Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 30

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Three months after Marik had been admitted to the Willow Ridge Hospital, Marik turned 24. Sachiko Hinaru woke that morning in a chair in Marik's room next to his bed. She smiled at the sleeping lion, who had still been having the occasional nightmare. She had stayed with him all night after he woke up repeatedly. But now he was sleeping soundly, curled around a large bunny plush that she had given him as a gift two months ago.

She had bought the thing for him when Marik had achieved a very large victory; a group of larger hybrids who had heard of Marik's story cornered him in the yard and taunted him. And Marik had managed to keep his temper in check. But when he was brought back in he had broken down into tears. But Hinaru had been so proud of him that she went out and got him a large rabbit plush and had Ryou sleep with it for a few nights so it smelled like him before she gave it to Marik. Now Marik slept with it every night, but still carried the small plushy around with him everywhere he went without fail.

She smiled and stood, quietly leaving Marik's room. She showered and changed, ate some breakfast, and then went to the front reception area, waiting. Ryou and Rem were coming today, to surprise Marik for his birthday.

It didn't take long for the guests to arrive. Ryou was dressed in his school uniform again, attending summer classes to catch up on all the work he'd missed during his hybrid year as a pet. Rem smiled and waved to Dr. Hinaru. "Hello! It's good to see you!" She said shoving Ryou forward, who was shyly clutching his postman's bag, a new newsie hat on his head, thanks to Pegasus.

His ears fell back at the sight of the doctor. She wasn’t intimidating by any means, but she was still new... and he was still a rabbit.

Dr. Hinaru smiled. This was a big day for Ryou. The poor rabbit and lion had been separated for three months with only phone conversations.

"Ryou." She said with a smile, holding out her hand to him. "It's wonderful to meet you. Marik has missed you desperately."

Ryou nodded ears back but he meekly took her hand and shook it. "H-hello...” He said softly, offering a shy smile. "... I brought him some... presents for his birthday...” He said softly. "S-since I heard he'd had it while he's been here...” He added looking down. "Th-that's... ok... right?"

Hinaru smiled. "Today is his birthday." She said with a smile. "That's why I asked you to come visit. He has missed you dearly... I stay with him sometimes when he has nightmares at night... he talks in his sleep. And it's almost always about you." She smiled at Ryou. "He's done so well. If you will come to my office with me, we will discuss his progress while he wakes up and has his breakfast."

Ryou nodded slowly and flicked his ears.

"I'm glad he's progressing. He insisted that a 'shrink' wouldn't be able to help him." Rem said laughing softly. "He's so stubborn and bullheaded. At least I know he's behaving himself." Rem added following Ryou and Hinaru to her office.

Hinaru led them in and motioned to the chairs before her desk. She sat down at her desk and pulled Marik's folder in front of her. "It took nearly a month, but Marik finally trusted me enough to tell me his... life story. I know all about his life with his mother going in and out of psychiatric care until she was admitted permanently to a hospital resulting in him being placed into foster care. He told me of his numerous foster families and his ultimately running away and spending eight years on the streets before he was liberated from a death in the gutter and brought to the hybrid facility. He explained his time changing, and then being taken to the pet shop which was overcrowded at the time, so you put him into a cage with a leopard, a cheetah and two hyenas. And that they, along with a large grizzly bear, bullied him constantly." She looked to Rem to confirm this.

Rem sighed and nodded. "Yes... but for a long time he would end up coming home with me, too sick to stay uncared for at night." She confirmed. "I tried to break up any bullying but you know... I can’t be everywhere at once with so many hybrids."

Ryou's ears twitched and he looked down. "Poor Marik...” He mumbled softly, still clutching his bag. Rem nodded and scratched Ryou's ears. "He wasn't a very happy child."

"That is quite obvious." Hiruna said. "A mentally unstable mother, no father, no constant foster family and then spending his teenage years on the streets just trying to survive. He never had a childhood. This is why he acts like a child now at age twenty four. He never really got to be a child. But he became a hybrid and then had a steady home, proper care, and finally, a good mother figure." She smiled at Rem.

Rem smiled. "I tried... he was just too darling to not love." She said laughing. "He had those big sad kitten eyes... I couldn't resist."

Ryou smiled softly at those comments, but remained otherwise silent.

Rem chuckled. "Once I'd fattened him up, he was just a big kitty who wanted some love... always eager to please. He's such a sweetheart."

Hinaru smiled and nodded. "That he is. Ryou, you will be glad to know that I have broken him of his refusal to bathe." She said, smiling. "I promised him that every day he took a bath, he could talk to you. He doesn't fuss about bathing any longer... but... he still won't take showers." She laughed. "The sight of water shooting out of the wall sends him scurrying under the bed. He's still part animal after all. I've tried to get him over this, and he doesn't hide under the bed, but he still won't go near the shower. He puts up the biggest fuss when I turn it on, so I think he'll have to stick to baths. But he bathes daily now... usually... and brushes his teeth after every meal, and brushes his hair every morning, and tends to his claws every night."

Ryou's smile broadened and he gave Dr. Hinaru a warm smile, starting to like this woman. After all, if she could get him to take baths and tend to himself... she couldn't be that bad. "Wh-when can I see him?” He asked eagerly. "I want to... well... I miss him...” He mewled softly, ears rising hopefully. "My home is lonely without Marik...”


She smiled. "Even with eleven rabbits, Ryou?" She asked, eyes sparkling in amusement. At that moment, a little meow was heard, and a head popped out of the bag Ryou was carrying.

'Who called?!' Hunter squeaked. Hinaru blinked and leaned over her desk, staring at the creature.

"Ryou, are you smuggling rabbits into my facility?" She asked, trying not to laugh.

Ryou blushed darkly and jammed Hunter back into the bag. "N-no.” He said quickly. "It's a toy. F-for Marik!” He stammered shaking his head. He'd brought a LOT of things in that bag, but he could only hope those bunnies weren't in there ruining them.

Hinaru eyed Ryou, then sighed and shook her head. "I'll see where he is now." She made a quick phone call. "He's in the cafeteria eating right now. One thing that has concerned me, Miss Rem...” She looked at the woman. "Is that in the three months he's been here, he hasn't made any friends. He avoids the others like the plague."

Ryou blinked. "He's... shy...” He said softly, ears falling back. "W-when he stayed with Rem he only was friends with Bakura...” He added, beginning to fidget.

Rem nodded. "Marik doesn't make many friends, but when he does, they're very very close friends." She explained. "He has quality, over quantity."

“I see." Hinaru said, scribbling in her chart. "Well, Marik has also gained weight. He told me how he got sick at the Twilight Menagerie, and according to Dr. Inogawa, he lost nearly thirty pounds between his last visit to Inogawa before he was kidnapped, and two weeks into his stay here. He didn't eat much then, and he did come down with a slight cold. Ryou, you'll need to watch that with your mate. He's a lion. He's suited to hot dry weather. Cold days and rain are not good for him, okay? But he HAS put on another twenty pounds in the last couple of months; he's almost back up to his proper weight."

Ryou nodded slowly. "Ok...” He said softly. "C-can I see him... now?” He asked eagerly, once more. He needed to meet Marik in his room, so the bunnies could stretch their legs, and they could share the gifts he'd brought. "P-please?"

"He's still eating dear." Hinaru said with a smile. "When he returns to his room, we'll go see him, okay? Do either of you have any questions?"

Rem laughed. "Aside from 'can I see him now'?" She asked amusedly. "I do actually... how is he handling his anger?" She said. "Does he still have fits of rage? Or start acting like a lost kitten when he's unhappy?"

"Ah." Hinaru said. "He has done VERY well in managing his anger. He has not lost his temper in nearly a month and a half despite constant bullying from the hybrids larger than himself. As for when he's unhappy... he still crawls under the bed and cries like a kitten." She sighed.

Rem nodded frowning. "Is that normal? Is there anything that can be done to help with that?" She asked sighing. "Poor Marik...”

"Well... while it is odd that he does this, it is understandable. People feel vulnerable when they're sad. People do different things. Some try to ignore it and throw themselves into a task, some go off alone and cry... some eat... this is simply how he handles his emotions. He will either grow out of it or he won't. But unless it becomes a disruption in his life or Ryou's... I really don't see a reason in addressing it as a problem. It's not really hurting or inconveniencing anyone, is it?"

Ryou snickered slightly and grinned at Rem who flushed. "As long as he stops coming to my house at... inconvenient times while he's sad like that."

Ryou covered his mouth to hide his giggles at that.

Hinaru blinked and looked back and forth between them, then slowly grinned. "Uh oh... have something to tell me, Miss Remniel?"

Rem shook her head. "Not at all." She said calmly. "I believe we're here to listen, not talk." She added quickly. "Has Marik made any other progress?"

Hinaru eyed Rem, and then smirked slightly. "Marik has decided that he wants to ask Seto Kaiba for a second chance at The Jungle." She said. "He is determined to provide for his mate."

Ryou blushed slightly. "He doesn't have to... I'm perfectly capable of providing for myself...” He said sheepishly. "He's been through enough."

"Ryou." Hinaru said. "I know that... but if he doesn't provide for you, he feels that he isn't a good mate. He feels that unless he provides for you, and cares for you, and protects you, then he is not of any worth to you. This is something that women, and you, need to deal with when it comes to their men." She glanced at Rem. "You need to make him feel like he is a good strong mate for you. Half is through his own doings, and half is you subtly convincing him that he is doing a good job while YOU do things behind his back. You cook and clean when he is not there to see you do it. If he is present, then you do it together. Otherwise, he wants to see you happily relaxing with no cares in the world. And this will make him feel that he has done his job. Do you understand this?"

Ryou blushed darkly at that. "... I'm not comparable to a woman.” He mumbled nodding. "I don’t even look like one."

Rem had to turn away at that comment and cover her mouth slightly. Right.

Hinaru laughed. "Ryou, the point is that you have to do what women do to reassure your man that he is a good mate. YOU need to boost his self confidence by showing him that you rely on him and trust him to take care of you, even though you don't need him. But you make it SEEM like you need him! It will keep a balanced partnership."

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "But... then I feel badly for being a burden! Father always taught me to be self reliant...” He mumbled looking down. "I feel awkward when I let others provide things for me...”

Hinaru laughed. "You will, Ryou. You just don't let him see it. You have a garden right? Well, HE certainly can't work in it. Look. You do everything when he's NOT there to see. You do this to boost his ego. You are not a burden. That lion couldn't cook or clean if his life depended on it, Ryou. HE needs YOU! But you make it seem like YOU need HIM! Understand?"

Ryou flicked an ear. "Women are sneaky bastards.” He mumbled smiling slightly. "I'm glad I'm not one... but I'll try...”

Hinaru and Rem both laughed. "That's what it takes to keep the men happy. Congratulations, Ryou... you are learning our secrets." She teased.

Ryou grumbled, flicking an ear irritably. "Don’t try and put me in the girl category. I'm a boy.” He huffed defensively.

"But you have a woman's intelligence." Hinaru giggled, standing. "I think Marik should be on his way back to his room by now. Shall we go?"

Ryou nodded eagerly, clutching his bag a bit tighter. "Can I have some time alone with him?” He asked hopefully. "o-or is that against the rules?” He added biting his lip. "B-because I'd really like some... private time to celebrate his birthday...”

Hinaru eyed Ryou with a knowing smile. "I'm sure I can allow you to spend some time together. I'll give Miss Rem and tour of the facility. But I'm sure she wants to see Marik first." She led the way out of the office.

Ryou followed quietly, with Rem behind him to reassure him. "It's ok...” She whispered as they walked down the long hall of rooms.

"Marik's... safe here right?” He asked softly, ears back and quivering nervously.

"Of course he is." Hinaru said. "I mean, he chases squirrels out in the yard and skins his knees every now and then. Just bumps and bruises. But after a pat on the head and a band-aid he's off to get into trouble by treeing himself or something." She laughed. "He's quite safe, I assure you."

Ryou nodded. "Ok...” He said smiling slightly and jamming Hunter's head back into his bag once more. 'Stay in there!' He grumbled at the bunny silently. 'Do you wanna get me in trouble?'

Hinaru got to Marik's door. She knocked, and then opened it. The room was empty. "Hmm... Odd... he's usually back from breakfast and napping by now...” She said. "Let's go see if he's still eating." She turned and headed for the cafeteria.

Ryou blinked, ears tilting back. He followed with Rem quietly, worried for his mate, who... wasn't where he 'usually' was. He bit his lip and his ears drooped. "Marik...”

Rem frowned and hugged Ryou slightly. "He's ok sweetie, he's a big tough lion. He can handle himself."

"Oh dear...” Hinaru sighed as shouting was heard. She picked up the pace and a moment later they rounded the corner. Right outside the cafeteria several large hybrids stood around laughing, and tossing a small white object about. After a moment, it was identified as Marik's bunny plushy and Marik was jumping around, trying to get it back, whining.

"Don't be a baby!" A large water buffalo sneered, and tossed the bunny into a trashcan. Marik yelped and leapt for the can to retrieve the toy, but that was just what the group had been waiting for. As he was leaning over to get the plush, they grabbed his legs and dumped him head first into the can, laughing.

Ryou gasped and shook his head. "STOP THAT!” He said growling softly ears back. "You leave him alone! You're just jealous because he's better than you!” He howled darting forward to help his mate from the trash can. He clicked at the other hybrids glaring. "You're nothing but a bunch of brainless brutes. Treating someone like this is just despicable! You should be ashamed!” He scolded.

Rem coughed slightly. This probably wasn't helping Marik at all... but she couldn't help feeling better that someone HAD stepped in to defend him. Because if Ryou hadn't have... she probably would have.

"You all just shoo!" Ryou said kicking at them, nailing the buffalo in the rump. "GO! Get out of here before I bite! Go on! GET!” He huffed growling. "You consider yourself lucky Marik has such good control of himself, because if I was him I would have eaten you!” He howled furiously. He always hated seeing someone he cared for get picked on, and had adopted defending them with Yugi... and it stuck.

The hybrids all started laughing. "Lion needs a rabbit to defend him?!" A Spotted Dog taunted. "Is THAT why you carry around that stupid toy?!" Marik thrashed and the trashcan fell over, finally allowing him to crawl out of it, hair and face smeared with food. But he had his bunny plushy, and that was all that mattered to him.

"That's enough!" Hinaru shouted, storming over. "I've told you not to provoke him! It doesn't make you any better than him! In fact each time he keeps his temper, it makes HIM better! Now go to your rooms! You've lost your privileges for the next three days! GO!!" They all grumbled and shuffled off, glaring at Ryou and Marik. Marik watched them go, and only then turned to his defender. His eyes widened and his ears perked up, but then laid back.

"R-Ryou...” He gasped, and slowly looked down at the floor, ashamed, scrambled eggs and maple syrup dripping from his mane. He clutched his bunny tightly.

Ryou grinned and hugged onto Marik, not even minding the food smeared all over his lover. "Oh Marik!” He mewled nuzzling him, getting very dirty himself. "I'm so glad to see you! You're so much better! You didn't get angry at them at all!” He said beaming with pride. "They were really mean too; even I would have lost my temper at them! Oh Marik you're doing so well!” He cooed nuzzling him more. "Tuc and Nod miss you! And the babies! A-and Bakura! We're all missing you so much! I heard it was a special day today too." Ryou said backing away a bit. "What special day is it?” He asked coyly, grinning.

Marik didn't answer. Shaking slightly, he just stared at the floor and clutched his plushy so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Hinaru quickly moved over and knelt.

"It's okay, Marik. Don't be ashamed. Ryou is very proud of you. You didn't get mad, and you didn't attack. Only if you had lost your temper would Ryou be disappointed. Right Ryou?" She said, telling him with her face to give Marik the encouragement he needed.

Ryou nodded. "Marik I'm so proud of you!” He said quickly. "I'm sorry... did you want me to not help? “ He added softly. "I couldn't help it... I love you...” He mewled, tugging an ear. "Besides... as much as I love to look at your back end... it's not quite as charming... sticking out of a trashcan.” He added smiling softly. "Please be happy? I came to visit! I brought you birthday presents!” He said holding out his bag. "I-I have so much to tell you!"

Marik blinked, but before he could answer, Hunter popped out of the bag.

"MROOW!!!” He roared, and Marik's eyes widened. He blinked and looked back and forth between Ryou, and Hunter. And finally, his face split into a grin.

Ryou grinned and shook his head. "You little scamp! You were supposed to stay in the bag!” He huffed crossing his arms as Rem and Dr. Hinaru laughed.

"You're the little scamp Ryou, smuggling little hybrid bunnies into these facilities!" Rem said scratching his head before grinning at Marik. "Why don’t you go to your room and get cleaned up. I'll go ahead and tour the facilities while you two get cleaned up... how's thirty minutes sound?" She said smiling.

Marik smiled and nodded, still speechless. He got to his feet and reached out, plucking Hunter out of the bag and hugging him with a loud purr. The bunny began licking syrup from Marik's face.

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "Hunter! Stop that, that's gross!” He said shaking his head as Rem and Hinaru began taking that tour. He stood and shook his head. "So... where's your room?” He asked softly, smiling at Marik. "You're going to have such a happy birthday.” He cooed nuzzling him. "But first... I need to clean up... and I think you should too.” He said grinning and giggling softly.

Marik smiled and nodded, blushing. He still had not said a word. But he led Ryou to his room and let him in, setting Hunter down on the bed. He smiled at Ryou, and then went into the bathroom.

Ryou put his bag down on the bed and followed Marik. "Marik... you're not mad at me for... chasing off the bullies are you?” He asked, ears drooping slightly. "I'm sorry... but I couldn't stand it! I love you... a-and it hurt me to see you getting picked on even though you were clearly much better off than they were!” He said pouting slightly.

Marik leaned over and filled the tub, but turned to Ryou and smiled, warmly. Then he walked over to the boy and wrapped his arms around him, purring.

"Ryou...” He breathed. "My Ryou...”

Ryou nuzzled him and nodded. "Of course... yours forever." Ryou whispered back. "Marik... I want you to come home... I'm lonely without you around...” He said softly, smiling. "It’s just not the same without you...”

Marik smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "I've missed you.” He said softly. "So very much.” He ran gentle fingers through Ryou's hair. "How have you been?"

Ryou blushed. "Did they teach you how to be more romantic while you were here... or is this just because it's your birthday?” He teased giggling softly. "I'm going to school... w-well taking summer classes to make up what I missed...” He said blushing more. "Yugi too, and Yami... well kind of. He just comes to watch us.” He said laughing softly. "Make sure no one bullies us. Mokuba and Syrus are going to school too...” He said nuzzling Marik. "I'm almost finished... th-then I'll... be done with high school.” He said softly. "a-and... Well I've been staying at my house... I can’t stay at ours... it hurts too much when you're not there...” He said looking down.

Marik smiled and slowly released Ryou, turning off the water and beginning to undress. "I hurt, too...” He said softly. He seemed almost like a different person to Ryou... so quiet and calm. "How are Bakura and Master Malik?"

Ryou blushed. "They're all right... Bakura got in trouble for a while when Spunky started saying 'fuck you'... but he's alright now...” Ryou said chuckling. "Rem washed his mouth out with soap."

Marik blinked then chuckled, shaking his head. "Did you want to bathe first, or...?”

Ryou grinned. "After you, I won’t believe it til I see it.” He said giggling softly. "I heard you actually don’t MIND taking baths...” He added flicking his ears. "And I don’t know if I can believe that... MY Marik? Touching water without mewing and being grouchy?” He said grinning. "It's almost too good to be true."

Marik blinked, and looked at Ryou. "Who said I don't mind taking baths?!” He asked. "Of course I mind. But I still do it." And he stripped completely and stepped into the water, making a face of displeasure and annoyance as he sat down into the tub. He sighed and stared down at his reflection in the water, blushing slightly.

Ryou squeaked delightedly and applauded. "Oh wow!” He said eagerly. "It's like having my mate on a new and improved level! Now when you get home, we can take baths together!” He said eagerly. "That can always turn out fun.” He added grinning impishly.

Marik gulped and turned red. "Uhh... yeah...” He said softly, the tip of his tail flicking and sending a few water droplets flying.

"Ryou...” Marik said softly. "I... I'm sorry."

Ryou blinked, flicking his ears. "For what?” He said after a moment, genuinely confused. "You haven't done anything wrong."

Marik frowned and looked away. "I tried to kill you. Twice!” He cried, baring his claws momentarily before retracting them again.

Ryou shook his head. "Marik... I love you. You could try to kill me a million times, and it wouldn't change a thing... I'd just get mildly irritated with all my trips to the infirmary... they're starting to know my life's story...” He said wrinkling his nose. "Nosey nurses...”

Marik looked at Ryou. He did not look comforted at all. His eyes were filled with inner pain and self hatred. He winced and looked back down at his reflection on the water. "What I have done to you is unforgivable."

Ryou shook his head. "Marik... if it was unforgivable, I wouldn't forgive you.” He said smiling and picking up a cloth, beginning to bathe his mate tenderly. "I love you, you're my mate... and I hate being separated from you like this...” He cooed softly. "I need you in my life... without you, I'm just a bunny...” He said softly, rubbing Marik's back. "I need my lion to come home... to protect me and provide for me...” He offered smiling meekly. "Will you come home?"

Marik winced and turned, laying his head against Ryou's chest and taking his paw in his own, drawing his knees up to his chest. "When I'm ready, Ryou...” He gasped, sniffling. "I want nothing more than to come home. But I'm not ready yet...”

Ryou nuzzled him and smiled. "I'm eagerly awaiting the day Marik... I'd wait forever for you...” He cooed grinning. "Want some company?” He asked blushing.

Marik's eyes widened and he blushed. "I, uh... ummmm...” He stammered, looking very caught off guard. "If... if you want...?”

Ryou grinned and stripped, hopping in next to him and curling up contently, in an innocent cuddle. "You wash my back... I'll wash yours.” He cooed sighing in bliss., happily curled against his long-missed mate.

Marik sighed and smiled, wrapping an arm around him. "My Ryou... my mate...” He purred, nuzzling Ryou. "I have missed you so much... I love you...”

Ryou sighed as well, kissing Marik's cheek. "You're so different... it's... it's amazing...” Ryou whispered. "You're so calm... a-and gathered... you're like... it's amazing...” Ryou mumbled after a moment. "I... I would have never imagined this part of you Marik... it only makes me love you more... t-to see you so... grown up inside...” He cooed smiling. "You're... you're wonderful. I... I can depend on you... a-and it's like... wow...” Ryou said breathlessly.

Marik sighed. "I've been lonely... my soul has cried out for you, but slowly grew silent. And I grew quiet with it... but now that you're here... I feel life returning to my heart. I feel that I can smile again... And actually be happy...” And slowly, he did smile.

Ryou grinned broadly. "You'll really be smiling when you see all the presents I brought you. Oh everyone gave me something to give you. Bakura, a-and Malik! Even Yami and Seto! Everyone gave me a package to give you for your birthday! I even baked you... w-well... a cake...” He said blushing. "I hope you like it... i-it's strawberry flavored cake... w-with vanilla icing...”

Marik blinked, then smiled and hugged Ryou tightly. "You make me so happy, Ryou...” He gasped, tears finally flooding down his face. "Gods, I've missed you so much!” He began to groom Ryou excitedly, his tail wagging under the water.

Ryou squeaked and giggled squirming. "Marik! Eek! Marik!” He squeaked giggling and blushing. "Calm down you'll make a horrible water mess!” He said giggling and blushing more as his lover eagerly groomed him.

Ryou sighed contently as they finally crawled out of the tub, clean and tidy. Ryou handed Marik a towel and began to dry himself off, before slipping back into his school uniform, minus the dirtied jacket. "Come on... Hunter's probably trying to get into your cake again...” He said smiling.

Sure enough he was, but luckily, Ryou had brought Angel, who would nip him harshly whenever he got too close. 'He SAID it's for MARIK! Not YOU!' she clicked furiously, wearing a pearlescent pink ribbon and flicking her ears. 'Back off you grubby little mongrel!'

Marik walked out in a pair of gray pants. "Is that my little angel?” He gasped with a smile, looking at Ryou, then scooping up the young rabbit. "Oh, she's all grown up! And such a beautiful young lady!” He smiled and purred. "What have you named her?” He asked Ryou.

Ryou grinned. "Angel.” He said softly. "The name suited her. She's always behaving... and keeping Hunter in line.” He added giving the mischievous lion bunny a look. "Isn't that RIGHT Hunter?” He said tapping his foot. "You were trying to eat my cake again you little piglet!"

Hunter squeaked. 'She's mean! A bully!' Hunter cried. 'She bites!' Marik chuckled as Hunter and Angel began squeaking and thumping at each other, until Hunter finally tackled Angel.

Ryou squeaked and pulled the two of them apart. "Honestly! We've talked about this! Hunter leave Angel alone! Angel stop biting!” He huffed. "You both promised to behave!” He added scolding them. "Honestly... it's Marik's birthday and none of us have seen him in a long time! Have a little respect!” He said glaring at both. "You should be ashamed!"

Angel's ears drooped and she meeped in apology. 'I'm sorry... ' she mumbled glaring at Hunter. 'troublemaker.'

'Bitch!' Hunter snarled back, something he had picked up from his big brother Spunky.

Ryou thumped Hunter on the nose. "Shame on you!” He scolded again. "No cake for you! We don’t use that language to address ladies!” He said giving Hunter a firm look. "Go sit in the corner.” He added putting Hunter on the floor.

Angel flicked her ears once Ryou put her down, and hopped over to Marik, licking his paws. 'I've missed you... ' She cooed, completely ignoring Hunter, who was now in trouble.

Marik blinked. "What did he do, Ryou?” He asked, petting little Angel, while looking at Hunter pouting in the corner. Hunter mewled loudly and Marik cocked his head. "You said what?” He asked. Hunter made a few more mews, and Marik blinked, and then burst out laughing.

"Marik don’t laugh! You're just egging him on!” He scolded. "He doesn't have to not curse, but he can’t curse at a lady... it's just rude!” He huffed crossing his arms and scooting the bed-table over the bed, sitting on one side and beginning to unpack his bag. Inside was a cake in a box, just big enough for two bunnies, and two lovers... four plates, two forks and a bottle of milk each.

Ryou grinned. "I got you whole milk, since I know how much you love cream.” He said smiling proudly. He opened the box and inside was an expertly baked and decorated white cake with four spires of icing where each slice would be, each topped with a strawberry on to complete the sweet towers of icing. Ryou smiled and pulled out two candles a two shaped one, and a four shaped one. He poked them into the cake and lit them. "Happy Birthday Marik.”

Marik smiled and looked at Ryou. "You spoil me...” He said softly, slowly sitting down next to Ryou and wrapping an arm around him. Then, slowly, kissed him... Hunter's eyes widened.

'Angel! That's what Uncle Bakura and Uncle Malik do!' He squeaked. He slowly hopped over to get a closer look.

Angel rolled her eyes and shook her head. 'It's called kissing you doofus! Everyone does it! Even mom and dad! It's what you do when you're in love!' She said turning back to Marik and Ryou, cooing dreamily.

Ryou blushed and kissed Marik back, nuzzling into his shoulder. He closed his eyes contently, leaning against his mate. "Marik... you should blow out the candles before the wax gets on the cake...” He mewled softly. "I worked very hard on it...”

Marik moaned and kissed Ryou again, snuffing out the candles with the damp tuft of his tail. Hunter blinked and cocked his head first to one side, then the other. Then, he turned and pressed his nose against Angel's in a curious mimic of the kiss.

Angel squeaked and hopped back, her paw whipping out to land on his nose, much like a cat pressing a paw against the mouth of someone blowing on it's face 'E-excuse me?!' she blurted squeaking embarrassedly. 'What on EARTH do you think you're doing?!'

'The kiss thing!' Hunter explained, batting at her paw. 'Is that how it's done?' Neither noticed Marik and Ryou watching them and trying not to laugh as Ryou whispered translations into Marik's ear.

Angel hopped back more and flicked her ears 'As if I'd tell you!' She said huffing. 'You don’t kiss people you don’t love! Go kiss the cake, you love the cake!' She said turning away.

'Fine! I will! Gladly.' And he trotted over to the cake and stuck his nose into the side, licking up the icing. Marik burst out laughing.

Ryou growled at him and swatted him on the behind. "HUNTER!” He said sternly. "Get out of the cake!"

Angel chittered amusedly and began grooming her ears. 'That's not kissing anyway! You’re just eating it you pig!'

Marik laughed and scooped up Hunter, nuzzling him and purring. "Hello Hunter... Is that cake good?” He asked, dipping his finger into the icing and letting the lion bunny lick it off.

Ryou huffed. "Marrriikkk!” He whined. "Stop encouraging him to be bad!” He pouted. "I made the cake for YOU to get the first bite of!"

Marik smiled at Ryou. "Awww... you're so sweet...” He said, then plucked up a strawberry and slowly scooted closer to Ryou, holding the icing covered strawberry to his mouth.

Ryou pouted more. "Marik YOU get the first bite!” He said scolding Hunter once more.

'See look what you did! Now Ryou's upset!' Angel said flicking her tail and grooming a paw delicately. 'You can’t kiss, AND you caused trouble!'

Marik sighed. "Fine!” He said and popped the strawberry into his mouth, then dropped Hunter and flattened Ryou to the bed with another kiss.

Angel cooed dreamily once more. 'Love is so beautiful... ' she said ears drooping slightly in daydream filled bliss.

Ryou blushed and giggled into the kiss, kissing Marik back with as much pent up love and desire as he'd ever had. "Oh Marik...” He mewled nuzzling him and kissing him again. "I missed you so much...” He said softly, nuzzling Marik and giving him yet another kiss.

Angel sighed and watched cooing. 'Isn't it just beautiful? They're so happy... '

'They look like they're eating each other.' Hunter snorted, and turned to lick at the icing of the cake again.

"I love you...” Marik murmured between kisses. "I love you so much... Ryou... my Ryou... my mate...” He moaned. At that moment, Rem and Hinaru walked in.

"Oh! Marik!!" Hinaru gasped, blushing at the sight of Marik lying upon Ryou, kissing him.

Ryou squeaked and turned bright red, and began to whine. "Reeemmmm!” He whined. "It has NOT been thirty minutes!” He pouted squirming to get out from under Marik, the moment totally ruined.

Rem laughed shaking her head and Tugging Hinaru away slightly. "You know, maybe we should talk about his progress a biiiit more." She said laughing and blushing as well. "Boys will be boys after all."

Ryou whined louder and Rem laughed, pulling Hinaru out and shutting the door, though their giggles of amusement were heard on the other side.

Angel huffed. 'Annoying humans, it was just getting to the most romantic part!' She said chittering angrily. 'And stop eating the cake!' She scolded. 'God you're such a fat pig! You're getting as fat as Bushou!'

Marik smiled and sat up, smiling down at Ryou and gently stroking his cheek. "Beautiful...” He sighed. "As beautiful as the day I met you. And more...” Hunter blinked and watched, wondering what Angel was sighing about.

Ryou blushed and nuzzled into Marik cooing. "When you come home... I'm going to cook you the biggest meal of you life... all your favorites... a big plump turkey that's perfectly juicy and tender... a-and beer... l-lots of beer for you and Bakura... There'll be potatoes and gravy, a huge steak! Oh I-I'll go out and buy the biggest most perfect steak the butcher has! I'll use all your favorite spices and cook it up just perfect, with a side of fries and oh it'll be delightful.” He said dreamily.

Angel sighed once more. 'They're so in love... ' she flopped onto her side and chittered out a giggle, nuzzling the blankets. 'I can’t wait 'til I find that special bunny who loves ME like that... ' she said closing her eyes dreamily.

'Yeah... one of those ratty things outside in the garden!!' Hunter taunted.

"That's enough, you two." Marik said with a grin, and pushed them apart. "Why don't you two go play...” And he nudged them off of the bed. "We have to catch up on three, no... Four months of separation...”

Angel nipped Hunter harshly and thumped at him. 'The only ratty thing around here is YOU.' She huffed offended and hopped into the bathroom to give the two lovers some privacy. 'Honestly, those rabbits outside are far cleaner and much more polite than you. Oh... ' she turned and gave him a snide look. 'And they know what 'kissing' is too.' She said turning and flicking her tail snootily at him. 'Germ.'

Ryou snickered. "I think they have a crush on each other...” He said giggling and kissing Marik's cheek, trailing kisses down his neck. "What about you?"

"I hope not... they're brother and sister...” He muttered, snitching another strawberry and tracing Ryou's lips with it before slipping it into the bunny's mouth.

Ryou nibbled it appreciatively. "You know that doesn't really matter to bunnies...” He said laughing. "They’re bunnies.” He said plucking a strawberry from the cake and offering it to Marik in thanks. "Besides... I think it justifies us...” He whispered. "If a lion and a bunny can fall in love, then another pair...” He said softly. "It just proves how wrong everyone was about us...”

Marik sighed. "I know but... inbreeding and stuff, Ryou! NOT good! Even for bunnies!" Marik said. "But anyway... where were we?” He nibbled the strawberry from Ryou's fingers and licked up the icing and berry juices, then kissed Ryou again, purring deep in his throat.

Ryou giggled and kissed Marik back, sighing happily. "He's fixed you know.” He whispered laughing softly. "Too young to remember I imagine...” He added running his hands up Marik's chest and cooing. "I can hardly manage to afford to support myself... and the bunnies... I can’t have anymore surprises...” He whispered giving Marik a seductive look. "Tuc and the boys all went in one day, other than Spunky and Scamp, Bakura wouldn’t have it... the only one who remembers is Tuc, who proudly proclaims how much 'tail' he gets each week to me."

"Are you serious?" Marik exclaimed, laughing in amazement. "Oh, those poor babies! Well, I sure hope that the girls don't get knocked up by the garden rabbits.” He snickered.

Ryou laughed. "Xanga's taken a liking to one... he's darling. I named him Butter.” He said smiling and nuzzling into his lover. "He's actually a very cute little guy... golden brown with a tuft of white fur on his head. She's just enthralled with him.” He said smiling.

"Sugar's been interested in a Black rabbit that's been roaming around at night... She keeps climbing out the window and chittering with him.” He added laughing. "I call him Kyoku... the little black rabbit." Ryou said smiling. "Bushou, the panda bunny's fallen head over tail for a rolly polly girl bunny that belongs to the neighbors...” He said laughing. "She's black and white spotted... I think he thinks she's another panda bunny... Skitter... well... I don’t know about Skitter... she’s a little weird."

Ryou smiled. "The only two of the nine babies who haven't found a crush... are Angel and Hunter."

Marik blinked at Ryou. "Who is who?” He asked blandly. Ryou giggle and explained all the babies’ names. "So you gave the fennec to Malik?" Marik asked, and Ryou nodded. "How are Scamp and Spunky getting along?” He asked.

Ryou grinned. "Like a couple of little demons.” He said laughing softly. "They're just as bad as their owners. Spunky's learned a few new words, and he proudly struts around after Bakura, stating he's 'Daddy's baby' and that 'daddy fucks Malik' among other things.” He said smiling.

Marik smiled and lay down, pulling Ryou into his chest. "I hope I can come home soon...” He sighed. "I miss home... our bed... our backyard... our friends... hell, even the bitch and her monsters next door!" Marik exclaimed, and finally, he laughed. Not chuckled or snickered, which was all Ryou had seen from him. He laughed.

Ryou grinned broadly and shoved Marik slightly. "I want to give you your presents...” He said grabbing his bag. "I brought so many, Angel and Hunter were complaining the whole time about how cramped my bag was!” He said proudly, pulling out seven presents. He handed the first one to Marik. "This one is from Malik and Bakura...” He said giggling. "They said you'd get a kick out of it."

Marik blinked at the sudden action, and he looked down at the package. He smiled and removed the bow, sticking it onto Angel's head, giggling, and then shredded the paper with his claws.

Angel, who had snuck back from the bathroom chittered and scrambled to try and get the offending sticky ribbon off her head. 'That's not nice!' She squealed furiously. 'You'll get my fur sticky!'

Ryou laughed as Marik unwrapped a catnip-filled plushy beer bottle that said 'drunken kitty, serving the felines for over 200 years.' on the label of the little bottle. Ryou laughed. "Oh honestly...” He said amusedly.

Marik's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open with a reverent moan. Then, his eyes got all starry and he flopped over with a "Mao!" and began to play with the thing.

Ryou laughed. "Marik you've still got six presents left!” He said taking the toy away. "come on, don’t you want to open the rest?” He teased, handing him another present. "This one is from Yami and Seto.” He said smiling. "You can tell... Yami wrapped it.” He said laughing. "He never was good at wrapping...”

Marik blinked, a bit dazed and confused at the disappearance of the divine toy. "Murr?” He asked, but then blinked at the new package. "Oh... right.” He opened it.

Inside was something truly entertaining for the human inside him. A handheld game with three cartridges. Tom and Jerry, Sonic the Hedgehog and lastly... Tetris II. Ryou grinned. "Oh now that's practical... I bet you'll have lots of fun with that!” He said laughing and handing Marik another package. "This one is from Syrus... he worked really hard to get the money for it... and he told me to tell you to get better soon."

Marik blinked, not quite sure about the Tom and Jerry game but couldn't wait to play Sonic! But he smiled as he took the package from Syrus. He opened it.

Inside the rather small package was a beautiful porcelain lion, curled up around a bunny, grooming its ears. On the bottom it said 'Tenderness is a gift to cherish.' Ryou blushed. "Aww how darling!"

Marik stared at the little sculpture, his mouth slightly open. He turned it in his paws with careful tenderness. "It's beautiful...” He sighed, getting misty eyed as he gazed at the thing. "Oh... it's just... ohhh...”

Ryou nodded. "There's one from Rex too.” He said holding up the gift. "He said that you'd better hurry up and come home or he might get ideas." Ryou said laughing. "Then he told me to tell you not to kick his ass, he was just joking.” He said taking the porcelain figurine and setting it carefully on the dresser near the bed, overlooking them.

Marik still gazed at the figure, but finally sniffled and wiped his eyes, then took the gift from Rex and scooted closer to Ryou before opening it.

Inside was the most badass looking studded black leather collar with matching wristbands, a tattered black tank top that said 'don’t fuck with me' and a note that said

- Controlling your temper can be a bitch; people will always pick on you for something or other when you try... I figured you'd want a little... help asserting just who's the king of beasts while you're in there.
Your bud, Rex-

Ryou grinned. "Ohh those look really nice...” He cooed. "I bet you'd look sexy with 'em on at the Jungle...” He added licking Marik's cheek and handing him another box. "This one is from Master Pegasus."

Marik snickered, however, and ignore the gift from Pegasus for the time being. He ran off with Rex's gifts. He emerged from the bathroom a moment later wearing them with a pair of black jeans that he had. "What do you think?” He asked, twisting about as he modeled the clothes for his lover.

Ryou grinned and whistled softly. "You look sexy. You can 'fuck with me’ anytime.” He teased giggling.

Marik grinned. "I'll keep that in mind.” He said, then bounced onto the bed and tore into the gift from Pegasus.

Inside was a small piece of paper that said 'Watch out.' Ryou began giggling.

Marik blinked. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" The lion blurted. "Is he threatening me?!"

Ryou giggled more when suddenly three men burst in, pushing a large crate, which had caused Marik to jump and puff up slightly, which only caused Ryou to giggle more at the sight of a startled and fluffy Marik. Within moments a LARGE cat-tree-esque playhouse was assembled in the empty corner of Marik's room. The men bowed and left.

Ryou giggled more and kissed Marik's cheek.

Marik blinked, still poofed up. "what the fuck?!” He finally blurted, looking back and forth between the door, the note, Ryou, and the... thing in the corner.

Ryou laughed. "I helped him design it... You can sharpen your claws on it, and inside there's... get this... a supply of warmed milk and cream." Ryou explained giggling more. "He had to get special permission to give it to you... but Miss Hinaru eagerly agreed, because she thinks you're still thin from before... and master thinks you deserve only the best!” He exclaimed proudly. "Plus, go inside!” He said eagerly, pointing to the small little tunnel.

Marik blinked. "Wait... cream? Where?!” He gasped, and leapt off of the bed and darted into the tunnel. "Mao?" Was heard from inside.

Ryou giggled crawling in after him, the little playhouse actually quite large. Ryou grinned. "Here look.” He said motioning to a wall. There were small cups on a cup dispenser. "There's two pedals. One for warm milk... and the other... is for nice cooled cream.” He said indicating which pedal was which.

"I tested it before it was bought... its delicious!” He added proudly. "Also!” He said crawling to the other side of the little room and motioning to the wall. "You put your hand here...” He said pushing a paw-shaped button. "And inside is a little computer that shows you pictures of everyone!” He said proudly. "I took them myself...” He added blushing. "A-and even the bunnies! I got everyone! A-and if you want... if you push this button...” He said pushing a smaller paw shaped button, an image of Ryou came up on the screen in his school uniform grinning and waving cutely. The words 'at school' crossed the screen. "It'll tell you what I'm doing at that time of day... so you'll always be able to know I'm ok!"

Marik blinked. "Good grief, how much did this fucker COST?!" Marik gasped. "I have a fuckin computer and milk dispenser in my scratching post!!” He howled. "... We can so FUCK in here!!!"

Ryou squeaked. "NO! You cannot! it's got a nightlight too.” He added pushing a button. The ceiling of the room lit up with little stars and a moon. He grinned. "Master said it was a very special present, for a very special lion... and that since you had shown so much progress in three months... that every penny was worth it." Ryou said smiling and clicking the nightlight off. "Besides... you can’t sleep in here except catnaps... you might end up enjoying it too much."

Marik frowned. "But but but... awww...” He whined, then turned and tested out the cream dispenser. "Mmmmm...” He purred. "You sure we can't fuck in here?"

Ryou laughed. "NO! You'll ruin it if we do! Play only, adult play for the bed!” He said laughing. "Rem got you a present too."

"Mama!!" Marik cheered, and scuttled out and up onto the bed again, looking for the Rem present.

Ryou scrambled out and back onto the bed as well. He laughed and handed Marik the final present.

Marik grinned and ripped it open eagerly.

Inside was a book that said 'My precious baby'. It was a scrapbook of memories, from when she'd first met Marik, up until recently... Newspaper clippings, pictures, bits of old fabric from the rabbit plushy he carried, bunny prints on the page, and... His very own paw prints front and back legs on the last page, back from when he was hardly a lion at all.

Ryou smiled. "You were the cutest lion I've ever seen... and to think that MY mate... was so adorable... and is so... big and tough and sexy... you've grown a lot from the scared kitten in those pictures...” Ryou said smiling. "Rem said you should be proud of how you are now, and not to let the past hang over your head... you should live each day as it is now... and not worry about things in the past. You'll never be a runt again, and you're certainly no runt now...”

Marik blinked, then slowly smiled as he stared down at the picture of himself when he first came to the shop; scrawny little thing huddled in the corner, nothing but skin and bones. He looked at his own dark paw, Ryou's pale hand laying on it, dwarfed by the lion's hand. Marik reached up and sniffled, wiping tears from his eyes as he looked through the book. He smiled at the picture of Bakura when he first came to the shop, the bitchiest look on his face as he GLARED at the camera... and Marik laughed softly. Then came a picture of Ryou, asleep in his log. Marik sighed. A photo of Malik, working diligently on his burrow, naked ass to the camera. On the last full page were two pictures of Marik in his cage. One was of himself as he was when he first came in, skin and bones. The other was a picture of him right before Ryou came to the shop; the difference was incredible. And on the page next to it was a picture of Marik and Ryou together, cuddling on the sofa. Marik smiled and wrapped an arm around Ryou, nuzzling him.

"I love you...”

Ryou smiled and nuzzled him. "I... would have bought you something too...” He said ears drooping. "B-but with school... I had to quit my job at the Jungle... s-so I could attend each day...” He said sighing. "I work for master Pegasus... I clean his home when I'm not at school... so I can still tend to all those hungry little bunnies.” He said smiling slightly.

"You know, Hunter idolizes you...” He said softly. "He goes out each morning into my garden... and he guards it. One morning he actually brought in a dead crow!” He said laughing softly as Angel wrinkled her nose.

'Filthy thing.' She huffed looking away from Hunter ‘that was absolutely disgusting!'

Marik grinned down at Hunter. "What a good boy! You guard that garden, Hunter! Don't let ANYONE near it, eh?!” He asked.

"MROW!!!" Hunter announced, pouncing on an imaginary intruder, making Marik laugh and scoop the bunny up. He purred and began to groom him.

Ryou picked up Angel and did the same with her. "She says you need to clean Hunter good... because he's filthy.” He said laughing at the displeased look on Angel's face. "She's so hard on him...” He said shaking his head. "Either they have a crush on each other and refuse to admit it, or they're just oil and water and will never get along.” He said shaking his head amusedly and grooming her.

Angel stuck out her little bunny tongue at Hunter. 'Brat face.'

'Spoiled brat.' Hunter shot back. Marik laughed.

"I think it's the 'oil and water' one, Ryou.” He said, and looked up when there was a knock on the door. "Come in!” He called, and Hinaru and Rem cautiously entered. "Mama!!!" Marik called, happily.

Rem laughed. "Did you two get that out of your system?" She asked calmly. "Ohh look how much your room's been jazzed up. Looks like you've had a VERY happy birthday!" She said grinning.

Angel clicked at Hunter 'lousy kisser!'

Marik smiled and nodded, purring and flicking his ear and tail. 'Yeah, well... You're adopted!' Hunter hissed at Angel, and Marik looked down at him.

"What in... Stop that!” He scolded.

Angel nipped Hunter harshly. 'Hairy baboon!' She clicked furiously. 'I'm not adopted! Jerk!' She said ears bristling. That comment had really gotten under her fur.

Ryou squeaked. "Stop it both of you! Hunter you KNOW better than to say that to Angel, she's VERY sensitive about that. You should be ashamed.” He said frowning and hugging Angel. "You shouldn't talk to Hunter if you can’t say something nice.” He said firmly to her. "Remember the bunny in the movie?"

Angel wrinkled her nose. 'If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.' She grumbled irritably.

Marik placed Hunter down and hopped off of the bed, bounding over to Rem and rubbing against her legs, purring loudly.

"I've told him it's okay to be a lion sometimes." Hinaru told Rem. "In private with friends, but try to act human in public."

Rem grinned and picked Marik up, hugging him tightly. "Oh hello kitten." She cooed. "Did you have a nice birthday?" She asked scratching his ears and looking at the cat tree. "Ohhh Marik what's THIS?" She said in the voice that ALWAYS got him excited.

Ryou giggled at that. It was always adorable to see Marik get excited when Rem did that.

Marik's ears perked up and a kittenish look of excitement appeared on his face. "That's my present!” He exclaimed enthusiastically, and Hinaru watched in interest. She had never really seen Marik happy or excited. This was a whole new lion to her. "I can scratch it and there's a computer with pictures and a tunnel and stars and it makes milk and cream!!!” He listed off all in one breath. "But Ryou won't let me fuck him in there...” He pouted, to Ryou's mortification.

Rem grinned. "Is it really?!" She said in an even MORE excited voice, which was sure to make Marik even MORE excited. She carried him over to the bed, and picked up the catnip-filled plushy beer bottle and began teasing him with it, just like she had when he was young. "Oh you're never gonna get this!" She squealed delightedly, dangling it just in his reach and when he would paw at it, she'd yank it back JUST before he got it.

"Murrrumph!!” He exclaimed, beginning to jump up into the air to get the plushy. "Murrrumph! Mine!!!! Murrrumph!!!"

"Get it Marik, get it!" Hinaru laughed, watching Marik get even more excited by the scent of the kitty-crack.

Ryou laughed and clapped eagerly, watching his mate delight in trying to catch his rogue beer bottle. Rem laughed and yanked it away once more. "Ooooh OH NO Marik!" She exclaimed having mysteriously hidden the bottle somehow. "Quick! It ran into your playhouse!" She said pointing excitedly at it. "Hurry in and grab it!"

"MAOO!!!" Marik blurted, whirling and charging into the house. He ran through it, popping out the other side, and then darted back in. There were several bumps and thuds, and Marik emerged again, looking around and prancing in place, before ducking back in again. "MurrrrUUUMPH!!!!"

Rem laughed and crept up to it and peered in one of the small holes, watching Marik quiver with delight sniffing around. She grinned and jammed part of the bottle in the hole. "QUICK! BEFORE IT GETS AWAY!" She yelped joyfully, wiggling the bottle around in the hole.

Ryou laughed softly, his ears quivering in his own glee, seeing his mate so happy. Only Rem could get him like this, and it AWLAYS made him feel like a new person afterward.

"MAO!" Marik exclaimed, and pounced.

"I've never seen him like this...” Hinaru said, sitting by the bed and looking at Ryou.

Ryou smiled nodding as Rem literally drove Marik to the edge of kitten like insanity trying to get the bottle. "Only Rem can get him this excited... It's like a game for them...” He said smiling warmly.

Rem tugged the bottle, Marik finally having caught it in his teeth he was tugging against her in a game of tug-o-war. "Ohh uh oh!" She said. "Uh oh! It's gonna get away! Uh oh!" She said, but let go, sending him tumbling out of the little playhouse, victorious. "YAAAAY!" She cheered clapping. "The mighty hunter! He got the bottle!" She said grinning. "Whatcha gonna do now? huh?! HUH!?" She said in the excited voice.

Marik growled, thrashing his head about violently with the bottle in his mouth, finally slamming it into the floor, pouncing and beginning to chew on it in an almost frenzied excitement.

"That was quite a show!" Hinaru laughed, clapping. "Rem, I have hardly ever seen him SMILE much less act like THIS!!! Is he often this happy? I'm starting to wonder if I should be treating him for manic depression or bipolar disorder as well!!!"

Rem laughed. "He only gets this way when I use the 'excited voice'." She explained. "It's how all my hybrids react... well except Ryou. He's the only one who won’t do it." She said grinning at him. "He's the only hybrid to ever refuse training... he refused to give up his humanity... it's thanks to him and Marik... that things were finally unveiled and hybrids revealed for what they are." She said smiling.

Ryou blushed. "Th-thank you...” He said bashfully.

Hunter pounced on the tuft of Marik's tail and chewed on it playfully, 'mao!'ing when Marik would yank it away in his own play.

Angel however lay on the bed, ears drooping; she curled up and looked away squeaking sadly.

"Awww... is this little girl feeling left out?" Hinaru cooed, scooping up Angel. "Awww... such a pretty girl... don't you mind those silly boys. That rough play is not for a lovely lady like you, hmm?" She asked, petting the bunny.

Ryou sighed softly. "She's upset because Hunter called her a bad name that she hates...” He explained softly. "You see... her parents Tuc and Nod suspect she... might not quite be theirs.” He said scratching her ears. "And well... he called her adopted. It really hurts her feelings."

Angel squeaked sadly, her little ears drooping more and nuzzling Miss Hinaru's hand. 'He's just a big hairy jerk.' She pouted licking the doctor's hand. 'You’re lucky you don’t have to listen to him day in and day out.' She added looking away bitterly.

"Now why on earth would she not be her parents?! He was born with the others, right?! And since when do rabbits worry about their parentage, anyway?" Hinaru asked.

Ryou smiled slightly. "When we were being held at the Twilight Menagerie... Daisuke that awful man, messed with Nod’s babies... and well... this one looks nothing like ANY of her many babies. She acts completely differently as well, and her scent is completely different as well... even though they all have their own scent... they're all rather similar... except hers.” He explained. "Tuc and Nod love her just the same, but they told her that she might not be theirs... she was very upset by it...” He said softly, taking Angel from her and nuzzling the droopy bunny.

"She just hates being teased about being different. She's the only normal bunny, out of the whole litter."

"I see." Hinaru said. "Well, perhaps you could get their DNA tested. To see if she IS their baby. Would she like to know for sure?" Hinaru asked, petting Angel. "Such a beautiful little bunny." She kissed the top of the bunny's head.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Angel. "Well? Do you want to know for sure?” He asked kissing her little forehead.

Angel looked away bitterly. '... yes... b-but if I'm not mother's baby... then I... ' She pouted more and nuzzled into Ryou's hands, afraid of what the truth might be.

"Murrrumph!" Marik exclaimed, and Rem, Hiruna and Ryou turned to watch him begin to chase Hunter in circles through the kitty house and around them room, under the bed, over the bed, and just everywhere they could run.

Ryou laughed softly, taking Angel from Dr. Hinaru and looking at his watch. He frowned. "Marik..." he mewled softly. "I've got to go..." He said softly, ears drooping.

Rem checked her watch as well. "Oh my, you're going to be late to Pegasus' house." She said frowning as well.

Marik skidded to a stop and turned, eyes wide and already filling with tears. "W-What?!" He gasped, and scuttled over, leaping onto the bed. "But... Ryou... you've only been here for... for an hour. And this is the first time I've seen you in... in three months!" He looked at Rem with a heartbroken expression that just tugged at her heart strings.

Rem sighed and stooped to hug Marik. "Ryou has to work Marik...without you to provide for him, he has to work very hard to support himself and his bunnies...you don’t want him to starve do you?" She said softly, scratching his ears.

His eyes widened and he whimpered, letting his tears fall. "I'm sorry..." He mewled in a tiny voice, ears and tail drooping as he sniffled, sadly.

Ryou picked up his lighter bag, and put Angel into it, before picking up Hunter and putting him inside too. He hugged Marik and kissed his cheek. "If you want...you can talk to me while I work..." he whispered smiling. "Just put the little button I showed you...as long as I'm not at school, it'll call me." he said grinning secretively. "Dont tell anyone." he added winking and standing. "I think you'll like the picture of me in my work clothes." he said smiling.

Rem laughed. "Naughty things...come on Ryou...lets get you to work."

Marik hugged Ryou tightly with a sad mew, then watched him walk out, leaving Marik alone with Hinaru. The lion sighed and slowly lay down, resting his chin on his paws and staring at the door, sniffling, a tear trickling down his face every now and then.

Dr. Hinaru smiled after a long while. "Alright Marik...I'll leave you to play with your toys...I hear that cat tree is pretty special..." She said, a knowing twinkle in her eyes. "Why don’t you have some warm milk, and explore it for a while. I've got some paperwork to do..." She stood and grinned. "Don’t stay up too late either mister, take your nap." She chuckled, leaving him to the inviting cat tree.

Marik sighed and watched her leave him to his empty room... silent, and lonely. The lion whimpered and rubbed his eyes, before picking up his bunny plushies, the big one and little one, and dragging his blanket into the playhouse. There, he made himself a nest and curled up, sniffling and getting himself some cool cream. Then he looked up at the computer screen and began to go through the pictures of everyone... Malik, Bakura, Seto, Yami and Dust, Mokuba and Syrus, and all of the baby bunnies, now grown.

Marik's eyes filled with tears again and his heart clenched. He loved those babies. And they were only babies for a few months. Then they were grown. He had missed them growing up, and that stabbed his heart ten times over for each and every one of Nod's litter. But soon, he would go home. And that's what he dreamt of when he finally drifted to sleep. And it was the happiest dream he'd ever had.

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E*N*D

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