The Jungle

Bunny

Mally-chan and Hato Chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing within this fic.

YAOI WARNING

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

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Chapter 22

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Malik slept quietly in his burrow in the corner of his cage. One of his ears twitched when he heard his name being called, and his eyes flickered open. He heard tapping, and knew that it was Rem tapping on the front of his cage. He yawned and crawled out of his burrow, shaking sand from his hair and stretching, yawning again. Then he sat down and scratched his ear with his hind paw, then trotted across the cage, pausing and lifting a leg, relieving himself on the trunk of the tree. He got to the door to his cage, and Rem opened it.

"How was that?" Malik asked with a smirk. "Did I act like a fox?"

"That was perfect." Rem said smiling. "But Pegasus will be here any minute; I need to get you ready to go." She said beginning to dress him. She helped him into some shimmering lilac harem pants, and put matching anklets and bracelets, which also matched his collar in looking like rose thorns in silver. She brushed his hair out and slid on a tiara, the jewels just visible beneath his golden bangs across his forehead. Lastly she slid tube top over his head and into place.

"You look like a real harem fox now." She said laughing softly. "I'd have so much fun with you at home... I'd make you wear all my clothes, to see how pretty I could make you look."

Malik gave her a look. "Oh joy... I've always wanted to play dress up..." He grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Gods, this SUCKS!!! Can't you just tell him that I'm not ready to go with him yet? PLEASE?!" He begged.

Rem sighed. "I can’t, he said I had to have you ready in a week. If I tried to extend it, he'd chew me out, and what would that accomplish?" She said scratching behind his ears. "Just do your best... Marik and Bakura are counting on you."

Malik sighed and his ears drooped. "I know... I... I'm just a bit scared... what if he takes me away? Out of the country?! Rem, I... I don't want to leave... What if I never see Bakura again? I love him Rem... I love him." And he looked at her anxiously, desperately needing some positive reinforcement.

"He can’t take you out of the country until you've been vaccinated and probably microchipped. You aren't going anywhere for a little while." She said softly, jumping when she heard the familiar knock. "Remember... act like a good pet." She said getting up and leaving him in the cage, locking it behind her and answering the door, stepping aside for Pegasus to enter.

"Good morning Mr. Pegasus."

"Good morning." Pegasus said with a smile, walking in. "Is Malik ready to be picked up?" Ryou darted in, shaking in excitement and tugging on his leash, trying to get to Malik's cage. Pegasus laughed. "Calm down, Ryou! Down! Easy, boy!"

Rem nodded. "He's ready." She said leading them to his cage.

Ryou began pawing at the cage door desperately, wanting to get into Marik's cage, and wanting to get to his friend. "Malik!" He said excitedly. "Malik!!"

Malik's head poked out of the burrow and his ears perked up.

"RYOU!" He called, leaping out of the burrow and running across the cage, his tail wagging excitedly. He pranced in front of the door of his cage, making excited little squeaking noises. Pegasus smirked.

"Well, he certainly SEEMS to be behaving better..." He commented.

Ryou squeaked excitedly back. "He can come home now!" He said delightedly, darting into the cage when Rem opened the door and tackling Malik, licking and nipping playfully. "Malik!" He cheered, giggling and beginning to play.

Malik was just as happy to see Ryou. Now he could help Marik in a different way. He could start trying to get Ryou back to normal, right under Pegasus' nose. But for now, he had to play the part of a pet. He tumbled around in the sand with Ryou, pinning him and licking his face, tail wagging, and Pegasus laughed, watching Ryou's little tail twitching about in a little bunny tail wag.

Ryou giggled delightedly. "I missed you Malik! You'll have so much fun coming home with me! There's soft beds and chairs and wood shavings! Master Pegasus even gives me good food! You'll get good food too!" He said excitedly, trembling from head to toe in almost in-containable joy.

Rem laughed. "Well, I just need you to sign a few papers, and you can take your new fennec home to play with that quivering bunny of yours." she said softly.

Pegasus chuckled. "Well, let's get them signed then. I'd like to get them home soon. And call Dr. Inogawa and make an appointment to get Malik set up for a checkup and his shots and get him microchipped." Malik gasped slightly when he heard that and shot Rem a fearful look, but went back to licking Ryou's face when Pegasus looked at him.

Rem nodded and walked to a nearby desk, picking up a clipboard and pen, offering them to Pegasus. "I'll do that. I heard not long ago that you were planning a trip to Paris?" She asked calmly. "Why?"

Pegasus smiled and looked over at Ryou. "My little bunny wants to travel." He said. "He wants to see the world. And he has been such a good bunny. And it's been so long since I've taken a vacation... I thought taking them on a trip to Paris would be fun. I haven't said anything yet, but... I may make it an annual thing. Every year I'll take them on a three week trip someplace new... anywhere they want to go... Rome, Madrid, London, New York, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Los Angeles... wherever they want to go." And he sighed, then began filling out the forms.

"Three weeks?" She asked tilting her head to the side. "What can you possibly do on such a long vacation?! You'll confuse the poor bunny into thinking he's going to live there forever!" She said shaking her head.

Pegasus shrugged. "Well, maybe not that long. I haven't decided. But you know... tour the French country side... take them out to Versailles... whatever." And he scribbled his name, then handed Rem the papers. "There."

"Well thank you very much, and you have fun on your trip." She said bowing and taking the papers. "I'll have a vet visit scheduled for tomorrow at noon, is that alright?" She asked softly.

Ryou nuzzled Malik and chewed softly on his ear. "I'm glad to see you..." He whispered between chews. "I missed you."

"Me too! And Marik got your bell! I let him keep my bunny plushy, and he tied it around its neck. Oh, and Ryou! Great news! Rem is going to help us! She knows! She knows the truth! She knows that we ARE human!" Malik whispered excitedly.

Ryou nuzzled and curled up contently with Malik. "Human...." He said softly. "That'd be nice..." he mumbled somberly. "But...I don’t think I have any human left in me..." he said hanging his head softly. "I'm fine as a bunny."

"But Ryou... Marik... Marik has been trying so hard for you... he's done so much! He's becoming a human again. Because he loves you. He's doing it for you. Please, Ryou... don't give up." And he smiled.

"Well... time to get the boys home." Pegasus said, smiling at Rem. Suddenly, he stopped. "My God... Rem, what happened to Rex?!" He gasped, looking in at the bandaged and bruised coyote.

"He got into a fight with another of our carnivores. He's ok now... He just learned a valuable lesson about keeping his snide remarks to himself." She said smiling. "Don’t worry, he's in the best care possible."

Ryou nodded slightly. "Marik... mmm...." He said closing his eyes and sighing contently. "I miss him dearly…" he mumbled hopping over to Pegasus eagerly.

Pegasus smiled and opened the door to the cage, holding up a light purple harness for Malik.

"Look what I have for you." He said, kneeling and holding a hand out to the fennec. "I got it to match your eyes." Malik inwardly rolled those eyes, but put on the act of slowly creeping towards Pegasus, in a shy manner. And when the men began petting him, he licked his hand and moved closer, only to roll over on his back for a belly rub.

Ryou looked at Pegasus jealously. "Master Pegasus!" he huffed slightly, pouting. "Noooooo!" he grumbled shoving Malik away to get petted and loved. "Don’t touch!"

Pegasus blinked surprised, then looked up at Rem and laughed. "This might become a problem!" He announced, quite amused. "Ryou, be nice!" He said, turning to his bunny. "You want Malik to feel loved and welcome, don't you?"

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "Not as much as me! MY mate!" he said pouting. "You pet me! I'm your bunny!" he said ears drooping. "Just your bunny!"

Rem giggled softly. "Ryou honey you have to share, Pegasus has to give Malik pettings too, so he doesn't feel unloved."

"That's right." Pegasus said, then leaned over Ryou and whispered into his ear. "And you're the only one allowed in Master's bed..." And he gave Ryou a little kiss on the tip of the nose before turning back to Malik and fitting the harness on him, giving him a good scratch behind the ear, making Malik's tail wag.

Ryou blushed and nodded eagerly. "Just mine..." He said nuzzling into Pegasus and sighing contently. He grinned broadly. "And we are going to Paris? Soon?"

Rem frowned, turning away to file the paperwork. Ryou was so lost....

Pegasus smiled down at Ryou. "Once I'm sure that Malik will not be a problem." He said, turned and petting Malik again. "Now... ready to go home?" Malik wagged his tail and licked Pegasus' hand, and Pegasus looked down at Ryou for his answer.

Ryou nodded eagerly. "Home!" he cheered. He hopped eagerly to the door and pawed at it, happily following Pegasus to the limo after Rem opened the door for them.

Malik looked back at Rem and gave her a nervous smile, before trotting after Pegasus, tail wagging. He picked up the pace and ran to Ryou, knocking into him making him stumble. Then Malik gave a little bark and licked Ryou's face, before playfully tugging on his ear.

Ryou giggled and pounced on Malik, tackling him to the sidewalk as they waited on Pegasus to let them into the limo. "We'll have so much fun! Master Pegasus made the backyard perfect for us to play in! Lots of tunnels, chewy yummy plants, so much sunshine!" he said eagerly, showering Malik with licks and soft nips, making soft squeaking excited noises.

Malik hopped into the car as soon as the door opened, and Pegasus laughed when Ryou pounced him whining that Malik had taken HIS seat.

"Scoot over..." Pegasus said, nudging Ryou's little tush to the side, and got in. He closed the door and rolled down the window, laughing at his sudden view of Ryou and Malik's bottoms, Malik's tail swinging about wildly and Ryou's tail flicking just as fast as it could as both hybrids stuck their heads out of the same window, calling their goodbye's to an equally amused Rem.

"You two be good!" She called after the limo as it drove away.

Ryou squirmed and began doing something new, he nipped at the air, as though he were either trying to bite it, or eat it. "Oh master Pegasus!" He said pulling back inside the limo and plopping down in his master's lap, licking his cheek. "We'll have so much fun! I'll not be so alone when you leave for work!" he practically sang with joy, still quivering in glee.

Pegasus laughed and pet Ryou, still watching Malik enjoy the wind. "That's right. You'll have someone to play with, now. You'll show him all the rules of the house, right?" He asked, petting Ryou's head. "I want you to spend the next few nights with him in your cage, until he's used to his new surroundings, okay?"

Ryou pouted softly. "But... master Pegasus... I wanted to sleep with you..." he said nuzzling Pegasus and giving him his best sad-bunny look. "You said only me!" He argued, looking away in mock hurt.

Pegasus chuckled. "Yes... but your new friend will be lonely, and maybe even scared without you. So you stay with him for a while, okay?" And he pet Ryou on the head. "You are still my special little bunny." And he gently kissed his lips.

Ryou kissed back, blushing softly, giving Pegasus a longing gaze. "Alright...." he said looking down pouting for real this time. "I'll stay with Malik in my cage..." he said softly sighing.

Pegasus frowned. "Why are you acting so upset? You were so excited to be getting a companion. Why the change of heart?" He asked.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus lovingly. "Because... now I feel like you aren't going to want just me..." he whispered softly. "I want to spend time near my mate..." he added sheepishly.

Pegasus smiled. "I love you, Ryou. You are my precious little bunny. You will ALWAYS be my special little boy. I got Malik not for me, but for YOU." And he flicked Ryou's little tail. "Because you asked me to get you a companion because you were lonely. He is YOUR companion. Not mine, my love. YOU are my precious bunny. YOU are my mate. HE is my pet. Nothing more. I got him especially for YOU. You have no reason to be jealous. So don't turn into a little green eyed monster on me, okay? You be good and play with Malik." And he gave Ryou a little pat on the bottom and a kiss on the nose.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Pegasus. "Thank you master." He said curling up in his lap for a moment, before getting up and tackling Malik from the window to the floor and rolling around with him, wrestling playfully.

Malik yelped as he rolled to the floor, only to find Ryou on his back and playfully tugging on one of his ears.

"H-Hey!" He whined, then giggled and rolled over, tossing Ryou off. He turned and pounced Ryou right back, tickling him. Pegasus sat back and watched with a smile.

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Seto blinked and looked up from his computer as he heard Mokuba running down the hall, laughing. He watched the boy run by the door with a bow in his hand and suction cup arrows in a quiver on his back, with finger paint on his face and feathers stuck in his hair that had obviously been Yami's. Seto glanced over at Yami who was watching Mokuba with a confused expression as well. The boy passed by, and a moment later Bakura ran by on all fours, a suction cup arrow stuck on his forehead, growling playfully. Marik followed with a jingle, the little bunny plushy in his mouth. He paused and smiled at Seto and Yami.

"What the hell is going on?" Seto asked.

"Mokuba." Marik said with a grin, the bunny falling to the floor. "He's --AH!!" Marik was cut off as an arrow hit him in the side. He looked down the hall, then dropped and played dead.

"Me mighty hunter!" Mokuba said, planting a foot on his "kill". Seto blinked.

"Aren't you a bit old for those kind of games?" He asked, and Mokuba grinned.

"No way! Not that I have something I can actually hunt!" The boy giggled, then screamed and ran, a grinning Bakura on his heels. Seto watched an arrow whiz by down the hall, missing Bakura. Marik got up and picked up his bunny plushy, then grinned at Seto and Yami before turning and following Bakura and "Mighty Hunter" Mokuba.

"Good greif...." Seto muttered, shaking his head and looking back at his computer.

Yami chuckled. "Well at least he's using the feathers for something... for a while I thought he was going to stuff his mattress with them..."

He slowly returned to his preening, boredly plucking a feather or two that needed plucking. "I'm glad Marik and Bakura have livened up a bit..." He said after a moment. "Marik was a wreck for a while after the pet shop incident..." Yami sighed softly. "I can only imagine how he felt... his lover was right there... not more than 20 feet from him... and there was nothing he could do... except watch him leave in silence."

"I know..." Seto sighed. "But he's still carrying that bunny around with him every where he goes... I hope Malik is doing okay... I know Bakura's worried about him." And he looked over at Yami. "I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be right back." And he got up and headed out of the room, cursing as an arrow whizzed by his head. "MOKUBA!!!"

"Sorry Seto! I was hoping you were Yami!" Mokuba called.

"What?! DAMMIT!! MARIK!!! BAKURA!!! Take Mokuba outside! Mokuba, no more bow and arrows in the house! Go be Hiawatha in the back yard for Christ's sake!!"

Yami chuckled. "Proudly, the bird weathered the Indian attacks, but the brother was sadly struck down by his brethren." Yami said purposely sounding overly proud. "Huah!" he added, raising a hand nobly and beginning to laugh. "Your brother is.... something else. I'm starting to understand why you reserve yourself so much... because if you were more like him, people wouldn't fear you at work." he said chuckling as he heard the door slam, signaling that the two hybrids and Geronimo had left the building.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Actually I think they would. If you saw me running around the office in buckskins, war paint and feathers with a bow and arrow, wouldn't you be scared?" Seto asked, then made a face at the very idea. "God... forget I even said that... it scares ME!" And he wandered down the hall, Yami's laughter following. He went to the bathroom and did his business, but on his way out, he paused as something caught his eye. That ultraviolet stuff that Dr. Inogawa had given him. Seto frowned, then sighed and opened it. He dipped his comb into the stuff and ran it through his hair, deciding that now was as good a time as any to test the vet's theory. He looked at himself in the mirror. He didn't LOOK any different... But he shrugged and headed back into his office.

Yami was once again preening, as though he had nothing better to do. He looked up at Seto for a moment, before nearly falling off his perch, making a strangled shocked noise. He stared at Seto, giving him an odd look, but he didn't say a word.

Seto blinked at Yami and quirked an eyebrow. Well, Yami was definitely seeing something that he couldn't... But he acted like nothing had happened and returned to his computer, waiting to see what Yami would do.

Yami continued to stare, almost stupidly. "Seto...?" He said after a moment, rubbing his eyes a bit.

Seto blinked and looked up. "Yes?"

Yami opened his mouth, as if to ask a question, but closed it without a word. A few moments he tried once again, with the same results, seemingly unable to form words to express his confusion. "I.... you..... huh?" he finally managed to stammer, sounding utterly idiotic.

Seto blinked. "Are you feeling okay?" He asked. "Is it time for your nap?"

Yami gave him a shocked indignant look. "I'm fine! What's wrong with you?!" he said shaking his head, still staring stupidly at him, unable to draw his eyes away.

Seto blinked again, then chuckled. "Nothing. You're the one who's acting weird."

Yami stared, half in shock, half in annoyance. "Seto you're messing with me...." he said narrowing his eyes a bit. "what is going on here?"

Seto blinked. "Are you feeling okay?" And he stood and walked over to Yami, feeling his forehead. Of course, inwardly he was laughing at poor Yami, delighted at the joke he was playing on him.

Yami blinked and shook his head. "Seto... I'm fine. What's going on? Seriously..." he said shaking his head a bit, eyes still having yet to leave Seto.

Seto blinked. "Other than my brother hunting Marik and Bakura in the back yard and you acting like you're losing your marbles, nothing." He said, quite proud of himself for keeping a straight face.

Yami's feathers fluffed up. "You did something! I know you did!" he blurted suddenly tackling Seto and fisting his hands into his hair, shocked to see that the bright colors didn't rub out, or disappear.

"AACK! HEY!! GET OFF OF ME YOU LUNATIC!!!!" Seto yelped. "QUIT PULLING MY HAIR!!!"

Yami blinked and scrambled off, blushing slightly. "Seto... did.... you do something new to your hair?" he asked after a moment. "Because.... it looks different...."

Seto blinked. "I combed it." He drawled in a monotone voice.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Is... that all?" he said once again twitching, wanting to touch it.

Seto chuckled. "Maybe. Why?"

Yami rubbed his eyes again. "Something is very different about it?" he said in a more questioning tone than a statement.

Seto chuckled. "Oh really? What? I didn't get it cut or anything..."

Yami narrowed his eyes. "What did you do? You're laughing, I know you did something...." he said, eying Seto suspiciously.

"Nope!" Seto said, reclining back on the floor and folding his hands under his head with an amused grin on his face.

Yami huffed slightly, crossing his arms and turning away, feathers bristling. But it didn't last long, as his eyes slowly wandered back to Seto, unable to look away for long.

Seto opened one eye and caught Yami looking. He laughed. "Okay, okay... I did do something..." He said, sitting up.

"What did you do?" Yami said suddenly, unable to hide his curiosity.

"Not telling...." Seto snickered, enjoying this immensely.

Yami grumbled. "Brat." He grumbled looking away again, and yet again being unable to keep his gaze averted, his favorite colors blatantly apparent in Seto's hair. "Dammit!"

Seto laughed. "You're funny." He said, almost stupidly, pointing at Yami and grinning.

Yami grumbled indignantly. "No, you're the funny one. hardy har har." He grumbled glaring slightly. "What did you do to your hair?" he grumbled again. "It's going to make me crazy!"

Seto snickered. "Are you sure it isn't too late?" He asked, then laughed at the look Yami gave him. "So... what DID I do to my hair?"

"I'm not sure..." Yami said, reaching out and touching Seto's hair again. "But... it's different...." he murmured softly.

"Do you like it?" Seto asked, smiling.

Yami nodded slowly. "Well... yes... it suits you..." he said after a moment, still running his hand through Seto's hair, the second raising to gently play in the soft brown locks.

Seto chuckled. "Glad you like it." He said. "I did it especially for you..." And he reached out, petting Yami's wings.

Yami shivered and immediately tried to divert his gaze, but just like the times before, he was unable to draw his eyes away from Seto for long, and found himself gazing into the ice blue eyes of the CEO of Kaiba corp.

Seto smiled and continued to pet Yami's wings. He looked them over. "They're beautiful..." He said after a moment. "They fit you perfectly." And he raised his hand up to touch Yami's face, and then ran his fingers through his hair.

Yami felt his cheeks burning, he felt uncharacteristically submissive towards Seto at the moment, and just like the times before, it made him uneasy... but he couldn't look away, not with Seto seeming to glow with colors he'd grown fond of looking at. "Thank you...." he said after a long silence, once again trying to redirect his gaze, to anything.

Seto chuckled and moved closer. It was now or never, dammit! He kissed Yami.

Yami's eyes widened and he gasped into the kiss, not having expected Seto to actually... do it.

Seto wrapped his arms around Yami and pulled him into his chest, gently caressing his back around his wings.

Yami groaned softly and looked at Seto, wings fluffing up slightly. "Seto I..." he stammered, looking a little uneasy. Why in hell was he so submissive?! How was it that Seto suddenly made him feel so... uneasy and submissive?! Why was it that he was feeling fearful and delighted at the same time...? He swallowed hard and closed his eyes, greatly enjoying the feeling of Seto's hands on his back, despite his unease.

"Yesss?" Seto hissed, gently nibbling Yami's ear, moving closer and licking at his neck.

Yami felt a shiver run up his spine, tingling to the very tips of his wings. "Oh Ra... don’t do this to me..." he groaned

"Why?" Seto murmured into the hybrid's throat. "Don't you want this?" He asked, kissing Yami again.

Yami shivered, leaning into the kisses and touches. "Yes... gods yes...." he groaned closing his eyes and breathing harshly. "I... never thought this would be..." Yami groaned. "Something... we'd be doing...."

"Me neither... at least... not until a couple of weeks ago..." Seto murmured, standing and picking Yami up, carrying him out of his office and into his bedroom, laying him down on the bed and petting his wings. "And before you ask, the bed is made of oak." He said, kissing Yami again.

Yami gave Seto an agitated look. "Ass..." he grumbled, shifting slightly due to his wings. He looked up at Seto for a moment, before his eyes widened. "Oh no... no." He said suddenly. "There is no way that you're..... I..... we...." he began to stammer, feeling both frightened, anxious and nervous about being a submissive... let alone with Seto.

Yami had to pause and wonder if Seto was as well proportioned down below the belt. "Oh Ra!" He howled shaking his head. "You've got me THINKING things!" he blurted suddenly.

Seto blinked, then burst out laughing. "Oh do I?" He asked, still laughing. "And just WHAT have I got you thinking, Yami?" He asked, tapping Yami on the nose. "Hmmm?"

"Not even if you PAID me would I consider saying it." Yami said turning pink. "I didn't even want to think it, and only you're to blame for it!" he grumbled, feathers ruffling slightly.

Seto chuckled. "Are you getting cold feet?" He teased, tickling Yami's feet.

Yami yelped and let out a VERY uncharacteristic high pitched giggle. He covered his mouth and glared. "Tell anyone about that... and I'll kill you in your sleep..." he said glaring.

Seto chuckled. "So... you're ticklish..." He said, and tickled Yami's feet again.

Yami squeaked and squirmed to get away, flapping his wings harshly against the bed. "stop stop!" he yelped, giggling and trying desperately to fly away.

Seto leapt forwards and tackled Yami. "I don't think so..." He chuckled, slipping a hand under Yami's shirt and rubbing his chest and stomach. "I've let you get away too many times, Yami. And I'm not going to let you get away from me again. I love you. And if you love me too, then I am never letting go of you..." He kissed Yami's neck. "What will it be?"

Yami froze, staring at Seto longingly. "I..." he blushed. "I love you too..." he said softly, relaxing into Seto's touch. "I'm...a little nervous… is all.." he said after a moment, biting his pride to admit it.

Seto smiled. "I won't force you to do anything..." He said, running his fingers through Yami's hair. "this only goes as far as you are willing to let it go, okay?"

Yami nodded slightly. "Yes, but you and I both know... we're going to get caught up in the moment, and it's going to end up going all the way." He said rolling his eyes. "You're just trying to sweet talk me...." he added, before giving Seto a soft look. "and.... I suppose I'll let you... since you've given me so many massages...." he murmured smiling slightly, a full and complete sincere smile.

Seto blinked, then chuckled. "In that case, you're getting massages every day." He said, giving Yami a playful kiss. "Y'know... I almost feel bad for all this... being here with you... holding you... loving you... because I think of Marik and Bakura... and I think of how they've been separated from their loved ones..." Seto smiled. "I'm so lucky to have you, Yami. I love you."

Yami chuckled. "I don’t think you feel bad enough to abstain however." He said amusedly, giving Seto a kiss. "I do feel badly for them... but they know they'll be together again soon... and that we're doing everything we can think of..."

Yami smiled slightly and gave Seto a strong hug. "We'll get them back..."

Seto smiled and hugged Yami back. "I know... if I have to find something stupid to sue Pegasus over I will, and I'll sue him for Ryou and Malik. But that's a last resort thing..." And he chuckled, unhooking the waistband of Yami's shirt.

Yami groaned softly. "I'm starting to think you designed these shirts with more than just my wings in mind..." he said shifting his weight slightly, to lay comfortably beneath Seto.

Seto chuckled. "Never even occurred to me. But I'll be keeping that in mind from now on..." He snickered, nibbling Yami's ear lobe as he removed the shirt completely.

Yami ran his hands through Seto's hair again, cooing softly. "I don’t know what you did... but you look... fabulous..." he murmured, running his hands slowly from Seto's hair, down his back and began tugging his shirt loose, before beginning to unbutton it.

Seto smiled. "It's nice to hear that from you..." He said, teasing Yami's chest and belly with his tongue as his hands fell to the front of Yami's pants.

Yami groaned slightly, arching into Seto's hands, wings quivering eagerly. His own hands mimicking Seto, and had found their way to his pants, eagerly awaiting his next move.

"Not nervous anymore now are we?" Seto chuckled. "My my, what have I found here..." And he slipped his hand into Yami's pants. "Hmmm.... I think I found your wood pecker..."

Yami glared. "Watch it or I will bite." he said huffing. "Then you'll have Mokuba filming us for a week hosting 'when birds attack'." he added sharply, before giving Seto a very lusty kiss.

Seto's eyes widened, but when Yami backed off, he laughed. "Anything you say..." He glanced down at Yami's open pants. "Woody..."

Yami bit him on the arm, not hard, but hard enough to get the point across. "Watch it or your bird is not getting friendly with this one." he said glaring slightly.

Seto grinned. "You're sexy when you're mad." He teased, then pinned Yami down and kissed him hard, slipping his tongue into his mouth. "God, you turn me on like nothing else, Yami..." He groaned, wrapping his fingers around Yami's member. "Do I turn you on?"

Yami shuddered and nodded, breathing a bit harder than he had been. "Ra.... yes!" he moaned loudly wings quivering in delight at the feelings that were coursing through him. "oh Ra.... don’t stop.... don’t ever stop..." he mumbled, dumbly, thoroughly pleased already, and the fun had just begun.

Seto grinned down at Yami. "Don't ever stop, huh? As in... Never? Yami, you really want to do this for the rest of your life? Eternal foreplay?" He asked, giving Yami a hard time.

"Keep pushing your luck and I can abstain." Yami said giving Seto a playful thwack across the head. "Are you going to poke fun at me, or are you going to sleep with me?"

"Why can't I do both?" He asked, poking Yami's rear end before jerking his pants down.

"Because I'm trying to keep a little of my pride intact." Yami said yelping as the pants were jerked off. "Ouch! Damn! Watch it!" he said watching a few tail feathers fall to the floor, along with the pants.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" Seto said, quickly. "That's what you get for wearing leather, it sticks to you." But he was careful in removing the pants the rest of the way. Then, he grinned. 'God, I hope he doesn't kill me for this...' He thought to himself. "Wow... Nice to see your genetics didn't give you pubic feathers." He snickered.

Yami smiled into the kisses and nodded slightly. "I'm going to pretend that you didn’t say that..." he said, moaning softly. Seto had the most wonderful hands... he couldn't deny it, and he truly appreciated discovering that little surprise about Seto. It was amazing that someone who could be ruthless, could also be tender and loving.

He unzipped Seto's pants, and slid his own curious hands in, gently gripping the hardened flesh within. Yami cooed softly, beginning to gently stroke his 'mate'.

Yami glared. "But, you're getting less hot by the minute." he said raising an eyebrow. "You do much more talking and I'm going to need to get REALLY drunk before considering this again."

Seto laughed and let his face drop onto Yami's stomach. "I'm sorry!" He gasped. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help it! I'll shut up now... Oh boy..." and he grinned up at Yami, then folded his arms on the hybrid's stomach and rested his chin on them, then just smiled and stared at him.

Yami huffed and glared at him for a moment before sitting up slightly. "What are you looking at?"

"You." Seto said, simply.

Yami blinked and blushed slightly. "Why?" he asked after a moment, his features softening once more.

Seto chuckled. "You're blushing..." He teased, reaching up and flicking a stray lock of hair out of Yami's face. "And why not?"

Yami blinked and sighed wrapping his arms around Seto and leaning his head against him. "I'm sorry... I've just... well... never...." he stopped and sighed. "Don’t laugh."

Of course, that made Seto laugh harder. "I never thought I would be able to have such a... silencing effect on you." He teased, then kissed Yami. "You're cute when you're flustered, did you know that?"

Yami sighed and just leaned into Seto. "No, I try not to be flustered often..." he said softly. "Only you can do this to me... and sometimes it scares me."

Seto smiled. "Wow. I never knew I had such an affect on you..." He said, licking at Yami's ear and down to his chest. "I love you..."

Yami shivered and his feathers bristled slightly. He sighed contently, pulling Seto close, and began littering Seto's face and neck with kisses. "No more teasing for a while..." he breathed softly, burying his face into Seto's neck. "I'd rather focus on loving you."

Seto grinned. "I think that's a fair trade." He murmured, gently rubbing his hands up and down Yami's sides and kissing his way around his chest. Suddenly he stopped and jumped up, running across the room and locking the door, then ran back and took up his place again. "With my brother and those two lunatic hybrids on the loose, I think we should play it safe." He explained with a grin.

Yami chuckled. "If they wanted in, I'm sure they made it in by now..." he said sitting up and stretching his wings a bit, one of them feeling awkward from being laid on at an odd angle for so long.

Yami pulled Seto close once again, laughing softly before giving him another kiss, resuming in their interrupted passion.

Seto said nothing in reply, merely kissing Yami back and stroking his inner thighs, before kissing his way around Yami's face.

"Are you comfortable like this?" He asked. "I don't want your wings and tail in the way, are you okay?"

Yami nodded slowly, running his hands over Seto's back and groaning softly. "I'm fine..." he mumbled closing his eyes and adjusting his wings so they wouldn't be in the way, or harmed during their little act. He lay back slowly and pulled Seto down on top of him, kissing him strongly. "I'll be fine... I won’t break, just because I'm part bird."

"Just making sure." Seto said. "I want you to be comfortable..." And he lowered a hand down Yami's body and fondled him, while gently kissing the corner's of his mouth.

"Ah, shit!" Yami yelped, jumping. "Warn a guy before you grab their goods, huh?"

Seto snickered, nuzzling Yami's ear tenderly. "Mmmm...." He continued to gently stroke Yami's erection with one hand, and slipped his other hand lower, fingering his entrance. "You okay with this?" He asked, before going any further.

Yami gave Seto a half-witted look, leaning up to kiss him, cooing softly in approval. "Please..." he moaned laying back once more, eager and curious hands now roaming over Seto's back, rubbing his shoulders, as though his back too, was tired from bearing his own pair of wings.

Seto smiled and gave him a little loving kiss as he pressed his finger into him. "Let me know if I'm hurting you..." He murmured.

Yami groaned and shifted slightly, unused to any sort of intrusion of his being. Despite the bad ass persona, he'd never 'done the nasty', he'd been waiting until he'd found the one person that he was willing to spend the rest of his life with.

Yami looked at Seto lovingly, who seemed preoccupied with keeping him pleasured, and preparing him, and sighed thoughtfully. The circumstances had been nothing but strange, aggravating and more than a little annoying... but....

Yami moaned loudly and blushed. Ra he loved Seto...

Seto smiled and kissed Yami again as he added a second finger, and then a third, being very gentle and loving about it. Only with Yami's okay did he add the third finger, gently drawing them in and out as he whispered tender words into Yami's ear and stroked his wings, trying to get him as relaxed as possible.

Yami moaned and arched into Seto's touch, squawking slightly in surprised pleasure when his fingers happened to probe some wonderfully sweet spot that he never knew he had. "Seto! " he gasped, breathing hard, looking crossed between shocked, excited and frightened.

Seto blinked and stopped, looking up and grinning. "Did I find it?" He asked, obviously already knowing the answer to that question.

Yami nodded, groaning. "Y-yessssss...." he hissed pulling Seto forward harshly and kissing him with a flare of passion. "Keep going... more..." he groaned, pulling away gazing at Seto with half-lidded eyes. "Please... I need you." He added moaning loudly as Seto once again rubbed the bundle of nerves that sent waves of electric passion though his body.

"Do you want more of this?" Seto asked. "Or... something else?"

"More, gods, don’t torture me!" Yami moaned squirming slightly beneath Seto. "Please Seto!" he pleaded softly, panting softly, needing fulfillment in every part of his being, wanting this desperately, despite his nervousness.

Seto chuckled and kissed Yami's forehead, petting his face. "Shhh.... calm down. I won't leave you hanging..." And he removed his fingers. "No, no, now stop that, Yami, no whining..." He snickered. "NO! Quiet down." He kissed Yami's nose. "Quiet down..."

Yami whined softly, his wings fluttering softly. "I'll kill you..." he breathed, moaning in need and desire. "I'm going to do horrible things to you...." he added whining again.

"Shhhh.... I had to take them out to give you something better..." Seto said in a soothing/teasing tone. "You want something better, don't you?"

Yami nodded slowly. "Please... just don’t leave me like this!" he moaned pathetically.

"I won't." Seto chuckled, tracing a finger up the underside of Yami's erection. He collected the precum and smeared it over his own erection, then moved into position. "You okay with this?" He asked again, making sure that Yami was still with him 100%.

Yami groaned. "Yes yes a thousand times just DO me already!" he groaned laughing slightly and rolling his eyes.

Seto blinked. " 'just do me'? That doesn't sound like you..." He laughed, then moved forwards, poking him in a teasing manner. "Are you suuuure?"

Yami whined loudly. "Ra dammit Seto don’t TEASE me at a time like this! " he said squirming once more. "It's cruelty to animals, if not to humans!"

Seto blinked, then laughed. "Cruelty to animals?" He asked, shaking his head. "Gods... I love you..." And he gently pressed forwards, entering Yami with as much care as he could; the last thing he wanted was for Yami to be in any pain.
Yami hissed slightly, despite Seto's efforts, it was uncomfortable to say the least. He grunted and blushed darkly. "Damn you're well endowed!" he blurted, somehow glad he didn't see Seto's manhood before he entered him. With his whole virgin attitude, he'd probably have died.

Seto blinked, then burst out laughing, turning red slightly as well. He had to stop and let his head fall to Yami's chest, halfway to hysterics.

Yami laughed too and hugged Seto to himself. "Gods I'm sorry! I couldn't stop myself!" he said littering Seto's reddened cheeks with kisses, wiping away a few tears of amusement from both their faces.

Of course, Yami's laughing only got worse as Seto's progressed to high pitched giggles, something that Yami never thought was physically possible for Seto to do. Seto tried to speak, but he was too caught up in his uncharacteristic giggles to get anything out.

Yami grinned broadly at Seto, laughing himself. "and here I thought I was the only one who would have uncharacteristically high pitched giggles... looks like we both have something that never leaves the bedroom." He said shaking his head and laughing loudly, pulling Seto close and wrapping his wings around him, thoroughly amused.

Seto held up a hand and covered Yami's mouth, keeping it there until he managed to calm down and stop laughing. Then, he slowly removed his hand, wiping his eyes with it.

"You... are amazing." Seto said, giving Yami the most sincere grin he had ever seen on the CEO. "I have never just... let go like I have recently around you. I feel like I can be myself around you. The only other person I feel like that around is my brother, and even then, I feel that I can let go with you even more because... I feel like a half parent to Mokuba." He picked up Yami's hand and kissed it. "Thank you. Thank you so much..."

Yami nodded, smiling. "Same for you Seto..." he mumbled laughing softly. "I can’t be a smug ass around you... and although I like being an ass.... I enjoy how I am around you too..." He said brushing some of Seto's bangs from his eyes. "And... whatever you did to your hair..." He added blushing slightly. "Is just.... wonderful... you're sexier than you've ever been." Yami paused and laughed slightly. "Or it might be that we're in the middle of sex, that's making you sexier than usual."

Seto snickered. "Wanna know the truth about it?" He asked.

Yami smiled and shook his head. "Nah... some things are better left unknown..." He chuckled softly. "It'd take the joy out of it."

Seto snickered. "Okay. Ready?" He asked, deciding that if he were to tell Yami that he had the vet to thank, in the bed was not the best place or time to reveal that.

Yami nodded. "Of course I am." He said kissing Seto's cheek. "I have been for a while...." He added longingly.

Seto smiled. "Just making sure." He said, giving Yami a gentle kiss, and pressed into him slowly. When he was fully sheathed, he held his position, kissing Yami's closed eyelids and stroking his wings. "Let me know when."

Yami nodded slowly, opening his eyes for a moment. "Now..." he mumbled closing them just before giving Seto a loving kiss. "I love you." he murmured cooing almost melodically.

Seto smiled, returning the kiss. "I love you, too..." He murmured, slowly taking up an easy rhythm. "Y'know... I still feel bad... for what I have done to you... but at the same time... It changed my life in a way I could never imagine... and I'm glad." He gave him another little kiss. "If I hadn't been a total ass and had you kidnapped, you never would have become this... and I never would have bought you... and therefore, we would not... we wouldn't have..."

Yami moaned softly. "Don’t say it like that... I'll still never be human again, you could never publicly say 'I'm in love with Yami Mouto." he said, giving Seto a sad look briefly. "Not until the world knows that hybrids... are just unfortunate people."

Seto smiled. "Who says?!" He snickered, poking Yami in the belly.

"The word 'Beastiality' for starters. Your company would look bad if the world found out you did the horizontal mambo with a bird, nightly." he said laughing slightly.

Seto's grin turned into a horrified look of disgust. "YAMI!!" He cried. "You... I can't believe you... I... GAAAH!!"

Yami laughed at that. "The truth must burn you..... badly..." he breathed menacingly, before chuckling more. He closed his eyes and wiped away more amused tears. "I promise Seto, no little birdies will tell anyone of our... dancing." He said trying to hold a straight face.

Seto glared. "I'm more worried about skunks and lions..." He said with a smirk, kissing Yami again and starting to pick up the pace. "Ahh... God..."

Yami moaned and began thrusting against Seto, trying to force him to go faster and deeper. "Mmm Seto!" Yami moaned loudly, Seto having struck that bundle of nerves again. "Gods!"

Seto moaned in response, giving Yami exactly what he wanted, going faster and deeper in Yami, trying to reach the pinnacle of his pleasure, and bring Yami to his release as well.

Yami arched, moaning loudly, feathers fluffing up as Seto pounded into him, igniting every nerve with pleasure. "Gods! Seto oh GODS!" He groaned arching a second time, his wings stretching out and folding behind him.

"Oh God.... Yami..." Seto gasped, closing his eyes as they rolled back into his head. His movements became a bit more frenzied as he got closer to his climax, and he began to firmly pump Yami's erection.

Yami gasped, panting and squirming slightly beneath Seto, thrusting into his hand in his own frenzied pace. He moaned, feeling muscles tighten and himself slipping.

"Oh God... oh God... oh God..." Seto was panting. "Y-YAMI!!!" And he bucked forwards and exploded into his lover, his thrusts shallow and frantic.

Yami arched thrusting into Seto's hand once more and found his own overwhelming release, spraying his lust over Seto's hand and his chest, falling back into the bed panting and clutching Seto's arms, as his lover slowly lowered himself onto the bed as well.

It was a long moment before Seto pulled out of Yami carefully, before laying next to him. Yami curled next to Seto for a moment, before chuckling slightly. "You're on my wing..."

Seto rolled off and gently pet the wing, before suddenly biting it.

Yami yelped and squawked, immediately struggling to get away, losing a few feathers in the process, suddenly half out of his mind in fear of breaking birdy bones.

Seto laughed and waited for Yami to calm down.

Yami stared at him, tugging his wing lightly. "Why'd you do that?" he blurted, finally getting the wing away and wrinkling his nose. "Now my feathers have spit on them...."

Seto snickered. "Mmmmm.... hot wings...." He snickered.

Yami's jaw dropped. "You did NOT just compare MY wings to buffalo chicken!"

"No." Seto laughed. "I called you 'hot'. As in 'sexy'."

Yami gave him a suspicious look. "Good recovery." he said calmly, chuckling. "Because if you went around saying that, you might give Marik ideas."

Seto blinked, then laughed. "I'll keep that in mind. If I found him chewing you up, I'd have to put him out of his misery..." And Seto pulled the blankets up over Yami and himself.

Yami smiled, sitting up for a moment, moving his wings so they were behind him. Laying back down he yawned softly and found himself curling into Seto contently, tucking his head into his mate's chest, cooing softly in appreciation.

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

Pegasus smiled and pet the head of each hybrid on either side of him as they pulled up in front of the house.

"Here we are, Malik." He said. "Here's your new home." The car door opened and Ryou hopped out, followed by Seto, followed by Malik. The master led his pets up the front stairs and into the house. Then, he knelt and removed their harnesses. "Ryou, why don't you give Malik a tour? I'm going to call the vet and make an appointment, okay? I'll meet you up in your room."

Ryou nodded and tugged Malik's ear eagerly. "Come on! I'll show you the whole house!" he said, hopping off down the hall, towards the west wing of the mansion. "There's lots of things for us on this side of the house... master Pegasus took away all the furniture he didn't want me chewing, and put in things I can chew..."

Malik blinked. "He let's you chew on the furniture?" He asked, finding this more than a bit odd.

Ryou shook his head. "No no, he gave me things meant for chewing." he said calmly, hopping up onto his favorite window ledge, which was more of a seat, padded with cushions and pillows. "This is my favorite place to nap, when Pegasus doesn't leave me in my cage." He added, rolling onto his back and stretching in the sun.

Malik blinked and cocked his head. "He doesn't keep you in your cage all day? He let's you run around the house?" He found that odd.... and convenient.

Ryou nodded and rolled off the ledge, landing on all fours delicately. "No... not all of the time. He does it if I ask though. And because he likes me to get exercise, I don’t want to get fat!"

Malik smiled and flicked an ear. "Are... are you happy here, Ryou?" He asked.

Ryou blinked and tilted his head to the side. "Of course I am." He said as though the answer were obvious. "Master Pegasus takes care of me, and loves me."

Malik frowned. "What about Marik?" He asked. "He loves you. More than Pegasus ever could."

Ryou turned quickly, wide eyed and shaking his head. "Shh please...!" he whispered desperately. "He'll hear you, he can read your mind!" Ryou said hunching down slightly. "I love Pegasus...." He added shaking his head. "ONLY Pegasus."

"Oh?" Malik said, flicking an ear. "That's not what you said before. When you visited me in the labs... and when you visited me in the Store... Stop lying to yourself Ryou. And stop lying to me."

Ryou backed up whimpering slightly. "I... I'm not." He said softly looking away. "Pegasus is my mate."

Malik frowned. "Only because he's brainwashed you." He snorted. "Marik loves you. All he wants is to get you back.”

Ryou glared slightly. "I'm not brainwashed!" he huffed. "I just know my place." he added looking away. "You'd do well to learn yours."

Malik frowned. "My place is with my sister." He growled. "And Bakura. NOT the pet of that son of a bitch!" And his ears tilted back.

Ryou's ears tilted back too, the fur bristling. "Take that back..." He growled, defensively.

Malik narrowed his eyes and glared. "No." He growled. "I love Bakura. And Marik loves you. And Pegasus did this to me because I was trying to help Marik find you! He did this to stop me! AND to threaten Seto, who was helping. I am not an animal to be used! I won't submit to it. And the fact that you are, is breaking Marik's heart. I think you need to think about who really loves you..."

Ryou made a dangerous growling clicking noise. "Take it back...." he growled louder. "Take it back! Pegasus loves me and I'm his mate!" he howled angrily.

Malik glared. "I refuse to take back the truth." He growled, showing his teeth in warning.

Ryou lunged forward and bit Malik harshly on the arm, before littering him with a blitzkrieg of nasty little bites, each in defense of his mate, of Pegasus.

Malik was an intruder in his home, his den, and even though he'd openly invited the company, he wasn't going to stand for this intruder to speak ill of his mate and owner.

"OW!! HEY!! FUCK!!!" Malik yelped, then turned and fled, Ryou nipping at his heels. "You wanna play nasty?" He snapped back at Ryou. "Fine... MASTER!!! MASTER!!! HELP ME!!! PLEASE!!!" Malik cried, racing down the hall with his ears back and tail between his legs. "MASTER!!!"

Ryou tackled Malik and bit him at least five more times, pinning him. "Take it back!" he howled, baring slightly bloodied teeth. "TAKE IT BACK!"

"RYOU!!" Pegasus roared, appearing at the head of the stairs. "GET OFF OF HIM!! NOW!!!" And he ran down the stairs, shocked at Ryou's vicious attack.

"Now we'll see if your 'mate' loves you..." Malik hissed at Ryou.

Ryou growled at Malik again, backing off of him, twitching with fury. "Loves me or not I will love my mate!" he howled twitching as though he were about to lunge and attack again.

Pegasus ran to Malik and knelt, looking him over. Then he turned and glared at Ryou. "What on earth has come over you?!" He snapped, picking Malik up.

Ryou glared at Malik. "He said bad things!" he said growling at the fox. "BAD!" he grumbled, looking thoroughly agitated.

"So you attacked him?! Ryou, you know better!" Pegasus growled, and turned, carrying Malik up the stairs.

Ryou growled after them, making no move to follow, and slightly hurt his master scolded him for defending him from Malik's insults. He lay down and huffed slightly.

Pegasus walked down the hall and into the Bunny Room, setting Malik down on the grooming table and looking over him. "Well, let's see the damage... What on earth did you say to get Ryou all riled up like that?" He asked, getting out the disinfectant, cotton swabs and band-aids.

"I said I didn't like your big house...." Malik said pathetically. "It's scary...." he added, whimpering loudly in mock pain, acting as Rem had taught him. Submissive, frightened, and less intelligent than he'd been before-hand.

Pegasus blinked, then chuckled. "Well, considering how you've been confined to a small room for the last month of your life, it is a bit intimidating. I'll let you stay in here for a while until you get used to the space." And he finished the first aid on Malik, then picked him up, stripped him, and placed him in Ryou's nesting box, closing and locking the door. "You rest in here while I discipline Ryou." He said, then turned and left the room.

Malik chuckled to himself once Pegasus had left the room. Whoever said foxes were sly, was only half right...

Ryou lay in the hall pouting, ears drooping. Why had Pegasus scolded him? He was doing what he knew was right...

Pegasus sighed and walked down the stairs, eyeing his bunny. "Well, Ryou... You certainly did a number on him... I am VERY disappointed in you." When he reached Ryou, he gave him a quick swat to his bottom. "You wanted a playmate. You begged me for one. And when I get you one you attack him?! That is NOT going to be tolerated, do you understand me?"

Ryou pouted and sniffled softly. "Master Pegasus, he said I shouldn't love you! He said you didn't love me!" he said shaking his head. "He's bad! H-he doesn't like me!" Ryou whimpered, hunching down and inching away.

Pegasus frowned. "He said what?" He asked. "Hmmm... in that case, one of you is lying. But HE is the one who was bitten. I don't see any bites on you, Ryou." He sighed and thought a bit. "Well, either way, I am not putting up with this. Come." And he turned and walked back up the stairs.

Ryou hopped after rubbing against Pegasus' legs and making soft pleased noises, gladly obeying his master.

But Pegasus didn't answer any of them. He walked Ryou into the Bunny Room, stripped him, and plopped him into his nesting box, right on top of Malik. "You two are not leaving this cage until you get along. And if I see any bites on either one of you, the one who inflicted it will answer to Rex. Is that clear?" He said sternly, locking the door and glaring down at the two hybrids. Malik gulped and nodded, huddling down submissively.

Ryou glared at Malik and hopped to the other side of the cage, curling up and beginning to bury himself beneath the soft wood shavings.

"I wont bite him master Pegasus..." he mumbled after a moment from under the shavings.

"Good." Pegasus said, then turned and left. Malik sighed heavily and flopped down into the shavings, glaring at the door.

"Stuck up prick..." He muttered.

Ryou growled from under the shavings, curling up and twitching.

Malik looked back over at him, and sighed. "I'm sorry." He said, finally. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Ryou sighed and yawned. "You stay on that side, and I'm staying on this side." he mumbled sleepily. "I won’t bother you, and you leave me alone. I'm happy with Pegasus, and when you weren't around, he never got angry with me."

"Oh no?" Malik said, getting up and padding over. "Then why was Rex coming to visit you constantly?"

Ryou growled. "Go away."

"No." Malik said softly, laying down next to Ryou. "Did you see how Rex was injured this morning when you came to pick me up?"

"No." Ryou replied shortly. "Now go back to your side of the cage and leave me alone, it's my naptime." he grumbled.

Malik sighed. "Marik attacked Rex. When he found out that Rex had hurt you, he tried to kill him."

Ryou peered out from under the wood shavings at Malik. "Malik... please stop. I can’t leave Pegasus..." he mumbled closing his eyes. "Whenever I try to... I feel empty inside..." Ryou sighed. "It hurts... to not be with Marik... but it hurts to think of him too... I just want to live out the remainder of my life without anymore pain..."

"Ryou... there's no such thing as a painless existence. And what about Marik's pain? I saved his life and brought him home. And then, I had to spend every day watching him staring out the window, wondering where you were... if you were okay... if you still loved him... I had to watch him nurse a broken heart. Sure. Bakura showing up really cheered him up, but he would still lie on the back of the sofa, or out in the backyard, and stare at the sky and think of you..." And Malik sighed and lay down next to Ryou, gently nuzzling him and licking his cheek.

Ryou sighed. "You don’t understand Malik...." Ryou said looking away. "I love Pegasus...."

"Why, Ryou?" Malik asked. "I thought you loved Marik."

"I don’t know Malik..." Ryou mumbled sadly. "I just do... and... I can’t leave him... Marik... wouldn't want me anyway..." His ears drooped. "He was right... I should just do what I'm told... it makes life easier…"

"Marik will want you! He DOES want you! Ryou, do you know what he's been doing over the last two months? He's been trying hard to become the man he thinks you would want him to be! He's trying to regain his humanity! He... He's walking upright, sitting upright, wearing clothes, bathing himself, and NOT with his tongue, thank Ra... and he's doing it all for you! He's changed his life, Ryou. He's changed his way of life because he loves you! And you're going to just turn your back on him?!" Malik forced Ryou to look at him. "Ryou, eventually, you are going to have to make a choice; Pegasus or Marik. And I'm telling you right now... if you choose Pegasus... Marik will die. Choose Pegasus, and you KILL Marik." Malik glared at Ryou in the eyes, fighting back tears. "Think about it, Ryou." And he turned and crawled out of the nesting box, trotting down one of the tubes and into the play area, flopping down near Ryou's giant gerbil wheel and curling up, glaring at the wall.

Ryou looked down, soft tears sliding down his cheeks. He sniffled, hopping to the tube and crawling in slightly. "There.... th-there is something... wrong with me...." he whimpered curling up tightly. "M-Malik... there's something wrong... I... I never wanted to love Pegasus.... b-but I cant help it...." he sobbed softly, flopping down in the middle of the tube curling up tightly.

"S-something that... makes me do things I don’t want to... like hurt you..."

Malik frowned and turned, looking back at Ryou. "He's brainwashed you..." He said softly, and he crept into the tunnel and nuzzled Ryou's cheek. "I want you to think. Don’t listen to what you're being FORCED to think... But I want you to look at Pegasus, and look at Marik. Don't tell me who you love, tell me who loves you... REALLY think, Ryou..."

Ryou sighed softly, looking down. "Malik... I.... I can’t... I can’t think...." he mumbled, trembling slightly. "I can’t... make that choice... I... I know I should love Marik... but I can’t leave Pegasus..." Ryou began to shake more, paling. "I can’t.... my mate...."

"Pegasus is not your mate!" Malik hissed. "He says he is, but he isn't! He's saying that because it keeps you happy, and as long as you're happy, you're under his control!"

Ryou wailed suddenly, shaking like a leaf. "No! He is!" he panted softly holding his head. "Stop it stop it stop it! It hurts!"

"Ryou!" Malik snapped, harshly. "If you are his mate, then why do you call him 'Master'? That is NOT how it is between mates! He keeps you on a leash! He keeps you in a cage! Is that what you want in a mate?!" Malik asked. "Pegasus has made you change for HIM. But Marik chose to change for YOU! Who sounds more like a loving mate, and who sounds like an owner?!"

Ryou wailed painfully, fur on his ears bristling and he glared at Marik, eyes filled with an immense hatred. "STOP IT!" he howled, beginning to make the growling clicking noise. "Stop it stop it!"

Malik's eyes widened, but he bravely moved closer and nuzzled Ryou, licking his cheek. "Shhh.... calm down, Ryou...." He murmured, softly.

Ryou's fur bristled all the more, and he clutched the plastic of the tube with his small claws. "s-stop it stop it! G-get away!" he growled, hatred seeming to flare up, twitching and shaking as though he were about to go into convulsions.

"Shhh... I'm sorry..." Malik purred softly, gently grooming Ryou's ears. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'll try not to do it again. Marik asked me to take care of you. And I swore that I would. I made him a promise, and I'm going to keep it... Are you okay?"

Ryou slowly calmed down, panting as though he'd just ran a marathon. "M-Malik..." he whimpered, looking at him fearfully and backing away. "P-please... something is wrong with me..."

"I know, Ryou." Malik crooned. "I know... And I'm going to try to help you. But you have to try and help yourself, too."

Ryou whimpered softly. "I don’t want to hurt you... p-please... just... leave me alone..." he whimpered backing up more. "I'm scared..."

Malik sighed, then got up and began nudging Ryou back into the nesting box. Once there, Ryou half buried himself, sniffling, and Malik lay down and curled up around him.

"It's okay, Ryou." He said, licking Ryou's ears. "It's gonna be okay."

Ryou sniffled and buried his face into Malik's shoulder. "I miss Marik.... b-but... I... I can’t leave Pegasus." he murmured softly. "I know... th-that he's bad.... b-but..." Ryou trembled slightly once more. "But... I can’t leave... I love him...."

"It's okay... everything will work out..." Malik murmured, trying to soothe Ryou. "You know... Marik is taking good care of Tuc and Nod for you. They like him now, too. They sleep with him at night, and he bathes them, and grooms them, and plays with them... even Bakura helps..."

Ryou sniffled and nuzzled Malik. "Thank you.... I... miss them..." he said softly. "I miss everyone... b-but... Pegasus... he can read my mind... I can’t even think about them..." he said looking down.

"I've forgotten so much, b-because I can’t think about it... He's.... a frightening man when he's angry... and Marik makes him mad...."

"I know, Ryou." Malik said, and sighed, laying his head down. "I miss them too... especially Bakura. But... he promised me that he would wait for me. He would find me, and we'd be together again... And Seto is going to try and expose the truth about hybrids and rehabilitate them... so they can live normal lives..."

Ryou smiled softly. "I... I want to go back to school.... play with my friends... see the world...." He said longingly. "But.... I'd never get to do that, even if it was exposed. People are allergic to animals... even.... if we were treated equally, we couldn't travel... unless we were underneath the plane, like the other animals...."

Ryou sighed and looked at the window in the bunny-room.

Malik smiled. "Well... maybe they will build a section of a place especially for hybrids... or Seto... he could let you and Marik have your own private plane! Seto bought a club, and it's going to be a club where hybrids can work. And Marik wants to get a job there so that he can earn a good paycheck and make a nice life for you." Malik snickered. "My guess? He'll be the bouncer... I really can't see him as a DJ or bar tender or waiter... what do you think?" Malik asked, grinning in amusement.

Ryou laughed softly. "Marik? He doesn't have it in him... I don’t think he could hurt a fly..." he said laying his head down in the wood shavings. "He's too sweet... and too goofy to do something serious as that..."

"Ah, but he hurt Rex, remember? He hurt Rex when he found out that Rex had hurt you..." And his nuzzled Ryou and giggled. "I can see Marik and Bakura as a team of bouncers. Can't you? Both of them in jeans, and leather jackets and big chunky combat boots... Gods, what a pair they are..."

Ryou smiled softly. "I bet he's handsome..." he said dreamily. "I remember how much I loved him...." he sighed and closed his eyes. "It'd be wonderful... to have a place... just to ourselves... to travel with him... mmm"

Malik smiled and nuzzled Ryou, trying to gently talk and coax him into sleep. "He is very handsome, Ryou." He said. "I have seen him standing tall... he's very tall, and lean, and strong... He's as tall as Pegasus. You never would have known from looking at him prance around on all fours. He looks really good in denim, Ryou. A pair of jeans, a white button up shirt and a brown leather coat with hiking boots to match... mmm... Marik is one sexy bitch!" And Malik grinned when Ryou giggled. "Marik likes his jeans... Bakura prefers black leather. Not surprising, huh?"

Ryou yawned and curled up into Malik contently. "I miss them..." he murmured closing his eyes.

"I know, Ryou... I do too... Oh! And guess what...?" Malik hissed, in a teasing tone. "Oh, this just some of the juiciest gossip... Oh, I can't say it! Oh, but you'll never guess!" Malik gushed, being overly dramatic just to tease Ryou.

Ryou opened an eye sleepily. "Hmm?" he asked, more than a little curious.

"I can't say it!" Malik cried, flopping over onto his back and letting his arm cover his eyes as he held his other hand up to Ryou's face. "Oh, I can't! Don't make me! Oh, it's just the big news of the year! Oh! You'll never guess, Ryou! Never!"

Ryou blinked and raised an ear halfway. "Please don’t tease me.... what's so juicy?"

Malik giggled. "Okay... ya know how Seto bought Yami?" Malik said softly, crawling over and staring at Ryou, their noses only inches away from each other.

Ryou nodded. "Y-yes?" he said, eyes wide and curious. "Why? Did something happen?"

Malik's eyes widened and he grinned, nodding. "Oh, YEAH something happened..."

Ryou blinked rubbing his eyes slightly. "Well? What happened?" he asked, flicking his tail and giggling softly. "It's not nice to tease bunnies."

"But curious bunnies are cute." Malik said, licking Ryou's nose. "Anyway... I was watching Yami and Seto... and I think they've TOTALLY got the hots for each other!"

Ryou laughed softly. "Oh I could have told you that!" he giggled. "They act like complete asses around each other. But Yugi told me that Yami tends to seek Seto out for fights. Not something someone who hates someone does..." He said licking Malik's nose back.

"Yeah, but this is different! They weren't fighting! Seto was holding Yami and hugging him, and petting his wings, and Yami was always preening and looking to see if Seto was looking at him, and... Oh gods, Ryou, they are TOO funny! You just know they want to pounce each other, but neither one can gather the guts to go through with it!!!" And Malik rolled over onto his back, laughing and wiggling around in the wood shavings.

"It's hilarious! I can see them in the bedroom now! 'Seto, I challenge you to a Duel! And if I win, YOU are the uke!' And then, 'I accept your challenge Yami, and this time, you won't win! I'm giving it everything I've got, because I have nothing to loose! Aside from my virginity, but that's the whole point!' HAH!!!" Malik laughed at his own impression of Yami and Seto.

Ryou's eyes widened, before he burst into giggles. "Poor Seto and Yami! That's mean Malik!" he said rolling around slightly. "Horrible!"

"Oh, c'mon... it's just like them! You can't deny it!" Malik laughed, tilting his head back and giving Ryou and upside down grin.

Ryou yawned softly and licked Malik's nose. "Shh... I'm tired..." he whispered giggling softly and curling up contently, for his midday nap

Malik snickered. "But you did not deny it!" He teased one last time, before gently nuzzling Ryou and resting his head down on the wood shavings, deciding that Ryou had a good idea with that nap thing...

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

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