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 34

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Yami yawned and stretched in the tree, looking around, feeling utterly refreshed. Judging by the sun it was still early in the day, but certainly not the crack of dawn, as he usually got up.

He sighed and stood, shaking any stray leaves from his wings before beginning the flight back to Seto's mansion. He couldn't just let the poor guy worry about him. Hopefully though, he would have already taken Marik and Bakura to work. He didn't really care for dealing with that skunk.

After flying over the city, taking in the sights as he went back, Yami fluttered to a stop, landing on his balcony and walking inside, deciding to shower and change, before meeting Seto. He probably stank slightly... he HAD slept outside.

After finishing his morning chores, even the dreaded 'shower' (he really would have loved a fountain... now THAT'D be luxury... ) he wandered slowly into the hall, seeking Seto.

The sounds of rapid typing brought Yami to Seto's office. Seto was sitting at his desk, staring at the screen of his computer, typing away. He didn't even look up when Yami entered the room.

"You're back.” he stated simply, not pausing in his work.

Yami nodded slowly. "I needed some time to think...” he said softly. "They gone?” he asked after a moment.

"Yes." Was all Seto said, continuing to type. He paused and moved the mouse about a bit, and the printer whirred to life, spitting out a few papers. Then Seto went right back to typing. He still had not given Yami so much as a glance.

Yami sat down and watched Seto intently. "What are you working on?” he asked, yet again feeling that helplessness that Seto seemed to instill in him. Though this time he was sure Seto was doing it on purpose.

"Work." Seto said, simply. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"I'm feeling a lot better." Yami replied, with the same simplicity. "I'm sorry.” he added offering Seto an apologetic look.

Seto paused in his typing and frowned slightly, but then picked right up where he left off. "For what.” he said on a toneless voice.

Yami frowned this time. "For worrying you.” he said after a moment. "Though something tells me you've got other things on your mind."

Seto paused again, and this time sat back and looked at Yami. "Maybe I do.” he said, standing and walking over to the printer, picking up the papers and glancing over them before stapling them together and dropping them onto his desk. "Congratulations. You've done it again.” he nearly growled, before heading for the door.

Yami sighed, standing and gently tugging Seto's sleeve. "I'm sorry.” he said looking down. "A lot has been on my mind... a lot, most of which that upsets me. Bakura was right... in some instances though... .” he said giving Seto a sad smile. "As much as I hate admitting being wrong."

Seto looked down at Yami, trying to keep his face emotionless. But his eyes betrayed him, showing pain and sadness in them. "What are you talking about?” he asked.

"Your poker face sucks Seto… you and I both know it." Yami said softly. "I can’t have a conversation alone."

Seto narrowed his eyes. "What do you want me to say?” he snapped. "I've said all I can think of and I get the same shit from you over and over again! I never give up, and I'm never defeated! Except by you! Well congratulations, you've done it again. I give up!" And he left the room and stormed down the hall.

Yami sighed, walking after Seto. Now would be as good a time as any... to see if Seto had truly loved him. "Do you regret buying me?” he asked, keeping a perfectly emotionless face. Unlike Seto, HIS poker face was flawless.

Seto stopped and looked back at Yami. He sighed. "No.” he said softly. "I regret that I HAD to buy you to...” he frowned and looked away. "Never mind."

Yami frowned. "Then take me back.” he said softly. "If you have regrets concerning me... then take me back. I will not hold it against you." he said, giving Seto a firm look.

He wouldn't blame Seto if he wanted it that way... he had been an ass, and if Seto wanted him gone, then he would agree to it without a fight. He owed Seto that much... to give him what he wanted.

"I DON'T regret buying you. I regret putting you in a situation where you had to be bought. And I won't take you back. But... if you want... go home. And I'll take Otogi in, here."

Yami frowned. "This isn't about what I may or may not want. What do YOU want?” he asked crossing his arms.

Seto blinked and stared at Yami, caught off guard by this question. But he frowned. "I want to know the truth, Yami. I want to know how YOU feel about ME. If you've just been pretending because you think you owe me for buying you or something... you don't. Just tell me the truth already. And tell me what YOU want!"

Yami grumbled. "I asked you first.” he said pouting slightly. "You're always so difficult!"

"I'M difficult?!" Seto gasped. "All I've been trying to do is help you! Make you happy! GOD, LOVE YOU EVEN!!! But you won't fucking LET ME!!! WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?!?"

Yami smiled suddenly and stepped forward, hugging Seto strongly. "Just assure me...” he said wrapping his wings around him. "I don’t want you loving me... because you feel like you owe it to me... for making me this way Seto...” he whispered closing his eyes. "I've been distant... because that thought exists. It's not unreasonable, it makes sense... I want to be sure this isn't why you love me." Yami sighed, letting his arms and wings fall from Seto's being. "And... despite you trying not to... you make me feel helpless... it's not actions... or words." He said. Yami began laughing suddenly, looking thoroughly amused.

Seto blinked and looked down at Yami like he was crazy. "I owe you for--?! YAMI!! Is that what you've been thinking all this time?!" Seto shook his head. "You thought that felt that I owed you?! Yami... I do owe you to some degree for what I did to you. And that is why I bought you and brought you here. I felt that I owed it to you to try and give you the life that I had taken from you. But my falling in love with you... that was just... me. I don't owe you love Yami. I don't. I feel that after all I have done for you, I don't owe you a damn thing.” he placed a hand on Yami's face. "But I love you. And because I love you, I want to give you everything I can. Because I want to see you happy. I OWED you a chance to live. But I'm GIVING you my love. Not because I feel that I owe it to you, but because I WANT to."

Yami smiled. "Thank you...” he said closing his eyes. He leaned into Seto's touch slightly. It took him a few moments... before he chuckled again. "It must be because you're so damn tall...” he mumbled, chuckling more.

Seto looked at Yami thoughtfully. "Where did you go last night?"

"Out of town." Yami said shrugging. "Just somewhere where I could be alone... sort things out...”

Seto frowned. "Where did you sleep?"

Yami coughed. "That's not what matters."

Seto blinked. "Yami...” he said warningly.

Yami looked at Seto for a moment, eyebrow raising slightly. "Oh come ON. What are you going to do? Spank me for not TELLING?" He said laughing slightly. "I'm a big bird, and I'm still breathing and without injury, so why does it matter?"

"Bed." Seto said, pointing down the hall. "Now. I want to take your temperature."

Yami groaned. "Oh come on I'm fine!” he said crossing his arms. "I don’t want to be in bed all day!"

"GO!!" Seto ordered. "I'll be right back with your...” he sighed. "... booze."

Yami shook his head. "Seto really.” he offered a smile. "Grandpa's stuff is mostly TEA. Besides I'm FINE.” he emphasized the 'fine'. "I feel great, I had a good night's sleep, and I'm still kinda buzzed from the last one anyway.” he said shaking his head a bit. "Besides, I'm not some drunkard. It's just an old family remedy... and I swear it could cure cancer... ." Yami looked thoughtful. "In fact... ...”

"Yami... Are you being difficult?" Seto asked, crossing his arms and glaring.

"Not nearly as much as I can be." Yami replied crossing his own arms. "I can’t love my mommy.” he added smartly.

Seto blinked. "Just go get in bed.” he said, heading for the kitchen.

Yami sighed, letting his wings droop. "But I'd rather be up and DOING something...” he mumbled, trudging back to Seto's room, and plopping down into Seto's bed, crossing his arms and pouting MUCH like Yugi would in the same situation.

A few minutes later, Seto walked in and handed Yami a mug. Then he went into the bathroom and got the Thermoscan, sticking it in Yami's ear. "You still have a temperature, you're staying in bed." Seto said.

Yami pouted, looking away stubbornly. "I'm fine.” he said sourly. "You know I hate doing NOTHING all day...” he added huffing. "I can’t just sit here in bed all day, I'll lose my mind!"

"I'll find something for you to do." Seto said. Then, suddenly, he remember something Grandpa had said. "Wait right there!" And he turned and ran from the room.

Yami blinked, beginning to sip the tea and spiced rum. "Where was I going to go? On a picnic?” he mumbled rolling his eyes.

Seto returned a moment later and sat down next to Yami with a small smile, and spread several papers out over the blankets. "These are some ideas for products to put out in a few seasons... tell me what you think." Seto said, scooting a bit closer to Yami.

Yami blinked, giving Seto a surprised look. "... you want my opinion?” he asked, shrinking back, his wings folding in front of himself, to hide a blush. The way to Yami's heart was a simple path, and Seto had just found it.

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

"All the Japanese with their yen; The party boys call the Kremlin; And the Chinese know, oh whey oh, They walk the line like Egyptian!!!" Bakura blinked and his ear and tail twitched as the back door opened to admit Marik, singing and carrying a box. He looked at the lion, who was dancing his way across the club, singing with the radio that they had on. They would be using the club's sound system, but Yami hadn't wired it yet.

"All the cops in the donut shop say, Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh... Walk like an Egyptian... . Walk like an Egyptian...” Bakura snickered and shook his head.

"Hey Simba! Bring that box over here, huh?” he called.

Marik paused blinking before grinning broadly and trotting over, placing the box before Bakura. "What's up?” The skunk asked, flicking an ear.

Marik yawned broadly, and shook his head. "Damn I hate early mornings.” he mumbled, flicking his tail.

Bakura snickered. "Your balance has gotten alot better over the past week.” he said, taking the box from Marik and setting it down, then opening it and beginning to unpack shot glasses and set them out on the bar.

Marik nodded smiling. "I've been working hard... When Ryou comes back, I'm going to have an apartment ready for him! An apartment, some furniture... and clothes.” he said firmly. "We'll both go walking every day, until Ryou's just as good as he ever was."

Bakura smiled. "You're dancing.” he said. "And carrying boxes while you do it. A week ago you struggled just to carry a box and could hardly run." Bakura moved around the bar and started washing the glasses. He sighed. "Do... Do you think that Malik will have to re-learn how to walk?"

Marik frowned. "It's... possible.” he said. "... this might sound bad... but you know... I'm looking forward to teaching Ryou to walk...” he said, smiling guiltily. "He's so soft... so gentle...” Marik sighed and closed his eyes. "When he was with us... and I was teaching him. It was thrilling. Even when he fell, I would catch him. I've... never had someone depend on me like that."

Bakura blinked, then smiled. "Yeah... I guess not with your fucked up life." He said, then tossed Marik a towel. "Here. You dry." And he began setting wet glasses down before him. "... do you know where Pegasus took them? And... how long they're going to be gone?"

Marik began drying the glasses slowly. "Ryou said... they were going to... someplace called paradise.” he whispered, ears drooping slightly. "We talked about it before going to bed... It was some vacation... I hope he comes home soon."

Marik sighed and set the glasses down after drying them. "He told me about a hole… in a bush near the back yard of Pegasus' yard... When he's back, I'm going.” he said looking up. "I can’t stand the fact he put himself in danger to save me, when it was my fault... I want to make sure he's ok... tell him how much I love him... miss him."

Bakura nodded. "Do you... think that Malik will be there? Could I see him?"

Marik nodded. "Of course...” he said smiling slightly. "We can both go see them...”

Bakura smiled. "I miss him.” he said, continuing to wash the glasses. "I can't help but worry about him. I mean, he's not exactly the obedient type, and Pegasus isn't exactly the patient type... I can't help but wonder if... Pegasus is hurting him...”

Marik nodded. "Ryou would protect him... even though Malik swore he'd protect Ryou... I'm sure it's been the opposite the whole time...” Marik said dreamily. "Ryou's heart is just too big to let anyone but himself suffer...”

"You uh... wanna call it a day?" Bakura asked after a bit, looking up at Marik. "Go home?"

Marik nodded slightly. "Sure thing.” he said stretching slightly, a lout cracking heard. "Ohhh!" Marik said, sounding particularly pleased. "Oh Ra, that was nice... my back just popped... it's been needing that for DAYS!"

Bakura laughed and headed for the door, waving to the limo driver who was reading the paper and listening to a pair of headphones. The man got up and accompanied them out to the car. The pair climbed in, and soon enough they were on their way home, hanging out of the rolled down windows, as Seto never let them do it when he was there.

Marik grinned. "Say, we should ask Seto to get a paper for us. We could start buying that furniture we want for our lovers!" Marik said, pulling his head inside. "I bet Ryou'd love a nice couch, or maybe a table...”

Bakura snickered, drawing his head in as well. "All me an' Malik need is a spacious bed!!!” he announced. "That's the first thing on my list!!!"

Marik laughed. "Aren't you going to get him something nice?” he asked tilting his head to the side. "I'm going to get Ryou something he'll love... We'll have a huge bed, but I want to get him something... that... that says 'I love you this much!'" Marik said spreading his arms wide. "Rem said that when two lovers mate in the animal kingdom, the dominant mate goes out, and presents the submissive with a token of it's love, that represents it's ability to love, care for and provide for it's mate...”

"Like... a wedding gift? Or an engagement ring?" Bakura asked, cocking his head.

Marik nodded. "Yeah, but we can’t go blowing all our money on a ring like that... not yet anyway.” he said softly. "A ring would take enough money for the rent for an apartment, at least a ring good enough for Ryou or Malik."

Bakura nodded. "Well... what about a home? Don't you think that's the best way to show them that we can care for them? Having a home for them to come to when we get them back?"

Marik nodded, but grinned slightly. "Yeah, but I want to give him something special, on top of that. Like something he'd use every day... other than the bed."

Bakura sighed. "Hmmm...” he mused, thinking. "What about a necklace?” he asked.

Marik chuckled. "Nah... I'm sure he'll wanna ditch the neckwear, I would too, that oversized ribbon would kill any pride I had."

Bakura blinked, then laughed. "You're probably right...” he said. "Hmmmm... what about... planting a vegetable garden for him in your new home? Or something like that...”

Marik shook his head. "Nah... Pegasus did that... besides I kill plants better than I grow them.” he said frowning. "I was thinking about... well Yami told me he isn't originally from Japan.” he said softly. "He said he was from England. English people always do that weird... 'tea time' thing. I was gonna get him a tea set." Marik said proudly.

"He'll know I put a lot of thought into it, since he's never mentioned being from England to me. Plus, he'd be so cute serving tea with a tea set... ." Marik grinned goofily, imagining the love of his life asking if he wanted tea.

Bakura blinked and quirked an eyebrow, but then grinned and shook his head, snickering. "Sounds good.” he said. "But what the hell would I get Malik?” he sighed and sat back, closing his eyes lightly.

Marik shrugged slightly. "I dunno... But put a lot of thought into it, you don’t want to get him something he'll know you bought at the last minute!"

Bakura sighed and nodded. "I know...” he said. "But all I can think of right now is a pair of leather pants to replace the ones I ruined...”

Marik laughed slightly. "Isn't he from Egypt? why not get him something Egyptian?"

Bakura sighed. "Maybe.” he said, laying down and curling up in his tail. "Egypt... I think Egyptian linen. 'Hi Malik, welcome home. Here are some bed sheets!' Heh... THAT won't be a good scene...”

Marik laughed. "maybe something a little less... well obvious.” he said shaking his head amused. "Maybe jewelry? Or um... how about decorating his room like Egyptian?"

Bakura flicked an ear. "That's an idea.” he said. "I was thinkin, maybe a pair of earrings... or, ya know those bands he wears on his neck and arms and stuff? What about a set to put on his tail? You think he'd smack me?"

"... possibly." Marik said laughing. "He seemed rather irritated for being messed with to start with.” he said thoughtfully. "You might wait on THAT for after you find out how he feels about himself."

Bakura nodded. "Maybe I'll do an internet search." The skunk yawned, laying his head on his tail. "Are we home yet?"

Marik yawned slightly and curled up next to Bakura. "I'm sure we are...” he said grinning and nuzzling into him. "Sleepy?"

"Tired...” Bakura said. "But not really sleepy.” he uncurled his tail and moved closer to Marik, then coiled the bushy thing around them both. And they spent the rest of their ride purring in quiet comfort. When they got home, they were loathe to leave their cozy spot, but they dragged themselves out of the car.

"Let's go talk to Seto." Bakura said, leading the way upstairs. But Seto wasn't in his office. So they went to his bedroom. The door was ajar and the lights were on, so Bakura knocked lightly and walked in, Bakura on his heels. The pair stopped, and stared.

"Awww... ." Marik cooed, and Bakura smirked.

"That's too cute for my tastes...” The skunk snickered, looking at Seto and Yami. Seto was sitting up, leaning against the head board, Yami curled up against his side and leaning against the CEO, his head on his shoulder. And Seto's head was pillowed in Yami's hair. They were holding hands and were surrounded by various papers, and had fallen asleep.

"I think it's nice." Marik admitted. "It's good to see them getting along. You know how they've been fighting so much. In a way... we're very lucky.” he added, smiling slightly. "Ryou and I never had a disagreement, and neither did you and master Malik.” he said gently licking Bakura's ear. "They though... always fight. It must be hard for them to adjust to loving each other... when before they hated each other so much."

Bakura sighed and his ears and tail drooped. "Malik and I did fight... that was why he left... and... that's why he got caught. Because...” Bakura frowned and his hears tilted back. "Because I was an ass and he got mad. He went out because of me. It... It's all my fault...” And the skunk whimpered as his tail flopped to the floor.

Marik shook his head. "It's not your fault. Malik would have gone out eventually... Pegasus put a price on his head... he couldn't have stayed home forever Bakura...” he said hugging his friend lightly. "It's not your fault at all."

Bakura sighed and nodded, ears relaxing a bit. "I guess...” he said softly, then looked at Seto and Yami. "Should we be nice for once and let them alone, or... ?” he looked at Marik to see if he was in a mood for mischief.

Marik smirked. "Nice? What is this word?"

Bakura grinned. "Right...” And he turned and walked out of the room, returning a moment later with something in his fist. He looked up, then dragged a chair across the room and stood up on it. Then, he lit a match and held it underneath the smoke detector. Marik's ears shot up, and he quickly clamped his paws down over them. Seconds later, a piercing tone shattered the peaceful silence of the house. Bakura dropped the matches and covered his furry little ears as Seto shot straight up in bed, eyes wide.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Yami squawked loudly, panicking and beginning to go into a fit of coughs, looking pained, frightened and upset. "Make it stop!” he howled, coughing more, his feathers beginning to puff out from frustration. He immediately began to pluck, the situation just stressful enough to send him into a frenzy of plucking.

Marik snickered, pulling Bakura from the scene of the crime before they were caught, finding the ideal hiding place to be the linen closet. "You're such an ass... You're gonna get in so much trouble if you get caught...” Marik snickered quietly, curling up amongst the pillows and blankets. "God I love it in here...”

Bakura grinned and curled up with Marik. "They're both so up tight! They're gotta learn to loosen up. We are teaching them one of life's lessons, my friend." Bakura snickered, wrapping his tail around Marik and himself. "They've got to learn to relax or they'll be gray by age thirty, if not dead of a stress related heart attack."

Marik laughed slightly. "It's only a lesson if you don’t kill them in the process, Bakura. Yami's sick, poor guy. He didn't sound too much like a pretty birdie just then." Marik began making himself a nest and cocoon of blankets and pillows. "Ryou and I did it in here.” he said proudly. "I'll never forget... it still smells like him... well kinda."

Bakura sniffed a bit, then snickered. "Oh, I can smell him. And I can smell the sex. And you say I'm an ass? You fucked the bunny in the linen closet!!! HA!!!" But Bakura's amusement turned to horror when the door was flung open by an enraged Seto Kaiba. Bakura's ears drooped. "Uh oh...”

"Get... Your asses... OUT of the closet... right NOW!!!" Seto commanded amidst harsh breathing. Bakura gulped and glanced back at Marik, before slowly slinking out on all fours, tail tucked under himself, and Marik followed in the same fashion. Out in the hall, they found themselves being glared at by Yami.

"Just when I was finally feeling better!” he growled hoarsely, feathers still falling slightly from his damaged wing. "You two asses!" Yami coughed harshly and his wings drooped. "You could be more courteous to your BOSS!” he grumbled pointing to Seto. "If I were your boss, I'd dock your pay, and make you clean up the mess you made!"

Bakura and Marik huddled together against the wall, eyes wide. "It was j-j-just a joke...” Bakura whimpered.

"Yeah!" Marik blurted. "You two need to loosen up!" They glared and Marik gulped and pointed to Bakura. "W-Well... he said it...” Seto glared.

"I will be back in half an hour." Was all he said before storming down the hall. Marik and Bakura watched him go and breathed sighs of relief, but then remembered Yami.

"I believe the rest of his sentence was 'and I expect to see every piece of linen washed, folded and put neatly back into place. Or else.' " Yami said, coughing. "If I were you, I'd get to work.” he added, walking off after Seto, he found him in his office and smiled slightly, shutting the door behind him.

"Sorry...” he said, beginning to cough once more.

But Seto didn't answer. He picked up the phone and made a call. "I am coming to your location in fifteen minutes to pick up two of product 6B-74885. I want them assembled and ready by the time I get there." And he slammed down the phone. "I'll be back in a bit." Seto said to Yami, pulling on his coat and heading out the door. "Keep an eye on those two idiots."

Yami winced slightly at the tone. "What are you going to do?” he asked, giving Seto a worried look. "This isn't something that's going to induce me to pluck more is it? I'm trying to knock that off...” he mumbled, looking at his wing and frowning. "I... know you like my feathers."

"I'm picking up something to hopefully help us deal with the chaos those two cause. If I don't do something, I'll end up buying a hunting rifle." Seto snarled, storming down the stairs. "I'll be back soon!" And he was out the door and gone.

Yami frowned slightly, his feathers puffing. He couldn't help but wonder what 'product 6B-74885' was... and what it would do to help. He coughed slightly, and groaned softly, sitting in Seto's office chair, and looking at the computer, bored.

"Figures... how can he still see?” he mumbled, looking at the complex mathematical jargon. He looked at the new game ideas and yawned slightly, beginning to put them in order of 'good' and 'bad' ideas.

Not long after, the front door banged open and Seto loudly announced his presence with "BAKURA!!! MARIK!!! GET YOUR ASSES DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!!!"

Yami jumped slightly, having dozed off, secretly helping Seto with his work. He rubbed his eyes, stretching and hurrying down stairs to see what it was Seto bought.

Marik and Bakura followed, wondering as to their fate. When they reached the stairs, they looked down and their eyes widened.

"Oh, HELL no!!!" Bakura shouted.

"Seto! You've go to be kidding!!!" Marik whined. Seto stood there between two large dog crates, glaring up at the pair.

"It's time you learn about being human." Seto growled. "When you do things like set off fire alarms just for shits and giggles, you get in trouble. Now, normally a considered punishment is being grounded. That would include staying locked in your room, no TV or computer or whatever. But considering the fact that you two don't do that anyway, and consider sleeping in a bed special, you are being grounded to these kennels." Seto said.

Yami gasped slightly, beginning to cough, though it was conveniently hiding laughter. This was RICH!

He grinned broadly, despite coughing. Tonight at least, he and Seto could have some peace and quiet...

Marik shook his head. "You can’t be serious! C'mon Seto it was just a joke!” he pleaded, looking caught between surprise and devastation. "Nobody got hurt!"

"False alarms are NOT funny!" Seto snapped. "Bakura, you set it off. And Marik. I will not tolerate sex in the linen closet!” he opened the doors of the kennels. "IN!!!" Marik whined, but slunk down the stairs and over to Seto. He paused and looked up at him with pleading eyes.

"Muurrrrrr... .."

"In." Seto said, and Marik drooped and slipped inside of the kennel, curling up and laying his chin on his paws, watching sadly as Seto closed and locked the door. "Bakura... you're next."

"Try it...” Bakura growled, slowly backing away, tail bristling.

Yami snickered. "You heard him, wouldn't want to loose the only job you have hope of getting... then who'd take care of Malik's needs?” he teased, coughing slightly, his voice once again hoarse.

Bakura's eyes widened, and he looked at Seto. "You wouldn't!!"

"I've fired men for less, Bakura." Seto growled. "Get down here." The skunk glared, then dropped, sighing in defeat. He plodded down the stairs and into the kennel, laying down and curling his tail around himself. He growled when Seto closed and locked the door. Then, Seto called up the servants and had the kennels moved into the closet under the stairs, and the pair was left there.

Yami looked at Seto and smiled slightly. "Well...” he coughed slightly. "We have the whole house... to ourselves...” he sighed contently, getting a look of bliss at the utter quietness that seemed to shroud the Kaiba manor. "Almost like home...” Yami said, sounding pleased.

Seto smiled and opened his mouth to speak when there was a sudden peace-shattering crash.

"I DIDN'T DO IT!!" Mokuba shouted. Seto closed his eyes and groaned, letting his face fall into his hand.

Yami snickered. "Yup... almost like home... but not quite.” he said amusedly, shaking his head. "Doesn't he have a friend he could go stay with?” he added thoughtfully. "Send him over to visit Otogi and Yugi or something...”

Seto quirked an eyebrow. "Do you really want to put your grandfather through all that? I mean, Otogi just went to them this morning...”

Yami shrugged. "Well... I suppose if you don’t want to...” he trailed off, turning to walk to his room, grinning to himself.

Seto rolled his eyes and followed. "How are you?” he asked. "You didn't sound too good... Do you want me to make you something for your throat?" Seto asked.

Yami smiled slightly. "I'm fine Seto... really. I know how to make my own 'medicine'. Grandpa's been giving it to me since before I had teeth.” he said laughing. "I finished some of your work for you."

Seto blinked. "Huh?"

Yami rolled his eyes shaking his head. "That mess you call a desk."

Seto blinked again. "Umm... okay."

"I put your ideas in order of what could use some work... and what sounds like a good idea.” he added softly. "I left them by your laptop... and you need to ... not stare at that stuff all day. You'll ruin your eyes...” Yami said after a moment.

"Oh really?" Seto asked with a smile. "Well, I guess I don't since you think they're so attractive...” And he ruffled Yami's hair.

Yami coughed, blushing slightly. "Yeah...” he mumbled sheepishly. "I'm sorry I've been so difficult...” he added turning to give Seto an apologetic look. "It's hard to... go from rivals to lovers...” he admitted. "But now that I know that you... don’t just love me out of guilt... I am willing to... well... try."

Seto frowned slightly. "You mean you haven't been willing to try?” he asked. "You weren't willing when we...”

"No no!" Yami said quickly. "I was then!” he said looking down. "But then... I thought about that... and the more you said you loved me... the more I thought about it.” he said softly. "It was making me crazy... I felt terrible...”

Seto frowned. "Making you crazy? How?"

"Well I felt bad. If you loved me out of guilt, then... I felt like I had done the wrong thing... I felt guilty...” Yami admitted, sighing and beginning to comb his fingers through his feathers, wanting to pluck, but stopping himself.

"I never loved you out of guilt." Seto said. "I love you out of... I don't know! I can't explain it! I just DO!!"

Yami smiled slightly. "Well I know that NOW.” he said laughing. "But I didn't then!” he stepped closer to Seto, hugging him and sighing. "Tell me. How long?” he asked after a moment. "How long have you loved me?"

Seto sighed. "How long...” he mused. "Almost from the start... I think since... maybe even before you were a hybrid..."

Yami blinked. "It took bird wings to make me attractive enough to love?” he blurted, looking utterly baffled.

Seto blinked, then looked at Yami and smiled. "No. It took the wings to bring you to me so that I could get to know you... so that I could find you attractive enough to love... and for me to figure out that I DID love you…”

Yami laughed slightly. "Oh? And what's attractive enough to love?"

"You." Seto said with a smirk.

"Oh yeah wise ass? What?" Yami challenged, smirking back. "What's SO attractive about me? I'm sure it's not my height."

Seto laughed and wrapped his arms around Yami, lifting him up and carrying him down the hall towards the bedroom. "Hmmm... where shall I start?” he asked. "Your eyes... yourrrr... nose." Seto listed in a playful matter. "Your lips... that sharp tongue of yours...” he slapped Yami's ass.

Yami's eyes went wide and he yelped. "Hey watch the merchandise!” he yelped, squirming. "and put me down before I... I do something you'll regret!” he said hoping the threat sounded threatening enough to get Kaiba off THIS little game.
But Seto acted like Yami hadn't said a thing. "Your ears... your oh so original hair... your face... your... your neck...”

Yami began to squawk, squirming more to get away. "You are not doing this to me when I'm SICK Seto! This isn't fair!” he whined, trying to squirm and flap loose.

"Your shoulders... your arms... your very talented hands...” Seto chuckled. "Your back... your wings... your chest...” Seto lowered his head slightly, nuzzling Yami's chest and teasing his nipples through the hybrid's shirt.

Yami squirmed slightly. "Setoooo!” he whined shaking his head, still trying feebly to break loose. "This is completely against the rules!"

"Your stomach...” Seto continued in a low, sexual tone, his hands beginning to tease Yami's hind end. "Your... waist... hips... your tail...”

Yami yelped and gasped, surprised at Seto's actions... somehow. He grumbled, knowing he should be able to predict this, but he simply couldn’t. "Seto...” he pouted, flapping his wings slightly. "Tail FEATHERS... no tail...” he mumbled, feebly. "This is so unfair...”

"Hmmm... so what do I call this... lovely section of your body BELOW the... tail FEATHERS?" Seto asked, gripping Yami's buttocks and squeezing.

Yami squawked loudly. "ASS!” he yelped squirming. "A-and you really really are being unfair taking advantage of a sick bird!"

"Okay then... I love your ass, since that is what you want me to call it...” he grinned and laid Yami back on the bed. "And...” he moved his hands around to the front of Yami's pants. "Shall I continue listing off what it is that makes you attractive?"

Yami stared at Seto shocked. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but as luck would have it, he only managed a hoarse breath, unable to even pretend to speak. 'damn it all! Ra I know you're against me!' he howled in his mind, though he watched Seto like a hawk, half in eager expectancy.

Seto smirked. "Well?” he asked, fingertips pressing down lightly.

Yami gasped and once again tried to voice anything, meeting with only hoarse breathing. 'DAMMIT!' he hissed in his mind, staring at Seto with wide, slightly fearful eyes. Something he hadn't done since he was young, and listened to grandpa tell him the story of the 'boogie man'.

He bit his lip and forced himself to relax. Seto HAD been a rival... but he could trust him. He could love him... and Seto would NEVER hurt him... well not unless it was some sick sex game. But then again he might enjoy that... he did love those chains and collars...

Seto chuckled. "My My... is this Yami Mouto? Rendered...” he slid his hands up under Yami's shirt and pinched his nipples. "Speechless?"

Yami yelped silently. ‘dammit don’t make fun of me! you KNEW this would happen! I bet you were COUNTING on it!’ he made huffing noises with his breath. "I should bite your hand...” he grumbled, glaring slightly, though he looked slightly amused, as well.

"Oh." Seto said, removing his hands from Yami's body. "I'm sorry, I thought you were enjoying yourself.” he smirked and looked down at Yami, waiting.

Yami coughed slightly, and whacked Seto with his wing. 'Oh don’t you DARE tease me then decide you're done!' he howled in his mind. 'If you stop now so help me I'll shit in your shoes and wake you at the ass crack of dawn for the REST of your breathing days!'

Seto chuckled. "Is that your way of telling me to continue?” he asked.

Yami nodded looking sternly at Seto.

Seto's laughing attitude suddenly disappeared and he looked Yami straight in the eyes, as serious as could be. "Yami, I'm not going a step further unless you're with me 100%.” he said. "No questions, no doubts... no regrets. So speak now, if you have anything to say."

Yami rolled his eyes and pointed to his throat. 'I can’t you ass!' he huffed slightly, but smiled and shook his head. 'But I'm alright. I don’t have doubts... or questions... and I hope I'll never have a reason to regret... '

Seto sighed and smiled, nodding. "I love you.” he said, taking Yami's hand and kissing the top of his palm, gently. "I feel kind of bad... like I haven’t done this right... I feel like I should have, brought you a bouquet of roses and maybe a rare card...” he grinned. "Taken you out to dinner to a nice place... maybe for a walk in the park...”

Yami chuckled, mischief in his eyes. 'well you know... you DO have three pretty nice cards... I could see one of THOSE as a nice gift.' he laughed in silence, shaking his head. 'Though... a walk would be nice too. lets ground those dorks again tomorrow and do that.'

Yami wrapped his wings around Seto gently. 'I can be content with you. As long as it's just us... '

Seto sighed and nuzzled Yami's ear. "Next time...” he whispered. "We'll do it right, okay? I promise...”

Yami shook his head amused. 'don’t make promises you can’t keep.' he kissed Seto calmly. 'I don’t mind anyway. I'm not really much of a date. We'd sit in awkward silence, or talk about duel monsters. You know I'm not the best conversationalist out there.' Yami gave Seto a scratchy coo, coughing and looking at him, slightly disappointed, and more than a little apologetic.

'maybe next time however, I wont sound like the ass-end of a kuriboh'

Seto smiled. "Want me to get you some of that stuff for your throat before we get... too far into it?” he asked sincerely.

Yami smiled slightly. 'if you want.' he kissed Seto once again, nuzzling into him. 'though you can’t blame me if I get a little buzzed.'

"Is that a yes?" Seto chuckled, petting Yami's hair.

Yami nodded grinning sheepishly.

Seto chuckled. "I'll be right back.” he said, sneaking a quick kiss before disappearing from the room.

Yami sat up slowly, shaking his head dazedly. Damn he was good... and they had hardly DONE anything! He chuckled in silence, and began preening his wings. He'd never imagined someone would like that part of him. He tilted his head to the side slightly, as he preened the feathers. But if Seto loved them… then he'd do his best to keep them tidy and in good viewing for him.

"You know," Seto said as he walked in a few minutes later. "There's really no point in preening your wings if you're just going to pluck them." And he sat down and gave Yami a firm look, before handing him a mug.

Yami offered Seto an apologetic look, taking the mug. He sipped the drink slowly, sighing contently. "I... told you... trying to quit...” he mumbled, coughing slightly and taking another drink wincing as the alcohol in the tea burnt his throat.

Seto sighed and smiled, stroking Yami's wings. "They're beautiful. It makes me sad to see you ruin what you've worked so hard to make them...”

Yami's cheeks darkened and he gave Seto a questioning look. "Why?” he asked softly, his voice slowly returning, thanks entirely to the 'medicine' grandpa came up with so long ago. "Why... do you like them...” he asked once again, coughing and leaning into Seto's touch.

Seto smiled. "I... I'm not sure... They just seem to suit you...” he said, lifting his hand to pet Yami's face instead, scooting closer and wrapping an arm around him.

Yami sighed contently and leaned into Seto's arms. "Really... ?” he asked, closing his eyes, for the moment content in Seto's arms... something he'd never imagined would feel as good as it did.

Seto smiled and ran his hand up and down Yami's back, kissing his cheek. "Yes...” he said softly.

Yami made a content face. "Ohh... that's nice.” he murmured. "You don’t know how hard it is to scratch my own back now...” he said laughing softly. "damn wings get in the way...”

Yami chuckled, his voice sounding a bit better. "... here.” he said offering Seto the cup. "Before you think my family's weird. try some.” he said smiling slightly. "It tastes pretty good, and it really can cure anything... I bet you have a headache...” he teased.

Seto blinked, then sighed. "After Bakura set off the fire alarm, yes." Seto said, taking the mug. "I do have a headache." And he sipped the stuff, and made a face that looked almost... painful. "Ahhg...” he croaked. "Ooh... Have I mentioned that I'm not much of a rum, OR tea person?"

Yami burst out laughing and shook his head. "Give it a minute...” he said amused. "I'm not much of a rum person either... and tea... well there's better things out there. But you'll get addicted once it works.” he said grinning, seeming proud of his family 'cure-all'.

Seto winced and shuddered. "Whatever you say...” he croaked. "How long before it kills me?"

"Oh yeah, about that. It'll either cure you, or you'll die in the next fifteen seconds." Yami teased. "Don’t be a baby."

"I reserve the right to be a baby in my bed, in my room, in my house, on my property...” Seto grumbled, before shuddering again.

Yami laughed. "Sissy.” he chuckled. "It should kick in about now." Yami added, taking the mug back and sipping it again.

Seto snorted and rolled his eyes, then closed them and flopped back onto the bed, sighing and relaxing.

Yami laid on his stomach, next to Seto, resting a wing over his lover. "feel better yet?” he asked taking another sip of his drink.

Seto smiled. "Are you?” he asked right back

Yami chuckled, looking away. "I'm feeling like I'm still too young for liquor.” he said finishing the glass. "I always get so tipsy after this stuff...” he cooed softly, and nuzzled into Seto's chest. "You... caught me off guard, when you said you liked my wings that much. It just amazed me that someone would like them." Yami cooed, beginning to sing a scratchy, though loving song.

Seto smiled and wrapped his arms around Yami. "I think they're beautiful Yami. Just... breathtaking. They're so perfect. And so are you.” he tightened his hold briefly in a hug.

Yami cooed once again, sighing in content. "So... I was thinking about asking for that fountain...” he whispered in Seto's ear. "I wouldn't mind bathing where you could watch...” he added teasingly.

Seto's eyes opened and he looked down at Yami, surprised. He chuckled. "You goof...” he snickered, then let his head fall back to the bed and closed his eyes again. He sighed. "If you want it, you will get it."

Yami chuckled. "Ha, now you didn't put any limit on that one. I should be an ass and ask for something impossible.” he said kissing Seto's neck. "You could build it outside... or maybe in your office...” he said teasingly. "I doubt you'd mind the view...” he chirped softly, stretching a wing over Seto slightly. "I'm a very pretty bird, I've been told...”

Seto chuckled. "You said you were thinking of asking for 'THAT' fountain, being one out in the yard. 'A' fountain could be anything. So don't try to pull that on me, Yami." The crafty CEO scolded.

Yami nodded. "Yes, I suppose 'A' fountain could be. but if it's not the fountain I want I wont sing for you anymore." Yami said firmly. "And you'll miss it if you suddenly lose it."

Seto smiled. "I am NOT putting a fountain in my office, Yami.” he said. "If you want one in your room, fine.."

Yami clicked his tongue. "And why not? Who says you can’t mix business and pleasure? Besides, I TOLD you I don’t want you staring at that computer all day."

"No fountain in my office." Seto said firmly.

Yami looked away stubbornly. "Really now? I think I'm owed it.” he said cockily. "Someone DID take my title...” he said teasingly. "Besides, who do you think is going to enjoy that fountain more, if it's in YOUR office? Me? or YOU?" Yami sat up slowly and stretched.

"Because I do believe if I stripped slowly nude and began bathing in front of you, you'd have one hell of a good time."

"And never get any work done!!!" Seto laughed, shoving Yami playfully.

"Sure you would. We can’t POSSIBLY be busy ALL day. We'd get tired." Yami said shoving back grinning. "C'mon... you know you want a fountain in your office.” he teased. "You KNOW you want it in there. We can put that desk of yours to better use."

"Absolutely not, Yami!" Seto laughed. "Can you imagine how many times I would have to run to bathroom a day listening to all that water?!"

Yami laughed, then pouted slightly. "Well… I suppose I could go bathe out in your yard. For the world to see. I might get stolen, you know birds are pretty rare, and I've been told I'm breathtaking.” he said calmly. "I mean, I just went to get a magazine in a store, and you saw how that went... Imagine how horrible it'll be when they see me naked, out in your yard just singing and chirping, while taking my daily bath...”

Seto's face took on a very unpleasant expression. "How about... I build you a new aviary, Yami?” he said. "Out in the middle of the yard. Ten times as big as the one you have now? And you can have anything you want in it. Even a pond and waterfall. And we can put a fountain in there if you want. Would you like that?"

Yami pouted and wrinkled his nose. "Oh stop being stubborn. I want it in your office!” he said crossing his arms. "I'd be willing to make it worth your while.” he looked at Seto pouting slightly. "Don’t make me use the face... I haven't used it in years... but I still have it!"

Seto quickly closed his eyes. "No no no!” he cried. "No fountain in the office! And you can't use the face if I can't see it!" And he clapped a hand over his eyes for extra protection.

"Sure I can." Yami said, using the voice commonly known as the 'I'm using the face and you KNOW I am'. "I want it in your office Seto. I don’t want to have to walk ALL the way outside to bathe. I want it just down the hall like a NORMAL bath...”

Yami crawled in top of Seto and kissed his hand. "Besides, you said if I wanted it, I'd get it. I want it, in your office, and I should be getting it there, and not just a fountain either."

"There will be no fountains in my office, and that's final!" Seto said, loudly and firmly.

Yami huffed. "Fine, but don’t you complain at me because OTHER people are getting a better show than you.” he said indignantly. "I should fly out to domino central park just to make sure everyone sees." One thing about Yami was. he was JUST as big a brat as Seto, without having even been blessed with the money.

Seto snorted. "Fine, but don't blame me when you get gang raped...” he grumbled.

Yami grumbled back. "He'd better be hot if he rapes me."

Seto uncovered his eyes and glared at Yami. "You're such an ass.” he said, then closed his eyes again, smirking in amusement at Yami's attitude.

"Not any bigger than you." Yami said crossing his arms. "Denying me something as simple as a bath."

"In my office, yes." Seto said.

"It's not like you're making that room useful." Yami said pouting, even clearly in his voice. "Tell you what, lets play a game for it. if I win, I get a fountain in your office, if YOU win... hmm... you can have whatever YOU want."

Seto pounded his fist on the bed. "No! No no no and NO! I am NOT putting a fountain in my office!!! For God's sake, Yami! I will rip out my own fucking bathroom and install a fucking fountain for you if you want, but no fountain in my office!!!"

Yami huffed slightly. "Sourpuss."

"Stubborn mule." Seto shot back.

"Only as stubborn as you taught me to be." Yami retorted, glaring slightly. "I learned from the best."

Seto snorted again. "Right... No fountain in the office.” he said again.

"You are absolutely no fun at all." Yami said pouting in his own special way.

"What, because I'm refusing to comply with a ridiculous demand?" Seto asked.

"It's not so ridiculous. I've seen offices with fountains in them." Yami said beginning to preen his feathers again. "Nice ones at that. you just don’t want me to distract you from all that mass of hell you call work."

"Yami, I refuse to discuss this any further. I said no, and I mean no." The CEO said in his CEO tone.

Yami preened his wings in silence, a little disappointed Seto wouldn't let him have his little fun. Oh well, he'd pay in the morning... oh how he'd pay... EVERY morning.

A moment later, Yami heard a noise. When he turned to find the source of the noise, he was drawn to Seto... snoring.

Yami laughed slightly, looking thoughtful. No time like the present to... .start that crowing.

He scooted away slightly, took a deep breath... and... .

"DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE!!!!" Seto shouted, sitting up and sending Yami toppling off of the bed with a startled scream. "That's not good for your throat!!!" The CEO said, shaking a finger at Yami.

Yami chuckled and tried to calm his heaving breaths, sincerely startled. "Damn! you squawked louder than I have!” he said laughing and shaking his head.

"You are an evil evil bird from hell!" Seto said, poking Yami in the nose with each word. "And with your throat the way it is, you'll screech like a banshee."

Yami chuckled once more and flapped his wings lightly, stirring up a nice breeze. "I was a PERSON from hell before I was a bird from hell. You should have KNOWN what would have happened. You've ruined some bird's genetics now."

Seto snorted. "Yep. Demon bird from hell...” he confirmed with a nod.

"Demon? I'm hurt." Yami said looking away, seemingly genuinely hurt. "I'm no demon. I'm an angel incarnate. look at the wings buddy."

"I see red, black and yellow." Seto said. "The colors of the fires of hell!"

"Pfft. Red symbolizes my fighting spirit. Yellow is the golden color of Ra's great feathers, and Black... ? It's stylish." Yami replied huffing. "Besides, it's my natural hair color… I it's not like I can dye it."

"Oh good grief...” Seto said, rolling his eyes. "You get ready for bed. I'm gonna let the two morons out of their kennels to use the bathroom and change for bed and take some pillows and blankets to their kennels for the night, YES, for the NIGHT!"

Yami cooed lovingly. "That's so nice of you.” he said sighing contently. "I've been wanting peace and quiet for a while.” he added, slowly standing, and staggering slightly, shaking his head, the liquor starting to hit him. "Ugh... oh fun."

Seto chuckled and shook his head, heading down the stairs and to the closet door. But outside of it, he froze and stared at the door listening to the singing coming from within...

"--He got feet down below his knee, Hold you in his armchair you can feel his disease... Come Together! Right Now! Over me!!!" Marik and Bakura chorused.

"Are you two singing The Beatles?" Seto asked, opening the door. Two pairs of glowing eyes looked up at him.

"Heh... I'm not that cultured." Bakura snickered. "I learned the song from the Michael Jackson remake...”

Marik shrugged. "I uh... dunno who wrote it. I just heard it somewhere.” he said grinning. "So can we come out now? Have you two fucked yet?” he asked, sniffing Seto. "You smell horny, have you fucked? are you planning on it? Oh who's going to be on top?!” he blurted, amused looking. "5 dollars says Seto CLAIMS top, but Yami ends up getting it." he whispered to Bakura.

Bakura snickered. "You're on!!"

"You two will have to wait for your paychecks before you can pay that debt...” Seto snarled, frowning and folding his arms. "And I will not reveal anything about my sex life to you lunatics. Now. It's time for bed. I'm letting you out to got to the bathroom, get into pajamas, and bring bedding material down to your kennels."

"Wait... you're making us SLEEP IN HERE?!" Bakura howled, sitting up.

Marik chuckled. "Nope, he hasn't fucked him yet.” he said, coming to that conclusion. "Why ELSE would he make us sleep in here?"

"Because as far as I'm concerned, you're outpatients at this point after all the shit you've pulled. I let you out in the day, but you return to be locked up at night. You have to learn that you do something wrong, you get the penalty. Mess with a piece of equipment like a smoke detector, and you get in a lot of trouble. In this house, THIS is the penalty. Got that Bakura? Marik, you're in here for having sex in the linen closet, and not stopping Bakura like you should have done. AND for running away, which I never punished you for." Seto explained.

“You're not supposed to punish animals for acts they did in the past.” he said pouting.

Upstairs, happy twittering could be heard. Marik smiled at that. "But... if it's making you two that happy, I don’t mind spending the night in here."

Seto glared at Marik. "You're not an animal. You're getting an animal punishment because you're still at a stage where even a human punishment is still a privilege." Bakura glared at Seto. It was true... even being locked in his room, just playing with his socks would amuse him at this point. Wow, he was easily amused... He blinked when the door to his kennel was opened.

"Both of you head to the bathroom and get changed. I'll be waiting down here for you. You have ten minutes." Seto said. Bakura snorted, but stalked up the stairs, Marik by his side.

"Stupid rich boy...” Bakura growled.

Marik chuckled slightly. "He's just grouchy cause he hasn't gotten any in a while.” he said hurrying up the stairs, he grabbed a pillow and stuffed the bunny plushy within, grinning. "I wont be sleeping alone tonight.” he said sneakily.

After changing into his pajamas and brushing his teeth, Marik trotted back downstairs, holding a rolled up sheet and blanket, and his two favorite pillows. "Hurry up Bakura!” he called. "Time's almost up, and Seto looks grouchy!” he called up the stairs, beginning to set up his little bed, inside the kennel.

"I'M TAKIN A PISS!!!" Bakura's voice echoed through the house, and Seto rolled his eyes, then turned and watched Marik set up a comfy little nest inside the jumbo sized kennel that Seto had purchased for him. And soon enough, Marik was curled up tightly, purring and nuzzling his bunny plushy.

"BAKURA!!! TIME'S UP!!!" Seto roared.

"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya...” Bakura snapped, trotting down the stairs with his own bedding.

"Where are your pajamas?!"

"I sleep naked." Bakura snapped back, crawling into his kennel and giving Seto a perfect view of his ass. The CEO rolled his eyes and watched Bakura set up his bed, then closed and locked the doors of his kennel. "Bastard...” Bakura growled, and Seto ignored him, closing and locking Marik's kennel.

Marik chuckled slightly. "Good luck Seto!” he called cheerfully, grooming the bunny plushy's ears slightly. "Ryou...” he purred contently. "Bakura, did you bring Malik?” he asked eagerly, knowing Bakura had been presented with a fox plushy not long after Ryou's visit.

"...Of course...” Bakura said softly, cuddling his little fox plush.

Marik grinned and made his bunny peer through the bars. "I think Marik's soooo hot.” he said in a squeaky voice, trying to pretend to be Ryou. "He's so WILD."

Bakura snorted. "Marik... I think that plushy is starting to have a negative affect on your psyche...” he snickered.

Marik laughed. "Oh you KNOW Ryou will brag to Malik once they get back, I'm going to love him and screw him blind.” he stated proudly. "He wont be able to walk OR hop for a week! I'll have to carry him everywhere, and I'll love EVERY minute!"

Bakura smiled slightly. "I know you will. And I don't think he'll mind...” And the skunk purred and gently groomed his fox plushy's ears.

Marik grinned and yawned. "I'll sniff around their room tomorrow...” he said snickering, hearing Seto head up the stairs. "find out who ended up on top...”

Upstairs, the chirping and singing from Seto's room was quite loud, and somewhat loving in nature. Beckoning a certain CEO to his bedroom...

Seto smirked and entered the room, closing and locking the door behind him. "In a good mood, huh?” he asked with a smile.

Oh yes, Yami was in a good mood, so good in fact that he was wearing the very outfit Seto had purchased him in, and more than a little buzzed, but the instant his eyes laid on Seto he chirped and cooed. "Yesss...” he hissed, crawling forward across the bed, his wings quivering slightly.

He was clearly coherent, but as Yugi pointed out, Yami did get 'weird' when he drank Grandpa's medicine. but then again... who wouldn't? Not that this was by any means an UNPLEASANT surprise.

Seto blinked. "Umm... harem pants...” he finally managed to say. He was completely baffled. "Uhhh... Yami?"

Yami grinned ferally at him. "Master... .” he said softly, launching himself across the room and into Seto's arms, in a heartbeat, pressing him against the door. "Master... .” he cooed, kissing him strongly. Yup. pleasant surprise.

Seto yelped as he hit the door and stared at Yami with wide eyes. "... heeh?” he squeaked.

Yami cooed at him and gently nibbled along Seto's jaw. "My precious master... pretty bird wants you...” he cooed, grinding against him, and wrapping his wings around him.

"Ah... Ahah... . ummm... okay...” Seto squeaked, then cleared his throat and tried again. "Oh do you now?"

Yami cooed once more, and pressed closer. "Don’t you want to pet your pretty birdie?” he said closing his eyes and nuzzling into Seto's arms. "Pet... stroke... pretty bird...”

Seto smirked. "Where?” he asked, grabbing Yami's crotch.

Yami chirped, pleased. "Anywhere you like...” he cooed submissively. "My precious master... anywhere you desire...” he cooed, placing specific emphasis on 'Desire'.

Seto smirked. "I see that the booze has... affected you again...” he said, stroking Yami's wings and face.

Yami cooed once more. "Am I to your liking?” he whispered, nibbling along Seto's jaw, kissing him once he reached Seto's lips. He pulled away, chirping softly. "Or... would you change something?"

"Mmmmm... . you are very much to my liking... the one thing I would change is to see you without that outfit on, as much as I love it...” Seto purred.

Yami closed his eyes, grinding against Seto once more. "Precious master... that's the best part of presents...” he whispered seductively. "unwrapping them...”

"Indeed...” Seto said, swinging Yami up into his arms and carrying him over to the bed. "Well well... Merry Christmas? No, wait... you're not of that religion... okay then... a very merry un-birthday to me.” he said, snatching the shirt off of Yami's body and slowly dragging the pants down his legs.

Yami stretched languidly, once Seto had relieved him of his clothing, and cooed at him longingly. "to... your liking?” he asked stretching his wings sitting up just enough to brush a wing against Seto teasingly.

Seto grinned, grabbing the wing. "Hell yeah...” he growled, dropping his coat and removing his shirt, kicking off his shoes. The he dropped to his knees and crawled over Yami. "VERY much to my liking...”

Yami grinned and nuzzled Seto. "Then I should be rewarded master... pretty birdie deserves a treat.” he cooed, arching beneath Seto, rubbing against him at every possible opportunity.

Seto blinked. "... . treat?” he repeated. Okay... Yami was starting to sound like... well, like Ryou. But he shrugged that off and pinned Yami down, kissing him fiercely.

Yami kissed back with equal ferocity. He cooed once Seto pulled away, panting softly. "Good treat...” he mumbled pulling Seto closer with his wings. "Another?” he asked, letting his hands roam over Seto's body, teasing him, daring him to continue. The night was young, and he was too.

Seto grinned. "Of course...” he hissed, kissing down Yami's chest and teasing his skin with tongue and teeth, flicking and rolling his nipples beneath his fingers.

Yami hissed, groaning and arching, his wings quivering against Seto's back. "Yessss... ." he chirped and kissed Seto strongly. "Don’t stop... .” he cooed.

Seto grinned slightly, sliding lower, then dragging his fingers down Yami's body to caress his inner thighs.

Yami chirped softly, shifting slightly beneath Seto, beginning to coo at the attention. "Pretty... pretty bird...” he breathed, sounding absolutely pleased with the situation.

Yami chuckled slightly. "You sayin I'm not pretty?” he whispered, looking slightly amused. "Don’t push your luck... .” he added, giving Seto a soft bite. "I can bite like the best of them."

Seto rolled his eyes. "You're scary when you're drunk...” he said, and when Yami opened his mouth to reply, he shoved a finger up inside of him.

Yami yelped and gasped. "Damn!” he said looking shocked. "A little WARNING next time for the bird please?” he said, pinching Seto's nipples suddenly. "Not that I'm complaining master...” he added, cooing softly.

"Ow! Hey! Quit that!" Seto snapped, smacking Yami's hands and shoving a second finger in Yami, once again without warning.

Yami gasped a second time, and squirmed. "M-Master!” he yelped, grasping onto Seto. "Gods! I asked for warning!” he said, looking thoroughly pleased.

Seto snickered. "You don't look too upset that none was given.” he said.

Yami groaned softly. "Be nice Master or I'll be forced to be an angry bird person, and you don’t want to be screwing a frantic angry bird." he said crossly, still looking quite content however.

Seto smirked and added a third finger. "Nice enough for you?"

Yami moaned loudly, unable to stop himself. "Yessss...” he hissed happily.

"heh." Seto snickered, then removed his fingers and stared at Yami, just to be mean.

Yami growled softly, glaring. "Tease...” he hissed, sounding quite DISPLEASED with that action.

Seto snickered. "Only because I love you.” he said, moving over Yami. "Ready?"

"Of course." Yami said impatiently. "Please don’t tease me anymore."

Seto smiled and kissed Yami, gently and lovingly, and slowly pressed forwards.

Yami grunted, forcing himself to relax. Despite his front, he was still quite inexperienced in sex, and in all honesty, Seto had been his first, and Seto was NOT a small guy.

Yami on the other hand, was, no matter how much he denied it. Seto moaned, kissing Yami again, and soon deepening it.

Yami moaned into the kiss, his fingernails digging into Seto's back slightly. He panted softly, once their heated kiss separated for breath. "Be gentle...” he hissed, littering Seto's face with sloppy lust-filled kisses. "Don’t overdo it... I'm laying on my wings...” he warned softly, giving him a needy look. "As much as I love what you do to me... .I would be miserable if i couldn't fly...”

"Oh really?" Seto chuckled, and pet Yami's wings, and kissed him again as he began to slowly move in and out of his body. "You like flying that much, hmm?"

Yami groaned and rocked against Seto, his wings fanning out slightly against the bed, quivering even down to the feathers. "Yes...” he moaned pulling Seto into a heated kiss.

Seto met Yami with equal intensity and passion, then overtook him. Their lovemaking became just as intense and passionate, Seto moving rough, but at a pace that wasn't too fast.

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

The next morning, Seto wasn't awoken by loud crowing, squawking or any other manner of loud and unpleasant noise. Instead he was awakened to the most pleasant sounds of all. The reason the Japanese songbird was considered endangered... it's beautiful singing voice. Yami was singing to him, curled next to him, with his eyes closed, being still to not wake him, but his beautiful voice made the dawn seem... pale in comparison.

Seto smiled and rolled onto his back, stretching. "mmmmm... .” he moaned. "I don't wanna get up... ."

Yami sat up slowly, stretching his wings, well wing, as one laid limp on the bed. He wrinkled his nose. "Ra... this is gonna suck.” he mumbled, moving it slowly, seeming to wince. "My wing fell asleep.” he grumbled.

Seto chuckled and sighed. "Want me to massage it?” he asked, but then blinked at a roar. "Great... the natives are restless...” he grumbled.

"Seto... before you go down there...” Yami said, blushing softly and looking away. "About last night...”

Yami folded his wings slowly, making a face, as the needles and pins of 'sleep' hit his wing. "I... well... I wasn't drunk...”

Seto froze, then slowly turned and stared at Yami. "You're kidding me...”

Yami shook his head giving Seto a look he'd never seen before. Fear. "I... well… I've...” he stammered, before taking a breath. "I... I've always... dreamed...” he started slowly. "w-well... and the... collars and chains... aren't for show...” he stammered, unable to put the words together well enough.

He swallowed hard. "I can be that for you every night, once it's just us...” he said, this time assuredly. "As long... as it stays between us... This... it's a secret." Yami looked away, still seeming fearful. "I... would WILLINGLY be your slave Seto, while... it's just us."

Yami crawled closer, feeling a bit more bold, and hugged Seto, trailing slow seductive kisses up his neck. "I will call you master, I will give you the power over me, that you desire... every night. Every night, so long as it's never told." Yami sighed. "It... would destroy me if you told Seto... not just my reputation. I would be heartbroken if you EVER told anyone about this... I've given you everything last night. You always wanted a trump card to hold over me... and you have it. I hope... that you wont ever have a need to use it against me."

Seto sat there, stunned, not hearing Marik's desperate roars to be released before he and Bakura wet their bedding. Seto didn't move. He didn't know what to think... what to say... "You... like... huh?!" Seto finally blurted. "You're into... . BDSM?!"

Yami clapped a hand over his mouth glaring. "So help me Seto if someone hears you I will not be loving you again until the day I die.” he hissed in warning, before looking away, the fear still evident in his features.

"... kinda...” he mumbled after a moment. "I've... always been the leader, the one in control... the boss. I love that people trust me, and depend on me... but I've... always wanted someone to be MY leader. Someone who I felt was worthy of MY servitude.” he mumbled looking down slightly, feeling suddenly ashamed of his wishes. "I took to the idea of being a pet... awkwardly. Half of me was overjoyed at the idea of... well... you know... but the other half was disappointed. I hated to lose my family, my friends... my favorite game...”

Yami smiled slightly. "But the idea... the CHANCE... that someone had ordered me... that someone planned to be MY boss, my MASTER...” a soft blush crossed Yami's cheeks, and he cooed lovingly, looking out the window.

Seto stared at Yami, in shock. "You... wanted to be owned? To be dominated?" Seto asked, baffled and confused.

Yami nodded. "Kinda... I never get a break from being... well... the leader, it's tiring to think about the big picture all the time...” he said softly, wings drooping. "I liked the idea of taking a break for a while. Certainly not for forever. I wouldn't be able to do that... my pride would bite my ass for it... but...”

Yami looked down, feeling suddenly like he was the scum of the Earth, that his desires were wrongly placed. "I know it's crazy... I must seem like an even bigger ass...”

"No." Seto said. "Actually... that makes alot of... sense." And he smiled and reached out, taking Yami's hand. "I'm... glad that you trust me enough to tell me this, Yami. I'm honored." And he kissed the top of Yami's hand. "I love you."

Yami smiled and perked up, almost immediately embracing Seto with the whole of his being. "Gods be praised...” he whispered thankfully. "I was worried you think I was... well some filthy... well imbecile.” he mumbled, hugging Seto tightly. "But... you have my trust Seto... you have my trust, and also me. I'll serve you... in all forms of the word, at a moment's notice... as long as it's just us... behind closed doors.” he whispered lovingly.

"You always SEEMED to want me in this position before you... is this a pleasing outcome?” he asked almost shyly.

Seto blinked, then laughed. "Well, I never really expected... THIS... . but I'm glad I have you." And he kissed him. "Now excuse me while I let those bellowing monsters out to relieve themselves and get ready for work." And Seto leapt from the bed, pulling on his boxers as he hopped to the door.

Yami sneezed slightly and wrinkled his nose. "I think... I'm going to stay here for now... my wing is making me crazy... and I'm a little tired...” he mumbled, flopping down and curling up in the warm indent, where Seto had laid. "You'll come back to keep your pretty bird company... right?” he asked smirking. "I might get a chill."

Seto snickered. "Sure thing. And you can stop that chill with the blankets, Yami. That's what they’re for."

"I like body heat better.” he huffed. "I may be a slave, but I will still be a brat. Nothing is as warm as your body next to mine.” he cooed.

Seto opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off by a roar. "Hold that thought.” he said, and ran down the hall in his underwear.

Marik whined, clawing the inside of the kennel door. "For the love of Ra let me out! I NEED TO GO!” he roared within. "I NEED TO GO!” he whined again, picking up the bunny plushy and clutching it, trying to think of ANYTHING but his almost painfully full bladder.

"SETOOOOO!!!!" Bakura howled, doing the potty dance. "SERIOUSLY!!! I CAN'T HOLD IT MUCH LONGER!!!"

"Shut up, I'm here...” Seto snarled, walking in and releasing Bakura, then Marik. Bakura was out of the closet before Marik even left the kennel

"OH FUCK!!!" The skunk yelped, and Seto froze as he heard the patter of liquid spraying onto the marble floor.

"Bakura...” Seto hissed. "If you just did what I think you just did...” Bakura gulped and slowly looked down at the lovely puddle he had just made in the front hall.

"It's your own fuckin' fault, Seto Kaiba!!!” he snapped, then ran before Seto could come out of the closet.

Marik however, not even bothering to stand, had managed to make it to the bathroom, and was quite happy to relieve himself in the toilet.

"Seto...” Yami murmured, wandering to the stairs, wrapped up in the blankets of 'masters' bed, smiled down at him and shook his head. "Don’t get angry at him... it wasn't his fault.” he carefully walked down the stairs, and placed one of the many towels from the linen closet over the mess. "It's tile... no harm done.” he added, sneezing again. "Just have him do laundry, if you think he needs punished."

Marik wandered out of the bathroom and flopped down at the top of the stairs. "Gods that felt good...” he moaned, rolling onto his back and stretching on the carpeted hall floor, just above the stairs.

Seto sighed and shook his head. "Sorry it took so long, Marik.” he said. "Yami... distracted me."

"Yeah, I figured as much." Marik said, batting at the tuft on the tip of his tail.

"Marik, stop that. Stand up and act like a man."

"Says the guy who locked me up in a kennel all night." Marik said, but stood anyway.

"Where's Bakura?"

"Probably hiding from you. I'll sniff him out and we'll get ready for work."

"Do that." Seto said with a nod, and looked at Yami.

Yami picked up the towel, careful to not dirty his hands, and stuffed it down a laundry chute. "Feel better?” he asked, once Marik had begun his 'Bakura' hunt.

Seto sighed and shook his head. "Whatever...” he grumbled, and headed towards the kitchen.

Yami followed quickly. "Anything I can do?” he asked wrapping his arms around Seto's waist and hugging him from behind. "I love you."

Seto smiled. "Join me for some breakfast?” he asked.

Yami smiled, nuzzling Seto's back. "If that's what you wish, then I'd gladly...” he whispered, sounding content.

Seto smiled and pulled Yami into the kitchen. "Hungry?"

Yami nodded slightly. "Of course.” he cooed, kissing Seto.

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

I am hereby announcing a contest for all the artists out there!!! It begins immediately, and ends on Halloween. I am challenging everyone to draw my OC. The rules are:

1) The picture must feature Ahmose and/or Mikado. Other Yugioh characters may also be present.

2) No X rated pics. Let's keep it R rated people(That still leaves you with many options ^_~)

3) it can be a scene from any of my fics, or an original scene. But please keep their personalities in mind; Ahmose: stern, quiet, cold and calculated... kinda like Seto. Mikado: playful, loud, funloving, party guy, more like Joey only not... stupid and obnoxious...

4) If you need a visual reference, you can see my drawings of Mikado and Ahmose on my DeviantArt account. You can search them by name.

The winner will get a fic dedicated to them (cuz I can't think of anything else to give the winner)

Send the picture to me by midnight Halloween night at :

ahmose_inarus@yahoo.com

GOOD LUCK!!!

~hato