The Wild

Bunny Love

Hatochiisai & Mally-chan

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: We do not own Yugioh. If we did, it would not be for public television.

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Chapter 5

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Marik trotted into the Pet Shop on all fours, carrying a plastic sack in his mouth, and humming.

Varon was the first to greet him. "Hey big guy!" he said smiling, stooping to scratch his ears. "I'm so glad you're healthy and handsome again...I'm real sorry..." he added, apologizing to Marik for possibly the 50th time since he'd started working at the petshop. "Whatcha got there?"

Marik put down the sack. "I brought lunch for you and Amelda and Rem!" He said. "Sub Sandwiches!" And he picked up the sack again and trotted to the break room, hopping into a chair and setting the sack down on the table and waiting for them to come and eat.

Varon chuckled and gathered the others and they met Marik in the back room. Rem sat next to the lion and pulled him into her lap, smothering him with motherly affection. "aww my little kitten came to pay us a visit..." she cooed scratching his ears in all the right places. "How are you doing Marik?" she asked while scratching.

Marik purred loudly and licked her cheek.

"I'm hungry! I brought you lunch!" Marik exclaimed and unpacked the sandwiches, sliding them around to the person they were for, and pulling out his own two foot long meatball subs.

"Ooh... veggie sub." Amelda gasped. "Thanks Marik! Perfect!"

Rem chuckled and unpacked her own club sandwich sub. "Thank you Marik." She said kissing his forehead.

Varon grinned at his spicey chipolte chicken sub. "Ohh now THIS is a sandwich." he chuckled and dug in.

Rem ate slowly, scratching Marik's ears with her free hand. "I heard you and Ryou had a fight not long ago...is everything ok at home sweetie?"

Marik frowned. "I dunno..." He mumbled, snapping up a meatball that had bounced out off his sandwich. "See... we were screwing under the stage of the school autitorium and were... disturbed. I didn't get to recover my clothes so when I said I was going home, Ryou took it wrong and got mad. I told him I didn't wanna walk across town and show up at Pegasus' naked, and that I really didn't wanna be at Pegasus' place period. And Ryou FLIPPED. Next thing I know he's yelling at me and throwing things in my face like how I tried to kill him and how I... How I was insane and... And I threw things in HIS face like how he let Dartz fuck him and how Hunter had told me that Ryou had slept with Pegasus while I was in the hospital but Ryou denied it because he was drunk and can't remember it and I called him a liar and he said things and I said things and I went home and... and..." He sighed and stuffed his mouth with his sandwich. "And he's still mad at me..."

Rem nodded and pet his ears again. "I'm sure you're both just tense...you've been away five months Marik...a lot has changed in Ryou's life, in yours as well..." She said calmly. "You've both...just lost touch with eachother. " she added softly.

"Maybe this vacation is just the thing to give you two the chance to reconnect. Five months is enough for any couple to get tense and uncomfortable. Ryou's been working hard, fending for himself...reintroducing himself to the human world...maybe he's afraid of losing that independence, if you start providing for him again. You know, when he went to Pegasus' house to work, he wouldn't accept pay higher than minimum wage." she added. "Pegasus was very put out about it, because Ryou struggled with feeding himself and the bunnies...but he simply refused help."

Marik sighed and frowned. "Well... now I need a job... and... Rem? By any chance... do you have my Hybrid ID Card still?" He asked her. Amelda and Varon watched and listened, curiously.

Rem chuckled and nodded. "I kept it. I'll give it back if you promise to take good care of it." she added in a warning mother tone. "Because if I catch you throwing it down in anger again, it's MY hybrid ID card from that moment on."

"Maooooo..." Marik whined, drooping. Varon and Amelda snickered.

"You need to get a wallet, Marik." Amelda announced.

Rem nodded. "A wallet is a very important part of a man's life. You keep your money, important cards...pictures...EVERYTHING in wallets." she explained.

Varon nodded. "Even Rex has a wallet now...at our insistance." he said snickering. "He hated it at first, kept forgetting it, or lost it a few times, but he loves it now." he added.

Rem laughed shaking her head. "So, where are you going to work Marik?"

Marik sighed. "I dunno." He said, taking another large bite of his sandwich. He frowned. "Seto has offered me a job at The Jungle but we haven't figured out what I'd do yet now that some tiger has my job... Ryou wanted me to work for Pegasus but..." He frowned and shook his head. "I dunno... I'll find something..."

Rem chuckled. "You know, there are other jobs out there in this world, than just working for Seto or Pegasus." She said shaking her head. Tell me Marik, what are your goals? What do YOU want, to do with your life?" She asked scratching his ears. "What is it you want to get accomplished with your job? What are you going to use your money for?"

Marik blinked at Rem. "For Ryou." He said simply. "To keep him happy."

"Yes I know sweetie...but what do you plan to do to make him happy?" She asked once more. "You have to have a plan. You can pick a career that will help you make and keep him happy...for instance...if he likes vegetables, you could get work at a farm. Free vegetables. If he likes to cook, maybe you could work at a grocery store, you'd get discounted food...understand?"

Marik blinked. He blinked again. "Work on a farm?" He droned in a monotone voice. "And somehow I doubt I'd be allowed to work at a grocery store. Fur." He said, sighing in a depressed manner. "Seriously... what kind of a job can a lion get?!"

Rem chuckled. "Well...I have a sister out in who works out in Okinawa...she was just telling me Club Med hired three hybrids." She said scratching his ears. "Now that might be a good job to consider Marik. You get to play ALL day! You get free housing on their cruise ships...free travel, high pay..." she trailed off. "I think something Ryou wanted to do...wasn't it to travel?"

Marik frowned. "Well, yeah, but... I'd be gone... alot." He whimpered. "And... I never told Ryou this an' all but... Rem... all that WATER!!!" And his eyes bugged out as a look of terrified horror crossed his face. "I know Ryou is looking forward to this cruise and I'll go but.. Oh gods Rem!!! I'm scared to DEATH!!!" He shuddered.

Rem laughed. "Marik you dont actually TOUCH the water on a cruise...you know that right?" she said shaking her head. "No, you sit on the deck, you can sun yourself, play games, dance, eat, they have theaters in cruise ships where you watch movies, it's just like a house, only it sails around. Plus if you worked on a cruise ship, Ryou'd go with you. Both of you and all your bunnies, would travel for half the year. You get every fall and winter off."

Marik whimpered. "But all that WATER!!!" He whined, and to Varon and Amelda's amazement, Marik turned pale. "I can't do that... I... I'll support Ryou all I can, but... I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that if there's gonna be any travelling done... we're gonna have to rely on Pegasus for it..."

Rem laughed again. "Well your life is your choice, but make sure you plan ahead ok sweetie?" She said softly, scratching his ears. "Maybe you could work at a health spa. I bet you'd really like that. Lots of excersize, and you'd have an excuse to get covered from head to toe in mud." she chuckled.

Marik quirked an eybrow and Amelda and Varon snickered. "Riiiight..."

"How about a security guard?" Amelda offered.

"There's always construction." Varon added.

"You could work for Animal Control." Amelda said.

"See if the zoo will give you a job working with their lions." Varon cheered.

Rem laughed. "I dont think that would work...they might think Marik would rally the lions for independence! Bakura would have way too much fun."

Marik whimpered. "The lions scare me..." Amelda and Varon stared at him, then burst out laughing. "Murrrr..." Marik pouted, poking a meat ball.

"You could always try an apprenticeship?" Rem suggested, glaring at Varon and Amelda, who quickly quieted. "Maybe take up plumbing, or become a repair man. Nothing is more handing than having a lover who can fix ANYTHING." She said grinning. "Or maybe be a mechanic, or a policeman."

Marik blinked. "I don't think you can become a cop with MY police record..." He mumbled, frowning. "And I think that would stress Ryou out. It's a dangerous job. I dunno..." He sighed.

"You could always join the armed forces." She suggested. "it's tough work...but you'd get all insurances, cheaper groceries and just about everyone in Japan would love you for supporting our country." she said thoughtfully.

Marik sighed. "Maybe... but... I dunno..." He sat back, his second sandwich untouched. "I have to find a job around here. One that's easy to get to..."

Rem smiled. "Well Marik...you could try the central park zoo...it's not far from Domino Highschool, and its always had very sweet animals." She said thoughtfully. "I worked there before I got hired on here. I think you'd like it there...you dont HAVE to work with lions sweetheart, you could try a smaller big cat, like panthers, or cheetahs."

Marik blinked and perked up. "Really?" He asked. "Could... could you write me a letter of recommendation?!" He asked her, nearly falling into her lap with purrs.

Rem nodded laughing. "Of course. I'll write it up after the vacation ok darling?" She said tickling him. "But for now, why dont you enjoy yourself and try and make up with Ryou...maybe get him a boquet of carrots?" she teased.

Amelda choked on his sandwich at that, and Varon burst out laughing. Marik eyed Rem.

"How about not?" He asked, finishing his first sandwich, then slowly smiled. "but I have another idea..." And he turned and pounced on the phone.

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

Yami grumbled while packing. "Birds..." he mumbled, wings quivering. "Birds..." he mumbled again, gritting his teeth, trying to NOT look at the window. "Ra...Seto..." his wings quivered more. " I need...that rubix cube again..." he said twitching. So far he'd solved that rubix cube 58 times, trying to avoid flying south. Seto didn't want him to go alone, and couldn't come...and he was doing his best to NOT fly south.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Yami... It's not even getting cold out, yet." He said, looking at the bird. "Come on now... in less than a week we'll be on our way to the Meditterranean. Surely you can hold out that long."

Yami twitched and glared. "I know! It's not like I just decided 'hey I like the south! Lets go!'." he grumbled "It's the damn birds! When they go I end up wanting to go...BADLY." he twitched as another flock flew by.

Seto walked over to the window and closed the curtains. "There. Now pack."

At that precise moment, a flock of geese flew by. Yami twitched and glared at Seto.

"You CANT tell me that you cant hear that..." he said, wings quivering in pent up frustration. "The gods are against this I'm TELLING you!"

Seto rolled his eyes. "I'm thinking of contacting the hybrid labs..." He grumbled. "See if they can do something about your stupid urges to migrate!"

Yami grumbled. "It's not my fault!" he said glaring. "Besides, what would they do? It's not like you can UNDO genetics...werll ok you can, but then there'd be nothing left of me!" he said zipping up his suitcase and glaring at it. "Besides you're the one who doesn't like me leaving...I could be fine on my own you know." he mumbled sighing, the geese finally gone. His wings drooped, though they were relaxed.

"I'm going to die of stress at a young age...be buried right next to you, who died from lack of sleep."

Seto chuckled at that. "I see. So you want to be buried together, eh?" He poked Yami. "Well, either way, I'm gonna see about a way to stop you fro wanting to migrate. I can NOT put up with this every year, and you don't need the stress either..."

Yami sighed and nodded flopping down onto the bed. "It's not too bad...I'm only stressed because if I stay, you get stressed, if I leave you'll get worried." he mumbled beginning to preen. "Maybe if you moved your office to the tropics..." he added chuckling. "Just kidding."

Seto gave Yami a look. "Here. Shut up and play with your puzzle." And he tossed him the rubix cube.

Yami chuckled again and began once again solving the small puzzle. "Dont be such a sourpuss, you look better grinning then scowling." he said looking up for a moment. "and you scowl far more then grin."

Seto rolled his eyes. "I have more reasons to scowl than I have to grin." He said, looking at the door at a chittering. "Your pet approaches." And a moment later, Dust flew into the room and perched on a chair.

Yami grinned. "Well here's a reason to grin. Dust, why dont you do that thing Seto likes to see you do so much?" he asked. Dust chittered gleefully and sat up straight and tall, and let out a cute little crow, that was too adorable for even SETO to deny.

Seto blinked, then slowly smiled and laughed, shaking his head. "You are evil Yami..." He said, walking over to Dust and petting him on the head. "Evil evil evil. And so is your little minion."

Dust chirped and nuzzled into Seto's hand, before letting out another adorable little crow. 'I'm hot stuff!'

Yami laughed. "Oh come now! He's not evil...he's too cute to be evil." he chuckled at the little crow. "He's a little angel."

Seto smiled and gave Dust a little tickle under the chin. "Yes, he is." He said, then looked up when he heard Mokuba and Syrus running down the hall, giggling.

Yami grumbled. "Trouble approaches, in the form of kidbrother and best friend." he mumbled plucking a loose feather. "I wonder what mischief they've caused today. That Syrus kid is about as sneaky as Mokuba..." he added wrinkling his nose.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Syrus is a good boy, Yami. You need to cut it out with the jealousy thing." He opened his bedroom door. "And what are you boys up to?"

Syrus squeaked and jumped. "H-hi Seto!" he said offering a nervous smile. "I um...I was uh..." he stammered backing away a bit. This was not helping his nervousness at all...

Seto blinked, then smiled. "Calm down, Syrus. I'm not mad." He said, walking over and petting the boy on the head. "You need to relax. When we're on our cruise, I think I'm gonna order you to spend an hour a day relaxing in a spa. You're too up tight. And you're getting older. Keep it up with these stress levels and you'll get acne like nothing else."

Syrus blinked then wrinkled his nose. "Then you should probably be a pizza face, if that were true." he blurted, before covering his mouth.

Yami burst out laughing at THAT little comment. "You know, you're right Seto, he's growing on me."

Seto rolled his eyes. "I have a naturally good complexion, thank you." He said, patting Syrus on the head. "So... what ARE you boys up to?"

"We're gonna eat lunch out back in the garden!" Mokuba exclaimed, and Seto raised an eyebrow.

Syrus nodded. "U-um yes...that's...ok isn't it?" he asked, ears perking slightly, giving Seto his best puppy eyes.

Yami chuckled watching Dust flitter over to sit on Syrus' head and nibble his hair. "Aww look Seto, Dust thinks they should." he snickered, as Dust crowed once more.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Yami, shut up. Why are you boys going out there?"

"... because it's... nice?" Mokuba ofered with a guilty grin. Seto eyed him.

"Is there something you're not telling me, Mokuba?"

"... maybe?"

Syrus coughed and began sneaking off. "I'll just uh...go...get that lunch..." he stammered.

Yami however, had grown curious and was watching the three boys from the bed, grinning from ear to ear. "No no Syrus, stay. I'm getting curious about this little...situation."

Syrus twitched and turned back to Seto hanging his head. "Um...well...I uh..like the back yard." he said biting his lip.

"And?" Seto asked, staring at Mokuba, who was staring at the floor all flushed.

"We... wanted to have lunch... together." The boy stammered.

"You have lunch together every day." Seto said, frowning.

"Yeah but... like... TOGETHER together..."

".... what?!" Seto blurted.

Yami's grin broadened. "Oh really now?"

Syrus' face aws beet red. "A-ah...um...I...well...Mokuba....um...we..." he stammered dumbly, fidgeting. "Um..."

Yami was having a ball at this point. "HA! I TOLD YOU! I KNEW IT!" he blurted chuckling. "Welcome to the family Syrus." he chuckled more. "it's like a hybrid hotel...once you check in, there's no checkin out." he snickered, much to Seto's dismay.

"YAMI!!!" Setto howled. "Mokuba... okay, one... when did this happen?! Two, why didn't you tell me?! And Three... are you two packed yet?"

"One. A few days ago. Two, you spaz out about stuf like this. Three, yes." Mokbua said right back.

Yami laughed harder. "Oh give it up Seto I told you when he first came to stay here something like this would happen!" he said snickering. "Besides there's nothing you can do about it. Mokuba's a big boy, he can like who he wants to like." he added calmly. "As for Syrus...well...he's pretty responsible...for a squirty bundle of nerves."

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

Ryou grumbled as he made his way home, with twelve bunnies on leashes clipped to their harnesses; Tuc and Nod, all nine of their most recent litter, and Spunky. Dr. Inogawa had called Ryou to say that he needed to see all of the rabbits that were going on the cruise, and since Malik and Bakura had gone to work and Marik was God knows where, that left Ryou to do it.

"Stop hopping so fast!" Ryou pouted opening the front door and ushering the twelve bunnies into the house. "alright now all of you behave while I make lunch." he cooed, unharnessing them all and letting them roam.

Angel wrinkled her nose and hopped up onto the couch. 'I hope there's cucumber...'

But ryou stopped and stared at several lit candles sitting there in the small foyer and his nose quivered. the house smelled... GOOD!!! He slowly made his way to the living room, and his eyes widened. There were candles and flowers everywhere, and a little bed area made up before the firepleace, which was lit. Rose petals littered the floor and there, on the floor before the TV with a big red bow around it, was a video tape.

Ryou blinked, flicking his ears curiously. They had regained their perk since his visit to the vet. He picked up the tape and ushered the bunnies into the back yard, before putting the tape in to play, curious, and hopeful.

It started with a burst of static, but then Pegasus appeared on the screen. "Hello precious." Precious hopped into his lap. "No baby, not you." Marik could be heard laughing off camera. Pegasus smiled and looked into the camera. "Your mate and I had a bit of a talk. And we decided that no matter how we may feel in regards to each other doesn't matter. What does matter is YOU. And because we both care about you so much, we've decided to put together this little gift. From both of us. Come here, Marik." Marik trotted into view and laid his head in Pegasus' lap and purred as the man scratched his ears.

Ryou smiled at the tape, glad to see his mates finally seeming to get along. He sighed contently, contemplating paying them both a visit, that would be full of happy little nuzzlings and lovings. Rewarding them for finally agreeing to disagree, and settling for being near eachother.

Pegasus smiled down at Marik, then looked back at the camera; at Ryou. "Before we go on... there's a little surprise for you in the kitchen." Pegasus said. "Pause the tape and go see."

Ryou blinked then laughed. "Oh yeah? What if I'm too lazy?" he giggled.

The pair on the screen sat there for a few moments, Marik enjoying a good ear scratching from Pegasus. "Come on Ryou... If you're still sitting there, no present!" Marik sang.

Ryou rolled his eyes and laughed again. "I should bite you both...next time I see you." he grumbled, pausing the tape and getting up to go into the kitchen, looking for his surprise.

There, on the kitchen table, were two large vases of roses, and sitting in front of each was a large plushy. One was a lion, and one was a pegasus. Each held a heart shaped box, and upon opening the Pegasus box Ryou found his favorite fruits and veggies, and in the lion box... chocolates... In each box was a tender loving letter, hand written by each man, and filled with words of love for Ryou... And sitting between them was a note. 'Come back to the tape...'

Ryou giggled and shook his head, picking a rose out of each vase and walking back to the living room, nibbling petals off of them and sitting back down, unpausing the tape. "Brats." he cooed, sniffing at the uneaten rose, before beginning to nibble it as well.

When he pressed play again, the pair on screen smiled again. "There's more..." Pegasus purred, running his hand up and down Marik's back. "but we know you are... a bit upset with us... so the next step... is up to you."

"tomorrow I'm supposed to see Dr. Hinaru." Marik said, nuzzling Precious who squeaked and nipped his nose. "Ow!"

"Precious! No!" Pegasus scolded.

"I hope you'll come with me to see her... Mr. Pegasus said he would..." the lion said, hopefully.

"If you don't want to see us tonight..." Pegasus continued. "Go ahead and got to bed. If you do want to see us.... gather the rabbits and come out front..."

"But blow out the candles first! Don't burn our house down!" Marik called. And the tape ended

Ryou giggled slightly and flicked his ears in thought. "hmm..." he cooed nibbling at the rose. "I could be quite nice...and go outside to meet my sneaky mates...or I could quite naughty and make them wait outside...for quite some time..." he reasoned. "hmm..."

He got up, calling the rabbits inside, watching the bunny stampede as they all scrambled inside. Once they were in, he shut the back door. He looked at them thoughtfully. "I cant seem to decide whether or not to go out into the front yard." He said calmly, drawing the curtains over the back door, so any prying eyes wouldn't see in. "What do YOU guys think?" he asked the bunnies. "Does a trip out front sound fun?"

'We're hungry!!' Came the unanimous vote.

Ryou laughed and flicked an ear. "Then I guess I will make dinner." he said calmly, walking into the kitchen and beginning to cook, peeking into the front yard through the closed blinds, wondering just where his mates were...

In the mean time, said mates were sitting nervously in the car... well, Pegasus was. Marik was pacing up and down the length of the limo.

'When's daddy coming home?' Hunter asked Ryou.

Ryou flicked his ears as he chopped a tomato. "Oh...when he wants to I suppose." he cooed, arranging them on the plate so the bunnies wouldn't fight. Next he chopped a cucumber. "When I finish making dinner, I suppose I could go see him..." Ryou said softly, peeking out the window again. He was going to make them squirm before going out there. Since the bunnies needed feeding.

Outside, Precious nibbled Pegasus' finger nervously, picking up the heavy aura of nervousness in the limo. 'When is he coming out? Why isn't he here yet? I dont like all this nervousness!'

Pegasus sighed. "We'll let him... think it over." He said. "He may need to."

"Maooo!!!"

"Calm down, Marik. He'll come to us when he's ready to." Pegasus said, petting Precious.

Ryou finished the salad and put it on the floor. "Now no fighting. You each get ONE tomato, and ONE cucumber slice. Tuc, if they start fighting, break them up...I have things to do." he cooed petting his friend.

He sighed and walked to the front door, looking at it for a long while, before sighing. "I do miss them..." he mewled softly, opening it and stepping out slowly. He closed the door behind him and trotted out to the limo, flicking his ears. "Hello..."

Pegasus and Marik both smiled as Ryou got in. Pegasus looked as calm and collected as ever, but Marik looked releived.

"Hello, my precious..." Pegasus said, opening his arms to Ryou, and Marik dashed over, purring.

Ryou nuzzled into Pegasus' arms and licked Marik's cheek. "Are we all done with this ridiculous jealousy? Or should I just go back inside now?" Ryou said calmly, giving Marik a hopeful look. "Because if it's all quite the same to you, I'd rather not."

Marik gulped, and forced a smile. "I'm going to try my very best, Ryou." He said. "With all my heart..." and he nuzzled Ryou, purring when Pegasus smiled and pet him.

Ryou smiled for the first time in a great many days. Not a small forced smile, but an actual true full blown grin. "Thank you Marik..." he cooed pulling him into a warm hug. "The bunnies are missing you.." he cooed softly. "Especially Hunter."

"where are they?" Pegasus asked. "We said to bring them on the tape."

Ryou stuck his tongue out. "They were hungry." he said smiling. "So they're eating. They've had a big day and are all sleepy from shots they got from Inogawa." he added.

Pegasus sighed. "Very well then..." And he phoned his driver, who pulled away from the curb. Pegasus nudged Ryou out of his lap and soon enough had both Ryou and Marik's head on his knees, and he happily rubbed their ears while Marik nuzzled Ryou.

Ryou smiled and flicked his ears rubbing Marik's back. "So...where are we going?" he asked softly, giving Pegasus a curious look. "Thank you both for the gifts by the way...I loved them."

"You're welcome..." Marik purred, and Pegasus smiled.

"We're going home. And we're going to have dinner." He said to Ryou.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus. "I see...what's on the menu?" he cooed nuzzling up to his master, and petting his mate's back lovingly.

"Your favorite pasta, Ryou. With something special on it. You'll see." Pegasus said. "It's something special for all of us."

"Murrumph!" Marik exclaimed.

Ryou smiled and hugged Marik, tugging him up onto the seat. "Why dont you sit with us?" he cooed nuzzling Marik and sighing. "I'm glad you two agree to try...it makes me feel...worlds better." he cooed sighing contently between his two mates.

"Of course we would agree to try and get along." Marik said, and Pegasus gave him a look. "Uhh... I mean... I will try to get along with Pegasus..." He mumbled, and the man chuckled and rubbed the lion's ears.

Ryou giggled and leaned into Marik. "I'm glad. I was getting very lonely." he cooed nuzzling into Marik's arm. "That house is just too lonely..."

Marik smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "I was lonely in Pegasus' big house, too..."

"He's been sleeping in your cage." Pegasus chuckled, petting Ryou.

Ryou squeaked. "Marik! That's Mine!" he whined pouting cutely. "I bet you messed up the bedding and everything!" he said wrinkling his nose. "Now I have to fix it!"

Marik smiled. "Fix it up for two?" He asked, ears wiggling as they always did when he was being goofy.

Ryou laughed and shoved him. "Marik!"

Ryou nuzzled him however and sighed. "Will you come home soon?" he asked his mate yawning slightly. "I'm getting lazy..."

Marik smiled. "Am I welcome?" He asked, licking Ryou's cheek.

"You never weren't welcome home..." He said softly. "You're the one who left in the first place."

"I didn't feel welcome..." Marik mumbled, sadly, but nuzzled Ryou.

Ryou sighed and nodded. "You're always welcome Marik...I was just tired..." he mumbled looking down. "It wasn't your fault..."

Marik sighed. "Yes it was..." He mumbled. "I said all those awful things to you..."

Ryou sighed and nuzzled him. "It's alright...we both said awful things..." he cooed. "After dinner...come home. Hunter misses you." he said once more. "I miss you too."

Marik smiled. "I'd love to come home."

"I'll provide the lube." Pegasus chuckled.

Ryou elbowed Pegasus harshly. "There'll be none of that!" he huffed crossing his arms. "Just because I'm a bunny and he's coming home does NOT mean I'll put out."

"Awww..." Pegasus and Marik said in unison.

Ryou giggled and shook his head. "You both are FAR hornier than me, and I'm the rabbit." he said crossing his arms. "Who's the sex fiend here?"

Each man pointed at the other. "He is."

Ryou giggled more. "you BOTH are!" he said firmly. "Honestly...if it's not one of you trying to get into my pants, it's the other." he huffed softly, but was smiling broadly.

Pegasus snickered. "How can we do that? Half the time you're not WEARING pants!!" And he poked Ryou. Marik giggled.

Ryou clicked slightly. "You cant prove that! Half the time one of you two is the REASON my pants have vanished!"

Both men laughed, and Precious squeaked and hopped aournd excitedly, kicking up his heels. "Murrrow!" Marik blurted, and went after Precious, gently tackling him.

Ryou nuzzled into Pegasus, at the loss of Marik and cooed softly to him. "Master Pegasus..." he hummed contently, quite happy to be in the company of BOTH mates at once, for a change. "I can hardly wait for the cruise...it sounds exciting...the first thing I'm going to do is bask in the sun on the deck."

Pegasus smiled. "Not without sun tan lotion!" He teased, tickling his bunny,.

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "Oh hush! I dont burn THAT easily!" he pouted crossing his arms. "I'm just pale that's all...I'll look much nicer after a bit of sun."

"No, Ryou. You MUST put on lotion."

"Yeah!" Marik announed from where he was "wrestling" with Precious.

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "I dont HAVE to." he said firmly. "I'm a person now, I can make my OWN choices." he added flicking his ears.

"No you caaaaan't." Marik teased, and tackled Ryou from the seat in a vicous tickle attack.

Ryou yelped and thrashed. "Stop stop!" he wailed between fits of giggles. "Stop it!"

"Nooo!" Marik giggled, and Pegasus sat back and watched them, laughing when Precious tackled Marik's head and started tugging his ear.

Ryou shoved Marik off quickly at the distraction and crawled under the seats, knowing Marik couldn't follow, being much bigger than him. "Dont tickle meee!"

"Awww..." Marik whined.

"Alright boys. Enough. We're home." Pegasus said with a smile as the car pulled to a stop in the front drive.

Ryou squeaked delightedly and crawled out from under the seats and was the first one out of the car. "Mmm I'm starving too!"

Marik roared playfully and chased Ryou, Precious on his heels. Pegasus laughed and got out after them, opening the front door and watching them frolick into the house.

Ryou grinned and made a dash for his bunnyroom, hopping in and immediatly beginning to shove bedding around, before burying himself. "Ahhh much better."

Marik laughed, as did Pegasus when he walked in. "Ready for dinner, you two?" He asked.

Ryou grinned peeping out of the bedding and nodding. "Yes!" he squeaked hopping out of the cage, forgetting his precious bedding. "Dinner!"

Marik laughed. "Out back on the lawn!" Pegasus called after them, and soon after they both squeaked out through the pet door and into the back yard. There was a blanket on the grass in the back yard surrounded by tiki torches and it was to here that they ran.

Ryou grinned and plopped down on the blanket. "Ohh you two went all out didn't you?" He said grinning. "You must have really felt bad..."

Marik smiled as he buried his face into a nearby flower bush. "Uh huh! Ahh... uhh.... ke-TCHOOO!!" He sneezed loudly, pawing at the pollen on his nose.

Ryou laughed softly and yawned, looking around once more. "Marik..." he cooed smiling. "I'm glad you're going to try Marik..." he mumbled looking down. "I'm sorry I pressured you..."

Marik purred and nuzzled Ryou, and flopped down onto the blanket. A moment later, Pegasus emerged, followed by five maids carrying food and drink. In the middle of the blanket was the low table that Pegasus and Ryou would always eat at, and three seating cushions. Pegasus sat on one of the cushions, and Marik mewled and scuttled onto his own cushion, wagging his tail eagerly.

Ryou smiled and plopped down on his own cushion and began grooming his ears. "It's very pretty...thank you both." he said softly. "It means the world to me..." he cooed as the maids set out the foods and drink and giggled, fawning over Marik and Ryou.

Ryou grinned and nuzzled one, causing her to laugh all the louder and coo at him. "Such a cute little bunny!"

"Mao!" Marik mewled, batting at the towel hanging on the butler's arm as the man sat down the platter before the lion. Platters were set before Pegasus and Ryou as well, followed by a wine glass for Pegasus and crystal bowls bow Marik and Ryou.

"Master Pegasus." A butler said. "With tonight's dish, may I suggest a Pinot Noir?" He asked, holding a bottle of wine for Pegasus to inspect.

"Yes, that sounds good." Pegasus said. "Boys? Would you like to make a selection?"

"Tonight," The butler said with a smile. "We have more that the usual sparkling cider. We have sparkling strawberry, sparkling red and white grape, and a sparkling cherry cider as well."

"Oohhh... I'll try the strawberry!" Marik gasped.

Ryou smiled. "I'll have the white grape please." he said flicking his ears. He smiled at Marik. "Dont get too hyper, master Pegasus tends to spoil me with these sorts of things." He giggled. "You have to be refined, it's a special occasion." he added beginning to groom his own ears.

Precious hopped into Pegasus' lap and squeaked at him, wanting to be petted. 'Pay attention to ME!'

Pegasus smiled and pet the bunny while his wine was being poured for him, and Ryou and Marik's dishes were revealed.

"For you, Master Pegasus, a spicy seafood pasta with lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops, calimari and flounder." The butler said.

"Ah. Excellent." Pegasus said, and the maid revealed Marik's dish.

"For you, we have tender rare veal over bowtie pasta with a meaty marinara filled with sausage and mozzarella with a bit of basil." She said.

"Mao!" Marik exclaimed, and Ryou's was revealed.

"For you, Master Ryou..." The maid cooed, petting Ryou. "We have a specially made eggplant parmesan over angel hair pasta with a garlic lemon sauce with grilled chicken and vegetables, including squash and zucchini, carrots, celery, asparagus, bell peppers and artichoke hearts."

Ryou grinned and bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you very much." he cooed back at the maid, letting her pet him once more. He smiled and began daintily eating his dinner. After a few bites he offered Pegasus a warm smile. "It's delicious. Dont you think so Marik?" he asked flicking his ears and lapping at his cider.

"Mao?" Marik asked, his face smeared with sauce as he hadn’t bothered to use a fork. Pegasus laughed.

Ryou shook his head, amused. "Marik...fork?" he said handing Marik his fork. "People eat with forks...last I checked." He added kissing his cheek.

Marik blinked, then looked down at the fork, then looked up at Ryou with a sheepish smile. "Pasta's HARD to eat!!" He whined. A maid giggled and cleaned his face with a warm damp cloth.

"Try." she said. "Be a good boy." Marik purred as she pat his head.

"Murrrrrrow!" He exclaimed, and picked up his fork.

Ryou chuckled. "I was taught how to eat pasta at school in london for a week." he said softly. "Watch..." he cooed, putting his fork on the edge of the pasta and twirling it against a spoon. Once he'd gotten a small mouthful's worth, he picked up the fork, which had no noodles hanging down, a perfect bite. He took the bite and chewed slowly, before swallowing. "See? It's easy."

Marik blinked, and awkwardly mimicked Ryou. It took him a few tries, but he soon came up with an... ALMOST perfect bite. He popped it into his mouth and purred proudly, tail thumping the blanket, and only purred louder when the maid cooed and pet him.

Ryou cooed at him and went back to daintily eating. "Master Pegasus...I'm sorry that I was so cold to both of you..." he mumbled after a few moments, ears drooping slightly. "You...aren't too sore at me are you?"

"Not at all, my dear." He said with a smile. "Quite honestly, it resulted in something quite... splendid. Marik and I got to spend a few days together and get to know one another. Isn't that right my Big Kitten?"

"Mao!"

Ryou smiled and looked at Marik. "Kitten? So...you aren't jealous of master Pegasus anymore?" he asked softly.

Marik looked down. "I won't lie... I guess I am... a little..."

"But he's getting over it." Pegasus said, reaching out and scratching Marik's ear. "Give him a good tummy rub and he's in love with you!"

Ryou's grin broadened. "If he'll stop being jealous, I'd rub his belly every hour on the hour." he cooed grinning at Marik. "Sound like a nice deal?"

Marik perked up, pasta hanging from his mouth. "Hurr?!" Pegasus cracked up.

"Marik, manners." Ryou scolded softly, despite his smile. "Master Pegasus...I'm glad you two had time to bond, Marik...I'm glad you're trusting my master." he cooed to the both of them. "I've been feeling awful neglecting you master Pegasus...but when I didn't, I'd feel awful because of Marik's jealousy..." Ryou explained, ears drooping.

"Hopefully it's all behind us...and I might be able to come visit and lavish you with attention sometimes." he cooed grinning.

Pegasus chuckled. "You don't neglect me, Ryou." He said. "You lavish affections on me all the time." He teased. "Marik. Are you a good boy?"

"Murrrrumph!!" Marik exclaimed. "I'm gonna try to get a job at the Park Zoo!" He announced. "Rem's writing me a letter of recommendation!" Pegasus grinned broadly while stealing a bit of Ryou's apsaragus and giving it to Precious.

"Marik, that's wonderful!"

Ryou wrinkled his nose and stole a shrimp from Pegasus' plate. "Dont steal!" he pouted cutely.

Pegasus chuckled. "Ryou, don't you have anything to say about Marik's big news?"

Ryou blinked and blushed. "Oh well yes. I was about to congratulate him, until you decided to steal." he grumbled. He turned and grinned at Marik. "That sounds wonderful. I bet the bunnies would love a trip to the zoo to see their 'daddy Marik' working." He said proudly. "Hunter will just be thrilled."

"Angel will be pissin' herself in horror..." Marik snickered into his pasta.

"Language." Ryou grumbled. "Angel wouldn't want to go. You know she hates smelly things...poor Spunky doesn't stink and she wont even let him near her."

Marik sighed. "That poor rabbit. Angel is spoiled rotten. How did she get that way?!"

Ryou laughed. "I can assure you I didn't treat her any different before or after she found out she was not Nod's baby...she's just bitter." he said shaking his head. "She'll grow out of it. She's already become so much nicer since she met that black rabbit in the yard. She says his name is 'Secret'."

Marik sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yes. The freakishly huge one that attacked Spunky. I chased him off."

Ryou cooed. "He's a flemmish rabbit. I absolutely ADORE them. They're SO huge and fluffy and just...AMAZING." he squeaked. "I hope she can talk him into staying. I bet he's so sweet, he just has to be! He's my favorite breed of rabbit. I used to BEG father for one...but he always told me as much as we traveled around, and as much as I was gone for school, it'd be too lonely." he said tugging an ear.

"Oh but if she mates him we'll have big little balls of fluff running around!"

Marik frowned. "I headbutted him out of the garden. He REALLY tore up Spunky, Ryou. We had to have Inogawa take a look at him and bandage him up."

Ryou pouted. "I like him!" he mumbled crossing his arms. "Dont do it again...I'll talk to Spunky and Angel...maybe I can find out just why the fight happened." he mumbled, ears drooping. "I like big bunnies..."

Both Marik and Pegasus stopped and slowly glanced at each other, then snickered.

Ryou glared. "I hate you both."\

Both men buried their faces into their food, laughing.

"Oh one day you'll regret making jokes like that!" Ryou huffed crossing his arms. "One day there'll be a another bunny, who isn't offensive who likes me! You'll both be in a world of trouble then!" he pouted

They both continued to laugh. "Sorry Ryou!" Marik giggled, and Pegasus tipped his head back, finishing off his glass of wine. He refilled it and lifted it.

"To my precious baby bunny!" He announced. "May you NEVER find another to love before Marik and myself!" And he and Marik both drank.

Ryou smiled slightly, despite his pout and lapped at his cider slightly, to the toast. "You're both horrid. But I love you..."

"We love you too." They replied in unison, and Precious squeaked angrily.

'What about ME?!'

While Ryou and his mates were enjoying their dinner, the bunnies enjoyed their own. Angel finished hers slowly, before hopping along the floor, occasionally nibbling on one of the many rose petals that littered the floor. Tonight was a crowded night...all the bunnies except Dust and Precious were here...which meant Spunky was here too.

She wrinkled her nose slightly and hopped into the bedroom and onto Ryou's bed, curling up on her favorite pillow.

Moments later, Scamp charged in, barking excitedly, chased by Xanga and Hunter. They ran around the room, yapping and growling, finally charging out again. Nod, who had been hopping down the hall, had to leap over them to avoid getting run down. She sighed and shook her head, hopping into the bedroom and up onto the bed.

'Are you okay?' She asked Angel, hopping over and licking her baby's ears.

Angel nodded. 'I'm fine. Just trying to escape the crowdedness of this house. Scamp's so LOUD.' she grumbled yawning and curling up more. 'Those shots made ME tired. I dont know how those three can run around like that.'

Nod sighed and flopped down next to Angel, grooming her lovingly. 'Scamp is just energetic, sweetheart. He drives Spunky crazy, too. And you know Hunter. He's always ready for a romp. And when he starts, Xanga has to go after him. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Skitter divebombs them and Sugar joins in and Trigger loses his temper and scares them all to death.' She giggled.

And of course, at that precise moment, a loud thundering of hops was heard as nearly the entire 'flock' of bunnies hid under the bed, Trigger standing in the doorway on his hind legs, lizardy tail lashing, bearing his little teeth. 'KNOCK IT OFF!'

He dropped back to all fours, and growling softly, hopped back into the livingroom.

Nod giggled and nuzzled Angel. 'See? Now they'll hide for a while before starting up again. I'll see about having Tuc shoo them all outside.' And she hopped off to find Tuc. Skitter flew into the room and landed beside Angel.

'Scamp comes over and things are NEVER quiet!' She complained.

She looked at Angel. 'Be glad you're not really related to HIM!' And she licked Angel's cheek.

Angel rolled her eyes. 'Oh go chew on some acorns.' she grumbled.

Bushou stirred from his napping on the middle of the bed and began nibbling his little stick of sugarcane. 'ugh...guys quiet down...I cant sleep with all that talking.' he mumbled, nibbling slowly, like the big lazy panda-bunny he was.

Skitter looked at Angel, and her ears drooped. She slowly made her way to the edge of the bed and launched herself off, gliding down the hall and out into the living room. Tuc and Nod hopped in then, and Nod leapt up next to Angel while Tuc herded all of the bunnies out, a whining Bushou included.

'There we go.' Nod said. 'Nice and quiet. Did you upset Skitter?'

'She was just being obnoxious again...I told her to hush up.' she said calmly, laying her head down on the pillow. 'I didn't bite her or anything....she's just got an insufferable mouth.'

'What did she say?' Nod asked, grooming Angel.

'Nothing special...just being annoying.' Angel said softly. 'You didn't happen to see Secret out there did you?' she asked hopefully. 'He'd be worth listening to their racket for.'

Nod eyed Angel. 'No, I didn't. The lunkhead frightened him away after he attacked Spunky. Should he come back... I want you to be wary of him.'

Angel wrinkled her nose. 'It's Spunky's stupid fault! He attacked the poor guy first!' she huffed. 'I liked that big guy! He was very sweet.'

'Spunky said he was trying to seduce you.' Nod said. 'Your big brother cares for you, Angel. He worries about that Secret fellow's intentions.'

'That's an exaggeration. He wasn't doing anything like that. We were talking about the weather and plans for the winter!' She said ears tilting back. 'If that's supposed to be him seducing me, then I'm in for the most boring sex life in the history of rabbits!' She clicked.

'Hi honey how's the weather outside? Yeah you've got a nice tail dont you?' She rolled her eyes. 'Spunky just refuses to take NO for an answer. So he think's it's ok to ruin my chances at finding someone I CAN stand.'

'You can't stand Spunky? Why, honey?' Nod asked, cocking her head. 'He really does care for you. Immensly.'

Angel wrinkled her nose. 'I dont like him because he acts like I'm not capable of taking care of myself. I'm a big girl, and if I want to talk to a 'dangerous' bunny...feh...then it's MY right to do so. As if Secret was any danger. He didn't even do anything until Spunky threatened him! Spunky picked the fight, he lost and now he's whimpering around because of it! That's not fair to Secret at all.'

'He worries for you. That's normal for a big brother, Angel.' Nod said, continuing to groom her. 'Perhaps this Secret fellow is nice. But please. Be careful. Don't trust him too far. And Angel...' She made her dauther look at her. 'If you're going to give him ANYTHING...' She smirked. 'You make him work his tail off for it, eh?' And she gave a little bunny giggle. 'You make him PROVE that he deserves you!'

Angel wrinkled her nose. 'Dealing with Spunky is about enough for ANYONE to deserve putting out.' she said shaking her head. 'But I doubt I'll be doing that any time soon. I'll lose my girlish figure.'

Nod laughed and gently tackled Angel. 'That's my girl.' She said, licking Angel's forehead. 'Now if you'll excuse me... it sounds like your father has lost control of his children.' She winked and hopped out of the room.

Angel shook her head as Nod hopped out and sighed. 'It's what he gets for having so MANY' She grumbled yawning and rolling onto her back kicking her little feet in the air a bit. 'I'd never have so many!'

A few minutes later, a soft hopping was heard. And a moment later, Spunky hopped up onto the bed. 'Umm... hi Angel.' He said, hopping over and laying a little dandylion down before her.

Angel rolled onto her side and looked at him for a moment. 'What do you want?' she asked grooming an ear. 'I'm trying to relax.'

Spunky swallowed. 'I brought you a present...' He said, nudging the dandylion closer. 'It's probably the last one of the year... I thought you'd like it...'

'You...realize that's a weed right?' Angel said flicking an ear. 'They turn into the wishblooms. Ryou hates them.' she said calmly looking at it.

'But they're... good. They're tasty.' Spunky said weakly.

'...you eat weeds?' she said raising a little bunny eyebrow.

'Dandylions are good. They're sweet.' Spunky said softly, ears beginning to droop.

'...right....' she got up and stretched. 'Rose petals are sweet too, and apples, plums peaches and pears. All things you're SUPPOSED to eat.' she said sitting on her hind legs and grooming her ears with her paws. 'Why on earth would you eat a weed?'

Spunky's tail drooped, too. 'Because... dad gave it to me once, and... I liked it...' He mumbled.

'Figures...live with a skunk, look like a skunk, act like one.' she said flicking her ears. 'Still sore from when Secret ripped you a new one?' she asked calmly.

Spunky whimpered and bowed his head, turning and slinking off of the bed and scuttling from the room.

Angel chittered in amusement. 'Teach YOU to scare off my pretty Secret...' she said hopping off the bed and deciding to help herself to more rose petals. 'You can keep your weed too.' she said to herself, nibbling happily. She knew she was being cruel to him...and it wasn't exactly nice...but he'd scared off that beautiful black bunny!

'Now HE was a bunny...' she giggled and rolled onto her back kicking her little feet again. 'I dont see why he thinks he can even compete!'

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