to think that's true... I really like him..." he mumbled, finishing off his drink and rubbing his forehead, feeling a bit buzzed now. "I thought I meant more to him than that..."

"Well.... maybe he isn't. He COULD be lost. Has he been in relationships before? Maybe he doesn't know what to do. Maybe he's trying to get you to come to him. What's his regular personality?" The man asked, finishing off his drink.

"He has had relationships... a long time ago. I'm his first in a long time..." Malik said sitting back and looking at the building smiling slightly. Soon Bakura and Marik would have jobs here... to support themselves. "But he's always been grouchy and disagreeable.."

The man chuckled. "Well there you go. Sounds like he's being an ass because he can't help it." And then he leaned over the table and placed a hand on Malik's. "You should talk to him. Tell him how he's upsetting you. I know it isn't a very manly thing to do, but if he knows how you feel, I'm sure he'll tone it down."

Malik nodded a bit. "Maybe..." he said getting up and dusting himself off. "Alright... I suppose I could try that... thanks." He said, offering a smile. He slowly headed out of the club and looked at the evening sky. He blinked slightly, yawning again. How long had he been in there? Surely at least a few hours....

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his arm.

"Careful." Said a voice, and Malik turned to see the man from the club. "You've been knocking them back, kid. You shouldn't be driving home now... I'll give you a ride, or call you a cab, okay?" He offered with a smile. "Which will it be?"

Malik smiled a bit. "Yeah.... I think I'll just walk it... it's not that far." He mumbled and looked in the direction of home. "Say, what's your name anyway?" he asked turning to face the man. "You seem like the good samaritan type..."
The man blinked, then laughed. "I don't think you should be walking, either..." He chuckled. "And my friends call Shidou. Maybe I should drive you home... c'mon, my car is this way."

Malik shook his head. "No it's ok... really I'm fine." He said offering a second smile of thanks. "It's only a few blocks." He said calmly. "no sense in going out of your way for me." He added laughing softly. "You've already helped more than enough."

Shidou laughed. "I insist..." He said, pulling a needle from his pocket. He pulled the cap off with his teeth and jabbed the needle into Malik's exposed stomach. The boy blinked as Shidou injected him with a sedative, then pulled the needle out and threw it away. Then, he waited. A drunken teenager... ahh, the joy of delayed reactions....

Malik shook his head dizzily. "What're you doing!?" he said scrambling to get away, stumbling slightly and gripping his stomach, getting dizzy. Suddenly this guy he'd been friendly with was injecting him with things! What the hell!? He groaned and shook his head tripping and forcing himself up. "What'd you do to me?!" he croaked painfully.

Shidou caught Malik before he fell and picked him up. "Easy, Malik." He said, and it took Malik a moment to remember that he had never told this guy his name. "It's just a tranquilizer. Mr. Pegasus has decided that he's had enough of your meddling, and sent us to take care of it..." He opened the back door of his car and shoved Malik in, closing the door behind him, then climbing into the driver's seat.

Malik groaned, fighting desperately to stay awake, and trying to fumble the door open. "How can you do this to people?!" he growled, feeling incredibly dizzy. "You know what's going on! How... how can you do this?!" he groaned, falling back into the seat, staring at the ceiling of the car and shaking his head, feeling the drugs forcing him out, and not wanting to succumb.

"I do what I'm paid to do..." Shidou said. "Sorry... but I don't think you and your boyfriend will be making up..." And he drove away with a sleeping Malik in his backseat.


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Please review! Exams are this week and I'm stressed! Your reviews make me happy! That and my co-author cries when you don't review...