The Jungle

The Jungle

Mally-chan and Hato Chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing within this fic.

YAOI WARNING

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

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Chapter 23

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Marik smirked as he crept through Seto's office with Mokuba. Mokuba went into the bathroom.

"Hey... What's this?" The boy said, grabbing a bottle from the counter. Marik looked at it, and read it.

"Ultraviolet solution... blue... hmmm... attracts birds?” he frowned and read the fine print, and then grinned. "Oh... oh, this is great... this stuff is supposed to make you sexually appealing to birds! Oh, we have GOT to mess with this stuff!!" Marik snickered, and then looked at Mokuba. “Where’s Bakura?"

Half an hour later, there was a knocking on Seto's bedroom door.

Yami yawned and groaned softly. "Seto... your door.” he said nudging the blue eyed CEO. "Someone wants you.” he added burying his own head under a pillow.

Seto groaned, his face in a pillow.

"WHAT?!” he roared.

"SETOOOOOOO!!!" Mokuba howled. "I'M HUNGRY!!!"

"...... dammit..." Seto mumbled, and then stumbled out of bed, pulling on his pants. Mokuba started pounded in the door. "I'M COMING!!!"

Yami chuckled, pulling more blankets over himself. "Brothers are a joy.” he said yawning lazily, his scheduled nap not quite over. "I'll be out in a little while...” he mumbled.

"Oh no..." Seto grumbled. "You'll come with me now..." And he threw the blankets away, picked Yami up and carried him towards the door.

Yami yelped. "Hey let me at least get dressed!” he said flapping his wings and zipping out of Seto's hands in an instant, landing on the bed and glaring, grabbing his pants and hurriedly putting them on. "Bossy...” he mumbled as he checked to make sure his tail feathers weren't caught in anything

Seto chuckled. "You know it.” he teased, opening the door and letting the light from the hall flood the room.

"Hurry up!" Mokuba whined.

"Keep your pants on." Seto grumped.

"Looks like you should be telling Yami that." Mokuba snickered, watching Yami fastening his pants.

Yami's feathers puffed up dangerously, signaling that was not a subject that he was openly going to discuss. "Watch it Mokuba..." he hissed, before stepping off the bed and padding barefoot over to Seto.

Seto snickered and pushed his brother down the hall, keeping himself between Yami and Mokuba. They trooped down the stairs and headed into the kitchen. There, they found the cook working at the stove, grilling steaks. And on the floor at his feet were Marik and Bakura, wagging their tails like crazy and making eager noises as they smelled their dinner cooking. Tuc and Nod were in the corner, munching happily on a salad made for them.

Yami froze mid-step, a most bewildered expression on his face, as he tilted his head to the side, like he was seeing something QUITE interesting...

Seto didn't notice Yami's sudden interest in... Something. He guided his brother over to the pantry, asking him what he wanted to eat.

Yami blinked a few times. He couldn't help himself... there was that bright blue he loved so much, and Bakura was practically GLOWING with it! He wondered briefly how that'd happened.... but I didn't last long, as he stared stupidly.

"Yami? YAMI!" Seto shouted, trying to get the hybrid's attention. "Are you hungry or what?!"

Yami blinked a few times. "Oh... uh... mm?” he mumbled, eyes still focused on Bakura. "What was that?"

Seto blinked. "Yami, what are you staring at?"

"Bakura.” he mumbled softly, slowly sinking to the floor to sit, and stare at Bakura a bit closer.

Seto blinked again. "Bakura?!"

"What?" Bakura asked, turning and looking at Seto. But Seto was looking at Yami. Bakura looked at Yami. And he froze. Yami was staring at him. The skunk blinked.

"What the hell are you looking at?” he snapped at the avian.

Yami blinked a bit, rubbing his eyes. "You’re beautiful.” he blurted.

Bakura froze. "W-What?” he croaked, and Marik turned and looked back, grinning in amusement. Mokuba had perched himself on a counter top with a video camera and was grinning as well. Seto looked baffled.

Yami scooted closer, staring like a love struck puppy. "I don’t know what you did, but you're just beautiful.” he said again, tilting his head to the side once more, looking a bit baffled himself.

Bakura whirled to face Yami, eyes wide.

"W-What the hell are you talking about?! Get away from me you freak!!!" And he started backing away. Seto watched, confused and a bit hurt. Marik and Mokuba were trying not to laugh, and the cook was snickering.

Yami inched closer again. "Have you been grooming more?” he asked, utterly perplexed and fascinated by the radiant blue skunk before him. "You look gorgeous."

Bakura backed into the cabinets, his ears erect and his eyes wide.

"I I I... NO! GET AWAY!!!" And he turned and bolted when Yami got too close.

Yami was shocked for a moment, before suddenly taking fight and hurrying after Bakura, not done staring at the loveliness of that beautiful shade of blue... and half wanting to touch it.

Seto blinked, and after a moment, Marik and Mokuba burst out laughing.

"Holy shit, this is better than I thought it would be!" Marik squeaked, and Mokuba leapt off of the counter.

"C'mon! I've got the video camera!" The boy exclaimed, racing from the room. Marik leapt up and charged after him, his claws skittering over the linoleum. Seto stared after them.

"Umm... can I prepare you dinner, sir?" The cook asked. Seto frowned.

"Later.” he said, and charged after everyone.

Yami sat perched on the back of the couch, peering at Bakura across the room, transfixed. "You're so beautiful....” he cooed lovingly. "I love to look at you....” he added, sighing dreamily.

Mokuba zoomed in on Bakura, crouched under the sofa and looking scared to death.

"Get away from me you buzzard!” he snapped, showing his teeth. Marik chuckled. Seto walked in at that point.

"MARIK! MOKUBA!!! WHAT DID YOU DO?!” he roared.

Yami cooed at Bakura hopping off the top of the couch and looking under it, a safe distance back. "So beautiful....” he murmured, cooing at him again in a most loving way.

Bakura darted out from under the sofa and up the stairs, heading for the bedroom Seto had been letting him stay in.

Yami was after him in a heartbeat, not about to lose sight of the beautiful blue creature, even if it was a beautiful blue GROWLING creature. He perched on the bed, watching the skunk closely, cooing at Bakura once more, and gazing longingly.

Bakura crouched in the corner behind a table with a lamp on it, glaring out at Yami. "GET AWAY FROM ME YOU FREAK!!!” he howled, running across the room and leaping into the wardrobe, slamming the door a little too quickly which resulted in his tail getting caught. "EEEYOOOOWW!!!!"

Yami cooed again, inching forward and opening the door, petting Bakura's tail soothingly. "Beautiful...” he murmured, looking as though he were in a dazed hypnosis.

"GAAAAAAAAH!!!! GET AWAY!!! HELP!!!! SETO!!! MARIK!! GET THIS FREAK AWAY FROM ME!!!" Bakura howled and launched himself out of the wardrobe, knocking Yami flat on his feathered ass and streaked out the door, nearly bowling Mokuba over in his desperate attempt to escape the enthralled bird hybrid. Marik and Mokuba laughed hysterically as they watched the skunk race down the hall, slamming into the wall when he tried to make a fast turn. Seto reached them just as Yami flew from the room after the skunk, and he seized Mokuba by the wrist and Marik by the tail.

"Okay... what did you two do?!” he growled, glaring at his brother and the lion hybrid.

Marik shrugged snickering. "We put some of that blue stuff on Bakura.” he said watching as Yami suddenly launched himself forward and attached himself to Bakura in an inescapable bear hug.

Seto blinked and looked down at Marik. "You put some what on him?” he asked. Then, his eyes widened. "Oh no..."

"That's how you got to fuck him, didn't you?" Marik asked, and Mokuba stared up at his brother with a shocked face. Seto stared down at Marik.

"Excuse me?!” he gasped. Marik grinned.

"Can't fool me, Seto.” he said, tapping his nose. "Animal senses here. I can smell it all over the both of you."

"OH, GOD!!!" Mokuba howled. "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT ABOUT MY BROTHER!!!"

"Why?" Marik asked. "You were just saying the other day that you wish they'd just hurry up and screw each other already." Seto stared.

"But that doesn't mean I want to know about it!" Mokuba whined. "Let me go Seto, I'm gonna go spend hours turning my brain to mush with video games..." Seto released the boy and he ran off. Then, he looked down at Marik.

"Can I have my tail back now?" Marik asked as Bakura hopped around the corner, howling and trying to pry Yami off of him.

"GODS, YOU SMELL LIKE JIZZ!!! GET OFF OF ME! I NEED A BATH!!! GO HANG OFF OF YOUR BOYFRIEND!!! SETOOOOO!!!! GET HIM OFF!!!"

Yami nuzzled Bakura, cooing lovingly. "You're so beautiful I could just stay here forever....” he sighed longingly, hugging Bakura tighter, feathers puffing slightly in an almost mothering fashion. "You're absolutely gorgeous....” he mumbled closing his eyes and cuddling Bakura, content to just bask in that blue color for ages.

"YAMI!!!" Seto snapped, walking over, Marik trotting by his side and snickering. "Let go of Bakura, for God's sake!!!"

"Awwwww.... you have an admirer Baku-chan!" Marik cooed, and gave Bakura a big wet lick up his cheek.

"DAMN YOU MARIK!!! I KNOW YOU'RE BEHIND THIS!!!" Bakura howled.

"Yep... this is great."

"I HATE YOU!!!"

"YAMI!!! LET GO OF THE SKUNK!!!" Seto howled.

Yami growled softly, clutching Bakura tighter. "Back off.” he said glaring slightly, protecting the beautiful creature he'd found.

He spread his wings slightly, both quivering slightly, as though he were ready to attack if anyone touched Bakura, or approached them menacingly.

Bakura whimpered plaintively, and Marik toppled over laughing hysterically. Seto glared down at the lion.

"Yami... come on now..." Seto coaxed. "Bakura is going to bite you if you don't let go."

Yami nuzzled into Bakura and sighed contently. "I don’t care....” he mumbled softly, wrapping his wings around Bakura lovingly.

"GET OFF OF ME YOU FUCKING COCK!!!" Bakura screamed turning and biting down on Yami's bicep.

Yami squawked loudly and bit Bakura back, on the most sensitive place he could find, which were those furry little ears.

"YEEEEEEOOOOOOWWWW!!!!" Bakura howled, struggling. "OW OW OW OW OWWW!!! LEGGO MY EEEEEAR!!! SETOOOO!!!!"

"YAMI!!" Seto roared. "OFF! NOW!!!

Yami growled at Seto, stopping his biting, but not letting go. Quite the contrary he felt confronted, and he growled loudly, feathers puffing up to make him look larger.

"Back off...” he hissed, looking like he was dazed and half out of his mind from the massive blue creature before him. The only thought on his mind was to protect the object of his affections from Seto.

Seto sighed and shook his head. "Marik, watch them."

"No problemo, Boss!" The lion giggled, as Seto turned and headed off. He returned a moment later with one of Mokuba's Super Soaker guns, and the little boy was on his heels with a video camera. Seto started pumping the gun, building up the pressure. Then, he took aim.

"Yami. Get off of the skunk. Now.” he ordered.

Yami growled once more, clutching Bakura tightly, still seeming to not be completely there. "BACK OFF!"

Seto pulled the trigger, sending a stream of water right into Yami's face. Mokuba and Marik cracked up and cheered.

Yami suddenly dropped Bakura and tackled Seto, pinning him to the floor and hunching over him dominantly. "Stop it!"

Bakura whirled and dashed away immediately. Seto smiled up at Yami and darted in, giving him a quick kiss and petting his wings.

"Good boy...” he praised.

Yami growled softly, looking around dazed and a bit confused. It took him a few moments before calming down and looking utterly lost. "....huh?” he mumbled after a moment.

Seto chuckled. "Are you finished hitting on Bakura, Yami?” he asked.

Yami blinked a bit. "Bakura?” he shook his head a bit. "What about him?"

Marik and Mokuba all laughed. Mokuba walked over and showed Yami the pop out screen of the video camera. Yami blinked and watched the video.

"What the hell are you looking at?" Bakura was snapping at Yami.

Yami blinked a bit, rubbing his eyes. "You’re beautiful.” he blurted.

Bakura froze. "W-What?” he croaked, and Marik turned and looked back at the pair, grinning in amusement. Seto looked baffled.

Yami scooted closer. "I don’t know what you did, but you're just beautiful.” he said again, tilting his head to the side once more.

Bakura whirled to face Yami, eyes wide.

"W-What the hell are you talking about?! Get away from me you freak!!!" And he started backing away. Marik was trying not to laugh, and the cook was snickering, and over the speaker, Mokuba could be heard snickering as well as he taped the scene.

Yami inched closer again. "Have you been grooming more?” he asked. "You look gorgeous."

Bakura backed into the cabinets, his ears erect and his eyes wide.

"I, I, I... NO! GET AWAY!!!" And he turned and bolted when Yami got too close.

Yami sat there for a moment, before suddenly taking flight and hurrying after Bakura.

Seto blinked, and after a moment, Marik and Mokuba burst out laughing.

"Holy shit, this is better than I thought it would be!" Marik squeaked, and Mokuba leapt off of the counter.

"C'mon! I've already got the video camera rolling!" The boy exclaimed, and the picture grew blurry and bumpy as he raced from the room. The picture came back into focus in the living room where Yami sat perched on the back of the couch, peering at Bakura across the room, transfixed. "You're so beautiful....” he cooed lovingly. "I love to look at you....” he added, sighing dreamily.

Mokuba zoomed in on Bakura, crouched under the sofa and looking scared to death.

"Get away from me you buzzard!” he snapped, showing his teeth. Marik chuckled.

"MARIK! MOKUBA!!! WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Seto roared from off screen.

Yami cooed at Bakura hopping off the top of the couch and looking under it, a safe distance back. "So beautiful....” he murmured, cooing at him again in a most loving way.

Bakura darted out from under the sofa and up the stairs, heading for the bedroom Seto had been letting him stay in.

Yami was after him in a heartbeat, and Mokuba and Marik cracked up.

"That's what Seto's talking about you bird brain." Mokuba snickered, closing the camera.

Yami blinked a bit. "That's not Bakura. That is a massive blue.... thing.” he said looking confused. "I do think it's beautiful."

Marik snickered. "Oh, that IS Bakura...” he said. "Me and Mokuba poured Seto's birdie love potions shit on him."

"You two are in SO much trouble..." Seto growled.

Yami looked at Seto questioningly. "Birdie love potions?” he said, folding his wings and looking rather irritated. "I think we need to have a little talk, and a lot of explaining."

Seto rolled his eyes. "I will explain, Yami. I owe you at least that." Then he turned and glared at Mokuba and Marik. "YOU two... Mokuba, you are grounded all tomorrow."

"WHAT?!"

"Marik, you too."

"WHAT?! Hey... waitaminnit. What are you grounding ME from?" The lion asked.

"You are being confined to the aviary for the day." Seto explained.

"Awww man! C'mon, Seto!!!" Marik whined, whimpering when Seto swatted his rear.

"GO!!" The lion turned and scuttled away on all fours, tail tucked in and belly to the floor. Seto looked at Mokuba, and the boy squeaked, and then turned and ran. Seto sighed and shook his head, and then turned and looked at Yami.

"Why don't you go back to our room? I have to find your... blue skunk and get him into the bath."

Yami huffed slightly, flapping his wings, before taking flight and flying from the room, a strange mixed aura of anger, hurt and betrayal following him from the room.

He sighed softly, landing in Seto's room and taking a seat inside the tunnel that connected it to the aviary. "Birdie love potions...” he growled, hitting the side of the tunnel, upset at himself for being so easily sucked into an animalistic pleasure.

It was nearly an hour before the door opened and Seto walked in, a wet and pissed Bakura trotting down the hall past him. He closed the door and flipped on the light.

"Yami?” he called.

Yami looked up at Seto, still resting in the tunnel.

"I'm here.” he said, turning his gaze back to the wall of the tunnel. Not willing to make any accusations, despite the need to. He'd give Seto a chance to explain himself...

"Is something wrong, Yami?" Seto asked, walking over to the tunnel and standing up on a chair to peer in.

"Birdie love potions." Yami replied grumbling softly. "Is that funny to you? Buy something to attract the bird in me and laugh it up?” he said looking away, hurt. "Or was it you weren't interested in my opinions or feelings, and decided to seek professional help in making me mindlessly love you?" Yami sighed, looking away, wings drooping.

Seto blinked. "Oh... that's it...” he sighed. "You wanna come down here so I don't have to stand on a chair and talk to the wall?"

Yami sighed, flapping lightly and flying from the tunnel to land gingerly on Seto's bed, sitting on it, his back to the CEO of Kaiba corp. "Happy?"

Seto smiled and nodded, getting off of the chair and walking over and sitting down on the bed.

"Yami...” he said. "I love you. And... You said that you loved me. You... you DID mean it, right?"

Yami sighed. "Yes... but why would you use something like that? You obviously knew what it was....” he looked down briefly. "Seto... why would you do that?"

Seto sighed and looked down. "Because... I didn't think you were... attracted to me... physically...” he mumbled.

Yami blushed lightly. "Well... I was..." he said after a moment. "And... The stuff makes you almost irresistible...” he mumbled sighing. "It... Bothers me you'd use the animal part of me... against me..."

"I'm sorry Yami... I never looked at it like that. I... just felt... inadequate. And I thought that this... ultraviolet stuff would make up for that. I thought I wasn't good enough..." Seto shook his head. "I never should have listened to that vet... I'm sorry, Yami."

Yami smiled softly. "If it makes you feel better, use it. I won’t complain.” he said after a moment. "You're utterly gorgeous... that color always reminded me of you..." Yami slowly turned and looked at Seto. "Next time... just ask me though... being how I am... well...” he sighed and looked at Seto with a slightly uneasy expression. "It scares me sometimes... because it's hard to control myself... there's so many things I'm compulsively drawn to do.... and sometimes it scares me."

Seto nodded. "Last time I tried to... get it on with you...” he smirked. "You asked what kind of wood my desk was made of. I thought you were trying to get out of things without... hurting me or something. The vet said that this stuff would make me more... desirable. And I wanted you to see me like that, and I just wasn't getting that from you..."

Yami chuckled. "Well you certainly are desirable that way... I feel like I'm not the only brightly colored idiot running around...” he said looking at his wings, smile fading almost as quickly as it came.

Seto snickered. "You're not an idiot. And I think your colors are beautiful." And he reached out and stroked Yami's wings. "I love you. And I accept you just the way you are, Yami. You should, too.” he leaned over and kissed Yami's cheek. "I think you're beautiful. Why can't you think that, too?"

Yami smiled once more. "I just... I guess I think too much about it... Yugi and I will never be on the same playing field again... I watch you and Mokuba, and I get jealous...” he said pulling Seto into a hug. "It's nothing that is your fault... I've just... lately...” he said after a moment. "I've wanted so many things only a bird would want... and it's making me crazy. I want to be human again so badly, so I'll stop wanting those things."

Seto hugged Yami tightly and stroked his back between his wings. "I know, Yami. But this is nothing you can control. You have to go WITH the flow of the river... if you try to fight against it; you'll wear yourself out and drown. We can't always control what cards are dealt to us. All we can do is accept what we've been given and make the best play we can with those limited cards. And I KNOW you're an expert in that area." Seto moved back and smiled at Yami. "Accept who you are. Don't resist it. You know I'm here, and I'll help you in any way I can. But you can't fight your genetics. Don't try to." And he kissed Yami's forehead.

Yami sighed and nodded. "It's easy for you to say that... you're not drawn to climb up onto roofs and jump off of them.” he said chuckling slightly.

Seto blinked and quirked an eyebrow. "That's a good thing. For you, it's okay. For me, it would make me suicidal.” he chuckled.

Yami laughed slightly. "I don’t think I'm allowed to jump off your roof.” he said amused. "Much less anyone else's."

"As long as you spread your wings and fly, I don't see any harm in you jumping off of the roof. Just don't make it a habit, huh?" Seto said, ruffling Yami's hair.

Yami wrinkled his nose slightly. "Don’t mess with the hair.” he said, calmly fixing it. Yami sighed after moment. "That's the trouble... I... I don’t like flying... much...” he said so softly it almost went unheard.

"You don't?" Seto asked, laying down onto his side and frowning at Yami. "Why?"

Yami laughed uneasily. "I... don’t much care for heights.” he said sheepishly.

Seto blinked. He blinked again. "You... don't like... heights?” he asked, weakly.

Yami nodded slowly. "Yes...” he said after a moment. "My poor ego...” he mumbled flopping back onto the bed, looking up at the ceiling. "I don’t make a good bird..."

Seto laughed. "You're afraid of heights, and yet you flew up to the top of the Industrial Illusions building?!” he cried, highly amused.

"It was for Ryou!" Yami huffed slightly. "Didn't you notice how upset I was when I came in that window?"

Seto blinked. "Not really. You did a good job of hiding it. I thought you were just tired."

Yami laughed softly. "Well... that's why I'm upset... I want to fly... but I hate heights..."

Seto smiled. "Well... start low. Then add height. I'm sure you'll be okay." And he sat up and put an arm around Yami, kissing his cheek.

Yami sighed and leaned into Seto's arms. "I'd prefer not to want to fly at all... I don’t know how I'm going to tell Yugi... he's been looking forward to me trying to fly with him since he found out....” he said wrapping a wing around Seto, hugging him in a way.

"Yami, you have wings. And... You may find that you like to fly. And I don't just mean up onto the chandelier to escape the spray stuff for your wings." And he poked Yami while giving him a look.

"If men were meant to fly, they'd be BORN with wings... not have them sprout halfway through life." Yami countered poking Seto's arm lightly. "And for the record, I think your chandelier is too high as well."

Seto laughed, and hugged him. "I love you.” he said, kissing his cheek again. "And I'll help you learn to fly. Start by flying around the house. Just, umm.... don't knock things over, huh?"

"Certainly not!" Yami blurted indignantly. "If I started flying around the house like that you and I both know 'fairy' jokes would rain down from your skunk and lion friends.” he grumbled. "I'd rather just do MY flying in an airplane."

"Yami. You have been made to fly, whether by nature or science. And your DNA makes you feel the NEED to fly. And... At the risk of sounding EXTREMLY corny... It would make my heart soar to see you flying..." And he smiled and gently kissed Yami's cheek again, running his fingers through his hair.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Risk? That was so corny that I forbid you to ever say it again, out of respect for your image.” he said after a moment. "DNA, Science or not, I don’t really... want to.” he added laying his head on Seto's shoulder. "I don’t like the idea of falling, I don’t trust these wings.” he said unfolding them and letting the brightly colored appendages rest on the bed. "They aren't naturally mine, and Science is a creation of man, to gain the power of the gods.... and that always goes afoul...” he said after a moment. "And although I respect the power of the gods, I'm not willing to test their patience, by believing in the creations of man. In other words, I just know someone's out to get me..."

Seto blinked. "Because a scientist gave you wings, you think that the gods are out to get you?" Seto paraphrased, thoroughly confused by this train of thought.

"No, because scientists gave me wings, I'm not about to trust them. Gods are the ones meant to bestow people with things like wings." Yami corrected. "I was saying nothing man makes is perfect. And I don’t like trusting things I know wont work."

"But you're already used them." Seto pointed out. "And they worked quite well, didn't they?"

"Let me be paranoid about them, I let you pretend you can beat me at duel monsters for years." Yami said stubbornly.

Seto glared. "I'll pretend you didn't say that.” he growled.

Yami chuckled. "I'll let you pretend that too.” he said amusedly.

Seto glared. "Keep this up and I'll put that Ultraviolet stuff on you and stick you in front of a mirror.” he threatened.

"The view'd be great." Yami said smugly.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Stuck up cock...” he grumbled.

"Learned from the best." Yami retorted snickering.

"Oh, shut up and preen, or something." Seto grumbled.

Yami smirked, having adequately diverted Seto from talking of flying. He began preening. "You're just mad because you know it's true."

"...... Fuck off." Seto mumbled his face in a pillow.

Yami chuckled. "You already did."

"Yami...." Seto mumbled into the pillow. "Shut up and go to sleep."

Yami chuckled and laid next to Seto, nuzzling into him. "You always were a sore loser."

"....... I hate you." Seto grumbled. Then, he picked up his head. "I think you're the only person I would tolerate defeating me."

Yami snuck Seto a kiss and laughed. "It's a good tolerance to have, since it happens so often."

"Oh, shut up and go to sleep..." Seto cried, flinging a pillow at Yami. "Or I'll force feed you another one of those sleeping pills again!

Yami huffed indignantly. "I'll bite you so hard you'll feel it for weeks if you do that again.” he growled, feathers puffing up slightly. "You could kill me doing that!"

Seto let his face drop into his pillow again and he mumbled something, but Yami was unable to make it out.

Yami blinked and sat up, getting out of the bed. "What was that?” he said calmly, not really able to sleep at the moment.

But his only answer was a muffled snore.

Yami laughed shaking his head. "Lazy...” he mumbled, tucking Seto into his bed and flapping his wings just enough to get him into the tunnel to the aviary. "Good night Seto...” he said shaking his head, leaving.

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

Pegasus walked into the Bunny Room first thing in the morning. He hadn't seen either hybrid since he had locked them into the cage the day before, but when he saw them, he smiled. The pair was curled up together, cheek to cheek, fast asleep. The man smiled and knelt, peering in at the two. They really were an adorable pair. After he had stared at them for nearly five full minutes, he gently knocked on the side of the Nesting Box to wake them up.

Ryou's ears twitched lightly, and he lifted his head sleepily, looking around dully, yawning loudly. "Master Pegasus....” he got up slowly and shook the shavings from himself, yawning once more before sitting in front of the cage door.

"Good morning!” he said rubbing his eyes and offering his mate a loving smile. "I'm hungry..." Ryou smiled a bit, stretching and nuzzling the cage door, eagerly awaiting Pegasus' opening it. "Do you have work today master Pegasus?"

Pegasus smiled, glancing back as Malik flicked an ear and lifted his head, yawning.

"I do this afternoon. This morning, we are going to the vet." Pegasus announced, opening the cage door, just waiting for Ryou to panic.

Ryou backed away from the cage door, ears flattened against his head. "Please no... I don’t like the vet! You said no more vet!” he whimpered darting to the furthest corner and burying himself quickly.

Malik blinked over at Ryou. Pegasus laughed.

"Ryou, Malik has a check up appointment. You don't even have to come if you don't want to.” he said, and Malik's ears shot up in alarm.

"W-WHAT?!” he yelped, leaping to his feet and backing away, tail tucked in.

"Come on, Malik. You have an appointment with the vet." Pegasus said. Malik whimpered and his ears tilted back. He huddled down in the corner next to Ryou.

Ryou looked at Malik sympathetically and licked his cheek, nuzzling him. "I'll go too...” he said softly. He hopped forward and nuzzled Pegasus. "Please don’t hurt him...” he whispered giving Pegasus his best pleading eyes. "He's so scared... and I like him, he's a good fox." He licked Pegasus' cheek and nuzzled him.

Pegasus smiled and picked Ryou up, kissing his cheek. "Then you may come.” he said. "Come on, Malik. The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll be finished." And he turned and carried Ryou over to the grooming table. Malik sighed and hopped out of the cage, trotting after Pegasus, who lifted him up next to Ryou. The man smiled and picked up a brush, beginning to brush Ryou's hair.

Ryou grinned and playfully nipped at the brush, batting at it occasionally, raspberrying at it and just generally being a little spunky bunny.

"Master Pegasus... you might want to leave us home while you work today... Malik will be tired... I remember how tired I was when I came back from the vet...” he said, finally calming and allowing Pegasus to brush his silken white hair.

Pegasus smiled. "But what if I want to show off my beautiful fennec?” he asked, turning and ruffling Malik's hair. Malik made an annoyed noise and smoothed his hair. Pegasus laughed. "Not you too!” he chuckled. "You two and your hair...” he shook his head and finished brushing Ryou, moving over to Malik and brushing his hair, and tail. Malik sat quietly and let the man groom him. After all... it felt nice.

Ryou yawned once more and stretched, beginning to groom his ears as Malik appreciated his first grooming from Pegasus. "Master Pegasus...” he said calmly, finally finishing with his ears. "Malik will not be pretty if you show him off tired...” he licked at Pegasus' hands. "You should show us both off tomorrow, when he's not grouchy from being micro chipped and given so many shots. Or tired from the shots."

Pegasus chuckled. "Yes, but Malik was not kept up late being punished, was he?" And he looked over at Ryou. "He also didn't jump out of a moving car yesterday, did he? You were tired when we went to the vet. You were tired while we were there, and tired when we left. Malik isn't tired. He'll be fine." And he pet Malik on the head. Malik thumped his tail and licked Pegasus' hand.

Ryou wrinkled his nose and huffed, looking away caught between hurt and jealousy. Pegasus seemed to favor Malik over him at times, and it drove him up a wall that he wasn't the favorite anymore.

Pegasus chuckled at Ryou and moved over to him, petting his head and giving him a little kiss on the nose. "I see my little green eyed bunny....” he teased, and flicked Ryou's tail. Malik giggled and licked Ryou's cheek, nuzzling him.

Ryou huffed again, looking away from Pegasus, very green-eyed indeed. His ears flicked slightly and he focused on a wall, slightly angry at Pegasus for giving him reason to be jealous.

Pegasus chuckled and got down Ryou's bunny suit, putting him into it and putting on his gloves and booties. Then he turned to Malik and got out his light purple harem pants and put them on him, followed by his tube top.

"There we go.” he said, smiling and putting Malik's gold jewelry on; his arm bands, necklaces and bracelets. "You look very exotic, Malik." Malik smiled and wagged his tail again. Then Pegasus turned to Ryou and took down a blue satin ribbon, tying it around his neck. "And my precious little bunny couldn't be prettier...” he said, hugging and cuddling Ryou, kissing his face. "Who's my good bunny?"

Ryou pouted softly. "I'm exotic too!” he huffed, pouting more. "I'm a good exotic bunny, better than Malik!” he said, ears drooping slightly and hunching down jealously.

Pegasus laughed. "I wouldn't call you... exotic, Ryou.” he said, fixing the harness onto Ryou, and then Malik. "But I would CERTAINLY call you original, or unique.” he set Malik on the floor, clipping the leash onto him. "There's no one else in the world like you, Ryou." Pegasus said, picking Ryou up and carrying him, as opposed to having him hop along with Malik. He kissed Ryou's cheek. "You are my precious baby bunny, and no one will EVER take your place.” he said, smiling down at the bunny in his arms.

Ryou smiled a little and looked at Pegasus grinning, jealousy fading. "Mmm...” he hummed, leaning forward and licking Pegasus' cheek. "No one like me? No one at all? There's lots of bunny hybrids...” he said nuzzling into Pegasus' arms.

"Yes, there are." Pegasus said. "But none like you. You are very special. And so is Malik.” he set Ryou down next to Malik. "I had to have a VERY special pet made to be your friend. Because you deserve only the most special to be your friend." Malik wagged his tail and turned, licking Ryou's cheek again.

"Yeah, Ryou! We're special friends!” he announced.

Ryou nuzzled Malik and tackled him softly, beginning to tug his ears playfully. "My special friend made just for me!” he cheered, beginning to groom Malik, despite Pegasus having just groomed him.

Pegasus chuckled. "That's right.” he said. "A very special friend made for a very special bunny.” he said, and gave the leashes a small tug to get the pair to come along.

Ryou grinned and let Malik up, hopping after Pegasus quickly. "I'm hungry.” he called softly after a moment. "You'll feed us soon right?” he asked as he hopped after.

"Right after we go to the vet and on the way to the office, Ryou." Pegasus said, leading them down the stairs and out the front door, opening the door of the car for them to hop in.

Ryou hopped in and hopped into the seat he normally sat in, next to Pegasus. "What is breakfast? Can I have strawberries?!" Ryou asked suddenly very eager. "Strawberries and.... a waffle?"

Pegasus laughed. "We'll see.” he said, watching Malik settle down on Ryou's other side and sniffing at the car as it pulled away.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus as they rode in the car. "So you're taking us to work with you then?” he said before hopping to the window suddenly and peering out eagerly.

Malik and Pegasus blinked over at him, watching his little tail flicking excitedly.

"Yes, I am.” he said, reaching out and catching that little tuft of fur and giving it an affectionate tug. "Of course, for now you will have to share your bed and toys with Malik. You'll be nice about that right?” he asked, looking down and petting Malik, smiling at his wagging tail.

Ryou twitched and turned to glare slightly at Pegasus. "Doooooon't!” he pouted scooting away a bit. "You know I don’t like that....” he mumbled petting his own tail slightly.

"I'm sorry!" Pegasus whined. "But I can't resist! It's so cute!" And Malik giggled, smiling and wagging his tail at Ryou.

"You have a little tail.” he announced, making Pegasus chuckle. "Mine's bigger!" And he wagged his tail around even more, showing it off.

Ryou pouted and looked away. "Mine's cuter...” he said jealously.

Pegasus laughed and Malik giggled, neither of them arguing with that. In fact, Malik turned and gently caught Ryou's tail in his teeth, being careful not to hurt him.

"An 'm gonna EAT IT!” he giggled up at Ryou.

Ryou yelped and squirmed. "Nooooo! Don’t touch it! Dooooonnnn't!” he whined loudly, twitching. Malik had his mouth.... his slobbery spitty mouth on HIS tail! His precious CLEAN perfect tail, which was just how he liked it!

Malik giggled again, and then let out a playful growl and tugged it. Pegasus laughed, finding this entire situation to be highly amusing.

Ryou twitched again. "Don’t touch my tail!” he wailed squirming to get away. "You're messing it up! You’re making it gross! You’re covering it in spit!” he howled whining loudly and shoving Malik.

Malik laughed and let go, and Pegasus chuckled and shook his head.

"Ryou, your tail looks fine... But come here." And the man pulled Ryou into his lap and pulled a small brush out of one of the limo's compartments. He looked over Ryou's tail, and then began to fluff it up with the brush. "There. All better.” he said, and kissed Ryou's cheek. Malik sat up and licked Ryou's nose.

Ryou nuzzled Malik and sighed. Thinking about something he hadn't thought about in a while... Marik. He trembled slightly and shook his head, fearful that Pegasus would see his thoughts and hurt him.

He whimpered softly and nuzzled into Pegasus' leg, unable to wipe the image of the loving lion from his mind, or the deep desires to love him.

But Pegasus was not paying any attention to Ryou at the moment, aside from holding him in his lap and stroking him; he was laughing at Malik who was hanging his head out the window and yapping at people they were passing on the street, his tail going a mile a minute.

Ryou sighed and laid his head on Pegasus's leg, closing his eyes. 'It'd... be nice to be with Marik again....’ he thought softly, looking at the interior of the limo slowly.

He had a nice life, an easy life... everything was handed to him on silver platters. But he didn't want a nice life, with ease in everything. He wanted adventure, travel, love....

Ryou sighed longingly, thinking about his old life. 'Yugi... my friends....'

Pegasus smiled down at Ryou. "Are you okay?” he asked. "You look sad..."

Ryou jumped slightly, and nodded quickly. "Y-yes.” he stammered, frightened Pegasus might suddenly be prying into his mind.

Pegasus blinked and quirked an eyebrow, but he cuddled Ryou to his chest and kissed his cheek. "I love you...” he crooned. "Who's my good bunny?"

Ryou whimpered softly, squirming. "I... I'm a good bunny.” he squeaked, trying to squirm loose.

Pegasus frowned. "You're acting oddly, Ryou.” he said. "What's wrong?"

Ryou squeaked. "I... I've got to gooooo...” he said quickly.

Pegasus blinked, and then laughed. "We're almost there, baby. Just wait a few more minutes!" And he kissed Ryou's nose and gently rubbed his back. And a few minutes later the car pulled up in front of the vet's office. Pegasus took the leashes and opened the door, letting Ryou and Malik hop out of the car. Pegasus led Ryou over to the flower bed in front of the office. "Okay, just hide behind that fern and do it, Ryou.” he said, and Malik blinked, and then blushed slightly and turned away to give Ryou some privacy.

Ryou hid behind the fern and glared at the wall. Why did he have to say THAT as his excuse?! He huffed softly and after a bit of self coaxing, forced himself to pee. He hated that... what he wouldn't give for a stool and some paper...

He hopped out after a moment, looking a bit peeved.

Pegasus pet him on the head. "Good boy. Feel better?"

Ryou grumbled softly in response, deeply missing that wonderful invention called a toilet.

Malik nuzzled Ryou gently, licking his cheek, and then trotted after Pegasus and into the vet's office.

"Ryou... how bad is this gonna be?” he muttered to the bunny as Pegasus began filling out paperwork.

"You'll be in a lot of pain, and humiliation." Ryou mumbled back laying down. "you're going to be hating your life for a while...” he mumbled pouting. "I miss toilets..."

Malik blinked and gulped, his ears and tail drooping. He watched Ryou huddle under Pegasus' chair, and he opted to lie down at the man's feet, looking around at the other people in the waiting room staring at him.

"Mr. Pegasus! Hello!" Boomed a voice, and Malik jumped. So did Ryou, letting out a squeak and jumping straight up, bumping Pegasus' chair. The man blinked and looked down a minute, and then stood and shook hands with the man.

"Hello, Dr. Inogawa.” he said.

"Well, a new hybrid, eh?" The vet said, looking down at Malik who was hiding behind Pegasus' legs. "Well, let's get you started!" And he turned and led Pegasus down the hall, the man dragging the two hybrids behind him.

Ryou squirmed and tugged against the leash and harness, not liking the vet at all. "Do we have to?” he asked pathetically, watching Malik, who also seemed to have a problem with going in to the vet's office.

Ryou whimpered and scuttled under the chair as Malik was hoisted onto the table to be examined.

Malik sat down on the table, watching the doctor warily.

The doctor chuckled and fixed the restraining harness on Malik, who was giving him death glares every moment. He forced Malik's head into the head harness and got the bit into his mouth before the boy even knew what had happened.

"So, what's this one's name?" The vet asked, beginning to strip Malik of his clothes.

"This is Malik. He's a fennec fox." Pegasus said, sitting down and pulling Ryou out from under the chair, picking him up and placing him on the chair next to him. "You be good, Ryou.” he said, petting his bunny.

Ryou trembled softly and nodded.

Malik glared at the vet, flicking his ears a bit. 'Don’t touch me.' he grumbled, unable to prevent himself from getting defensive. This was a serious invasion of his privacy.

But the vet only laughed and ruffled his hair. "Cute little fellow. And he's got an attitude as well."

"He's going to be a handful." Pegasus conceded, smiling. "Malik, be good."

"Well, let's look him over..." The vet said, putting the earpieces of his stethoscope in, and holding the cold disk onto Malik's chest. "Heart sound good and strong.” he moved it to Malik's back. "Alright little fellow. Take a few deep breathes for me, please?"

Malik took a few deep breaths, taking special care to be obedient, unless he wanted to blow his cover.

He looked at Ryou carefully, noticing the bunny seemed about as happy with the situation as he was.

"P-please can we go home?" Ryou asked Pegasus softly.

Pegasus smiled and pet Ryou. "We want to make sure your friend is healthy, Ryou."

"Well, his lungs sound just fine. And just look at the depth of his skin tone… Beautiful!" And he rubbed Malik's back, and then ran his fingers through his hair. "Hair is thick and shiny...” he shone a light into Malik's eyes. "Eyes are clear and alert. And a gorgeous color, too. Never seen any like them...” he lifted Malik's upper lip, earning a growl. "Teeth look clean and healthy...” he checked his ears. "Ears are clear, and the fur is soft... Claws are a good length... He is quite a magnificent creature, Mr. Pegasus. Beautiful." And he pet Malik on the head.

Malik grumbled softly and struggled against the harness, making displeased noises. 'This isn't very comfortable.' He thought sourly. He'd more than considered just sitting still rather than being in that harness, it pinched him and held him at an awkward angle.

"He's a young one..." The vet said, taking Malik's blood pressure. Then, he turned and grabbed the thermometer. Pegasus raised his eyebrows, just waiting for Malik, Ryou, or both, to spaz out at the sight of the thing. The vet grabbed Malik's tail and lifted it.

Malik's eyes widened and, just like Ryou wigged out and turned on the doctor, snarling and snapping at him, despite the harness on his head, tail curling up between his legs immediately, swiping at him with a clawed hand.

Ryou squeaked and shook his head. "Don’t!"

The doctor chuckled. "Calm down, Malik.” he said, grabbing his tail and sticking the thermometer into him, before jumping back and out of the way.

Malik twitched, growling furiously. Ryou was right; he was thoroughly humiliated.

Ryou sniffled and hopped off his chair, propping himself up and trying to snatch the thermometer away from Malik. The poor teen didn't need this humiliation... even if he took it; Malik didn't want this for himself.

"Ah! Stop that!" The vet scolded, slapping Ryou's hand away. Pegasus laughed and picked Ryou up, holding him in his lap and petting him.

"Stay out of Dr. Inogawa's way, Ryou.” he said, petting and cuddling his bunny. Ryou pouted, but both hybrids jumped when they heard the snap of latex gloves. And then, the vet asked that dreaded question.

"Has he reached sexual maturity, Mr. Pegasus?" Ryou's ears shot up. He knew what Malik was in for next.

"Don’t!” he squeaked, shaking his head eyes wide, squirming out of Pegasus's lap and purposely getting into Dr. Inogawa's way. "He has! He's fine!"

Malik squirmed desperately trying to get away from the insane freak with the latex gloves. 'Keep away from me you jackass!’ he howled in his mind.

Pegasus snatched Ryou's leash and pulled him back, tying it onto the ring that Malik's head harness was clipping to, keeping Ryou away from the vet.

"Well, he certainly is protective of Malik." The vet laughed, smiling down at Ryou. "You are SUCH a good bunny!” he cooed. "Are you scared I'm going to hurt your friend? I promise I won't."

Ryou huffed. "He doesn't want you touching him!” he hissed snottily. "It's very intrusive!"

Malik nodded, trying to back away from the doctor, twisting himself at an odd angle to protect himself.

The vet and Pegasus laughed. "My my... he's very protective. You don’t want me touching your friend, do you little guy?" The vet asked, and then turned as the thermometer beeped, and took it out of Malik. "Temperature is... maybe a little warm, but he seems to be a bit stressed right now, so nothing to worry about." The vet said. Then, he reached between Malik's legs and groped him.

Malik yelped and lunged at the vet again, managing to get a bite of his sleeve, despite the bit.

"Don’t!" Ryou howled, lunging at the vet as well, squirming with his leash and harness, trying to save Malik from this horrible humiliation. "He's FINE!"

The vet cursed and jumped back, and then moved to where Malik couldn't reach him and grabbed his genitals again. "He feels fine. Everything feels normal. Is he sexually active?"

"Not to my knowledge." Pegasus said. "I haven't touched him. To my knowledge he hasn't been penetrated, but you should ask him." The vet nodded and let go of Malik's equipment.

"Well Malik?” he asked. "Are you a virgin?"

Malik shook his head quickly; ears flattened back against his head, half from aggression, half from sheer embarrassment.

Ryou panted softly, slumping to the floor and groaning softly, closing his eyes, utterly tuckered out from trying to do so much so quickly. "He has a mate."

Pegasus blinked and raised his eyebrows. "He does?!” he asked, looking down at Ryou. The vet smiled and pet Malik's behind.

"Really now... okay, I’m just going to give you an internal exam, then.” he said, and reached for the dreaded tube labeled Sterile Water Based Medical Lubricant.

Ryou whined loudly. "STOP IT!” he wailed, getting up and shaking his head. "Leave him alone!!"

Malik on the other hand was FREAKING out now. 'Oh HELL no, I'm not going to get ass-fisted by you!' he hissed in his mind, lunging at the vet again, furious.

Pegasus was all over Malik in seconds, holding him as still as he could as the vet smeared the stuff over two fingers the slid them into the fennec, who was livid. Pegasus yelped as an angry bunny seized his pant leg in his teeth and started tugging.

"What the..?! RYOU! LET GO!! STOP THAT!! DOWN!! DOWN!!! MALIK! HOLD STILL!!!" The man howled, trying to kick Ryou off of his leg and hold Malik still at the same time. The vet was also trying to hold Malik with one arm around his waist as he eased his fingers deeper.

"Well, I'm not feeling anything out of the ordinary, he's fine." And he removed his fingers and released the fox, as did Pegasus who immediately went to detach Ryou from his pants.

Ryou let go of Pegasus' pants and mewled softly. "Don’t scare me....” he whimpered nuzzling Pegasus' leg. "He was... going to hurt Malik....” he said, bowing his head in apology. "He's not supposed to touch Pegasus' pets.” he added, sounding proud he knew the rules.

Malik whimpered and laid down as best he could, humiliated and tired. He too, bowed his head in apology.

"Ryou, did you not hear me tell you 'no'?" Pegasus asked sternly, crossing his arms and tapping his foot. The vet in the mean time was petting Malik.

"Time for your shots, Malik.” he said, and Pegasus turned and sat down, letting Ryou know that he was off the hook... this time.

Ryou whimpered softly and hopped over to Pegasus, giving him the biggest sad eyes he'd ever given. ".... I... I'm still a good bunny though... right?” he asked sniffling softly, ears drooping.

Malik rolled his eyes, groaning softly and preparing for a mass of shots and a wave of drugs that would surely make him tired and grouchy for the remainder of the day. 'I hate doctors... and now I hate vets too.'

Pegasus chuckled and pet Ryou. "Yes, you're a good bunny. You were protecting your friend. But from now on, remember that you don't need to protect him from me..." And he leaned down and inspected the hole Ryou had made in his pants. "Okay, Ryou?"

Ryou pouted slightly. "But you are scary when you get angry... you can’t get angry at Malik.” he said laying his head in his master's lap.

Malik glared at the vet menacingly. 'I hate you.'

Pegasus laughed. "I'm not mad at Malik!” he cried, and then looked over to where the vet was preparing the first injection. And it went right into Malik's bottom.

Malik yelped and smacked the vet harshly with his tail. 'KNOCK IT OFF!' He growled loudly. 'My ass is no place to be jabbing NEEDLES!'

The vet chuckled and picked up the next syringe. "I'm sorry, Malik. I know that hurts." And he stuck the next needle into Malik's thigh.

Malik hissed again, and slapped him once more, finding a fun use for the extra body part.

Ryou whimpered and shook his head. "Don’t hurt him!” he said, ears drooping

The vet laughed. "Easy, Malik! Would you rather get rabies?" And he injected Malik with two more shots in the arm. Then, he gave him three more in his backside. "There. That's all the shots." And he pet Malik. "I'm sorry. There's only one, correction, four things left to do, now that I think of it. First things first, let's get you micro chipped.” he swabbed the back of Malik's neck with disinfectant, and then picked up the gun with the BIG scary needle on it.

Malik looked at the needle and his ears fell back, eyes widening and he began to whimper loudly.

'Ra... Save me...'

Ryou whimpered too and buried his face into Pegasus' chest.

"Shh...." The vet crooned. "You're such a good boy. I'll be quick." And he jabbed it in and pulled the trigger, shooting the microchip into Malik, and then slapping a band aid onto the injection site. "There, see? All done. Now let me check it...” he picked up a scanner and scanned Malik's neck. "Ah. There we go. Reading fine. Ryou, come here and let me make sure yours is working properly." And he walked over to Pegasus, who tightened his hold on Ryou's leash.

Ryou whimpered and backed away, beginning to make the growling clicking noise. "Stay away!" he whimpered, crawling under the chair and baring his teeth. "Leave me alone!"

The vet chuckled and knelt. "It won't hurt Ryou, I promise." And he grabbed Ryou by the ears and dragged him out, passing the scanner over his neck. There was a beep and he released Ryou. "Ah. There, you see? That's it!" And he pet Ryou gently.

Ryou snapped at him lightly. "Don’t touch! Only master Pegasus can touch me!” he hissed hunching down and huffing.

Malik blinked at that comment, and his ears drooped a bit.

The vet smiled, and then turned and messed around with bottles on the counter, and then turned with two more syringes, only needle free. He picked one up and walked over to Malik. "This won't hurt, but it won't be... comfortable either, Malik. I'm just doing to get it over with, okay?" Then he looked at Pegasus. "This is the vaccine for Kennel Cough.” he turned back to Malik.

Malik blinked and backed up a bit. That was NOT a good sign.

Ryou's ears perked. "Kennel cough? Wh.... what's that?” he asked softly, tilting his head to the side.

"A nasty thing you can get from being around other animals, especially in a kennel or boarding facility. You get a cough, runny nose, and a green mucous can form in the corner of your eyes. It's not something you want to have." The vet said, holding Malik's head still. He jammed the syringe up Malik's nose and squirted the liquid into his nasal cavity.

Malik yowled and began coughing and hacking, his nose and throat burning badly from the liquid just forced up it.

Ryou yelped and lunged at the man. "STOP IT!"

"I'm sorry, Malik." The vet said, patting him and releasing him from the harness. "But Kennel Cough can be fatal, sometimes." And he offered him a strip of jerky. "Here's for being a good boy."

Malik took it quickly and scuttled away grumbling and coughing still. "Bastard...” he mumbled around his treat, chewing it grouchily.

Ryou licked Malik's cheek and nuzzled him. "Poor Malik..."

Then, the vet turned and plucked Ryou up off of the floor and placed him on the table. "Your turn!” he sang, as Pegasus scratched Malik's ears.

Ryou growled and lunged, biting the man. "NO!” he said firmly. "I'm never around other animals and I don’t need you to choke me!” he shouted, defiantly. "I'm Pegasus' special bunny and I'm never in a kennel or around other animals! NO!"

"Ouch!" The vet yelped, leaping back.

"RYOU!" Pegasus barked, glaring. "Ryou, what have I told you about biting?!" And he brought his hand down on Ryou's backside.

Ryou yelped and turned on Pegasus, pouting and looking irritated. "I don’t need it!” he said hotly. "I don’t want it!"

Pegasus glared. "You hold still!” he snapped, putting Ryou into a head lock. The vet walked over, grabbed Ryou's ears with one hand, and squirted the vaccine up Ryou's nose with the other. Then, they both released him.

Ryou yowled painfully and lunged at the vet once again, determined to bite him for hurting him. "BAD!” he growled as he launched himself at the man angrily.

The man leapt back and left the office, coming back a few moments later. "I'm sorry, Ryou.” he said, holding out a radish for Ryou. "You're a good bunny."

Ryou huffed, taking it and glaring. He hopped away, crawling under a desk and beginning to eat his treat, making displeased noises.

The vet chuckled, and once Ryou had finished his radish, he picked him up and plunked him back onto the table again. "Easy little guy.” he said, beginning to remove Ryou's bunny suit. "I promise... THAT was the worst I'm going to do to you. I just want to make sure those injuries you came in with last time have healed. I promise not to upset you, I just want to look."

Ryou growled defensively, baring his teeth once more. "I'm fine.” he said snapping at the vet once more. "You don’t need to look, because I've just told you how I am."

"NO, RYOU!" Pegasus snapped, smacking Ryou's behind again, and while Ryou was whimpering, the vet quickly stripped him and looked him over.

"Well... a few scars, but even those are fading...” he said, smiling. "Ryou looks fine. And he looks good and healthy. I think I might want to weigh him again if you don't mind.” he put the bunny suit back onto Ryou and lifted his head with a finger under his chin. "There's a cute little bunny. Can you show me your teeth, please?"

Ryou glared, but opened his mouth for the man.

Malik grumbled himself, curled up under the chairs and starting to doze off from fatigue. Those shots took it out of him.

The vet smiled and checked Ryou's teeth, and then lifted his paws and removed the booties and gloves, checking his little claws. He smiled and replaced them onto Ryou, and then pet him on the head. "Good boy." And he gave him a little baby carrot.

Ryou grumbled again and nibbled on the carrot, hopping away once more, to hide under the same desk and pout about his misfortune.

The vet chuckled. "Mr. Pegasus, if you would please, I'd like to weigh them both." Pegasus nodded and picked Ryou up, carrying him out into the hall and placing him on the scale. Ryou was too busy with his carrot to care. The vet smiled. "Ah... he's gained a few pounds. Good!" And he scribbled this into Ryou's chart. "Malik, hop up here.” he said, smiling down at the fennec that had redressed himself.

Malik nodded and hopped onto the scale, yawning widely. "I'm ready to go home...” he mumbled rubbing his eyes. "Can we leave yet?” he added, slightly impatient.

The vet chuckled down at Malik, scribbling down his weight. He knelt and scratched his ears. "Well, you are one of the healthiest hybrids I have EVER seen. Here. This is for you." And he offered Malik a fresh piece of steak.

Malik took it and chewed it gratefully, yawning after swallowing the bit of meat. "Thank you.” he said raising a leg and beginning to scratch his ear. "I've always been beautiful.” he added smugly, flicking his tail a bit.

The vet chuckled and stood, looking at Pegasus. "Well, you're ready to head out. There was a powder in that meat I gave your fennec. Some people complained about their pets getting sluggish after their shots, so it's a picker upper. He'll be wide awake within ten minutes. You have beautiful healthy hybrids, Mr. Pegasus. I can't wait to see them again." And he shook Pegasus' hand, gave Ryou and Malik a scratch, and then walked away.

Ryou yawned a bit and nuzzled Pegasus. "Let’s leave... I don’t like it here.” he mumbled stretching out a bit. "He always hurts me."

Malik nodded a bit. "Yeah lets leave; I don’t like it here either."

Pegasus smiled and led them out to the waiting room where he paid the bill, and then got the pair into the car.

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

Warning! Next chapter is angsty!!!

On a lighter note, I now have an account on DeviantArt!!! Under the name hatochiisai of course!!! ^_^ Go there to see my art, including pictures of the hybrids!!! Yay!!!!