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 31

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Ryou was relieved when they finally entered the room, and he once again hopped onto the bed and lay down on his side stretching out slightly, his ears resting on the bed above his head so he could better hear the warm breeze as it blew through the open window, stirring the scent of tropical flowers.

Pegasus locked the door and hung out the 'Do Not Disturb' sign.

"Ryou? Would you like to nap with me in the master bedroom?” he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed and petting his bunny.

"Oh... no thank you Master... I was just going to listen to the wind, and relax... there was so much out there, it overwhelmed me. I didn't expect so... MUCH.” he said softly, smiling slightly at the soft tinkle of wind chimes from somewhere. "If it's all the same to you, I'm content to lay here and just calm down and relax for a short while."

Pegasus smiled and nodded, reclining on his side behind Ryou and gently moving his hand up and down Ryou's side, stroking him gently.

"Is my bunny a bit overwhelmed?” he crooned, kissing Ryou's cheek.

Ryou nodded softly. "Yes... I just didn't expect so much...” he explained softly. "I never expected to see other hybrids... or so many in fact...” he added, nuzzling into the blankets. "You've really caught me off guard...” he mumbled closing his eyes, ears twitching at the soft sounds of wind and chimes, and surf from down at the beach.

Pegasus smiled and pulled Ryou into his chest. "Are you afraid of them?” he asked, gently running a finger down one of Ryou's ears, kissing his shoulder.

Ryou blushed lightly, pulling the ear away shyly. "I... well... a little...” he said looking away. "I've... never seen so many.” he admitted ears tilting back, to lie against his hair.

Pegasus smiled and moved his hand around to gently rub Ryou's chest and belly. "Wouldn't you like to meet other hybrids? Play with them? Make friends?” he asked.

Ryou's blush darkened slightly, from embarrassment. "Well... I like Malik... a-and besides, the other bunnies... were flirting with me...” he mumbled sheepishly. "I'd rather not...”

Pegasus frowned and raised his head. "My goodness, you're a shy little bunny.” he said. "We're gonna have to something about that." And he began to gently tickle Ryou, taking it easy on him since he was tired.

Ryou squeaked and squirmed. "I'm not shy!” he whimpered. "I j-just have standards!"

"What kind of standards?" Pegasus asked. "Do you consider yourself too good to play with other hybrids?"

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "No, not at all! I... just don’t play THAT way. It wouldn't be right."

Pegasus blinked. "What way?” he asked, smiling to himself.

Ryou blushed more. "W-well... I don’t want to be flirted with...” he said softly, looking away. "I... don’t care for that kind of playing."

Pegasus chuckled. "So don't flirt back.” he said. "But you can't hide from other hybrids for the entire trip." And he ran his fingers over Ryou's chest, brushing finger tips over his bunny's nipples. As he did that, he gently kissed the corner of Ryou's mouth.

Ryou gasped softly. "M-master please...” he whispered looking away, blushing suddenly much darker, ears back uneasily. He bit his lip and closed his eyes, unable to think of a way to word his objection. He gently plucked the small lion from his collar and clutched it, nervously.

Pegasus frowned, but ignored that for the time being. "My poor little bunny...” he crooned, continuing to caress Ryou's chest. "I think you have been alone for far too long... has my beautiful bunny become afraid of other hybrids?"

Ryou shook his head, shifting his gaze to Pegasus. "No... I'm... just not used to so many. People and hybrids... they're everywhere." His voice quivered slightly. "I'm not afraid of them; I'm just unnerved by how much of everything there is."

Pegasus smiled. "It's okay, baby...” he said. "They won't hurt you... This is a vacation. You're here to have fun... I want my precious angel to have fun...” And he slid his hand down Ryou's side, beginning to rub his thigh.

Ryou closed his eyes and sighed softly. "I am having fun Master Pegasus... I just don’t like such large crowds...” he mumbled, ears relaxing slightly. "I can hardly wait to try out the spa...” he added flicking his ears and sighing dreamily. "I bet a massage here feels wonderful."

"Oh?" Pegasus asked, beginning to massage Ryou's thigh instead, moving to include his backside in his hand's route.

Ryou's blush slowly crept back. "M-master?” he squeaked, looking at him with wide eyes. "W-what are you doing?"

"Giving my beautiful bunny a massage...” Pegasus murmured softly, wrapping his idle arm around Ryou, letting the bunny's head rest on his upper arm, and his hand took up firmly rubbing Ryou's chest as Pegasus kissed along Ryou's jaw.

Ryou's widened even farther, though he couldn't prevent the quivering sigh that escaped his lips, or the slight quiver that had began in his ears. "Y-you shouldn't...” he mumbled after a moment, squirming slightly.

Pegasus blinked. "I shouldn't?” he asked. "Why?" His hand slid down to Ryou's inner thigh.

Ryou's breath hitched and he shook his head. "I... y-you can’t...” he stammered, blushing darkly. Though his ears had began to quiver more than they had been. "P-please don’t...”

"Why?" Pegasus asked, stopping. "What's wrong, angel?"

Ryou looked at the lion plushy he'd been clutching all the tighter. "W-what about...?” he asked softly looking confused.

"Why do you want me to stop?" Pegasus asked, reaching over and gently curling his fingers around the plush.

Ryou looked at the plushy and his ears tilted back slightly, caught between nervousness and confusion. "W-what about... him?” he mumbled blushing.

Pegasus blinked. "What about who?” he hissed, beginning to pull the plushy from Ryou.

Ryou pulled lightly against the plushy. "B-but...” he stammered softly, the blush slowly darkening. "W-what about...?"

"What about what?" Pegasus asked. "If you are going to start a sentence, finish it...”

Ryou looked at the plushy once more, giving Pegasus' hand a soft lick. "My... lion...”

Pegasus smiled and kissed Ryou's cheek, finally extracting the lion from Ryou's grip. "Shhh... You can have it back later, baby...” he assured Ryou, placing the plush onto the table by the bed side. He wrapped his arms around Ryou and cuddled him, kissing his cheek again.

"I love you, Ryou...” he whispered.

Ryou closed his eyes, nuzzling Pegasus softly. "Love... me...?” he asked, opening his eyes to gaze at Pegasus, looking utterly confused and vulnerable. "You... love me?” he stammered softly.

Pegasus smiled and gently caressed Ryou's cheek with his hand. "I love you...” he repeated. "You are the most beautiful creature on this earth... You are gentle, and loving, and you make me feel important... and YOU are important to me... So very important. What I told that woman in the lobby was the truth. You are my most prized possession... you are worth more to me than my house... my name... my bank accounts... my company... my very legacy... You are the most important thing to me...”

Ryou's eyes widened and he stared at Pegasus shocked. "R-really?” he stammered, surprised and flattered. "I'm... as important as all that?"

Pegasus nodded. "As important as that. I wanted you all to myself. I never wanted to share you. But I also want you happy. And when you said you were lonely, I ordered Malik.” he smiled and kissed Ryou's nose. "Because I love you, and I want you to be happy. And if it makes my precious bunny happy, well...” he smiled and tapped Ryou on the nose. "Then I don't mind sharing a bit."

Ryou blushed and stared at Pegasus for a moment, his ears falling against his head in slight unease. "B-but what about ... Marik?” he asked softly. "I... I can’t...”

Pegasus blinked, and then scowled. "What about him?” he ground out through clenched teeth.

Ryou whimpered slightly, shrinking back. "He loves me...” he whispered fearfully.”I... I can’t just... leave him."

Pegasus glared. "Why hold a loyalty to one you will never see again?” he demanded.

Ryou squeaked. "B-because it's the right thing to do?” he stammered, unsurely. "W-wouldn't you want the same, if it were you? What about your… wife?" Pegasus blinked at Ryou, then sighed.

“Cecelia…” He said. "I loved her with all my heart. And she was taken from me. I did not love again for several years... until you.” he pet Ryou's cheek. "But I did love again. I will never get Cecelia back. You will never see your lion again. EVER. Are you trying to say that should you have the opportunity, you would be unfaithful to me?” he gripped Ryou's shoulders, drawing closer, his single visible eye boring into Ryou's large red eyes. "You would betray me? Your master? Your mate?"

Ryou gasped softly, his eyes widening. "B-but... he... I... I met him first... a-and...” Ryou stammered, starting to look utterly lost and confused. "I... I... I don’t understand!” he whimpered, pulling his own ears harshly.

Pegasus frowned and shook Ryou a bit, making him face him. "Ryou. I am your mate! Isn't that what you wanted?” he asked.

Ryou whimpered and began to tremble. "D-don’t hurt me!” he gasped softly, curling into Pegasus' arms. "P-please! I'm a good bunny! A g-good bunny!” he wailed, fur bristling, shaking like a leaf. "H-he had me first! I... I don’t know what to think! Please!"

Pegasus closed his eyes and forced himself to relax. Getting angry would only frighten Ryou. Slowly, he relaxed his grip on Ryou's arms and sat up, pulling the bunny into his lap and cuddling him gently, rocking him, crooning to him soothingly. He had to remind himself that this wasn't Ryou's fault... he had the loyalty installed in him, and the trigger was the act of mating. And for some reason, fate had allowed that lion to get to Ryou first. It wasn't his fault, Pegasus told himself.

"Shhhh... It's okay... I know you're confused... I'm sorry I scared you. It's okay... I'm not mad. It's not your fault you're confused... Calm down, sweetie...” And he gently stroked Ryou's hair and back.

Ryou whimpered loudly, clinging to Pegasus, shaking softly. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry...” he whimpered softly. He sobbed silently into Pegasus' shirt. "I don’t know... I don’t know... I'm so confused...” he whimpered while crying.

He felt so lost... why did things have to happen this way?! Why couldn't one of the two of them give up?! It was tearing him apart, fighting to find the real mate among the two! Marik was the first, and he loved him so dearly... he wanted to be human again so badly. Pegasus loved him so much, pampered him and took care of him, he'd provide everything he could ever want or need. Why was it so difficult?!

It felt so obvious that he should love Marik, even Malik thought so... but his heart was trapped between the two, and he just couldn't even begin to understand why.

Pegasus slowly stood and walked around the room, just letting Ryou cry. He continued to rock to him, and croon softly, helping him to calm down slowly. After a few minutes, he turned and walked out onto the balcony, looking out over the blue scenery of the water and the sky.

Ryou's sobs slowly died down and he was left hiccupping softly, still clinging to his master. He sniffled and buried his face into Pegasus' shoulder. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry...” he whimpered, still trembling as though he were terrified.

"Shhhh... It’s okay." Pegasus whispered into Ryou's ear. "You don't have to apologize." Then, he set Ryou down in the hammock that was strung up on the balcony. He went back inside and returned a moment later, sitting in a lawn chair beside Ryou and beginning to gently swing the hammock. He smiled and stroked Ryou's side, then offered him a little frozen treat; it was a cube of frozen fruit punch.

Ryou sat up shakily and began licking the treat while Pegasus held it, taking time to clean his master's fingers every moment or so, his soft tongue effectively cleaning away the delicious melting treat's juices. "Mmm...” he mumbled, his trembles slowly subsiding. His ears slowly perked, and he finally finished the treat, before lying on his side and looking at Pegasus, his expression that of a lost child.

"Master... help me... I'm so confused...” he said softly.

Pegasus smiled and bent over, kissing Ryou's little nose. "I am your mate.” he said, softly. "But the lion took care of you before I brought you home. He will always be special to you.” he said. "But you won't see him again. You belong with me, Ryou. You, and me, and Malik... we are a... a family. I am your mate. Malik is... your brother, in a way. And your place is with us. Marik is... like an old boyfriend. Of course, you still feel for him, Ryou, but... it's over between you and him. You need to let go, baby... you can't live in the past, much less try to live in the past and present at the same time. Let him go, Ryou. If you don't... you'll never be happy... And I want to see my bunny happy." And he kissed Ryou's nose.

Ryou's ears drooped. "B-but... I... want to see him again...” he said softly, looking down guiltily. "I can’t help it...” He whimpered softly, giving Pegasus a hurt look. "W-what if I do see him again? What then?"

Pegasus looked Ryou in the eyes, and pulled the lion plushy out from behind his back and looked down at it. He looked back at Ryou and smiled. "You'll just have to remember who your mate is. And where your loyalty lies. You must remember, Ryou. I am your master, and your mate. The lion is... a memory. If anything, he will be a friend. But nothing more, hmm?" And he bouncing the lion up Ryou's stomach and chest, and tapped the lion's nose to Ryou's nose.

Ryou squeaked and licked the lion plushy giggling softly, squirming beneath it. "Marik...” he cooed lovingly, before nuzzling Pegasus' hand. "S-so... you're going to replace Marik?” he asked after a moment, gently taking the lion from Pegasus and cuddling it.

Pegasus blinked. "That's right... I am your mate. I will take care of you, and provide for you, and hold you and protect you and cuddle you and love you...” And he grabbed the plushy and began to tease Ryou with it, making it rub noses with Ryou, then dodge through his groping hands to nuzzle his cheeks, before making a quick escape again.

Ryou squealed and began trying to snatch 'Marik' back quickly. "But you're not... Marik is, you want to take Marik's place.” he squeaked and tried to sit up, to pounce on the doll. "My... master wishes... t-to be my mate...” he said softly, before pausing to look at Pegasus questioningly. "B-but... you... cannot be BOTH... Malik said...”

Pegasus blinked. "Malik said I cannot be both what?” he asked, pausing in their little game.

"Both a master... and a mate." Ryou replied softly. "Mates... do... all you've said... b-but... they also... listen a-and care about their mates’ feelings and thoughts... n-not boss them around...” Ryou shrank down slightly. "N-not that you're bossy... b-but y-you don’t... listen to... to me."

Pegasus blinked. "I don't?” he asked. "I listened to you when you said you wanted a companion. When you wanted to travel. When you said you wanted to rest in the room. And I'm listening to you now, aren't I?” he took Ryou's paw in his hand and held it, gently.

Ryou blushed slightly. "W-well yes... b-but... what about when... I asked for clothes... and to walk? And pizza?" He said softly. "You know... I'm only half bunny... I'll lose my sanity... if all I ever indulge is the bunny...” he said softly, looking down. "A mate loves me for... for me...” he added looking up, almost hopefully. "You... said you fell in love with me when you first saw me... but when you first saw me... I was human."

Pegasus blinked. "Yes... but you reminded me of a bunny...” he said. "And you can have pizza. Just not at the Hall of Waters...” he smiled and kissed Ryou's cheek. "If we are at a nice place, you will have nice food. But there are places here where you can get pizza. I promise, okay? I swear, before God himself!" And he raised a hand, and then placed it over his heart. "You WILL get your coveted pizza."

Ryou blinked, raising an ear in confusion. "Master... I...” he lowered his gaze slightly. "I... will accept you as my mate... if you allow me to indulge my human side as well...” he said softly, looking up. His eyes were full of tears, and his ears drooped. "I feel like I'm lost... please help me by letting me indulge a little, and I... I will do my best, to be a... a wonderful mate to you. I will always be your bunny... b-but I will become sick... I will lose my mind if I can’t have something of my old life." He looked at Pegasus needily. "Please, I'll do anything you could ask of me, for just the simple pleasures I had... clothes.” he said eagerly. "I'd even wear things for you! Anything you could ask of me! I would wear them eagerly, just... for that small bit of humanity... anything Master Pegasus... I'm begging you... as a m-mate...”

Pegasus blinked. "What kind of clothes, Ryou?” he asked. "Any kind?” he cocked his head, wanting to know just... how clothed Ryou wanted to be.

Ryou blushed slightly. "Well... pants... tops... things other than that awful bunny suit...” he said softly. "I'm not a whole bunny... I shouldn't have to dress like one always...” he mumbled, looking at Pegasus, ears rising slightly, like his hope.

Pegasus frowned. "Hmmmm...” he mused, tapping his chin. "I dunno, Ryou... I kind of like you running around in your bunny suit... and birthday suit...” And he chuckled and gave Ryou a naughty wink.

Ryou whimpered. "Please master Pegasus... I-if you value my soul... m-my sanity you'll allow me this one simple wish...” he pleaded softly, his ears falling into a droop. "Please! I'd wear anything at all!"

(I AM NOT DRUNK!!!!

(oop. wrong window

( ^_^()

yah... totally believe you

(-_-*

Pegasus looked at Ryou. "... Anything?” he asked in a low, amused tone.

Ryou nodded immediately. "Anything! Please!"

Pegasus put a finger in Ryou's face. "Now, you said anything... and I'll hold you to that. Anything.” he said.

Ryou blinked confusedly. "... huh?” he asked stupidly.

"Anything...” Pegasus said, slowly.

Ryou's eyes widened suddenly and he covered his mouth. "N-not ANYTHING!” he said shaking his head mortified. "N-nothing like... like THAT!"

Pegasus laughed. "Oh yes Ryou, I'm going to make you hop down to the beach with a ball gag and a pair of crotch less panties...” He drawled, voice dripping in sarcasm. “Not something like THAT." And he ruffled Ryou's hair, chuckling. "At least... not where someone aside from me will see you." And he chuckled.

Ryou gasped softly, blushing darkly and shaking his head. "Y-you wouldn't...” he breathed a slight tremble in his voice.

Pegasus laughed again. "I doubt it.” he said, laughing at Ryou. "But I would hope that you would wear something... special for me every now and then in the privacy of my bedroom...”

Ryou's blush darkened. "I... I have no clothes...” he said softly. "I... I can’t."

Pegasus smiled. "That's why I take you shopping, baby.” he said, and he made the lion give Ryou a nose-kiss again.

Ryou blushed and licked the lion once more. "I... w-wouldn't know... wh-what you'd like...” he said after a moment.

Pegasus smiled. "That's why I pick things out for you.” he said, beginning to tease Ryou with the lion plush again.

Ryou squirmed and pawed at the lion, giggling softly, a smile gracing his lips for the first time since they'd arrived. "When... will I get my clothes?” he asked hopefully. "Soon?"

Pegasus smiled. "Well, baby... around here, you'll be in your swim trunks. And we're limited on shopping here... but when we get home, I'll get your own clothes." And he allowed Ryou to catch the lion plushy this time.

Ryou looked at Pegasus tilting his head slightly. "b-but you can get me one clothes today... right? Something for your room?” he asked softly, not meaning Pegasus' bedroom, but not really wording the question well, and not thinking of possible outcomes.

Pegasus blinked, then sighed and nodded, smiling. "Yes.” he said. "Yes I can." And he bent over and kissed Ryou's forehead. "Anything for my little precious angel...” And he lovingly rubbed Ryou's hair, nuzzling his cheek.

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Ryou had eventually fallen asleep being rocked by the breeze in the hammock on the balcony. As soon as he did, Pegasus made a few calls. Ryou wanted clothes, Ryou would get clothes. But Pegasus chose what kind of clothes. And he pulled some strings too... two hours later Ryou awoke and found himself staring at the chair beside him. There, on the chair, was a sexy little French Maid costume with the fluffy skirt, low cut top, puff sleeves, and black fishnet stocking that reached almost to the top of his thighs, little black slippers, and a black and white laced garter for his thigh. On it was a little note.

Clothes for my precious bunny.

-P-

Ryou blinked slightly. He had asked for clothes... but these were girl clothes! He sighed softly however and smiled. At least Pegasus had gotten him that... he wasn't really obligated to do even that, and he was better to be thankful for them. He sat up and slowly began dressing in the outfit provided for him.

Ryou wasn't sure what was worse... Going Commando, or wearing the tiny black panties with white lace on them. But he put on the panties and the rest of the outfit, before carefully standing up straight, grateful that the little black shoes were flat and not heeled.

Ryou gasped softly, bracing himself against the wall to prevent himself from falling. "M-master Pegasus?” he called, ears perking slightly as he slowly walked into the room, careful not to fall. "A-are you here?"

He could tell the skirt was short, it just barely covered the panties, and he knew that if he were to try anything short of walking, his tail would be clearly visible beneath the frilly skirt. He blushed darkly at the thought and shook his head, losing his balance for a moment before gripping the nearest window for balance. "M-master?"

"Well, well, well...” Pegasus said, coming out of the master bedroom. "Ryou...” he looked him up and down, and grinned. "I... wow... I'm speechless!!! You look GREAT!!!" And he walked over. "You legs look so long and...” he chuckled. "Sexy... Oh, you didn't poke your tail through." And suddenly Pegasus lifted his skirts, ruffled them around a bit, and then pulled his tail through a hole cut in the back. "There we go." And he smoothed the fur on Ryou's tail before smiling and stepping back, looking Ryou over again. He nodded and clapped his hands a few times. "Exquisite...” he said.

Ryou blushed pulling the front of the skirt lower in the front, his ears raised, though the tips drooped into his face. "U-um... I'm... n-not sure this is th-the right sort of clothes...” he said softly, blush deepening. "I-I am happy though... I... I love the clothes...”

Pegasus smiled and moved behind Ryou, wrapping his arms around him and holding him to his chest. "This is just a little something special for you to wear around the house... this is just for you and me. You won't be going out in this... there's... too much on display...” And he teased Ryou's thighs with his fingers, then smiled and kissed Ryou's cheek before letting him go. "And I'm glad you like it. You look adorable."

Ryou blushed. "You... are surprised I c-can walk... s-still?” he asked, though his legs were shaking slightly, from lack of use, and embarrassment.

Pegasus blinked, then smiled and nodded. "Well... yes." He confessed. "But... I've forgotten how beautiful you can be standing up...” he sighed and dropped into a chair, staring at Ryou for a moment. Then, he smiled and pat his thigh, signaling Ryou to come sit on his lap.

Ryou walked over slowly, whimpering when he literally fell into Pegasus's lap and open arms. "I-I'm sorry!” he gasped, clinging to Pegasus slightly, ears back fearfully. "I... I'm not very good at walking anymore... I've been hopping so long...”

Pegasus chuckled and caught him. "My poor baby... I know...” he smiled and sat Ryou on his lap, and gently stroked his cheek. "If you like... Master will help you learn to walk again...” And he kissed Ryou's cheek.

Ryou's eyes widened. "Y-you... would help me?” he breathed, shocked. "I... I thought you didn't want me to be anything but... but your bunny.” he said turning to look at Pegasus with wide crimson eyes. "D-do you really mean it?"

"I still want you to be my bunny." Pegasus said. "But I want you to be my happy bunny. So, yes, I mean it. But... you only walk when I say you can.” he said, shaking his finger at Ryou and tapping his nose. "Other than that, you hop like a good bunny, okay?"

Ryou nodded slowly. "When CAN I walk?” he asked softly, nuzzling Pegasus, and giving his cheek a shy kiss.

"Well...” Pegasus said. "It depends on the situation... and what you're wearing... For example. Your bunny suit. In that, you hop. In this...” he flipped Ryou's skirts. "You walk."

Ryou blushed and gently swatted Pegasus' hands away. "You shouldn't play with that...”

Pegasus laughed. "Oh, I shouldn't... But I will...” he said, flipping them again and kissing Ryou's cheek, before giving him a bit of a tickle.

Ryou squeaked loudly and gently swatted at Pegasus again. "S-stop it! That's bad!” he said blushing. "You're not supposed to play with that...”

Pegasus laughed. "I am your master and mate... I can play with this all I want...” And he slid a hand up under Ryou's skirt.

Ryou gasped and squirmed. "M-master!” he squeaked, eyes wide. "Wh-what are you doing?!"

Pegasus chuckled and stopped, standing and helping Ryou to stand, too. "I'm teasing you, baby.” he said, hugging Ryou and kissing his red cheek.

Ryou yelped, bracing himself against Pegasus' chest. "Master...” he breathed, still a bit unsteady on his feet. "Th-thank you...” he said softly, wiping away tears that had begun to fall down his cheeks. "You... r-really... love me?” he said, starting to think maybe he did. "You'll... really take care of me? G-give me what I need... what I want... love me...?”

Pegasus smiled and hugged Ryou, before picking him up and lifting him to eye level. "Of course.” he said, and gently kissed Ryou, this time on the lips.

Ryou blushed softly and closed his eyes, allowing Pegasus to kiss him, though he felt guilty over Marik.

Especially since Marik had kissed him in this exact way only a week earlier.

Pegasus then set Ryou down on his feet and moved away. "Okay, Ryou.” he said, holding his arms out. "Walk to me."

Ryou looked at Pegasus nervously, before taking slow steps towards him, arms outstretched, like a toddler taking its first steps. "Master...” he said fearfully, his legs still shaking slightly, though he got better with each step

Pegasus smiled; Ryou was adorable. "Come on...” he encouraged. "You're doing fine... Come to master... Bend your knees and ankles, Ryou. There you go, much better!"

Ryou gave a sigh of relief when he finally reached Pegasus, falling into his chest and clinging to his shirt for balance. "I... I made it...” he breathed in wonder. "M-master... you're... so wonderful.” he sighed, nuzzling him. "I... I've never been so happy... you... are giving my life back to me...” he said amazed, nuzzling him.

Pegasus smiled and hugged Ryou. "I just want to see my bunny happy.” he said softly, nuzzling his face into Ryou's hair. "I love you.” he whispered. "Do you want to try again, or rest your legs a bit?"

"Whatever you want master... I'm so happy right now...” he said smiling warmly. "You'll... really take care of me forever?” he breathed, expression softening. "You... honestly, truly... love me? forever?"

Pegasus smiled and picked Ryou up bridal style. "Forever and ever.” he said, kissing Ryou's nose.

Ryou squeaked and clung to Pegasus, unable to hide the joy on his face. "Forever and ever? Until I die?” he breathed, wide eyed and hopeful. "You'll always love me and keep me happy? Give me the things I want and... love me...” he sighed dreamily closing his eyes, ears falling back serenely against his hair. "N-not just as a bunny, but also because I'm a person too?” he said opening his eyes and nuzzling Pegasus. "Y-you're wonderful...”

Pegasus cuddled Ryou in his arms. "My beautiful bunny...” he whispered softly, nuzzling Ryou's cheek. Then, he turned and carried Ryou into the Master Bed Suite. He stopped in the doorway and smiled, and Ryou stared. The room was lit with a few candles here and there, and the window was wide open, showing the beginnings of a fabulous sun set. The bed was done in red sheets and blanket, and petals from many different flowers were scattered over it in colors of oranges, purples, pinks and yellows. The bathroom door was open, and inside a tub full of bubble could be seen, once again lit with candles. And on a small dining table in the corner were two small bowls of fruit ice. In another corner was a small cage where a pair of love birds warbled to one another.

"O-oh my goodness...” he breathed, ears perking slightly, closing his eyes and listening to the birds. "It's so beautiful...” he mumbled, cuddling into Pegasus' chest. "Is... this for me?” he asked, slowly opening his eyes and looking around in wonder.

He blushed slightly, giving Pegasus a curious look, having half an idea what was going to ensue, and unsure if he wanted it or not... but unable to find a reason to ask Pegasus to not continue however.

Pegasus smiled. "Of course it is...” he said softly, carrying Ryou over to the table and sitting down, holding Ryou in his lap. He smiled and kissed Ryou softly, picking up the spoon and offering it to Ryou after filling it with the fruit ice.

Ryou smiled and opened his mouth, closing his eyes and giggling softly, gratefully accepting the chilled spoon. His ears quivered slightly, and he hummed in approval. "It's delicious...” He said softly, blushing and opening his eyes, giving Pegasus a loving look. "Thank you...”

Pegasus smiled. "You are MOST welcome... I'm glad you like the Tropical Ice...” he kissed Ryou's cheek and gave him more, then lifted a flute full of what looked like Champagne, but turned out to be sparkling cider when Ryou tasted it.

Ryou murred softly, smiling and fidgeting slightly. "Master Pegasus...” he cooed, giving him love struck looks. "I... I can hardly believe how much you've changed... how much you're willing to give to me and give up for me...” he breathed blushing and looking away shyly. "You're the... most amazing person... I've met...” he said, unable to think of anything but his master at this point, his genetic programming taking most effect in him.

Pegasus smiled and kissed his bunny's cheek, offering him the spoon once again. "Anything that is for the health and happiness of my bunny...” he said softly, rubbing Ryou's back. He chuckled. "My little French bunny...” And he flipped his skirts, and then poked the spoon into his mouth when Ryou opened it to protest.

Ryou squeaked around the mouthful of fruit flavored ice and pushed the skirt further down, blushing darkly, and ears tilting back embarrassedly. He swallowed and glared at Pegasus, though it merely looked more adorable, and not at all troublesome. "Master!” he scolded softly. "You're not supposed to!"

"Why?" Pegasus asked, laughing. "As your master and mate, is it not my right to... want to play with you?" And he flipped his skirts up again, showing off his little lacy panties.

Ryou's blush darkened more, despite having already created several new shades of red. "Master!” he squeaked, immediately pushing the frills and lace of the skirt back down. "Y-you shouldn't do that!” he scolded once more. "T-these are my clothes!"

"so?" Pegasus asked, honestly baffled as to why Ryou got so upset when he flipped his skirts.

"They're very special clothes...” Ryou said pulling the skirt down more. "You can’t do that... you'll wrinkle them."

Pegasus laughed. "They're nothing but ruffles, Ryou!” he said, and tweaked Ryou's tail.

Ryou gasped and his hands immediately covered his tail. "Don’t!” he said, looking fearful. "You'll hurt me... I wish you wouldn't do that.” he added pouting.

Pegasus pouted. "But I LIKE you tail...” he whined.

Ryou blinked surprised. "... did you just whine?” he blurted utterly shocked.

Pegasus frowned and pouted. "Yes. Yes I did.” he said.

Ryou blinked once more. "... attractive.” he said after a moment, laughing slightly.

Pegasus snorted. "And so are you naked.” he said and grabbed Ryou's skirts and lifted them completely. "So there.” he sniffed in a bratty tone.

Ryou squeaked and pushed the skirt down. "Master!” he scolded once more. "You can’t! no no no! Not my clothes!"

"why?" Pegasus asked. "I am your master. And I gave you the clothes... why can't I play with them?” he asked.

Ryou blushed. "Because... they're the only clothes I have... I want to keep them nice...” he said softly. "Even if it is clothes for a girl."

Pegasus chuckled. "I will buy you more, Ryou. Much more." And he kissed Ryou's cheek, then, kissed his lips.

Ryou mewled softly and pulled back, blushing and looking away shyly. "M-master... I...” He paused and gave Pegasus a shy yet loving look. "I don’t want... to ruin my beautiful clothes...” he said softly.

Pegasus chuckled. "Well then... I guess we'll just have to take them off of you...” he hissed, kissing Ryou again and unzipping the little dress, slipping his tongue into Ryou's mouth.

Ryou's ears shot up, his eyes widening as he suddenly wrapped his arms around Pegasus. His ears began to quiver softly and his breathing quickened, his eyes slowly falling closed. The only thought crossing his mind was of his master, and his desire to love only one, to love only his mate.

Pegasus removed the dress and apron, leaving Ryou in the panties, fishnet stockings, shoes and garter. He chuckled. "Do you have any idea how sexy you are like this?” he asked, standing and lifting Ryou up in his arms and heading towards the bathroom.

Ryou nuzzled into Pegasus' arms, panting softly. "N-no...” he mumbled dumbly, too caught up on the instincts he'd been induced to have to think clearly. "H-how... sexy?"

Pegasus chuckled. "I don't think I'll tell you... if I did tell you how intense you make me feel when I look at you like that... I would probably scare the hell out of you...” And he grinned.

Ryou gave him a half-witted look. "huh?” he mumbled, gently beginning to paw at Pegasus' shirt, nibbling on the fabric of it. "scare me...”

Pegasus chuckled and moved so close, that his lips brushed Ryou's ear. "It makes we want to throw you down on your face right here, and fuck you so hard, and so fast, that you completely loose all sense, sanity and consciousness... and find yourself unable to walk, sit or hop for a week straight...” he hissed, digging his fingers into Ryou's soft flesh.

Ryou groaned, squirming in Pegasus' grip. "Master.” he hissed gripping the shirt Pegasus was wearing. "You... must... be careful with... bunnies...” he mumbled trembling slightly. "I feel so strange...” he added after a moment,

Pegasus chuckled and walked into the bathroom, sitting down on the edge of the tub and removing Ryou's shoes, and slipping off the garter in a slow, teasing manner.

Ryou nuzzled into Pegasus' arms, smiling dumbly as he did that. "Master...” he cooed lovingly beginning to nibble the fabric of his master's shirt once more. "so slow... I need you...”

Pegasus laughed at Ryou's nibbles on his shirt and began to strip him of the stockings. This left Ryou in his little panties. Pegasus grinned and gently traced Ryou's bulge with a fingertip.

Ryou gasped sharply squirming and arching into the touch. "Ahh... d-don’t... ruin...” he stammered, unable to even form coherent sentences.

Pegasus laughed. "Okay.” he said, and whipped the undies off of Ryou's body. Then, he turned and plunked Ryou into the warm bath.

Ryou sighed and began nuzzling the edge of the tub, feeling instantly cuddly and warm, the water making him needy of attention, of any kind.

Pegasus smiled and knelt, picking up a cloth and gently running it over Ryou's body, kissing his face.

"Who's my good bunny?"

"Me... I'm your good bunny...” Ryou mumbled dumbly, nuzzling into Pegasus' arms. "I'm your good bunny... very good bunny."

"Yes you are." Pegasus crooned, gently petting Ryou's hair and kissing his face. "You are my perfect little angel.” he dropped the cloth and slid his hand down between Ryou's legs.

Ryou closed his eyes, his ears perking and quivering at the touches. "Master...” he cooed shaking his head and trying to shake some sense into his head.

Pegasus leaned over and kissed Ryou again, continuing to grope his bunny. "Are we enjoying our bath?” he murmured to Ryou.

Ryou nodded, ears slowly drooping into the water, quivering. "Y-yes...” he murmured, his voice even shaking slightly.

Pegasus chuckled and scooped up a mound of bubbles and dabbed Ryou's nose with it, leaving a pile of the suds on the tip of his nos.

Ryou's eyes seemed to focus for a moment, before he shook his head, gasping softly. Within moments the bunny gave a squeaking sneeze, sending the bubbles off his nose, and back into the water where they came from.

This made Pegasus laugh loudly, and he pulled both hands out of the water, folding his arms on the side of the tub and resting his chin on them, staring at Ryou with a smile.

Ryou shook his head a bit more, seeming to snap out of a trance. "hnn...” he mumbled looking around almost as if he were lost. "Bath...” he said slowly realizing he'd moved from the table to the tub. "Master... the bubbles tickle my nose.” he added quickly.

He squirmed slightly, and turned to face out of the tub, catching sight of some rose petals that were lying on, in and near the tub. Within moments he was delicately nibbling on them, looking delighted.

Pegasus blinked, and then laughed at Ryou, not expecting Ryou to suddenly get the munchies. He shook his head and lifted Ryou out of the tub, making the bunny whine as this left him cold. Pegasus stuffed his mouth with a few more rose petals to quiet him, then wrapped him up tightly in a fluffy towel and carried him into the bedroom.

Ryou squirmed in Pegasus' arms, trying to scamper up his chest and hop off his shoulder, wanting back in the warm water, and out of the cold. "cold!"

Pegasus laughed and held on, plopping Ryou down onto the bed and giving him a thorough rub down with the towel, drying and massaging him all at once while he nibbled at the various petals on the bed. "Who's my good bunny?" Pegasus asked.

Ryou shook his head, splattering water everywhere, as he dried his hair and ears. "I'm your good bunny!” he chirped, beginning to nibble on the petals once again.

Pegasus laughed and attacked Ryou's hair with the towel, trying to get that dried out. When he pulled back, he stared. If Ryou were before a mirror, he would spaz out and nearly have a heart attack at the state of his hair.

Almost as if on cue, Ryou hopped away from Pegasus, taking a seat on the pillows and beginning to groom his ears and hair, gently running his hands over the fur, drying and smoothing the fur. He looked almost seductive, the way he'd plopped down with his legs spread, knees forward and feet resting behind him, as he arched his chest lightly, reaching every inch of his ears and hair, grooming it serenely, and thinking nothing of the little show he was putting on.

Pegasus blinked and just sat and watched for a bit, then began to undress himself, removing his coat and loosening his tie before removing it completely. He unbuttoned his shirt and untucked it, then kicked off his shoes before taking a moment to watch Ryou again.

Ryou continued to groom himself, oblivious to his surroundings and humming softly to himself. Finally finishing his task, he laid down and yawned softly, beginning to nibble on rose petals once more.

Pegasus smiled and shook his head. He wanted clothes, and human food, and to walk and to have other human privileges... but Ryou was still a bunny. The man let his shirt fall to the floor and he unbuttoned his slacks, struggling out of them before moving up the bed in his socks and underpants, wrapping his arms around Ryou, cradling his bunny lovingly.

Ryou blinked, swallowing the petal he'd been nibbling to turn and look at Pegasus. "Master...” he said softly, blushing as he realized the lack of nearly all clothing between the two of them.

He nuzzled into Pegasus' chest. "How ... how much do you love me?” he asked softly, suddenly beginning to lick Pegasus' collar bone and neck, as though he were grooming him.

"More than anything...” he said softly, stroking Ryou's hair. "You are my beautiful angel with a fluffy tail." And he lovingly fluffed the damp fur on Ryou's tail.

Ryou twitched, bearing his teeth slightly, though he made no movement to bite his master, he simply continued licking him. "Please don’t...” he mumbled, ears twitching in slight agitation.

Pegasus smiled. "Sorry... it's just really cute!" And he hugged Ryou and kissed his nose, then tapped it. "And I saw that. No bearing your teeth to your mate, okay?" And he gave Ryou a small smack on the backside that Ryou knew was supposed to be a spank, but felt more like a little pat.

Ryou grumbled softly, though he looked more amused than upset. "Master... tell me about the day you first saw me...” he said sheepishly offering a curious look. "I am having trouble remembering that day... and I want to hear you...”

Pegasus smiled and leaned back against the head board, pulling Ryou into his chest and gently petting and cuddling him. "Well...” he said, softly, closing his eyes and thinking. "It was a huge tournament...” he began. "All the top players were there, including me. But I was just observing this time. Everyone knew the final duel would be Seto Kaiba Vs. Yami Mouto. I was sitting in my private box, just watching when you caught my eye... it was your hair, actually. It really stands out...” he ran a hand through his own hair.

Ryou blushed softly, ears twitching signaling he was listening quite intently. "Y-yes... I-it tends to...” he mumbled softly, nuzzling closer and watching Pegasus eagerly.

Pegasus sighed in calm contentment, continuing to stroke Ryou's hair. "I'd never seen anyone like you. And I wanted to leap out of my box and fall two floors down because that was the quickest way to get closer to you; unfortunately that would have resulted in injury and probably death, so I refrained from doing so." And Pegasus smiled in slight amusement.

Ryou blinked and gave Pegasus an odd look. "... I'm not sure if that's a good thing... to be that attracted...”

Pegasus laughed and opened his eye, looking down at Ryou for a moment before closing it again. "True that. Well, you started to leave the arena, and I left my box and ran downstairs, hoping to catch sight of you. I spotted you at the concession stand, with that loud blonde and those two boys who fight over the blonde's... sister, I believe? One had black hair, the other was a brunette... anyway, they were getting hot dogs and you got some nachos."

Ryou had a thoughtful look for a moment, before smiling. "... I rather like nachos...”

Pegasus laughed. "I'll keep that in mind.” he said. "Anyway, I just... stood there, watching you. I was wondering what a gorgeous little thing like you was doing with such a loud, crass, irritating group... You seemed so out of place...” he began to run his hand up and down Ryou's back.

"Why would you say that? They all thought I fit in quite nicely...” he said confusedly. "I kept those two from tearing each other apart."

"Well... you're so quiet and gentle and intelligent... and they were so loud and rough and... stupid...” Pegasus said a look of distaste on his face.

Ryou laughed softly. "I miss them...” he said after a moment. "I'm sure my grades have fallen to nothing...” he added sighing slightly. "I miss school so much. Yugi and I used to play cards after class... and his brother... his brother would always grumble, because we wouldn't let him play too... he was too good."

Pegasus chuckled. "Yami? Yes, a dueling prodigy, that one... oh, how he annoyed me...” And he let out a heavy sigh.

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "He was nice. He taught me how to play... granted I'm still nothing like he is...”

Ryou's master nodded. "I doubt anyone is.” he said, kissing the top of Ryou's head. "But that day, I didn't watch the duels... I watched you...”

Ryou blushed. "What happened after I got my nachos?” he breathed, seeming all the more curious. "Tell... tell me everything."

"Well...” Pegasus said slowly. "You and your friends went back into the arena... I tried to follow, but... well, I lost sight of you. So I ran back to my box and looked for you. It took about fifteen minutes to spot you."

Ryou nodded slightly, his ears twitching in attention. "Yes?"

"You were watching the duels, trying to ignore your noisy friends, bickering over something. You were watching your friend Yugi. And when he was later defeated, by Yami, he sat with you."

Ryou giggled softly. "I miss Yugi...”

Pegasus hugged Ryou. "I... watched you talk with him and share another order of nachos and one of those bread pretzels...”

Ryou laughed. "Well... Yugi had a crush on me... I imagine... he loved spending time with me. I never could decide if it was a crush, of if he was just so friendly that he'd stick by me forever. He would even stay and help when I had cleanup duty for the class."

"Ah. I see." Pegasus said. "Well, Yami won the tournament, as I'm sure remembering, and then you all left together...”

Ryou nodded slowly. "What did you do then?"

Pegasus sighed. "I mourned...” he said softly, cuddling Ryou. "The moment you left my sight, I missed you...”

"But... you didn't even know me...” Ryou said confusedly. "You didn't know anything about me."

"I knew all I needed to know... that you were the most beautiful creature I had ever seen and that I wanted you... to be mine, always... I wanted you to love me... because I loved you...”

Ryou gave Pegasus a worried look. "How... did you find out who I was? Where I was?"

Pegasus smiled. "I had to found you quite easily. I figured you were a friend of Yami, I found what school he went to, and you're the only one in the school with white hair.” he explained.

"I thought it was illegal for the school to divulge personal information... like my address and name...” Ryou said softly, ears tilting back slightly.

Pegasus grinned. "Who said they divulged it? It's called 'hacking'.” he said, tapping Ryou on the nose. "Seto Kaiba isn't the only one who can do it...”

Ryou gasped softly. "Y-you hacked into the schools computers?!” he said shaking his head, starting to feel frightened of just how much 'love' his master had for him.

"Yes." Pegasus said. "It was the easiest way to find you.” he sighed and closed his eye, resting his cheek on the top of Ryou's head and his fingers caressed the bunny's cheek. "You... are so perfect, Ryou...” he whispered. "I love you...”

Ryou whimpered softly, shaking his head. This wasn't... wasn't the same love as Marik's... this love bordered on insanity... and was frightening in a way Ryou had yet to be frightened, until today. "B-but...”

"Hmm?" Pegasus mused, softly, still holding and caressing Ryou.

"Th-that's... insane!” he said, his voice trembling slightly. "You never once confronted me about any of this... y-you kidnapped me! he said fearfully. "M-master... it frightens me...”

Pegasus opened his eye and looked down at Ryou. "Frightens you?” he asked, and then sat up. "Insane?" And his face hardened.

Ryou whimpered softly, instantly sorry he'd used those specific words. He sat up too, and looked down. "I... I mean... w-weren't the a-actions you took... w-without even knowing me... o-odd?” he asked, fearfully. "Y-you didn't even... know anything about me...”

Pegasus pulled Ryou closer and cupped Ryou's cheek in his hand. "I didn't have to.” he whispered. "I didn't have to know anything about you, to know that I loved you...” And he hugged him to his chest. "My beautiful Ryou... mine...”

Ryou whimpered softly. "Y-your love is so great... I-it frightens me...” he whispered softly, sniffling. "Wh-what if someday a situation arose where something were t-to get between us? I-if something better for me came about, but not better for 'us'... would y-you love me enough to let what is better for me happen... o-or love me so much you... you'd be unable to d-do what is best for me, t-to keep me...”

Pegasus frowned. This was... more than odd to say the least. "Why do you ask this?” he growled, increasingly suspicious.

Ryou gave Pegasus an innocent look. "I... I... I just imagine... someday... s-someday someone will... know about hybrids...” he said softly. "I-if that day came, would you be willing to let me live my own life again...?”

Pegasus frowned. "Ryou. You are my bunny... my mate. Are you saying that you would abandon me?” he asked, voice shaking in a rage ready to explode.

Ryou immediately shook his head. "No no! I... I just meant... f-for school... a-and... p-perhaps... t-to see my friends...” he said softly, looking sad. "P-please d-don’t be angry, I... I... I would never abandon you...”

Pegasus sighed and the rage subsided. "Perhaps...” he said. "I don't know...” And he frowned in thought, stroking Ryou. "But... you wouldn't abandon me?"

Ryou felt relief wash over him, the anger having left Pegasus' tone. He gave Pegasus a mournful look. "Where would I go? I... I have no home... those horrible men took away the only key to my father's home... with him gone, I won’t be getting another...” he said sighing and looking down.

Pegasus hugged Ryou. "If you did have somewhere to go... would you leave?” he asked, almost afraid of what Ryou might say.

Ryou sighed softly. "If... if I could go back to my own home... all my wonderful books, my comfortable bed... I would. B-but you know as well as I do, that my home is not very far from yours... I'd hardly call it abandonment. it's within walking distance either way."

Pegasus seemed to pout. "But I like you here with me!” he cried. "If you want books, all you have to do is ask! I'd buy you the library! And... I guess it is time that you graduated to a special bed from your nesting box... but I thought you liked your nesting box...?”

Ryou nodded. "Y-yes yes! B-but... no amount of nice things... c-can replace the feeling... of home.” he said softly. "Surely... you understand?"

"But... you were all alone at home, Ryou...” Pegasus pointed out, looking at his bunny.

"Perhaps when I was staying there... but I had friends who were always willing to spend time with me." Ryou retorted calmly. "I lived alone, but I was not lonely."

Pegasus sighed and laid his head back, closing his eye again, and thinking.

Ryou groomed his ears slightly. "You never answered my question...” he said softly. "would you love me enough to do what's best for me or not?"

"I would do what is best for you, Ryou. However, you may not see it as being the best for you. Many cannot see what is best for them." Pegasus said. "Because what is best is often not what we want."

"What IS best for me?” he asked softly.

"Right now? What I am giving you...” he said, smiling and petting Ryou's face. "A good home... good food that is carefully chosen for your dietary needs... A friend to keep you company... and a mate, who gives you the love and attention that every bunny needs...” Pegasus said, hugging Ryou tightly and kissing his cheeks.

Ryou sighed softly. "I had a lovely home before you gave me yours master...” he said sighing and nuzzling into his arms. "I can’t help but miss it... h-how would you feel if you were turned into oh... a lemur one day, and everything you held close was ripped away... you'd miss your old life too.” he mumbled sniffling and burying his face into his master's chest. "I'm just... so lost...” he mumbled gently beginning to groom away his own tears, from Pegasus' chest. "I don’t know what I should do anymore...”

"Be my bunny...” Pegasus whispered, rocking and cuddling Ryou. "That is all you need to do...”

Ryou closed his eyes and sighed softly his ears drooping. "... I want to be human...” he mumbled sniffling. "I'd rather be your HUMAN... than your bunny... I'm a horrible bunny...” he murmured sniffling softly. "I long for my friends... my family... my books... even a wonderful bed."

Ryou snuggled into Pegasus' arms despite himself, how he longed for the things Marik promised him someday. He looked down and sighed. "I... will never have those things... will I?” he said softly, feeling so torn between bunny and human that he could hardly define hybrid anymore as a combination of the two.


Pegasus blinked, and pondered Ryou's words for a while. Finally, he hugged him. "You will have as many books as you want...” he whispered into Ryou's ear. You will make friends in other hybrids like you. Your father is your only family... perhaps... someday... you will see him again... and look where you are now. Do you not share my bed? Do you and Malik not get a big human bed all your own here? And... if you wish it... you will have one of your own at home, too." Pegasus said. "I want my bunny to be happy. And if he wants a few human things, well... then he can earn them. Like he earned clothes." And he kissed Ryou's cheek. "Like a human must... you must work to earn the comforts that humans have."

Ryou's ears perked slightly. "And how would I go about working to earn the things I want?” he asked, a slight pitch of hope in his voice.

Pegasus laughed and hugged Ryou. "By being the happy obedient bunny you are and making master happy.” he said. "And showing me that I can trust you.” he smiled. "You have done very well with Malik. Is he happy?" Pegasus asked suddenly.

Ryou frowned and sighed. "He misses Bakura...” he said shaking his head. "I feel... sad for him... because he was separated from someone he loves...”

Pegasus nodded. "I know he misses Bakura. And you miss... you miss Bakura and Yami and... Marik." Pegasus sighed. "But... perhaps if Seto Kaiba can train them properly and they are behaving well... you can... visit them."

Ryou perked up immediately. "V-visit them?! oh can we please?! I would do anything to visit my friends!” he said ears perking and jumping to sit up immediately. "Master please! Let’s visit them!"

Pegasus sighed. "Now calm down... if you do, it won't be for... quite a while... It will be a long time before I can trust that... lion...” And he frowned and made a face like he had a bad taste in his mouth. "But... for your sake, I will try.” he said, petting Ryou's hair.

Ryou couldn't calm down and shook his head. "Master... seeing my friends would make me the happiest... bunny... to ever live.” he said gently pawing his master's chest. "I would do anything to visit my friends, and I'm sure Malik would as well... please, even if you can’t trust them, you can trust us!” he pleaded ears quivering with excitement and joy.

Pegasus frowned and shook his head. "No, Ryou. I do not trust that lion. It would be best if you just dropped the subject; just thinking of that beast makes me...” And he grit his teeth and glared at the wall, his fingers tightening on Ryou and digging painfully into his flesh.

Ryou gasped and whimpered, squirming to get loose of the painful grip. "M-master...” he whimpered painfully. "You... you're hurting me...”

Pegasus dug his fingers in deeper, but at Ryou's yip, he blinked and released him. "Oh! Oh, baby, I'm sorry!” he gasped, rubbing the bruises he had put on his bunny. "Oh, my poor baby bunny...” And he hugged Ryou and rocked him. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to... are you okay?"

Ryou sniffled softly squirming to get away, shaking slightly, the bunny in him feeling betrayed and fearful. "y-you hurt me...” he whimpered, squirming more.

"I know...” Pegasus whispered. "I'm sorry... Master is sorry... I didn't mean to hurt my precious little one... forgive me?"

Ryou squirmed loose and gave him a fearful look. "Why... why do you get so angry about Marik?” he said softly, hunching down fearfully. "So... so angry you even hurt me...”

Pegasus snorted and went back to stroking Ryou's back. "Because... that lion wants to take you from me...” he said.

Ryou blinked. "Well... technically he had me first Master...” he said softly.

Pegasus froze, and his fingers dug into Ryou, more harshly than before, and the look on his face was... a look that Ryou had seen before... a look that brought on more fear than one had thought possible.

Ryou gasped softly and whimpered. "I... I'm sorry!” he whimpered shaking his head squirming once more to escape Pegasus. "Please don’t hurt me!” he squeaked, scrambling desperately to get away from the infliction of pain

Pegasus snarled and slowly let go, then got off of the bed and walked out of the room.

Ryou sighed in slight relief, timidly hopping off the bed and following his master. He peered out of the room and raised his ears, listening for sounds of his master. "Master?” he called softly. "I... I'm sorry... th-that was very rude of me...” he called apologetically.

Pegasus stood on the balcony looking out at the sunset, and didn't answer.

Ryou looked at Pegasus, slowly hopping out after him and rubbing up against his leg. "Master... I'm sorry...” he said softly. "Please don’t be angry... I'm a good bunny...”

Pegasus frowned and glared at the horizon, but eventually sighed and let a hand fall to gently pet Ryou's head. "It... will be a long time before I let you see that lion... if I ever let you see him...” Pegasus managed to say after a while. "Don't get your hopes up."

Ryou sighed and looked down. "I see...” he said softly, curling up at Pegasus' feet. "and... what of my other friends? Yugi... and the other two you didn't like?” he asked, the hope in his voice seeming to die as quickly as it had risen.

"we shall see." Pegasus said after a long pause. "I need to go get Malik soon. The day care will be closing."

Ryou's ears drooped and he nuzzled Pegasus' leg. "I'm sorry master... I've ruined your fun plans for the afternoon.” he said gently licking his master's leg. "Please don’t be mad... I didn't mean to.” he added getting up and struggling to stand. "I... I'm just... confused. I love you so much... and... and also Marik... and... I don’t know who I should listen to... and who I belong with... it's all so confusing... something is terribly wrong with me...” his ears drooped, his eyes slowly filling with tears. "I'm sorry... m-maybe I'm just a badly made bunny...”

Pegasus sighed and turned, reaching out with gentle hands to steady Ryou. "It's not your fault...” he said softly. "And you're not badly made. I think you are the most beautiful, perfectly made bunny ever... And your confusion is... understandable." And Pegasus stepped closer and hugged Ryou. "I'm not mad at you...” he whispered. "I love you."

Ryou held onto Pegasus for balance. "Why am I confused...” he sniffled clinging to him, not just for physical support, but emotional as well. "Please... make it go away... who am I supposed to love? Who is my mate? Why am I like this?” he said beginning to cry frustrated tears. "A-am I a whore? Malik called me one once... b-because I'm so confused...”

Pegasus frowned and hugged Ryou tightly, rocking him back and forth. "No, Ryou... you're not a whore...” he whispered, then sighed. "You feel like this because... well... you are intended to mate for life. But now you have been mated by two individuals.” he explained. "Marik was your... first. Whish explains your loyalty to him. But I am your master, and your mate. And you know that. So you feel a loyalty to us both. That is why you are confused, baby. But I am your mate. Not Marik...” he kissed the top of Ryou's head.

Ryou's eyes widened slightly. "B-but... rabbits... don’t mate for life...” he said softly. "No rabbit is loyal to just one mate...”

Pegasus smiled. "Ah, but that's a little surprise...” he said, and lifted Ryou's left ear, whispering into it. "Human's mate for life... your confusion comes from a part of you that is still human." And he smiled and kissed Ryou's nose.

Ryou shook his head, looking even more confused. "N-not always... when one dies... the other will pick another person to love.” he said softly.

"Yes...” Pegasus said. "Sometimes."

Ryou nodded. "Yes... especially if they're young...” he said softly. "Master... even though you're my mate... I still feel so strongly inside that Marik can provide for me... please... help me...” he sniffled.

Pegasus pet Ryou's cheek. "But he can't baby. He's... he's a pet. An animal. He could never take care of you.” he said.

Ryou's ears drooped. "They... were going to start a wonderful place... where he could work...” he said softly. "Earn his own living... j-just like people...”

Pegasus frowned, and then pushed Ryou away so he could look at him. "What?” he asked a look of alarm, anger and worry on his face.

Ryou gasped softly and covered his mouth. "Please... don’t ruin it! Th-they wanted it so badly!” he said shaking his head, his legs shaking so badly he was starting to fall.

Pegasus frowned. "What are they doing?! And... How do YOU know about it?!"

Ryou yelped, dropping to all fours and backing up slowly. "P-please! D-don’t ruin it! H-he wanted it so badly! D-don’t!"

Pegasus knelt. "Ryou, I don't know what you're talking about... Marik is going to work? Where? How? Where did you hear this?"

Ryou backed up more. "D-do you promise to leave... leave them alone?"

Pegasus blinked. "What do you think I'll do?” he asked, genuinely confused at Ryou's current attitude.

"You'd stop them!” he said shaking his head. "H-he wants to get a job, be human again!” he said tugging his ears.

Pegasus frowned and seized Ryou's upper arms. "HOW DO YOU KNOW?!” he demanded.

"I... I... M-Malik told me a long time ago!” he squeaked whimpering and beginning to tremble.

Pegasus' grip loosened. "Ah. Okay.” he said, then sighed. "And... I will not interfere in the business of other hybrid owners. If Seto wants to throw away his money on an idea that will never work... well, that's his choice.” he said, and pet Ryou.

Ryou shook his head. "It will work!” he said proudly. "The idea is brilliant!"

Pegasus blinked. "Oh really? Well... what kind of a place will it be?" He asked, picking Ryou up and kissing his nose.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus. "A dance club and restaurant.” he said softly. "Hybrid themed, people will think they're wearing costumes to look like hybrids...”

"Really?" Pegasus said. He smiled. "Well... if my bunny and fennec are REALLY good boys...” And he tugged Ryou's tail. "Then maybe, when it opens... we can go there for dinner sometime."

Ryou nodded. "Yes, Marik’s going to work there, and Yami and Bakura. Seto's going to get as many hybrids as he can! He's going to buy land and build them houses, and help them get back on their feet.” he said eagerly. "J-just like I used to be!"

Pegasus sighed. "I don't think that will work, Ryou honey...” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed again, and offering Ryou a flower petal.

Ryou took it and nibbled it. "Why not?” he asked blinking. "It... it sounds brilliant."

Pegasus frowned. "If it works, we will go there for dinner.” he said. "But there will be no more talk on the matter.” he said, and pat Ryou's bottom.

Ryou nodded slightly, nuzzling into Pegasus and nipping him, on the nipple, playfully. He was nippy, and what better place?

Pegasus jumped. "Ah! Hey!!” he yelped. "What was that about?!” he asked, looking down at Ryou, baffled.

Ryou giggled and pranced lightly, nipping the other in the same manner, giggling at his baffled master, before darting off. This was a fun game. Make the master yelp!

Pegasus blinked, and then grinned. "What is my bunny up to?” he called in a sing song voice, standing and slowly walking after Ryou.

Ryou squeaked delightedly and hid under a sofa, peering out between the flaps of fabric that hid the space beneath it from uglying the room.

Pegasus looked around the room. "Where's my bunny?” he sang, looking around for Ryou. "Where is he?" Then, he dove for the sofa and reached under. "BUNNY BUNNY BUNNY!!!"

Ryou yelped and scrambled out from under the sofa, before leaping over the back, nipping Pegasus playfully on the butt, and scampering off once more, giggling all the way.

This time, Pegasus leapt up with a yip and grabbed his hind end. His eye was wide in surprise, but he turned and grinned, chuckling. "Hmmm... somebody's gonna get it...”

Ryou giggled, this time taking refuge in the kitchen, hiding in a cabinet.

Pegasus chased him, and glanced at the little fridge, thinking that he MUST introduce Ryou to the fun of ice in sex later on... "Where's my bunny?” he sang, beginning to open cabinets, as he had heard one close.

Ryou squeaked softly, hearing Pegasus beginning to check the cabinets. He became silent, ears quivering as his master sought him out.

"GOTCHA!!!" Pegasus shouted, flinging the cabinet open and diving into it after Ryou.

Ryou yelped and tried to dart out before Pegasus could get a good grip on him. "Oh no!"

Pegasus did a face plant into the back of the cabinet, grunting, and twisting around to grab Ryou, almost snatching his tail.

Ryou managed to squeeze out, and nipped Pegasus' other cheek, giggling loudly and hopping away once more, having escaped his master's clutches a third time.

Pegasus scrambled out of the cabinet and charged after Ryou. "You can't escape me for long!!!” he howled.

Ryou giggled and hopped over the couch, scampering through the house at amazing speed, before disappearing into Pegasus' room.

Pegasus was panting by this point and went after Ryou, closing the bedroom door behind him. "I think... our neighbors... below us... hate us... right about now...” he gasped, looking around for Ryou.

Ryou was once again silent, though he was giggling inwardly at Pegasus' comment. This was thrilling, being chased down... it always thrilled him.

Pegasus' eye slowly moved over the room, searching for his hiding bunny... "Where is Ryou?” he sang.

Ryou backed up, his tail brushing against the wall, his hiding place under the bed.

Pegasus sighed; the hotel room had a serious lack of hiding places. That, and Ryou liked to hide under his bed at home, so... He dropped to the floor and peered under. "I found you!!!"

Ryou gasped, shocked he'd been found. He quickly made a break for it, hoping to elude Pegasus once more.

But Pegasus lunged forwards and tackled Ryou around the middle, immediately subjecting his bunny to the Dreaded Tickle torture of Doom.

Ryou shrieked and struggled valiantly to get away. "S-stop!” he wailed clawing his way across the carpet to get away. "S-Stop tickling me!"

"NO!!" Pegasus laughed, pinning Ryou down on his back and continuing the merciless attack. But after a few moments, Pegasus lifted Ryou into his arms and laid him on the bed, crawling over him and kissing his bunny.


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