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.

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Chapter 19

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Amelda sighed as he set Weevil’s lunch down in the chinchilla's cage, then turned and looked at Rem, sitting at the front desk and silently staring at Marik's bunny plushy, sitting on the corner of the desk.

"Rem?” He asked, walking over.

Rem sighed. "Yes Amelda?" she said looking up.

"Are... do... do you wanna talk?” He asked.

Rem shook her head. "I'm fine Amelda. Just worried." She said smiling at him. "Have you fed the herbivores?"

Amelda nodded. "I miss them too, Rem.” He said with a smile.

"Nice to... hear that we're loved." Amelda blinked and turned at the unfamiliar voice, but it wasn't unfamiliar to Rem... she knew that voice... from a few years ago...

Rem stood quickly grabbing the plushy and running over to Marik. "Oh God Marik!" She said hugging the soggy kitty tightly. "You're okay!"

Marik stumbled and leaned on Rem, purring loudly and clinging to her. "M-Mama!” He sniffled, licking her cheek. "Mama..."

Rem hugged him tightly. "My poor kitty, you're sopping wet..." she cooed, petting him. "Amelda! Run a hot bath quickly!" she called back to him

Marik smiled, and turned. "Run one for Ryou, too.” He said, and opened his coat. Ryou was standing inside, trying to escape the pouring rain, and was happily cuddled into Marik's side. Marik smiled weakly at Rem. "I... brought him home...” He mumbled, before finally allowing himself to collapse.

Ryou squeaked and caught Marik, sniffling. "He w-was being stupid... w-walked all night in the cold rain!" Rem picked Marik up from Ryou.

"Varon! Call Inogawa!" She called carrying Marik, with Ryou following back to the bath Amelda had run. She took off his coat and set him down in the warm water and began warming him, Ryou sat near her, shivering, but more worried about his mate, than the cold.

Marik purred at the warm water and smiled at Ryou, stroking his cheek. "You go warm up, love. I can't just sit here while you shiver.” He said, sitting up. "Please..."

Rem swatted Marik slightly. "Shut up and take your pampering like a man." She said smiling.

Marik whined. "I brought my mate all this way to see him taken care of so TAKE CARE OF HIM!!!” He roared, then groaned as he grew dizzy again.

"Honestly, such a fuss..." Amelda giggled, and grabbed Ryou's arm. "Come on. Before he throws a tantrum.” He said, and started filling up another tub for Ryou.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Marik. "I'm fine for now.” He cooed while his tub was filling. "I told you to rest! Now look how sick you are.” He added in an 'I told you so!' voice.

Marik smiled slightly, before wincing at a deep rattling cough. "I got you home, didn't I?” He asked.

"You got pneumonia didn't you?" Ryou countered, flicking his ears.

Marik blinked, then smiled sheepishly. "Ummm...” He shrugged. "I dunno."

"We'll see what the doctor says when he gets here, Ryou. Into the bath with you." Said Amelda with a smile.

Ryou sighed and climbed into the warm water with a contented sigh. "Nice and warm...” He cooed, snuggling down into it.

Rem hugged Marik, warming him with the water. "Why would you walk all night in the RAIN Marik?" Rem said tapping him on the nose. "You know better."

Marik purred again, softly. "I had to... get Ryou home... he wasn't safe out there on... the streets...” He winced and coughed again, and his breath grew raspy. But he smiled up at Rem. "I... I did a good job?” He asked, his eyes filled with glowing hope and his tail wagging in the water. The scrawny fourteen year old lion mewled at Rem, waiting for her answer like the eager child he was again.

Rem smiled. "You did good to bring Ryou home, but sweetie you did bad to not take care of yourself too... You have to remember that if you get sick, he has to take care of you, instead of you taking care of him." She said tapping his nose. "You have to take care of yourself too."

Marik shook his head and batted at her hand. "But... my mate comes first!?” He exclaimed, looking between Rem and Ryou. "I was a good mate?!"

Rem smiled and nodded. "Top notch." She said patting his head. "But next time, take care of yourself took ok?" She said smiling broadly. Ryou nodded in agreement.

Marik smiled and purred. "I'll... try to remember... Nadira... wouldn't be happy with me..."

Rem blinked. "Who's Nadira?" She asked scratching his ears.

Marik smiled. "My mother.” He said, then winced and coughed violently.

Rem rubbed Marik's bath and felt his forehead. "Poor kitten... you’re burning up."

"Then it looks like I made it right on time." Inogawa said from the door way. "So...” He said stepping forward and looking at Marik. "Off making mischief again and getting sick?” He asked smiling and pulling out his stethoscope. "I want you to take a few deep breaths for me.” He said calmly, though was obviously ecstatic that Ryou and Marik were home. And a bit older…

Marik snickered, then coughed again. "Oh, so you're not surprised that I'm suddenly ten years younger than originally, but ten years older than I was last time you saw me?"

"With you two, nothing surprises me anymore. Next thing I know I'll be delivering your babies or something.” He said rolling his eyes. "Now breathe please."

Marik nodded and inhaled. But Inogawa didn't NEED the stethoscope to hear all the congestion in Marik's lungs. Rem could hear it, and so could Ryou, Amelda, and Varon who had just walked in. And when Marik exhaled, he coughed again.

Dr. Inogawa sighed. "Marik, if you get sick once more this year, I'm going to put an order in for you to be committed.” He said sternly, and pulled out a syringe, filling it with the appropriate anti-biotic. "Because this is what? The fifth time I've seen you in... 2 months?"

Marik blinked. "Have me committed?! WHERE?!?” He yelped, then his eyes widened and he backed away as far as the tub would allow him to. "Not... Not back at the mental hospital?! PLEASE!!!” He looked wild eyes and terrified, shaking his head.

Dr. Inogawa laughed. "Now my wife would be hurt if she saw you act like this at the idea of seeing her again. No I'd have you committed to a home for the people unable to care for themselves properly." Ryou coughed to hide a laugh.

"He'd do more harm to others than good for himself...” He said softly

Marik mewled. "I like your wife!!!” He whined. "I just don't wanna get locked away again! It was awful and lonely and... please..." His eyes filled with tears, but he winced and coughed, and this time the coughing fit lasted longer.

Inogawa pulled cream from his bag. "I'll have a prescription delivered to you.” He told Marik calmly. "When you're out of the bath, put this on your chest and try to keep yourself propped up to you're breathing easier. No more outings for you until this clears up.” He said firmly. "If I so much as catch you out of your home, I'm having you committed."

Marik blinked. "Does that mean I have to stay here at the shop?” He asked. "Can't I go home? Or go with mama?” He asked.

Dr. Inogawa smiled. "A fate worse than death, you're going home with Ryou.” He said calmly. "Where I know you'll be taken care of."

Marik blinked. "Well, that's what I meant by going HOME!” He said, giving Inogawa a look. "D'uh!"

"Then why'd you ask for an answer you already knew? D’uh.” He said chuckling in response. "Ryou if Marik disobeys your strict bed-regime then call Hinaru.” He said smirking at Marik. "I'm sure she'd love to have him visit."

Marik's eyes widened. "What do you mean visit?! Lock me up?!?!"

Dr. Inogawa chuckled darkly. "Well... I'm going to get that prescription ordered.” He said getting up. "Take good care of him Ryou.” He said patting the bunny's head as he walked out.

Rem patted Marik's head. "I'll take you two home... if you need anything, call me."

Marik meowed loudly, distressed by Inogawa's ignoring his question. But then he sighed and forced himself to calm down. "M-Mama... can I see Rishid before we go? Please?"

Rem nodded, plucking him from the tub and drying him thoroughly, wrapping him up in a blanket, carrying him out. "Don’t move much okay sweetie?" She said opening Rishid's cage. "Rishid!"

The liger yawned, peering out of his den, and smiling, padding out. "Well if it isn't the cub, grown I see.” He said proudly. "My what a big guy you became..."

Marik smiled and purred at him. "Thanks... for... everything. For when I was... little. I... we were taken to this island... some crazy collector lady had to have had a few hundred hybrids living and breeding on that island, and... she got this lioness to take me in, with two cubs of her own, and... The whole pride took me in...” He smiled and laid his head on Rem's shoulder and purred. "Like I was their own... it was like I had a REAL family... for the first time..."

Rishid chuckled. "What are you thanking me for?” He said flicking his tail. "I did nothing to cause that. That was all your own doing."

Marik smiled. "But YOU showed me that not all lions are... bad. Otherwise I never would have had the courage to go NEAR the others..."

Rishid chuckled. "You already knew all lions weren't bad. Otherwise wouldn't you ALSO be bad?” He said smirking. "You just need to believe in the things you think are right...and stand firm to them, no matter what a single person, or a crowd says...that is how we're all meant to live our lives."

Marik blinked, then smiled. "But... I DID think I was bad... not a bad person, but... a bad lion... a... a disgrace. But... I'm not!" His ears perked up and wiggled. "The pride not only accepted me, but Ryou, too!!!” He looked at Rem and Rishid both, excitedly. "They said I wasn't a disgrace, and because Ryou was my mate, HE was part of the pride, too!!!"

Rem smiled and Rishid chuckled. "Of course they would. You're a good person, and a good lion.” He said calmly. "I'm glad you can finally see that."

Marik smiled and purred, but then winced and turned away, coughing. But he smiled again. "And I got Ryou home... all by myself..."

Ryou walked out at that moment, shaking slightly and wrapped up tightly in his own blanket. "I'm not home yet!” He huffed smiling.

Rem smiled and picked Marik up. "You can tell him more when you're feeling better sweetheart." She said kissing his cheeks. "Let’s get you and your mate back to your home." She cooed carrying him out to the car and putting him inside, Ryou climbed in next to him.

Ryou nuzzled Marik and smiled. "No more work for you."

Marik purred loudly. "I love you...” He whispered, nuzzling Ryou, then lay his head down for some much needed sleep...

Once Marik and Ryou were home, the bunny ordered Marik into bed. "My poor mate...” He cooed softly, despite the smile on his face. "I'll go make you some soup... you just stay in bed.” He cooed kissing Marik's forehead and hurrying to the kitchen. Within a matter of moments, the house began to smell of delicious chicken soup.

Marik sighed and smiled, sniffing the air. The smell made his mouth water... but he still did not feel at ease and at home... Not yet... He sighed and waited for Ryou to express his concerns.

Ryou returned moments later, carrying a tray with soup and juice. He sat it down on Marik's lap and sat next to the bed, nuzzling him. "These will make you feel better. Special recipe."

Marik smiled. "Ryou...” He said, then coughed. "When will the bunnies come home?"

"Not until you're well." Ryou said firmly. "I'm not giving you any excuse for being out of bed.” He added in explanation.

Marik blinked, then pouted. "But Ryou... I... I miss them.” He said, looking at his mate.

"No." Ryou said once again. "Don’t make me call Miss Hinaru.” He added in warning. "When you're better."

Marik whined. "But... but Ryouuuu... awwww....” He sighed and lapped at the soup. "Mmmm... it's good.” He purred, as Ryou set up a humidifier.

Ryou smiled and turned on the humidifier. "Thank you.” He said getting an extra blanket from the linen closet. "I'm sorry the bunnies can’t come home Marik, but it's your own fault for not resting!” He scolded softly, laying the blanket over the bed, being careful of the tray.

Marik sighed, but within moments was breathing easier thanks to the humidifier. "I had to get you home.” He said, looking at Ryou. "And... and. OH!! Oh Ryou!” He suddenly leapt out of the bed after setting the soup aside. "We have to see Pegasus and Seto, Ryou!! NOW!!!" And he ran from the room, though he was a bit dizzy and ran a bit... sideways, and finally toppled over in the living room. "MAO!"

Ryou growled at Marik, and waved the cordless phone at him. "BED! NOW!” He shouted firmly. "I'm counting to three, and if you're not back in bed I'm calling Hinaru!"

Marik whined and got up to all fours. "But Ryou!! My pride!! I have to make sure that they're okay!"

"BED!" Ryou ordered, pointing to the room. "I'll call Seto and master Pegasus, and they can come HERE. BED!” He said clicking the 'on' button on the phone. "Don’t MAKE me dial..."

"MAO!!!" Marik mewled, and scuttled back to the bedroom and hopped into the bed, curling up and lapping at his soup.

Ryou grinned and dialed Pegasus' cell, not sure if he was at home or the office, waiting patiently for his master to answer.

"Hello, Pegasus here." Came the answer. It sounded like the man was in the car.

Ryou giggled softly. "Master!” He squeaked proudly.

Pegasus' jaw dropped. "Ryou?! RYOU?!?! Is that you?! Are you okay?! Oh Ryou! Where are you?! What happened?!"

Ryou grinned broadly. "I'm at home, Marik wants to see you.” He cooed sighing happily. "He's a little sick though... so you have to come here. I think he'd rather tell you about all the neat things that happened.” He added yawning slightly. "Could you tell Seto to come too?” He asked sweetly

"Oh, yes! I'm having my driver change direction right now! Oh, and the bunnies are all with me, they'll be delighted to come home!!!"

Ryou nodded. "Well, just a visit... Marik's sick... they can’t stay. I don’t want him having an excuse to get up out of bed.” He said softly. "But I'll be so glad to see you! Marik too!"

"I'll see you soon, baby!" Pegasus exclaimed. "I love you!"

Ryou squeaked eagerly and hung up, heading back to the bedroom, peering in at Marik, glad to see him in bed. "Pegasus and Seto are coming.” He cooed softly. "Feel better?"

Marik blinked and looked up. "P-Pegasus is... coming?” He asked, and his ears laid back. He looked down at the soup. "Oh...."

Ryou frowned. "Marik... You SAID we needed to see them...” He said sighing. "Can’t you please get along with my master?"

Marik frowned, but nodded. "Yes... if he will help my pride...” He said softly, eating his soup.

Ryou smiled slightly. "Of course he will.” He cooed softly. "Master would do anything for us..."

"For YOU maybe..." Marik grumbled under his breath, not intending for Ryou to hear him. "This soup is good. Thank you.” He finished the soup off and drank his juice.

Ryou sniffled softly, ears drooping. "He'd do anything for you too...” He mumbled looking down. "And... for future reference... big ears mean better hearing..."

Marik blinked and turned, and his ears lay back. "Wha-- oh... oh, Ryou, I'm sorry, I just...” He sighed and turned away. "Nevermind... I'm sorry..."

Ryou sniffled again. "I thought... I thought you two... were getting along...” He mumbled looking down. "I knew I should... should have just stayed inside that day...” He said wiping his eyes and wandering out of the room.

Marik blinked. "What? Ryou, I... I'm sorry, I just... PLEASE?!"

Ryou however, did not return to the bedroom, he curled up on the couch and sighed, looking at his garden. It had a number of weeds, but seemed to be doing alright. He sighed before standing and despite the rain, considered going out to weed his precious garden.

A moment later, though, Marik emerged from the bedroom and peeked around the corner. "Mreew...” He called to Ryou. "I... Ryou, I.... I just don't want him to come here..."

"Bed. Now." Ryou called back growling slightly and holding up the phone again.

Marik shook his head. "No! Ryou, please let me explain!!!” He whined.

Ryou clicked the on button on the phone, and a soft dial tone could be heard, even from where Marik was standing.

Marik frowned. "Ryou! If you won't come to me when I call, then dammit, I'm gonna come to you!"

Ryou dialed the number calmly, though slowly. "Last chance."

Marik's ears drooped, and so did his shoulders and head. He turned and slunk back to the bedroom.

Ryou hung up after Marik was out of sight, and curled back up on the couch. "And stay there!"

Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

"Ryou!" Came Pegasus' voice, and a moment later, Ryou heard the bunny door at the back of the house. And then, the flock of bunnies came charging in, straight for Ryou.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled each of his bunnies in turn, before standing to get the door. "I think my family beat you. Come in out of the rain...” He cooed softly stepping aside for Pegasus.

Pegasus chuckled when there was a sudden surprised yelp from in Malik and Bakura's place.

"SPUNKY!! MALIK!!! IT'S SCAMP AND SPUNKY.... AND SPUNKY WANTS YOU TO GROOM HIM!!!" Pegasus laughed at Bakura's shout.

"Spunky has been wanting a grooming ever day now...” He told Ryou.

Ryou smiled and closed the door behind Pegasus. "Seto is coming right?” He asked as he motioned to the bedroom. "Marik wanted to see both of you..."

Pegasus nodded. "Yes, he is. What happened to Marik? How did he get sick? And... how old are you?"

Ryou looked thoughtful. "I'm... probably somewhere between 11 and 13...” He said softly, ears back. "The ages when I looked... well... more like a girl than I ever have."

"Umm... I can see that..." Pegasus snickered, but crushed Ryou in a hug. "Oh, I missed you! I was so worried!!"

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus lovingly, and gave him a kiss. "I missed you too! I was so scared! They kidnapped us! A-and it was amazing!"

"Amazing? How was being kidnapped amazing?” He asked, petting his bunny before picking him up and cuddling him.

Ryou giggled and cuddled into Pegasus. "W-well we got kidnapped and they took us to this island! It was full of hybrids! A-and the woman there gave me to a family of bunnies who took care of me! They were so nice! It was just like a family!"

"Oh really?" Pegasus asked with a smile, sitting down on the sofa with his bunny, and all the other little bunnies joined them.

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh. The mother was named Lina, and she had four baby bunnies who were at the time, my age! And Marik got a mother too!"

"He did?!" Pegasus gasped in the dreaded excited voice.

Ryou nodded giggling and tugging his ears. "Y-yeah! A-and they raised us until the magic made us bigger and...and!" Ryou squeaked tackling Pegasus in a hug and tons of nuzzles, unable to finish the sentance.

Pegasus laughed and tickled his bunny, kissing him all over. "And?! And?! And what?!"

Ryou squealed and giggled loudly. "Marik wants to tell!” He squeaked squirming. "Stooooppp!"

Pegasus laughed. "Oh, but why would I want to stop?!” He teased, kissing Ryou's cheeks.

Ryou giggled. "Please! Wait for Seto!” He squeaked giggling. "Please!"

"Sure! I'll wait! And then, when Seto gets here, I'll stop!" And he renewed his attack.

Ryou giggled and squirmed to get away. "Nooo!"

"Nope! I gotcha!!!" The man crowed, tickling Ryou down to the floor.

Ryou squealed in distress and scrambled away, darting into Marik's kitty-tree. His eyes peered out and panty giggling could be heard within.

Pegasus started to go after Ryou, but a knock at the door stopped him. "Oh, poo...” He mumbled, and let Seto in. "Hello, Seto."

"Hello." Seto said, walking in.

Ryou giggled from within the kitty-tree. "Seto!” He squeaked, crawling out and nearly toppling the teen CEO in a hug. "So glad to see you! Please come in. Marik wanted to see you and Pegasus!” He added eagerly, his ears twitching in his glee.

"Wow Ryou, you, uh... you...” He snickered, looking Ryou over. "You're... naked."

Ryou blushed. "Am not! I've got the boxers!” He said pointing to the blue boxers Marik had pilfered for him. "Anyway! Marik wants to see you!"

Seto smiled. "Is he as... little as you?” He asked, and poked Ryou's belly. "You've got baby fat!!!"

Ryou blushed and swatted at Seto's hand. "Stop that! I do not!” He huffed crossing his arms. "Honestly." his ears tilted back. "He's in the bedroom.” He said pointing. "Go see for yourself." And with that, Ryou walked off to play with his family.

Seto and Pegasus both shrugged, but went back to the bedroom. All was quiet, but a moment later Pegasus walked out again. "Ryou... your mate has... locked himself in the closet and won't talk to us..."

Ryou groaned and sighed, getting up and walking into the bedroom. "Marik come out.” He said softly. "Seto and Pegasus are here to see you!"

"NO!" Marik snapped, and Seto sighed, leaning against the wall.

"Is he on helium?” He asked.

"MAOOOOO!!!" Came Marik's despaired cry at that comment.

Ryou sighed. "He's embarrassed.” He said softly, shaking his head. "If you don’t come out, I'm calling Hinaru." Ryou said sternly. "And you can spend the next three months in intense therapy again!"

"NO!!!" Marik yowled, and loud scuffling was heard in the closet. "NO!! NO NO NO NO N--” He was cut off by a round of bone wracking coughs.

"Oh that's it!" Ryou said sternly. "I'm calling her whether you come out or not!” He said in one last warning. "If you won’t take care of yourself like a sensible person then only trained professionals can!"

"I'm not coming out!!!" Marik squeaked. "... they can come IN if they want... I do wanna talk to them..."

"In the closet?" Seto asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, in the closet!" Marik snapped. "With the lights OFF!!!" Seto and Pegasus looked at each other, then at Ryou.

"He's small." Ryou said calmly. "So he's embarrassed. Just do it.” He sighed.

The two men shrugged, and crowded into the closet. A pair of glowing eyes stared at them from a high shelf.

"Marik... what are you doing up there?" Seto asked.

Ryou grumbled from outside the closet. "Oh for heaven's sake just stop being such a baby Marik!” He called. "They don’t care what you look like!"

"Murrrrrrr...." Marik complained. "No!"

"Ryou, go play with your family." Pegasus chuckled. "We'll talk to Marik."

Ryou sighed and scuttled out of the room when he heard Hunter's distressed call, and Trigger's furious screech.

Skitter chittered from where she was hanging from the lamp on the cieling, watching Hunter getting chased by Trigger, and Sugar sat on top of Marik's kitty house.

Ryou scooped Trigger up suddenly and hugged him. "Stop tormenting Hunter.” He cooed softly, giving Hunter a warning glance. "And stop provoking Trigger.” He said walking into the kitchen. "What do you say I set out some yummy salads for you?"

He opened the fridge and sighed. The greens were still fresh, for the most part, but nearly all milks, cheeses and other dairy needed tossing. He cleaned out the fridge, and then set Trigger down, to prepare a salad. When he was done, he put the treat down in the living room, which was promptly swarmed by hungry bunnies.

And a moment, Seto and Pegasus walked in, talking quietly between themselves.

"Ah... dinner time for the bunnies, hm?" Pegasus said, smiling.

Ryou nodded. "Every time we stock our foods, we get kidnapped...” He mumbled sighing. "I wonder if we can get a discount at the store...” He mumbled nibbling on a bit of carrot.

Pegasus laughed and pet Ryou. "My poor baby... Well, Seto and I have... much to discuss...” He said. "We're going out for dinner. May we bring you back some groceries?"

Ryou nodded. "Oh yes please... I'm starving, but I didn't have enough greens for anyone but the bunnies.” He said smiling. "And perhaps get some thick ramen so I can make more chicken soup for Marik.” He added.

Pegasus smiled and nodded. "We'll be back in about two hours, okay?” He said, kissing Ryou's forehead. "In the mean time, why don’t you get your brave mate out of the closet, hmm?"

Ryou sighed and nodded. "Thank you for seeing him.” He cooed, nuzzling Pegasus. "It means a lot to him... and to me."

Pegasus smiled and hugged Ryou. "We'll be back soon. I'll leave all the little ones with you for now." And he looked down at the rabbit family.

Ryou grinned and nodded. "Thanks again.” He cooed seeing Seto and Pegasus to the door, waving them off, before closing the chilled wind and rain back outside and sighing. "Marik please come out... they're gone."

After a few thumps and mews, Marik emerged from the closet and happily hopped into bed, purring and cuddling up in the warm blankets.

Ryou glared at him. "And stay there Marik, I mean it!” He scolded softly. "You know you're supposed to be in bed!"

Marik nodded. "I'm stayin, I'm stayin..." And he winced and coughed violently, but soon lay down on his side and relaxed, his raspy breathing evening out as he drifted into a doze.

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

Yami grinned proudly at Mokuba. "Ha. I told you.” He said proudly. Seto had left them home alone, and Mokuba had bet him he couldn't... oh but he could. He knew all the little hiding places for the sweets that were forbidden to kids their age. He'd found Seto's stash. "Wings are useful at this height... sure wish I'd have had them when I was younger.” He said thoughtfully.

Mokuba laughed. "Awesome! What's he got up there?! Toss it down!" The boy giggled, bouncing up and down in his excitement.

Yami grinned and began tossing down the three most dangerous Mokuba treats. Taffy, chocolate and sugar-coated-sour-gummies.

"Alright!! Lookit this, Syrus! Yami, you ROCK!!!" Mokuba howled, cramming taffy into his mouth.

Yami snickered and picked up a bag of sour gummies, munching quietly. "I try.” He mumbled around them.

Syrus grinned and began eagerly eating chocolates, his favorite treat! "Thanks!"

"Yeah Yami! Thanks!!! Now what?!" Mokuba asked, looking around. "Man... Seto is gonna be SO mad at us..."

Yami snickered. "Nah, it's his own fault for trusting me with kids. He knows better." Yami said preening a wing between bites of sour gummy. "He'll get over it."

"Yeah." Mokuba agreed. "He always does."

Yami grinned slightly. "I heard that Ryou and Marik are back.” He said as he chewed. "Wanna make them get-well cards, and make a big mess?” He said chuckling. "Something with glitter, Seto'll have a fit about being glittery.” He said snickering more.

Mokuba's eyes widened. "Alright!!!" And he ran off to find the stuff. And within the hour, the living room was a complete MESS! Glitter and bits of construction paper was everywhere, including stuck to the three boys, Syrus looked like a pixie, and Yami's wings had gotten VERY sparkly.

Yami grinned at their finished works of art. "Well these look nice.” He said unfolding a wing. "And I... look like a fairy.” He said blinking at the shimmering in his feathers.

Mokuba and Syrus both toppled over laughing. "And HE looks like he's about to erupt like Krakatoa!!" Mokuba gasped, pointing over Yami's shoulder. And there was Seto, looking more furious that Yami had ever seen him.

Yami snickered and turned to look at Seto. "Well hello.” He said grinning cheesily. "I made friends.” He added looking thoroughly amused with himself.

A moment later, Yami was flying down the hall, Mokuba and Syrus in tow and Seto's furious bellows following them.

Yami was laughing despite himself, because he'd showered Seto with glitter when he flew past, which he KNEW bothered Seto. After all, how can he be taken seriously in a business meeting with GLITTER?!

And only twenty four hours later, Seto got to face that exact situation....

And while Seto tried to explain the glitter to his business associates, Rem was in a meeting of... another sort....

"Miss Remniel Mahime..." The official looking woman said, handing Rem some papers. "These are documents ordering the immediate closure of this facility." Amelda and Varon stared, eyes wide.

"You're closing the pet shop?!" Amelda gasped.

"These are not pets." The woman said. "They are people."

Rem nodded. "I see..." She said softly, looking over the papers. "But ma'am... a lot of these people have nowhere else to go, which is why they stayed here." She explained slowly. "It's hardly a pet shop anymore; it is a warm place to stay..."

"I'm sorry Miss, Mahime." The woman said, and allowed a small smile to show. "If you can find the means to convert this to a hybrid shelter, you can get government funding. I have looked over your files and you seem to genuinely love these creatures. I am sorry, dear, but with the Hybrid Rights Act passed, it was only a matter of time before we shut down this facility." And she bowed and left. Amelda sighed and looked around at all the hybrids watching them.

"What now, Rem?” He asked.

Rem sighed shaking her head. "We... we'll have to find places for these hybrids to stay..." she said softly. "Today."

Amelda and Varon looked at each other. "Well... what about Pegasus?" Amelda offered. "He's equipped, right? And WE can take Rex with us!"

Rem nodded. "I'm sure Pegasus and Seto can take in a few hybrids... Rishid can stay with Marik and Ryou, I'm sure Ryou's having a hard time corralling Marik in bed..."

Amelda and Varon both chuckled in agreement. "What about Ishizu?" Amelda asked.

Rem nodded. "If she'd allow him, that may be a better idea..." She said thoughtfully. "I'll call her. Please gather the hybrids and begin dressing them." She added heading to her office.

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

Ryou was awoken by a knock on the door. When he answered, he found not only Pegasus with groceries, but police as well....

Ryou frowned, ears back and bristling. "I-is something the matter?” He asked backing up. He'd gotten dressed since Pegasus had left the first time, and looked near ready to run and hide.

"Not at all dear." Pegasus said, taking the groceries to the kitchen.

"We want to hear about your kidnapping and this... island of hybrids." The woman officer said. "There are no such permits for a hybrids reserve, and there are limits by law as to how many hybrids a person may own... This woman may be arrested."

Ryou's eyes widened and he shook his head. "I... I'm sorry...” He said softly backing away. "I um... don’t know much at all."

The woman smiled and pulled Ryou over to the sofa. "Sit down, sweetie..." She said softly, and the man followed. "Do you know the lady's name?"

Ryou shook his head. "I... I'm sorry...” He said shaking his head. "I... I don’t know anything about her..."

The police woman nodded and smiled. "Calm down. You're not in trouble. We're here to help you. But any information you have about this woman or this island, we HAVE to know... she is illegally keeping hybrids."

Ryou's ears bristled more, and he shook his head. If the police took away the woman... the other hybrids would starve... or be locked up as evidence! Or worse!

He whimpered and shook his head. "I... I'm sorry... I... I don’t know much... much of anything at all...."

"Look kid... ANYTHING." The man said. "Any small thing. We have got to arrest her."

"What will become of the hybrids on the island?" Pegasus asked, walking into the room.

"Yeah?!" Came a growl from the kitty house on the other side the room. Glowing eyes glared at the officers.

"That is the other kidnap victim." Pegasus explained.

"Well..." Said the woman. "They will be removed from the island and--"

"NO!" Marik snapped. "They don't WANT to leave! Not the pride!"

"The pride?" Asked the man.

"Lion pride." Pegasus explained. "They took in Marik."

"They don't want to leave that island." Marik growled.

Ryou's ears bristled. "I-I'm sorry... we... we don’t know much... just that we were kidnapped... and that we got home safe...” He said bowing his head, also wanting to respect the hybrids they'd come to love.

Marik snorted. "If some more satisfactory arrangements can be made in regard to the hybrids, then maybe I'll have some information for you... but for now, I am not confident that the hybrids of that island will be okay. You make some arrangement that I'm okay with, and then we'll talk."

Ryou shook his head at Marik. "Don’t say something like that, you could get in trouble! They'd think you are sheltering the suspect!” He said biting his lip. "You don’t know anything more than I do anyway…"

Marik snorted. "I remember her name.” He said, and the cops stared at him. "I can tell them what she looks like. The name of the supply ship... and where it docks here in Domino." Everyone stared at Marik. "But until I'm satisfied that the hybrids on the island will be properly cared for, I have nothing to say." And his eyes disappeared. Pegasus sighed.

Ryou's ears bristled more. "MARIK!” He whined loudly. "Don’t say that!"

Pegasus sighed and looked at the officers. "What... COULD be arranged?” He asked.

"We're not sure." The woman confessed. "We will see about a plan of action. Once one is made, we'll call these two down to the station to talk to us." She said, standing.

Ryou wrinkled his nose, and inched into Pegasus' arms. "I don’t like police...” He mumbled sniffling.

Pegasus chuckled and the woman smiled.

"Awww... why not?" she asked.

Ryou backed away a bit more. "B-because... h-he's still there...” He said burying himself into his master's clothing.

Everyone blinked. "Huh?" Pegasus asked, looking at Ryou. "Who is where?"

Ryou sniffled and shook his head. "That awful awful man...” He whimpered and cuddled closer, trembling slightly. "I don’t want to go near him..."

Pegasus blinked. "Dartz?” He asked softly, and Marik growled loudly.

Ryou whimpered and nodded, clinging tighter, shaking like a leaf now.

Pegasus shook his head. "No, Ryou. Dartz is in a psych ward at a penitentary."

Ryou shook his head. "I don’t want to go near that place..” He said once again, sniffling. "I don’t care!"

The male officer smiled. "Well, we'll see about sending someone out to talk to you then.” He said. "We don't want you to be upset at the station."

Ryou nodded sniffling, clinging to his master. "O-ok...” He said peering out of Pegasus' jacket. "I… I can do that....” He offered a weak-though-frightened smile.

The police smiled and nodded. "We'll go then." Said the woman, petting Ryou's head. "We'll be in touch." And glancing at the kitty house, she and her partner left.

Ryou shivered. "I hate police stations...” He mumbled nuzzling Pegasus. "Never ever again!"

"Shhhh... it's okay." The man said. "Marik? Do you wanna come out now?"

"No." Marik snorted, then fell into another coughing fit.

"What are you doing out of bed?"

"Got bored."

Ryou glared. "Oh, I'm calling Hinaru.” He grumbled crawling out of Pegasus' lap and grabbing the phone. "I'm tired of fighting with you, Miss Hinaru will jus strap you to a bed.” He grumbled beginning to dial.

"MAO!!" Marik cried. "No!! I don't wanna go! PLEASE!! I don't like being alone!! I don't wanna be alone!!! I don't--” He was cut off by another violent coughing fit.

Ryou calmly waited as the phone rang. "Hello?” He said calmly. On the other end, Hinaru's voice could be heard, but what she was saying was undiscernable. "Yes, it's Marik." Ryou said calmly.

Marik began to cough and cry, and pace frantically inside of his house. He would have made a run for the bedroom, but not with Pegasus present. Pegasus blinked and sat on the sofa, looking between Ryou and the kitty house, as did all the bunnies.

Ryou nodded calmly. "Yeah... mmhmm. I know! And he lied to me...” He said glaring at the cat-house. "About getting along with master. Oh I KNOW!” He said as though he were gossiping.

On the other end, Hinaru was laughing. "Has he come out yet?" Ryou responded with. "Oh I thought so...so you mean he'd need three more months of therapy for that? Wow..."

Hinaru laughed harder. "Oh for heaven's sake! He certainly is stubborn...you poor thing, you'll traumatize him."

Marik began coughing and sobbing. "N-NO!! I don't wanna go! I don't wanna be alone! Please!!! I don't want to! Ryou please!!! I... I WANT MAMAAAA!!!"

Ryou put his hand over the receiver. "Go to your bed!” He scolded, before hopping right back on. "See? He's doing that thing I told you about. You know, where he doesn't do what needs to be done, then calls for mama. Yes... I know." Ryou continued bluffing, much to Hinaru's amusement.

Marik continued to cry and pace wildly in his kitty house, eventually tripping over himself and falling out, then streaking past Pegasus and into the bedroom, where he was heard mewling and coughing, and the coughing only got worse with his distress.

Ryou smiled. "Thanks Hinaru.” He cooed, hanging up. "Marik calm down!” He called, hurrying to his mate. "Calm down you can stay home! Just stay in bed...” He said softly. "I promise."

The lion was not IN bed, however... he was UNDER it...

Ryou sniffled "Marik... please. For me? Just... get in bed...” He mumbled, ears drooping. "You... you're making me feel like a bad mate... i-if I cant even take care of you...” He mumbled sniffling and wiping his eyes. "Please?"

"D-Don't leave me alone..." Marik mewled, slowly creeping out from under and bed and jumping on top of it. He huddled down and curled up, staring at Ryou with large eyes. "I don't LIKE being alone..."

Ryou sniffled and nodded. "Fine... but please... just... please stay in bed?” He said softly, wiping his eyes again.

Marik nodded and sniffled, then squirmed. "Can I... go to the bathroom?” He asked softly.

Ryou nodded. "But then STAY in bed..."

Marik nodded and scuttled off, but soon returned to the bed and stared at Ryou again. Then he blinked and looked around for his plushy.

Ryou sighed softly and produced the sought-after plush. "I have it...” He cooed handing it to Marik. "Better?"

Marik purred and took it from Ryou, nuzzling it lovingly. He smiled at Ryou, resting his head on the pillow. "I love you..."

Ryou nodded slowly. "I love you too Marik...” He cooed softly. "I'll go see Pegasus out, and make some dinner ok? Just stay here. I promise I won’t be long.” He said kissing Marik's cheek. "Just stay in bed."

Marik purred and closed his eyes, snuggling down into the bed.

Pegasus smiled when Ryou emerged. "Hello Ryou. How's the lion doing?"

Ryou sighed. "Stubborn… but he'll be ok.” He cooed nuzzling Pegasus. "But I think it's time for you to go... pneumonia is serious business... and well... I don’t want you to get sick too!" Ryou said kissing Pegasus and cooing to him. "I can come pamper you soon..."

The man nodded. "Marik has asked Seto and me to look into this hybrid island and find a way to keep it up and running for the hybrids living there. We will meet again and talk, and arrange something with the police.” He said to his bunny, hugging him.

Ryou nodded slowly. "Ok...” He cooed softly. "A-and you're... you're sure that horrible man isn't there anymore?” He said fearfully. "B-because I think... I think I've reached my kidnapping quota for this year."

Pegasus laughed and nodded. "Oh yes, he hasn't been there for months, dear.” He said, kissing the top of Ryou's head. "Now you take care off your goofy mate, hm?"

Ryou nodded and nuzzled him. "Thank you... th-that man scares me...” He said still looking nervous. "I still get scared at night...” He opened the front door for Pegasus and stepped aside. "Come visit us soon master. I can make some tea and cookies.” He offered smiling.

Pegasus smiled. "I would like that. You be good and stop scaring your poor mate to death." And he kissed Ryou's cheek and left, Precious under his arm.

Ryou smiled and went into the kitchen, unloading Pegasus' groceries. He blushed to find several convienantly hidden 'treats' amongst the bag. Strawberries, watermelon and oatmeal cookies being the most noticable. His three favorite foods since he'd been made.

He quickly prepared a thick tomato soup and poured it into a bowl for Marik, hurrying to his mate's room.

But the lion was fast asleep, purring and nuzzling his bunny plushy as he snoozed, mumbling every now and then. Hunter hopped in and leapt up onto the bed. He blinked at Marik, then looked at Ryou.

'Daddy sleepin?' He asked.

Ryou nodded slowly. "Yes, but I'm going to wake him in a moment...” He said setting the soup down and pulling the spare roll-out bed next to the bed and beginning to make it. "My poor mate.” He cooed as he did, smiling once it was made and sitting on the edge of Marik's bed. "Marik?"

Marik coughed in his sleep, but soon relaxed again, nuzzling his plushy and purring.

Ryou sighed softly and shook Marik. "Marik... wake up, you need to eat.” He cooed softly

"Murrrrr..." Marik whined. "Noooo.... I just aaaaate..."

Ryou frowned. "Just a little more sweetie... you need to keep your fluids up so you can heal faster.” He cooed feeling Marik's head. "Eat some more soup, and I'll curl up with you for a nap."

Marik sighed and lifted his head, snuffling around for the soup. "Maoooo....” He whined, finding himself too congested to smell.

Ryou smiled and offered him a spoonful. "It's tomato, but you wont taste too much of it. Come on Marik... just eat a bit.” He cooed, smiling lovingly at his mate.

Marik purred softly and sipped the soup from the spoon, then sought out the bowl itself.

Ryou smiled and offered Marik the bowl to lap from. "You need to stay in bed Marik... if you keep moving around like you were, you'll get worse... you could DIE from pneumonia you know... you have to promise me to try not to get out of bed unless it's to go to the bathroom.” He said softly, nuzzling his lover.

Marik frowned, and just lapped the soup, murring in contentment, and soon polished it off. Then, with a burp, he lay down again and closed his eyes, coughing to try and loosen the congestion in his lungs.

Ryou smiled and pulled out the balm Inogawa had given him, and dipped his fingers into it, before rubbing some on Marik's chest. He wrinkled his nose. "Oh yuck... smelly.” He said giggling. "Wow, but it certainly clears the sinuses...” He giggled.

Marik blinked, then smiled and inhaled deeply, the congestion in his chest rattling loudly. "Mmmmm.... yeah...” He sighed.

Ryou laughed loudly and closed the balm once Marik had enough on his chest, getting up to wash his hands. He walked back and wrinkled his nose, sniffing his fingers. "I still smell like sick-goo.” He commented sticking out his tongue and making a cute 'ick' face.

Marik simply purred softly in response and gave his tail a little wag, but he was obviously slipping into sleep. Hunter looked at Ryou.

'Daddy sick?'

Ryou nodded nuzzling Marik. "He walked all night in the rain, to get me home...” He said softly, running a hand through Marik's hair, smiling at him. "My sweet mate...” He cooed, giving his lover a kiss before he drifted off.

Hunter sighed, then turned and left the room to let the lion and bunny sleep...

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