The Wild

Bunny Love

Hatochiisai & Mally-chan

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: We do not own Yugioh. If we did, it would not be for public television.

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

Chapter 18

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

When Ryou awoke the next morning, he was horrified to find himself alone in the burrow; Marik was gone.

Ryou gasped, starting to panic. He looked around the burrow, and quickly peeped out. "Marik?! Marik where are you!?" he yelped loudly, hopping around the tree in a worried frenzy. "Marik!?"

"Murrrrumph!" Came the immediate response, and a moment later, Marik trotted into view, a netted bag swinging from his teeth. He smiled and laid it down before Ryou and nuzzled him. "I'm here. I found the dock! And food! They're unloading supplies from the boat! We'll stow away when they return to the mainland. But for now, I brought you breakfast." Marik said with a proud smile.

Ryou looked instantly relieved and sighed contently. "Don’t scare me like that...I thought you'd... you'd left me..." he said softly. "I was so scared..." he kissed Marik and nuzzled into his side. "Don’t ever leave me again."

Marik smiled and licked Ryou's ears, soothingly. "I told you. I would never leave you. I just went to get food." And he dumped out to Ryou's surprise, WONDERFUL food!!! There was a large block of yellow cheese, fresh celery and pears, and some sausage links along with a loaf of French bread.

Ryou gasped and gave a delighted squeak, snatching up the celery and pears, nibbling at them hungrily "Oh I've never been so glad to see vegetables in my life!" he cooed nuzzling into Marik as he nibbled.

Marik smiled and began to munch his own sausage, then tore the bread and cheese in half, offering them to Ryou while taking a bite of his own cheese.

Ryou took it and sighed, having finished his veggies and fruit, as he nibbled on the bread and cheese. "Mmm... thank you Marik... that was delicious..." he cooed leaning into him once more, looking pleased and full.

Marik chuckled and poked Ryou's tummy, that was slightly bulging from all the food. "You're cute." He said, eating the last of his cheese. Then he stood. "Well... let's go. The dock isn't far! And I found a spring to drink from!!!"

Ryou grinned and nodded. "Lets hurry... the sooner I get some clothes on, the happier I'll be. I'm tired of being naked and cold!" he giggled stretching.

Marik chuckled and bounded off through the jungle, obviously in a cheerful mood. Ryou followed, and soon enough they were at the spring. Marik smiled and lapped at the water, his tail swinging about happily.

Ryou looked at the water carefully before beginning to drink as well. He tried to force himself not to think about what fish do in water...

Marik waited for Ryou to finish, then led the way to the edge of the jungle. And there was the dock, the boat tied to it.

Ryou looked at the boat calmly. "So... how do we get in?" he asked Marik. He said let him handle it, and he would... He had no clue how they'd go about getting on board.

Marik smiled. "They're taking a few crates back with them. We'll hide in one. But we have to get ON the boat to get IN them!" He said.

Ryou nodded. "H-how will we do that?" he asked pressing into Marik's side nervously. "I've... never stowed away before..."

Marik sighed, then smiled at Ryou. "We have to be very quiet. But don't worry. I arranged a little... distraction." He turned and let out a loud, "MURRRRRUMPH!!!!" And suddenly, several lionesses and a couple of lions burst out of the jungle on the other side of the dock and charged at the startled workers. Marik grinned. "The workers aren't armed, so they'll just... chase them off and steal a bit of meat to cover their true intentions, and we sneak on in the chaos!" Marik explained, proudly.

Ryou smiled slightly. "Said goodbye to your mother... didn't you?" he asked softly, as the men began to scatter, and the chaos began.

Marik blinked, then blushed and smiled. "Umm... yeah... I called for anyone and she answered..." He said, watching the action. "Now." And he bolted for the dock.

Ryou scampered after Marik, following him onto the ship and panting softly from excitement, nervousness and the run. He looked around as Marik thought of their next move. "We... we can come back Marik... when things are back to normal... and visit our families here." he whispered lovingly, hearing the chaos on the dock.

Marik smiled and nodded. "We will... I, ummm... well... I tried to convince Nadira to come with us, but... she wouldn't. But I DO want to visit..." He said, grinning like a doofus.

Ryou frowned. "Marik... if you want to stay... then let’s stay.." he said softly. "We... we can build ourselves a home here... I could dig us one... or we could find a cave..." he said suddenly. "We can be happy here... I want you to have the things that make you feel good..." he said looking back. "There's still time... to stay with your family..." Ryou said looking back to Marik. "I know how much they mean to you."

Marik smiled. "They DO mean a lot to me Ryou, but... YOU mean more. And honestly, so do the friends and family we left behind. Ryou, as long as you are with me, I am human. Should you ever leave me, I will be a lion again. Should I ever lose you... I probably WOULD return here. But I have you. And you make me a man that I never thought I could be. But I'm proud of what you have made me. And the life we have put together. And by the gods, we are going to LIVE that life. Together!!!" And he pounced Ryou and kissed him, long and hard.

Ryou blushed darkly, kissing Marik back and melting into his lover's arms. "Marik..." he panted softly, nuzzling him after the kiss. "We... are hiding?" he mumbled looking dazed though pleased.

Marik snickered and opened a crate of bananas, toppling in with Ryou landing on his chest. "We are now..." He purred, and ran a paw up and down Ryou's back, kissing him again.

Ryou shivered and pulled the lid back over the banana crate and kissed Marik. "We're going to be sticky and ruin all these bananas..." he mumbled softly. "We'll smush them all..." he cooed giving Marik another kiss.

"What do we care." Marik snickered. "They're not our bananas. But now we can finally out-do Malik and Bakura in the 'where is the strangest place you've ever fucked game', hmm?" He asked, hopefully.

Ryou giggled softly. "But... we're so young!" he squeaked, nuzzling his lover. "And you're so...." he coughed slightly, turning red. "Well...um..."

Marik blinked, then frowned. "I'm what?" He asked, sounding worried.

Ryou coughed. "Um..." He turned a darker shade of red. "Not as... BIG as you used to be... would this even WORK?" he asked after a minute, looking crossed between embarrassed and confused.

Marik blinked, then frowned. "So we're younger!!! So what?!" He cried, his voice getting even goofier. "We're still... mates..." He lowered his head, also blushing a bit. "B-But... if you don't want too..." He backed off to the other side of the crate and lay down, staring at the bananas.

Ryou nuzzled him and kissed his cheek. "I-it's not that I don’t WANT to... it's just... well... are you sure we can?" he asked biting his lip. "We aren't going to... I dunno hurt something or stunt our own growth are we?"

Marik blinked. "Why would we?" He mumbled.

"I dunno, why would we be younger?" he said flicking his ears. "I just don’t want to... well I dunno. I'm scared."

Marik sighed and nodded. "Yeah..." He said, then smiled. "And besides... we don't want you screaming my name and alerting the crew to our presence..." He snickered.

Ryou turned dark red. "I do NOT scream!"

Marik just grinned and giggled.

Ryou swatted at him with his paws. "I do not! I don’t scream!"

Marik laughed and scuttled away, though there was really no where for him to go. "Do too, do too!!!"

Ryou swatted more. "Do not do not!" he whined loudly before picking up a banana and smushing it on Marik's face. "DO NOT!"

Marik blinked, then sputtered and huddled down in the bananas, wiping the mush off of his face. "Shhhh!!!! Keep it down!" He hissed, and flicked his ears, listening for signs that Ryou's shout was heard.

Ryou blinked then covered his mouth, his ears tilting back. He didn't scream during sex at least...

Marik settled down and sighed, laying his chin on his paws and staring at Ryou. They should keep quiet...

Ryou nuzzled Marik and began licking his face. "Sorry..." he whispered softly, nuzzling him.

Marik simply purred and pulled Ryou close, beginning to groom him thoroughly.

Ryou squeaked and giggled, allowing his lover to groom him. "mmm..." he cooed contently, nuzzling into Marik. "I can’t wait to get home... then we can get bathed... and dressed... and home."

Marik smiled. "I can't wait to see the OTHERS at THIS AGE!!!!" He laughed, and tackled Ryou, playfully,

Ryou giggled and nodded. "Poor Yami... I remember him at this age! Just barely though... I was SO little!"

Marik grinned. "And what was HE like?!" He asked, wiggling his ears.

"Short." Ryou said calmly. "Short like Yugi." He added thoughtfully. "And he... well he was clumsy and awkward... he wasn't any too popular and kinda holed up in his room..."

Marik snickered. "Cool..." He said, peeling a banana.

Ryou nodded. "He'll be grumpy." he added picking up his own banana to peel, beginning to nibble it.

Marik sighed and ate the banana, simply out of boredom. "I hope this trip doesn't take too long..." He mumbled.

Ryou laughed. "Don’t like being trapped naked with me in a box of bananas?" Ryou cooed, finishing his banana and tossing the peel aside.

"I don't like being cooped up..." Marik mumbled, pouting.

Ryou burst out laughing. "Marik you spent most of your life in a CAGE! You were content!" he giggled shaking his head. "When did you decide you didn't like being confined?"

"That was different! I had a lot of room in my cage! This is... a box of bananas!!!! And it sucks!!!" He whined.

Ryou grinned slightly at that and picked up another banana. He peeled it, and began doing... interesting things with it... mostly implying naughty things, while looking completely innocent about it.

Marik's eyes widened, then narrowed. "You're evil..." he growled, though his eyes were amused. "I'm going to sleep." He announced, turning away from Ryou. "Before I pounce you and ravage you like never before."

Ryou licked his lips calmly. "Alright, I'll just eat these bananas then." He replied unscathed. "They're delicious. I love bananas... they're so long and creamy tasting...."

Marik rolled his eyes. "You do that..." He said, then stretched and yawned. "Gods... They may be long and creamy tasting, but they aren't very comfy..."

Ryou giggled, yawning. "I don’t mind them." he said settling with his bananas. "You're just picky."

Marik harrumphed, then slowly managed to drift to sleep. And he and Ryou were both awoken by the sound of voices in the cargo area... the boat had docked and they were unloading. Marik frowned. "Wait til our crate is unloaded. Then we'll slip away..." He whispered to the shaking bunny beside him.

Ryou nodded slowly, pressing into Marik's side. "T-then what?" he asked yelping softly when their crate began to be lifted.

"Shhh.... run like hell. And stay close to me." Marik murmured, unsheathing his claws in preparation for the escape.

Ryou nodded as the crate was moved roughly off of the boat and set on dock area. Ryou whimpered softly. There were voices everywhere... which meant... people everywhere.

"When I run, you stay right with me!" Marik hissed, then flung the lid off of the crate, and leapt out with a roar, startling the workers horribly.

Ryou whimpered hurrying out of the crate and hurrying to keep up with Marik, nearly being trampled by frightened workers. He let out a squeal if fright when one man DID trip over him, pinning him to the ground. When the man realized he'd inadvertantly caught one, he grabbed Ryou and held him tightly. "I got one!" he called back to the other men, who were recovering slightly.

"Someone call animal control!" Others shouted and the chaos was unmistakable in the dock. Ryou whimpered squirming, trying to spot Marik through the crowds of running people.

"Let go!" he squeaked, trying to bite the man. "Marik! MARIK!"

Marik emerged from the chaos with a roar, flying straight at the man holding Ryou, claws outstretched. And he landed on the man's chest. HARD!!! He dugs his claws in and the man fund himself staring at sharp teeth. "Let him go or I'll GUT you!!!"

The man yelped loudly and literally threw Ryou away as if he were a ticking time bomb about to explode. Ryou tumbled across the pavement before finally sitting up, shaking his head and groaning. "Thank you Marik..." he said softly, rubbing his head. "He... tripped on me."

"Let's go!" Marik shouted, giving Ryou a little nip to make him jump into a run, and he ran with him, heading for an alley.

Ryou whimpered softly, as they reached the safe haven of the alleys and he rubbed his back end. "Ouch… those teeth are nasty." he mumbled trying to see if Marik had broken the skin. "No wonder I hate watching you hunt... being on the receiving end of those teeth is painful!" Ryou squeaked as his hopping slowed, and he stupidly began half hopping in circles, trying to see his own rear for injury.

Marik laughed as he watched Ryou. "Hey, it gave you the incentive to run, didn't it? You have a bad hobbit of dropping to the floor when you’re scared!" And he mimicked Ryou flattening himself onto the ground with a look of fear on his face. Then he stood with grinned, purring and nuzzling his mate. "Come on now, it was just a little nip. Now let's get going! We're not out of here yet!" And he loped away.

did you just say bad hobbit?

What?

look

Oh shit, I did!!!!

LOL

XD!!!! Sorry!!!

you dork

Shut up, I’m in that Lord of the Rings class, I have hobbits on the brain!!! And elves… O.O Yes… the elves…

Just post. dork

Ryou blinked and scuttled after Marik. "Wait up!"

But Marik was already darting across the street, and a cab honked and slammed on it's brakes. Marik casually hopped onto the hood and off again, disappearing on the other side of the taxi.

Ryou squeaked, and inched past the front of the car, before scampering off once more, trying to catch up to Marik. "WAIT UP!!"

Marik looked back and slowed to a stop. "Well, hurry up! I know you can move faster than that!"

Ryou ran a bit faster. "I'm trying!" he called, catching up and panting. "But you're stinking Speedy Gonzalez!"

"I am not!" Marik giggled, shaking his mane. "Now come on." And he took off again at an easy trot. "On foot, it might take us a day or two to get home."

At that, Ryou stopped, stomping a paw. "I refuse to travel on foot NAKED the whole way!" He said looking cross. "I'm naked, I'm hungry and you BIT my butt!" he said wrinkling his nose.

Marik slowed down and looked back at Ryou with a giggle. "It got you moving, didn't it? Now come on. You can either travel on foot naked, or sit in an alley naked and wait for some horny pervert to find you. Come ON!"

Ryou pouted. "The horny pervert has clothes... can’t you just... I dunno, knock him out and steal them?" he said shivering.

Marik rolled his eyes. "Ryou, we have to MOVE!!! Those guys are looking for us and they called animal control!! Now hurry!"

Ryou gave Marik a dumb look. "Don’t we WANT animal control? We're microchipped."

Marik blinked. "Ryou... look at us. Will they believe that we're 17 and 24?! They'll think there's a mistake!"

Ryou blinked again. "But we're still microchipped! They'd HAVE to call Pegasus and Seto about it!" he said hopping after Marik slowly.

Marik shook his head. "I don't want to take the risk, Ryou. I can get us home, but not unless you MOVE!!" And he trotted off again.

Ryou sighed and hurried after Marik. "I still want clothes." he grumbled as he went.

Marik rolled his eyes and trotted down the street, Ryou at his side.

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

Ishizu frowned and tapped her foot as she glared at the two teenage hybrids on her front porch, staring at their feet with cops holding onto their arms.

"They've been setting people up as child molesters ma'am." One officer said. "One would hit on grown men, and if they took the bait, the other would start screaming 'child molester'." He explained, and Bakura gulped. Ishizu did not look happy... And what was even more embarrassing, Kheti and Khilek were standing right behind her, looking at them.

Khilek however couldn't help the amused look on his face. "God they're brilliant..." he said snickering softly.

Kheti tried to hide her own smile and elbowed Khilek. "Shh!"

Ishizu sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I'm sorry officers... It WON’T happen again, she said glaring death at Malik and Bakura. The officers nodded and shooed the two teens into the house, and Ishizu shut the door. "What on EARTH were you two thinking!? Bakura I'm MOST ashamed of you! I could expect this kind of immature CRAP from Malik, but I thought you were smarter than that!"

Bakura stared at the floor and shrugged, tail dragging on the floor and his ears laid back. "It was funny..." He mumbled. "And it was their own fault if they let a fourteen year old SEDUCE them! They WERE perverts! And we just taught them a lesson!!!"

In that instant, Ishizu grabbed Bakura and slung him over her knee, and began the ancient Egyptian ritual of teaching. Spanking… HARD.

"WHAAAH!! HEY!!! OW!! KNOCK IT OFF, WOMAN!! OW!!! MALIIIIIIK!!!" Bakura screamed, thrashing in Ishizu's grasp.

Khilek laughed and shook his head. "Oh god this is great!"

Kheti elbowed him again. "Khilek!"

After 20 spankings, Ishizu paused and looked at Bakura. "Will you EVER do that again?!" she snapped.

Bakura shook his head, sniffling and rubbing at his red eyes. "N-N-No... Mistress Ishizu..." He whimpered, shaking slightly. "Can I go now?!"

She gave him another spanking. "Now go to your room!" she growled, warningly.

Bakura yelped and turned, dropping to all fours and dashing out the door, scuttling down the stairs to the basement and hiding under the bed.

About five minutes later Malik also went downstairs, rubbing his back end. "Damn!" he huffed, ears back, tail bristled. "Stupid sis..."

Bakura whimpered from under the bed.

"Oh come out from under there you big sissy." Malik said rolling his eyes. "She's fine now."

Bakura slowly crept out from under the bed. "She spanks almost as hard as Rem!" He squeaked, his voice breaking horribly.

Malik chuckled. "She probably spanks harder. She was just mildly upset that time, you should see her when she's pissed off." He explained rubbing his back end again. "So... what now?"

Bakura shrugged. "I dunno. My ass is too sore to get fucked right now, and I'd wager yours is, too." He looked around. "Too bad all the fun stuff is at our home..." He pouted. The TV and game system that USED to be in the basement was at the duplex... there was nothing to do down there anymore...

"Then let’s go home." Malik said shrugging and opening one of the basement windows and grinning. "C'mon."

Bakura blinked. "I don't wanna get another spanking!" He cried, ears laying back and eyes widening.

"Oh come on, what is she gonna do? Break into our house and spank us?" Malik reasoned. "Besides, I think I'd like to sit on that soft couch of ours..."

Bakura chewed his lower lip for a moment, then grinned and squirmed out of the window. "Why are we using the window? The door is just as good..."

"Because she'll hear us through the door." He explained calmly, crawling out as well, and shutting the window. "Besides, it's cooler."

Bakura grinned and the pair scurried off, giggling. "Let's go get some burgers on the way!" Bakura suggested.

"Sure!" Malik said as they began walking.

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

Yami sighed softly as he sat in Seto's chair, typing away. For once, he had his own businesses to attend to, and seeing as how Seto was busy, it was the ideal time to do things.

Seto walked in and blinked at Yami. "What are you doing? On MY computer....?" He asked.

"Typing." Yami said calmly, continuing what he was doing. "You were busy, and I had things to do." He added, making a few final clicks and getting up. "All yours." He said motioning to the chair. "I'm done."

"What did you do?" Seto asked, looking at the screen.

"I didn't do anything to anything concerning you." Yami said calmly. "I was just checking my savings."

Seto blinked. "You were? Ummm.... okay." He said, a d pet Yami on the head, then smiled and handed him a puzzle ball. "Just got a new one in today. Lemme know what you think of it, hmm?"

Yami sighed and shook his head. "Fine..." he mumbled moving over to his perch, clicking at the puzzle half heartedly. He had a lot on his mind, and not a lot of capacity for games at the moment.

Seto frowned. "Are you okay?" He asked, looking at the bird.

Yami sighed nodding. "You know... in all the time I've been here... I had forgotten... just how much I hate your house." he mumbled as he worked. "It's too big... and empty." he added.

Seto sighed and sat down. "Yeah, it can be." He said, looking at Yami. He smiled. "You, uh... wanna ask your brother and Otogi to stay a few days?" He asked.

Yami shook his head. "No..." he mumbled clicking away. "When I'm back to normal... I'm going to leave." he added calmly. "I won’t 'invade' your house anymore. You are welcome to visit me... and if you ever want me I'd be here in an instant... but I don’t belong here."

Seto blinked. "What are you... oh. You're upset by what Mokuba said." He concluded. He sighed and walked over to Yami, hugging him. "Mokuba didn't mean it. He was just mad because you're always verbally attacking Syrus."

Yami winced slightly. "Well he can be happy now. I won’t be around to bother him or his stupid rat friend anymore. He can have you all to himself, whenever he wants." he added glaring at the toy. "I shouldn't be here anyway. This house is spoiling me, and my family was never meant for the high life."

Seto frowned. "Yami. You're still verbally attacking Syrus." He pointed out, then pulled Yami into his lap. "What do you have against Syrus? You liked him fine until he came to live here."

Yami sighed. "I don’t have anything against him." he said calmly.

"Then why are you so cruel to him?" Seto asked.

Yami frowned. "I'm not. I don’t do anything cruel to him at all, I don’t even insult him when he's around hardly... unless he's pissed me off by plucking a feather of mine, or disturbing me."

"He never plucks your feathers or disturbs you, Yami." Seto said, stroking Yami's wings and even preening them for him, which he knew Yami loved. "He avoids you. He's afraid of you."

Yami growled softly. "He does too, that imp of a brother of yours drags him in when I'm sleeping." he said glaring at the wall. "He's teaching him to be as annoying as he is!"

Seto sighed. "So my brother is to blame. Syrus just follows him around, Yami. And the reason Mokuba likes to bug you is because you take the bait! He gets an entertaining reaction out of you. If you didn't spaz out and freak so easily, he wouldn't find you NEARLY as entertaining!"

"Well he won’t find me entertaining at all, if I move out." he said puffing up slightly. "Besides, I don’t want to stay when I'm not welcome."

"You ARE welcome." Seto said, kissing Yami's cheek. "Mokuba just lost his temper. He didn't mean what he said. He's just a bit hurt that you don't pay HIM any attention. Another reason why he aggrivates you. It's the only way he can get attention from you. He just wants to be your friend. Please Yami... give my brother another chance?"

Yami growled. "Right now I'm what...15? if even that, I can get away with being childish. No."

Seto rolled his eyes. "I really don't want you to go, Yami..." He said. "What I want is for you, and me, and Mokuba and Syrus to be a family, that gets along. Look... I'll talk to Mokuba about this, but YOU really upset him... I know he upset you too, but when I went to talk to him, he started crying..."

Yami sighed. "Why?”

Seto sighed and hugged Yami. "He felt bad... he knows I love you, and you love me... and he feels like you and he should be on friendly terms but you're not, and he was afraid that he might unintentionally ruin our relationship, but... he also feels like you have a monopoly on my attention... Look. This HAS to be worked out. I love you. But I also love my brother. I want you two to get along. Please, Yami... can't we just all sit down and talk?"

Yami sighed once more. "It might be because he roams around with a video camera playing crocodile hunter and screwing around with me." he grumbled. "If he were my age, I'd kick his ass. Your brother or not."

"Oh, come on, Yami. He hasn't done that in a LONG time!" Seto cried. "He stopped because I told him how much you hated it."

Yami nodded. "I know, I'm saying it would have helped a relationship with him if he hadn't started that." he said chuckling.

Seto smiled and continued preening Yami's wings. "He just did it for attention. And it's partially my fault..." Seto sighed. "Always on the computer... always working. He was so excited when I brought you home, he thought he finally had someone to hang out with while I was working."

"Oh come on, why would he think that? He'd met me before I changed. I'm not child-friendly." he said calmly. "Did he think I had a personality swap or something?" Yami blurted. "I'm no more or less an ass than I was before I was changed."

Seto quirked an eyebrow. "I dunno... you really HAVE gotten a bit more... mean than you used to..." He said slowly.

Yami looked thoughtful. "Hmm… perhaps, but the point that I was an ass before it started remains valid. What was he expecting?"

Seto sighed. "He only wants to make friends with you, Yami. and think about it! Now is the PERFECT time! You and he are the same age!!! PLEASE Yami! I am BEGGING you!"

Yami blinked. "Oh no we're not!" he blurted. "I'm almost twice his age!"

Seto raised an eyebrow. "You're both fourteen now." He said.

Yami shook his head. "I am not! I just look very YOUNG!"

Seto looked at Yami. "Please? This really means alot to me..."

Yami's wings drooped. "Oh for Ra's sake what am I supposed to do?" he mumbled looking down. "I hate this, I want you to know. I stopped trying to be friends a while ago. I have more than enough on my plate." he added crossing his arms and pouting cutely, an odd look on his usually serious face.

Seto cocked his head. "You don't WANT to have friends? Why?" He asked.

Yami shook his head. "It's not that." he said wrinkling his nose. "I just got tired of all those fake friends. I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. 'Oh Mr. Kaiba how are you doing? I love that suit on you where'd you get it?'." he said mimicking Seto's receptionist's voice.

Seto blinked, then burst out laughing, ruffling Yami's hair. "I know EXACTLY what you mean." He said. "But Yami, Mokuba won't be a FAKE friend... come on!!! Are Malik and Bakura... well... is Malik a fake friend?"

"If you're implying Bakura's my friend you're a sick millionaire." Yami said crossing his arms. "And Malik isn't a friend he's a co-worker that talks to me occasionally." Yami pointed out. "You'll NEVER see me walk into their house, not while Bakura's still on about tar-and-de-feathering me."

"I know that BAKURA isn't your friend, but... you're telling me that Malik isn't?! What about Otogi?! Or Marik?!"

Yami blinked. "Brother's boyfriend and ok, Marik is a friend. So is Ryou." Yami said calmly.

Seto sighed. "So you and Otogi aren't friends? Hmm... And what am I?"

Yami blinked. "Off hand I'd say a caucasian male CEO of Japanese descent who's currently in love with a hybrid who loves him very much in return. Though I COULD be wrong." he said snickering.

Seto blinked, then smiled and hugged Yami. "I love you too..." He said, kissing Yami's cheek. "Now please... please try to make peace with my brother?"

Yami sighed and nodded. "What do kids his age like... should I take a ball or something in there?"

Seto quirked an eyebrow. "No... just talk to him." He said.

"Ok... but if he bites my head off again, I'm tearing him a new one, and then plugging it with that rat of his." Yami mumbled.

Seto blinked, caught off guard by THAT announcement. "Ummm...."

Yami snickered. "Sorry..." he said shaking his head. "I'm sure you've noticed this, but when I was this age, I had a very... interesting way of handling anger."

Seto rolled his eyes. "Yes. With a sharp tongue."

Yami chuckled. "I thought you LIKED my tongue."

Seto's eyes widened and he shoved Yami out of his lap. "Go on you! Out of here!" He laughed with a wave of his hand. "Scat!"

Yami laughed and flapped his wings a bit folding them. "You're just bitter because I got you with that one!" Yami called back as he walked out. "And you'll get it again later!"

"I'm sure I will. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do." Seto snickered, shaking his head. "And PLEASE try to be nice.

Yami sighed nodding and walking down the hall to Mokuba's room. He scowled at it for a while, not sure what to do or say...

"Yami?" Came a voice from down the hall. "Why are you staring at my door?" Mokuba walked over and blinked down at the bird. "Did you need something?"

Yami twitched and sighed, his wings drooping. "I'm supposed to make friends with you." He said after a minute. "So...."

Mokuba blinked, confused, then looked down at the floor. "I... I'm sorry about what I said the other day... I just lost my temper. I didn't mean it..." He said.

Yami sighed nodding. "That's what Seto said." he said calmly. "So... um... I uh... what do you want to do?" he asked awkwardly, his wings puffing up slightly in his combination of nervousness and awkwardness.

Mokuba blinked and cocked his head. "Huh?"

Yami frowned. "Well... like... do you... want to..." he made a face slightly. " play?"

Mokuba smiled. "This is really hard for you, huh?" He giggled. "Can I... Can I see your wings? Like, open?"

Yami blinked. "Only if you don’t pluck anymore of my feathers..." he said.

Mokuba grinned and nodded. "Yeah! Sure!!!"

Yami unfolded his wings after that, spreading them wide for the young Kaiba brother.

Mokuba's eyes widened and he grinned. "Oh, wow!" He said, and slowly moved around Yami. "That is so cool, Yami! It must be AWESOME to be able to FLY!!!"

Yami nodded a little. "It's ok..." he said confusedly, slowly folding his wings again. "It's not too interesting." he added, his wings puffing from his embarrassment on the topic. He always got flustered when he got compliments from anyone but Seto.

Mokuba giggled. "You're blushing." He pointed out. "Umm... me an' Syrus were gonna go play some video games... you wanna play?" He smiled. "Him against me and you?"

"If there's a bowl of grapes to eat thrown in." Yami bargained. "I'm hungry."

Mokuba grinned. "Deal."

Yami smiled and nodded. "Alright... then lets play."

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

Marik smiled and trotted into the alley. He looked around, then with a "Murrrumph!", Ryou came hopping out of hiding. "Here." Marik said, offering Ryou a pair of dark blue boxer shorts, while he wore a red pair. "Now let's go before the cops find me." And in the distance, an alarm could be heard.

Ryou blinked, pulling up the shorts. "Did... did you just...." he said in a shocked voice.

Marik shrugged. "I did what I know how to do. Now run!" And he bolted.

Ryou squeaked and bolted after Marik. "I can’t believe you just gave me HOT underpants!" he yelped as he caught up. "I'm wearing STOLEN shorts!"

Marik looked at Ryou. "Would you rather have a cum crusted pair from a dumpster?"

"EW! Oh my GOD I cant believe you said that!" he whined making a face. "Oh for God's sake Marik that's gross!"

"I'm telling the truth. Wear diseased shorts, stolen shorts, or no shorts. Your choice." The lion said, leading Ryou away from the scene of the crime.

Ryou wrinkled his nose and sighed. "Fine... thank you for stealing me some underwear..." he mumbled shivering. "Think you can do it again with a blanket tonight?" he asked looking up. "Because I doubt we'll have a very nice place to sleep..."

Marik sighed and nodded. "Don't worry." He said with a gentle smile at Ryou. "I'll take care of you..."

Ryou nuzzled Marik as their trotting slowed. "So...um..." he said softly as they walked. "This... was how you lived before you were a lion?" he asked curiously.

Marik nodded. "Yeah. Pretty much." He said.

"You... seem to do pretty well for yourself." Ryou said nuzzling him. "How is it you were starving? I mean... you just managed to steal these undies with no problems..."

Marik smiled. "I wasn't a lion, then. I couldn't move as silently. Plus, it was winter... and I wasn't as... skilled. I was weak. I had been beaten up by some older boys and that prevented me from being up to my usual skill... and because of that I couldn't take good care of myself so it took longer to heal and I got weaker and weaker and weaker... and any kid on the streets will be starving... If they went to the food kitchens, they'd be sent to an orphanage. Most of the kids on the street were ON the street to get AWAY from the orphanage.

Ryou nodded and nuzzled into Marik. "When I was really little, I remember meeting a kid on the street." he said thoughtfully. "It was outside of one of those seasonal shops... you know, that sell everything for winter, but when spring comes around they close up?" he said flicking his ears. "I was taking back a coat I'd gotten for my birthday, and I saw the poor kid. He looked cold, and was peering in the windows at something..."

Marik blinked and looked at Ryou, with a slight frown. "Oh really?" He asked.

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh. He looked so cold... I felt bad. I already had a coat, and the coat I was taking back looked just his size. So I gave it to him." He said smiling. "I bet I really made his day."

Marik stopped in his tracks, eyes wide and mouth open in shock.

Ryou blinked, pausing and looking back at Marik. "Is... something wrong?" he asked looking confused.

Suddenly, the lion pounced Ryou, crushing his lips to Ryou's. Ryou was shocked, and stared up at Marik when he pulled away. "It did..." He breathed. "It kept me from freezing to death that night..."

Ryou stared at Marik shocked for a moment. "You... were that boy?" he asked blinking dumbly. "The boy in front of the store?" he asked shaking his head a bit. "You're sure?"

Marik nodded, eyes wide and filling with tears. "I remember you!" He gasped with an amazed smile. "I was cold... and leaning against the window because it was warm, and... because I wanted one of those coats... I was so cold..."

Ryou nuzzled Marik. "I bet my accent was horrid back then... I had just come to Japan earlier in November... My Japanese was probably horrible too..." he mumbled, listening to Marik tell the story, finding it much more fanciful from him.

Marik smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "You think I cared?"

Ryou laughed. "Honestly? I was little, of course I thought you cared... especially since you were giving me an odd look."

"I had never seen such kindness... especially not directed at me..." Marik explained, purring.

Ryou blinked. "Kindness? I was just giving you a coat... I would have done it for anyone who looked cold and needy. Why keep to yourself what you can share with someone who has need?" Ryou asked, nuzzling Marik and grinning. "But I suppose I was in the right place at the right time..."

Marik grinned as well. "Yes... you were... and that proves we were meant to be..." And he kissed Ryou again.

Ryou giggled into the kiss and smiled. "I love you." he cooed flicking his ears. "I'm glad you didn't freeze to death that night... because where would I be without you?"

Marik frowned. "With Pegasus...." He snorted, and made an irritated face.

Ryou nuzzled him again. "It's because of master, that we have so many nice things in our lives. Trips, and outings... he helps Seto and Rem... you should be kinder to him." Ryou said softly, kissing Marik's cheek. "You're the best mate... you should know that."

Marik frowned and looked away, standing. "We should get moving." He said, and padded away.

Ryou sighed, looking down and hopping after Marik. Well that happy mood was gone as fast as it went...

Marik suddenly let out an even bigger sigh and stopped, looking at his paws, then at Ryou. "I... I'm sorry." He said.

Ryou let out a weak smile. "I know you... don’t care for... for how things have... turned out." He said looking down. "I'm sorry that... that because of what has happened that I cant just pick one of you..." he sniffled softly. "If I could... I would... b-but I cant. I wish you could get along... that we could all three be happy together." he looked at the pavement. "I'd do anything to make you happy Marik... I was willing to stay at that island for you... b-because of that pride... e-even if it meant not seeing Pegasus... for you..."

Marik gave Ryou a small smile. "I would never be able to live like that... watching you dream about all the loved ones you couldn't see." He said. "It would break my heart and make me feel awful."

Ryou nuzzled him. "I would have made due, to see you as happy as you were..." he said licking Marik's cheek. "If you wanted... I'd even move back with you.. after we tell everyone where it is." he offered. "So you can be near the lions who love you so much."

Marik blinked. "You... you would?!" He gasped, eyes wide and mouth agape.

Ryou nodded. "If... if that's what you wanted, then... yes. In an instant."

Marik smiled. "You're the best mate a lion could have." He purred, and nuzzled Ryou. "Let's go home..."

Ryou laughed. "I'd just insist we took blankets, and pillows, and some clothing. but otherwise, I'd be fine living on that island with you. It'd be different... but you were so happy... all those lions loved you. They'd be so shocked to see you full grown. You're gorgeous."

Marik smiled proudly, then frowned. "Yeah, but we'd be in danger of that bitch who OWNS the island." He snorted.

"Danger of what? She had me fixing the mess you made of her house." Ryou said blinking. "She didn't seem like she cared what was done otherwise..."

Marik frowned. "She's the one who threatened to kill us both, and threatened to kill the pride..." Marik growled, then his eyes widened. "Oh gods!! What if she kills them!!!" He froze on the spot and stiffened, going pale.

Ryou blinked, and his ears tilted back. "M-maybe... Marik can you steal a pen, paper and a stamp? We could mail the others letting them know where we are, and go back before she knows we're missing... before she'd do such a thing." he said biting his lip. "I... I liked that lioness who was your mother... even though she wasn't nice to me as a baby..." he said looking worried.

Marik frowned and thought. "No... word would get to the others faster if we went to them ourselves... I'm sure Seto and... Pegasus can help..." He said. "Come on!!" And he dashed off with a new urgency.

Ryou hurried after Marik. "What about dinner?" he asked as they ran. "We can’t run the whole night. We'll need to eat and sleep sooner or later." he added struggling to keep up with Marik's pace.

"We'll run as long as we can!" He called over his shoulder.

Ryou nodded as he ran. "Okay..." he mumbled as they ran.

Night fell, and Ryou was exhausted. But Marik kept pressing him onward. "Come on... just another block and we'll have food and shelter... come on..."

Ryou whimpered, panting and hopping slowly forward. "You said that... LAST block..." he murmured starting to droop to the ground. "My feet are killing me, my stomach is eating itself, and I'm going to fall over and die RIGHT here." he mumbled, flopping to his side, inches from the end of the block.

Marik snickered and scooped Ryou up, carrying him to a lit doorway; a homeless shelter. "Here we are. Let's get some food and a place to sleep a few hours."

Ryou whimpered softly. "We're not adult... they'll send us to an orphanage right?" he asked nuzzling into Marik's arms.

Marik smiled. "If they do we just break out and run." He said cheerfully, then set Ryou down. "Come on now. If they see me carrying you they'll think you're sick or injured and they'll take you away from me."

Ryou sighed and nodded standing slowly. "I want food and bed..." he mumbled, leaning on Marik. "Please...'

Marik smiled and nodded, heading over to one of the people in charge. "Umm... excuse me..." He said.

The man looked up. "Hello..." he blinked. "Oh how cute! A bunny!" he said reaching over and petting Marik and Ryou. "Do you have your identification cards?" he asked calmly.

Marik blinked, then shook his head 'no.'

The man frowned. "I see...Where are your masters?"

Marik blinked. "Don't have any." He said.

The man's frown deepened. "So... you're stray hybrids?"

Marik shrugged. "Yeah... I guess you could say that. We're... traveling. Looking for a place where we can settle down." He said with an innocent smile.

"I'm afraid we can’t put up unidentified hybrids." The man said shaking his head. "Without masters, or identification cards, you're just animals. I can call the pet shelter for you, but otherwise I'm afraid I can’t do anything for you."

Ryou's ears drooped and he let out a long whine.

Marik frowned and looked down at Ryou. "Can... can we at least get something to eat?" He asked. "We haven't eaten all day... and Ryou's exhausted..."

The man sighed once more. "I can’t do anything for you. I SHOULD call animal control... but I'm giving you the chance to go about your business. But legally, I'm sorry... I just can’t."

Marik winced and sighed, looking down at Ryou, who looked near tears. "Come on then, baby..." He said softly, and scooped Ryou up into his arms. "You rest. I'll carry you for a while." And he turned and walked out of the place, tail dragging on the ground and head and shoulders drooping.

Ryou sniffled and nuzzled into Marik. "W-where are we... we going to sleep?" he asked pathetically. It looked like it was going to be another shivery rainy night... the wind had chill to it, clouds had already gathered and thunder was beginning to roll, although there had yet to be rain.

Marik sighed and glanced up at the sky. "Don't worry." He said again. "I'll take care of you." And he walked down the dark street that was nearly empty. The only people on the streets were the occasional prostitute, drug dealer and mugger. And of course the two young hybrids...

Ryou squirmed out of Marik's arms after a while, feeling bad for his mate, and walking slowly with him, despite his aching feet. "I don’t like it out here..." he said pressing into Marik's side. "H-how could you live out with people like this out?" he said looking at the mugger who, was staring them down warningly.

Marik flashed the mugger his teeth and wrapped his arm around Ryou. "They left me alone." He said. "I was small and scrawny and dirty. They knew I had nothing of value."

Ryou shivered as the rain began to fall, in icy droplets against his bare skin. "Ahh! Cold..." he mumbled, ears drooping as the rain slowly intensified from drizzle to rain and wasn't slowing in it's growing strength

Marik frowned and looked around, then carried Ryou into an alley and sat him on a box. "Be right back!" And he scampered off. A moment later, there was shouting and cursing and roaring, and a moment later, the mugger from before ran past Ryou. And then Marik appeared with the mugger's trench coat. He smiled and went through the pockets, then wrapped Ryou up in it, swinging the bunny up into his arms again. "Come on." He said with a smile. "We have some money for food now."

Ryou laughed slightly. "You just MUGGED the mugger..." he said shaking his head. "What if he has friends?" he added worriedly. "And they come and mug you back?"

Marik smiled. "We can run faster than them." He said, watching Ryou snuggling down in his arms. He felt a swell of pride; he was taking good care of his mate.

Ryou yawned softly. "I'm so hungry... and so sleepy. I could eat a forest, then sleep in the dead remains of it."

Marik laughed. "You sleep until I find a place to eat that doesn't look... shady..." He said, eyeing a nearby McDonalds that looked, in a word, scary.

Ryou shook his head. "I'll be ok... I can stay up until we find a place to sleep that doesn't have rain falling on us." He cooed, licking Marik's arms and nuzzling into his chest. "You'll be lonely with me passed out anyway..."

Marik smiled and shook his head. "I'm fine. You rest." He said, nuzzling Ryou.

Ryou smiled and sighed, snuggling into Marik's arms once more, and beginning to doze.

Marik smiled and let him, walking through the rain, his mind and heart fixed on getting his mate home.

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

When Ryou woke, it was still dark, and Marik was soaking and plodding along, obviously exhausted. But his eyes were burning in his determination. When he saw Ryou was awake, he smiled down at him. "You're lucky this jacket is waterproof. Or you would be soaked." He said softly.

Ryou sneezed slightly and shook his head. "Marik... you need to rest... please let’s stop traveling and rest... you look horrible... you'll catch your death!" he breathed looking worried. "Please..."

Marik smiled and shook his head. "But we're so close!!!" He gasped, stumbling. "SO close... but..." He turned and smiled. "We can stop to eat." He said, and turned heading for a McDonald's. Ryou realized it was open... that meant, that despite the darkness of the storm clouds... it was morning! which meant that Marik had been walking all night! In the rain! For... Ryou...

Ryou shook his head. "Marik, I demand you stop and rest! I can’t believe you!" he said in half shock half awe. "Please! I'm begging you!" he said squirming out of Marik's arms. "Please... let’s rest... just a few hours ok? We can walk more later... you're cold and wet and tired..." he said ears back in worry.

Marik smiled and pulled Ryou along, to the drive through window. "What do you want?" He asked. "They're serving breakfast."

"For you to take a break!" Ryou said stubbornly. "Please? For me? Marik you cant work yourself so hard! You'll kill yourself!"

"Ryou! I'm hungry! PLEASE order!!!" Marik whined.

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "French toast sticks, and orange juice." he said softly.

Marik nodded, then turned and ordered that, then ordered several McMuffins and McGriddles and hashbrowns and a meal and several milks, using up all the stolen cash. He smiled and carried the bags over to one of the tables on the patio and handed Ryou his food. "Eat all you want, beloved." He said, and began to inhale the food.

Ryou nodded blushing. He began eating with his usual manners. "Please... after this lets rest Marik..." he cooed softly once he'd finished. "Just long enough for you to dry off and rest...you look like a truck hit you..." he said looking at Marik sadly. "Why didn't you wake me up? I can’t believe I slept while you carried my around all night!"

Marik smiled softly. "It's okay." He yawned. "I'm just doing my job; taking care of you." He said, finishing off his fifth McMuffin.

"It's NOT ok!" Ryou argued. "Please...if you get sick you can’t take care of me...you wont be able to get a job! Please just… take a little break?" He said softly, looking down. "I'm worried about you..."

Marik shook his head. "No way, Ryou! We are REALLY close! We should be home in a few hours if we move!"

Ryou crossed his arms. "I refuse to move another centimeter until I feel you've rested enough." He said firmly. "We aren't getting any further away by resting Marik... please."

Marik smirked. "Ryou, I am currently sitting down, eating, and resting. When I'm done eating, we start moving again. You can walk with me, or make me carry you more."

Ryou glared. "I mean it Marik! Not until I think you've rested enough!" he said firmly. "You're not carrying me either!"

Marik snorted. "You ain't gonna stop me." He said. "I wanna get you off of the streets and home safe!" He said, desperate to prove his worth as a good mate. He sniffed and rubbed his nose, and coughed, then lapped up some milk.

"You see?!" Ryou blurted. "You're sick! Possibly Pneumonia! No! We're staying here until you're rested!"

Marik frowned. "The longer we stay out, the wetter I get. Come on, the Pet Store isn't far!" And his tail wagged at that.

Ryou grumbled and took off the coat. "Then at least wear the coat." he said holding it out to Marik.

Marik shook his head. "No, I'm fine. YOU wear it." He said, finishing. "Ready to go?" He polished off the last milk.

Ryou thrust the coat at Marik. "Please... wear it for me... I don’t want you to get sick Marik.." He said, ears drooping.

Marik sighed, then nodded and took it, pulling it on. "Thanks Ryou." He said, purring and nuzzling Ryou. Then he took his hand and pulled him along. "Let's go home." He said, before turning his head and coughing loudly.

Ryou whimpered at the cough, sniffling. "Please... I wish you'd just rest for an hour... just an hour..."

Marik shook his head, but stumbled a bit. "No, I'm fine!" He said, though he was getting dizzy. But he put on a brave face for Ryou and kept going.

Ryou shook his head knowingly, and pulled Marik towards a library. "Come on..." he mumbled lovingly.

Marik blinked. "What? No! But... no! Home is THIS way!" He pulled Ryou in the other direction, tail lashing anxiously. The lion was determined to get Ryou and himself home safely!!!

Ryou pulled Marik harder. "Home in a bit love... I've got to go to the bathroom." He lied, pulling Marik into the library, and they were welcomed with a literal blast of nice warm air.

But the librarian's glare made that welcome fly out the window. She walked over. "Please leave." She said, eyeing the wet lion. "It's not decent to be walking around in your underwear! You cannot come in!"

Ryou nodded, "MY friend isn't in HIS underwear." He said motioning to the buttoned up coat. "He was just going to use the restroom... would you mind showing him where it is?" He asked offering her the sweetest smile he could. "I'd really appreciate it..."

He nudged Marik forward to the woman, and stepped out the door, waiting outside in the rain, as the woman did as he asked, dragging Marik to the restroom.

Marik blinked, confused. But he used the bathroom, then returned to Ryou, under the glare of the librarian. "And... the point of that was...?"

Ryou smiled flicking his wet ears. "You're dry." He said smugly, grinning. The warm air had done wonders for Marik, and had for the most part, indeed dried him.

Marik smiled. "Yeah... but it won't stay that way long..." He said, looking around at the rain. "Let's go. I'm sure Mama will have a warm bath run for us. And even I could go for a bath now."

Ryou smiled, nodding and nuzzling into Marik, glad he was still warm from the library. "Alright... let’s go."

Marik smiled and tugged Ryou in the direction of home.

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