Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 9

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Days passed for the four friends, and on this particularly sunny day Varon walked down their hall, passing out lunches. As time had passed, they got better food. At this point Ryou was getting wonderful organic salads, Malik was getting meals such as Ravioli or Salads with sliced chicken and fish. Today he was getting a scampi shrimp platter and a bowl of sliced peaches, with a few veggies for the bunny.

Bakura got a bowl of corn and a plate with barbeque chicken strips, as well as a small salad for Spunky, whose appetite had grown to almost monstrous proportions, though he gained no weight.

Marik got a manwich, a small celery platter for Dust, whose appetite mirrored Spunky's, and a cupcake. Lastly, Ryou got a plate of rice, topped with broccoli and chicken in white sauce, with vegetarian egg rolls.

Varon tapped Bakura's cage, watching him eat. "Hey."

Bakura looked up, his face stuffed with food, and to Varon's amusement, Spunky mimicked Bakura perfectly.

"Hmm?" The skunk asked, chewing.

"It's reward day, and you qualify for a reward. You can have any one thing you want. What would you like?" Varon said calmly.

Bakura blinked. "Reward?" He asked, swallowing his food. "What do you mean?”

Varon smiled warmly. "Well, you did your job, and you haven't given us any trouble, so you get a reward. Just something to make you happy. Anything at all, from something as simple as a blanket, to as extravagant as a bed, or couch." He explained calmly

Bakura blinked and looked down at Spunky, thinking. He snorted. "How about a cell phone?" He grumbled.

Varon laughed. "I'm afraid things with monthly fees aren't something we can give you. Anything else?"

Bakura snorted again and sighed, thinking. He looked at Spunky again, who was turning in circles, trying to groom his own tail. Bakura smiled, and looked at Varon.

"A grooming kit?" He asked. "For our tails?"

Varon nodded. "Sure thing." He said taking a note on his clipboard. "I'll have it to you by this afternoon." He said smiling. "Behave until then." He said taking his leave.

Ryou blinked. "You get rewards?"

Bakura shrugged. "I guess so." He said, then smiled and poked Spunky, making the baby topple over.

Spunky squealed and got up, trying to tackle Bakura. He chewed at the belt of Bakura's little kimono playfully.

Ryou smiled. "Well that's good. I bet Spunky will love a grooming kit." He said softly. "I know Tuc would."

Bakura chuckled and "wrestled" with Spunky, while Marik let out a loud snore, having not even woken up when Varon place his food dish into his room, and now a certain Dust Bunny was inspecting his "dad's" dinner.

Ryou laughed. "MARIK!" He scolded playfully. "Get up and eat before Dust eats your food!"

"Hmmm?" Marik mumbled, opening his eye. "Hey! That's my dinner, squirt!!!" And he pounced Dust and began to playfully lick and nuzzle him. "Mine mine mine!!!"

Dust chirped and licked him, gently pawing at him and flapping his little wings in glee. His feathers were coming nicely, beautiful dust colored wings that seemed to glisten of silver.

Ryou smiled warmly, eating his food slowly, watching his precious baby bunnies play.

Marik smiled and began to groom Dust's little wings, helping the feathers break out of their waxy sheathes. "Does that feel better, Dust?"

Dust chirped gleefully and shook out his wings, sending small bits of feather dust through the air. He licked Marik's cheek and almost seemed to smile.

Ryou laughed softly. "I think you just made his day Marik...”

Marik smiled and nuzzled him. "He's my baby!" The lion sang, and began playing gently with Dust while Bakura did the same with Spunky. Malik was once again getting mothered by Nod.

Ryou laughed. "Nod's going to groom you spotless if you don’t watch it Malik." He said beginning to groom and mother Tuc.

Malik snickered. "No problem here, Ryou. You know I like looking my best!!!" Bakura laughed at that.

Ryou laughed as well. "You're such a spoiled brat!" He teased giggling and shaking his head.

"Don't we know it." Bakura snickered, and Malik grinned, flicking an ear.

Ryou laughed and shook his head. "So... what do you wanna do today?" He asked smiling. As time had passed, they'd all calmed down a little, as seemingly no one wanted them at the moment. Ryou had calmed down especially, since he seemed immune to being wanted at all.

"I dunno... I hope they let us out for recreation time again." Marik said. "That cougar needs to be smacked down."

"I HEARD THAT!!!" Shouted the cougar from down the hall. Marik snickered.

"Marik don’t pick fights with people who could eat you." Ryou warned. "I really don’t want Malik and Bakura hurt, just because someone 'needs to be smacked down'."

Ryou smiled at Marik. "Maybe we can do some cuddling today before Dartz decides to groom me again." He added wrinkling his nose. "I've never been so spotless in my life... he's worse than me!"

Bakura chuckled. "Is he that good at grooming?" The skunk asked. "I wonder if he'd groom me sometime...”

Ryou shrugged. "He's ok...” He mumbled shaking his head. "But he's a bit... odd...” he added. "He reminds me of Pegasus... before he let me go."

Bakura quirked an eyebrow, and Malik and Marik perked their ears up. "Reminds you of Pegasus?" Bakura asked. "How?"

Ryou shrugged softly. "He... says a lot of nice things to me, and gives me treats... treats me like a doll."

Marik frowned and began to growl slightly.

Ryou shook his head. "Marik, it's alright, at least he's not doing anything bad, or trying to take me from you." He reasoned softly. "Maybe if we're nice, he'll let us go, just like Pegasus."

Marik frowned and shook his head. "You're too optimistic Ryou." He said, giving Dust a long lick up his cheek, while Bakura carefully groomed Spunky's little paws, checking for any sign that the baby bunny was feeling any discomfort.

"Marik's right." Malik said, finally getting fed up with Nod's mothering. He pinned her down and began to groom her instead.

Ryou sighed. "Well would you rather I be as pessimistic as the rest of you?" He said crossing his arms. "Besides... stranger things have happened." He said softly, ears drooping a bit.

"We want you to be realistic." Bakura said, pinning Spunky down onto his back. "Stop squirming. Daddy has to groom your tummy."

"Daddy?" Marik asked, chuckling. Bakura gave him a look.

Ryou chuckled softly. "You're really acting like a father Bakura... I'm glad."

Malik nodded grinning. "Must be a skunk thing." He teased softly, flicking his ears.

Bakura glared. "It is NOT a 'skunk thing', Malik." He snorted. "Or is being as vain as a peacock a fennec thing?"

"One can not be vain and be a creature that digs in the dirt." Marik snickered.

"Oh yeah? Look at Ryou and Malik!"

"Hmmm... Okay, those ARE two VERY good points." Marik grinned.

Ryou huffed. "Bakura don’t you drag me into this!" He said angrily, glaring at Marik. "You are SO sleeping on the couch when we get home!" He hissed pouting and turning his back to his lover, ears back angrily.

Malik glared. "You're vain yourself Bakura, need I remind you of the countless hours you spend grooming your tail?"

Marik snickered at Ryou's sudden huffiness; it was cute!

"That, my dear fennec, IS a 'skunk thing'!" Bakura said cheerfully.

Ryou glared over his shoulder. "Horrid ass!"

"Awwww... Ryou, honey...” Marik crooned. "I was just trying to amuse myself! I didn't mean to upset you, sweetie... I love you!"

"You are SO whipped!" Laughed a snow leopard two cages down.

At that there was a slight chuckle from the door. "Yes, yes you are." Zaine said, looking Marik over, escorted by Rafel. "So, this is your friend Bakura?" He said motioning to Marik. "And let me guess, the fox is your... mate?"

Marik snatched up Dust and retreated to the corner where he crouched down and growled. Bakura stared at Zaine, wide eyed, then smiled and got up, letting go of the squirming Spunky who did NOT want his tummy washed.

"Yes." Bakura said with a smile.

"Well it seems nothing I taught you sunk in. You and that lion are still both on the bitch end of things." Zaine said tapping his foot.

Bakura's ears and tail drooped, and Marik gave the stranger a look.

"Who asked YOU to pry into our relationships, pal? Who do you think you are, Dr. Phil?" Bakura blinked and looked at Marik.

"Dr. Phil, Marik?" The skunk asked, and Marik turned pink and looked away.

"Ryou watches him." The lion said.

"And you watch it with him!" Malik shot back with a laugh. "You two curl up on the sofa together and groom each other and the bunnies when he comes on!!!" Marik turned red as Bakura burst out laughing.

Zaine sighed. "You're both hopeless, hopeless little housewives." He said calmly.

Ryou blinked, looking at the man confusedly. What was up with this man? He looked to Marik and raised an eyebrow. "What’s going on?"

Marik snorted and nuzzled Dust.

"I am NOT a housewife!" He grumbled.

"Ryou makes you fold your underwear, Marik." Bakura teased, and the lion glared.

"Malik makes you iron!!!" The lion shot back.

"Only once! He was tired!" Bakura defended himself. "He'd been cleaning the house and grocery shopping! He'd been workin' all day!"

Zaine sighed. "You’re both the bitches of the house." He said calmly. "Congratulations." He approached Ryou. "It's amazing how you've managed to dominate that lion to the point he FOLDS his own underwear." He said calmly.

Ryou blinked, backing up slightly. "Th-thank you?" He said clutching Tuc.

"And you...” Zaine said turning to Malik. "Good job as well, that skunk lover of yours is putty in your hands."

Malik smirked and flicked an ear. "What can I say? I know how to manipulate people."

"Heyyy!!!"

"My poor dumb mate." Malik giggled

"HEY!!! MALIK!!!"

"I wouldn't have you any other way, Bakura!!!" The fennec sang, and Bakura pouted and pinned Spunky on his back again, grooming his tummy.

Zaine chuckled. "I just came in for a visit." He said calmly. "I have a meeting with some of the other members of this fine establishment." He explained. "Figured I'd check up on my skunk friend."

Bakura pouted. "C'mon, what's wrong with helping my mate out around the house?" He asked. "We both work at night, so we share the housework so no one gets overwhelmed! It's a partnership!"

"I think someone ELSE has been watching Dr. Phil." Otogi snickered, and Marik laughed.

Zaine chuckled. "I'll leave you four to determine who watches what lame girl show or not." He said shaking his head amusedly, walking back into the elevator with Rafel, beginning to talk about some of the issues that would be brought up in the meeting.

Ryou narrowed his eyes sighing. "You're all simply awful. Dr. Phil is a perfectly fine TV show to watch!"

"Yeah, he gives really good advice!" Marik argued. Malik and Bakura stared a moment, and then cracked up, several other hybrids following their example. Marik grumbled and went back to grooming Dust.

Ryou huffed. "You're just upset because you're suffering hypertension, dysfunction and dislocated aggression." He said glaring.

Marik hid his face in the side of his bed and giggled, while Malik gave Ryou a look and Bakura scoffed.

Ryou pouted. "You're all horribly mean to me!" He wailed shaking his head. "I don’t make fun of you for watching your programs!" He mumbled, ears drooping, a pout on his face.

Bakura snickered. "How are you gonna make fun of us watching World's Wildest Police Videos, Ryou?" The skunk asked. "Those are manly shows."

"Those are shows for uneducated losers who have nothing better to do!" Otogi called.

Ryou grumbled and nodded. "See?!" He crossed his arms, and looked away. His ears twitched lightly, rising to better hear. "I think Dartz is coming again...” he said softly. "He wears the same sort of shoes Pegasus wears...” he explained. He turned and smiled at Marik slightly. "Maybe he will let us go soon... even if things seem awful... we have to keep being hopeful... for our own sakes."

And moments later, Dartz walked into view.

"Hello Ryou." He said with a smile. "Would you like to have a bath? Your friend there can come to." He said, looking at Tuc.

Ryou sighed softly, nodding and picking up Tuc. He gave Marik one last look, hoping to soothe his mate's worries, before stepping calmly to the door, waiting patiently for Dartz to open it and pick him up, to take where ever he so deemed fit for grooming.

Marik frowned and Dartz, as always, smiled and laughed.

"I'm not stealing your mate, I'm just grooming him." He said, and Marik grumbled and lowered his chin to rest on the edge of his bed, but he didn't stop glaring. Dartz knelt and picked Ryou up. "Ready?"

Ryou nodded, clutching Tuc. "Yes...” he said softly, offering Marik a sheepish smile. "It's ok Marik... I want a bath anyway... I feel positively filthy." He said wrinkling his nose.

Dust imitated Ryou perfectly, wrinkling his own little nose, and pawing at Marik, wanting a more thorough bath.

Marik sighed. "Okay, okay...” and he began to groom Dust, though he still had a sour expression. Dartz chuckled and carried Ryou away.

"Your mate doesn't like me touching you." He commented.

Ryou nuzzled Tuc softly. "He doesn't like anyone touching me, but himself." Ryou said smiling softly. "I'm content with his behavior. I love him; he's just very protective of me. I told you, no one but him touches me in an inappropriate way. He'd attack them for just thinking about it."

Dartz nodded. "Very VERY protective...” He said, and got into the elevator. "Hello there." He said to Tuc, smiling. "Hello! Are you taking care of Ryou for the lion?"

Ryou giggled softly. "Tuc is my friend... he's been with me for almost the entire time I've been a hybrid... I love him dearly." He explained flicking his ears and nuzzling Tuc. "He's protective too... but I think I'd protect him, before I'd let him protect me."

Dartz smiled and got out of the elevator, and carried Ryou to a room he had never been in before. It was a large Turkish bath, with a pool sized tub.

Ryou blinked and his eyes widened. "Oh... oh my goodness. This is the biggest bath I've ever seen!" He breathed, in awe.

Dartz smiled. "Wanna take a bath? I'll put on some swimming trunks and come in with you." He set Ryou down and took Tuc, plopping him into a basket on top of a fluffy towel.

Ryou nodded quickly. "Y-yes I'd love a bath… I'm filthy...” he mumbled, eying the bath tub like a starved man, and savoring the idea of a hot bath. "It seems so lavish... you're sure I can have one in there?" He asked, standing gingerly to his own two legs, walking closer and stooping carefully to test the water with his fingers. It was warm, but not too warm, and the water had an odd texture. Likely filled with moisturizers for the skin, hair and fur...

Dartz smiled. "Hop in. I'll be right with you." And he went to change. Tuc hopped out of the basket and scuttled over to the tub, sniffing curiously.

Ryou carefully tested the depth of the water, near the steps in. "Tuc, you stay here ok?" He instructed the bunny, picking him up and placing him on the first step, the water coming to a comfortable level on the small creature. He stood up and looked around blushing slightly.

The idea of sharing a bath with Dartz seemed a bit unnerving, but he desired a bath so badly he brushed the uneasiness away. He shrugged off his kimono, letting the thin fabric fall to the floor as he waded into the water carefully.

Tuc lapped at the water, then made a face and hopped out of the tub, shaking himself off and licking his wettened fur. He paused long enough to give Ryou a look. 'How could you put me in that stuff?!'

Ryou laughed. "Because you're filthy. Besides, it's good for your fur." He said calmly. "You don’t want that bunny in the back yard making moves on Nod do you? He sure looks like he's got soft fur...” he teased the small bunny.

Tuc's ears shot up and he growled and clicked at the idea, thumping his foot.

Ryou shook his head. "Then get back in the water and let it condition your fur a little. It won’t kill you, plus you'll get nice and clean."

"Listen to Ryou, Tuc." Dartz said, and Tuc squeaked, startled, and darted right back into the basket.

Ryou laughed softly shaking his head. "Oh Tuc...” he said, being careful to stay 'hidden' in the water. He backed away from Dartz shyly. "Thank you... for the bath." He said softly.

"You're quiet welcome." Dartz said, wading into the water and grabbing the soap. "Come here and let me wash you." Tuc's ears shot up and he poked his head over the edge of the basket.

Ryou blushed darkly. "I-its alright... I can wash myself...” he said softly, the idea of being too close to Dartz, nude and in the bath bringing out the absolute shiest parts of him.

“I promise not to touch you anywhere you don’t want me to.” Dartz offered.

”You really promise?” Ryou asked.

Dartz nodded and smiled. "Yes, I promise." He said, sitting on the steps and pulling Ryou into his lap. "You and your rabbit friend seem to be able to communicate." He said, lathering a soft cloth with soap, which he began to run up and down Ryou's back, trying to get him to relax before he moved anywhere else.

Ryou blushed darkly but remained still, ears back, signaling he was still uncomfortable being so close to someone other than his beloved mate. "Well... kinda...” he said softly. "It might just be in my head... it seems like I know what he's thinking...”

Dartz smiled and nodded. "I can believe that." He said, gently rubbing Ryou's back and shoulders. "And he has a mate that was brought in as well as two offspring?"

"Yes... It makes me sad to see what that horrible man did to Tuc's babies...” Ryou said, ears drooping slightly, though he seemed to relax slightly into Dartz's touch. "I hope he's caught... I really hate him, and everything he stands for."

Dartz blinked. "You mean Daisuke? He works for me... What exactly did he do to your little ones? I keep him here for his expertise, but I certainly do not want infant animals to be tortured for his sick amusement."

Ryou sighed. "Tuc's babies were just weaned not long before they were brought here... He made them into hybrids... Dust is part bird, and Spunky... he's part skunk...” Ryou said sniffling softly, a few soft tears dripping from his chin into the water of the bath. "Tuc's beautiful babies aren't bunnies anymore, they're hybrids... the other bunnies won’t play with them now! Th-the bunnies in my garden would shun them...”

Dartz smiled. "But they have such wonderful parents taking care of them." He said, trying to cheer Ryou up. "That skunk friend of yours is quite taken with his little "mini-me", isn't he?" He moved the cloth to soap up Ryou's arms and sides, then moved to his chest and belly.

Ryou sighed and nodded, his ears relaxing against his hair. "Yes... I'm glad. I would never forgive myself if those poor babies weren't loved...” he said smiling and wiping his eyes slightly. After a moment he blushed, squirming slightly. "Why is it you groom me so often? Am I the... only one who allows it?"

"No." Dartz said. "I just enjoy grooming you." He moved to wash Ryou's legs. "You're calm and gentle, and have a soothing presence. You're beautiful... and... You talk to me." He smiled at Ryou. "Most of the others just make animal noises. But I can have pleasant conversations with you." He tickled the bottom of Ryou's feet.

Ryou squeaked and squirmed more. "ahh! D-don’t tickle me!" he yelped, squirming to get away.

Dartz chuckled and stopped the tickling, and finished washing Ryou's legs. "There. I'm going to wash your hair now, okay?"

Ryou blinked and nodded. "Ok... be careful of my ears. I don’t much care for soap in them...” he said blushing and looking down at the water. "Dartz... I... I've had a question on my mind since the first day you groomed me...” he said softly. "It's bothered me quite a bit...”

"Yes?" Dartz asked, thoroughly wetting Ryou's hair and beginning to massage shampoo into his scalp.

Ryou's ears tilted back slightly. "Well... when you were grooming me... you explained that you... were trying to keep the 'beautiful' hybrids safe... for everyone to enjoy... even in more... personal ways." Ryou said softly. "You... haven't done that... have you?"

Dartz blinked. "What do you mean?" He asked, glancing at Tuc who had hopped out of the basket and was sniffing around the bathroom, curiously. He found a litter box in the corner and hopped into it, digging around a bit before settling to do his business, which he then neatly buried before making a wild dash around the tub.

"I... well… you haven't...” Ryou stammered, ears tilting back more. "Taken that kind... of... enjoyment from a hybrid... have you?" he asked biting his lip.

Dartz smiled. "Yes." He said. "I have." He lowered his head and gently kissed Ryou's shoulder. "But only with their willing consent and participation. I've never forced myself on anything. Close your eyes." He tilted Ryou back into the water and massaged the suds from his long hair.

Ryou blushed at the kiss, and closed his eyes while Dartz washed away the soap from his hair. Even when Marik washed his hair, he closed his eyes. It was a habit from childhood, his father could never wash his hair without getting soap in his eyes, so he'd learned to just keep them closed.

Dartz helped Ryou sit up again, then picked him up and lifted him out of the tub. He got out of tub himself and picked up a large fluffy towel and wrapped Ryou up in it, smiling at Tuc who had to sniff Ryou over and make sure he was okay.

Ryou grinned and plucked up Tuc, carrying him over to the tub and dunking him. "Gotcha!" he said proudly, before scrubbing the bunny quickly clean, and wrapping him in his own little towel. "Now you're nice and clean." He said grinning amusedly.

Dartz laughed as he dried himself off and dressed. Tuc simply hung from Ryou's hands, stunned that Ryou had just done that to him! Then he began to squirm and growl, letting Ryou know that he was NOT happy at ALL with his dunking!

Ryou kissed Tuc's head softly. "You needed that bath and you know it. Stop pouting, besides when your fur dries, you'll make that bunny in my garden look like a ball of steel wool." he said smiling. "I'll groom you nicely once you're dry to make it up to you." he added, hugging the small towel wrapped bunny.

Dartz chuckled and knelt, scooping Ryou up and carrying him out of the bathroom and to his bedroom. There, he set Ryou and Tuc on the bed, and brought over all of the grooming tools, including a blow drier.

Ryou gently fluffed Tuc dry while Dartz gathered his supplies. "You're not too angry with me are you?" he asked softly, scratching Tuc's ears. "I'm sorry...”

Tuc sniffed and simply stared at the wall, but his eyes drifted closed as Ryou rubbed him dry, and his ears, which had been laid back in anger, relaxed.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Tuc, giving him an apologetic lick. "Thank you...” he whispered smiling and continuing to rub Tuc, even after he was dry, in apology.

Dartz sat down and turned on the blow drier. Tuc was used to the noise thanks to Ryou, and merely flicked an ear. Dartz smiled and began blowing Ryou's hair dry and brushing it out.

Ryou flicked his ears, enjoying the hot air against his now cold skin and hair. "So... you never forced anyone? You swear?" He asked, turning slightly, wanting to trust Dartz, wanting to be optimistic and hopeful still.

Dartz smiled and nodded. "I swear." He said, then burst out laughing when Tuc placed himself right in the blast of warm air.

Ryou laughed. "Tuc you silly bunny!" he said plucking up his friend and nuzzling him. "You're already dry you little brat!" he cooed nuzzling his friend. He turned to Dartz and smiled. "Thank you... I... I'm glad to know... th-that I can trust you... some." he said hugging Tuc. "c-curiously... what hybrid was it?" He couldn't help THAT curiosity... what hybrid could have been beautiful enough to have Dartz desire them.

Dartz blinked. "Oh, well, there was a lovely female arctic fox...” He said. "And a red squirrel... and a male ocelot... and a lovely young gazelle who sadly died of cancer."

Ryou blinked, a bit surprised by THAT response. He tried not to giggle at the thought of Dartz having sex with a squirrel... or an ocelot. Though the Gazelle was probably beautiful. "That's... sad, but you've had so many!" he said blushing. "How can you do that? Don’t you feel sad to them for being unloyal?"

Dartz shrugged. "No, not really. The squirrel, well... a male red squirrel was brought in and the next thing I know, she dropped a pair of little ones (I give the females birth control pills now). So I sent her and the male and their babies away. This is no place for a family. The ocelot and myself... that was a one-night stand." Dartz chuckled. "And the fox and I just kind of drifted apart over time."

Ryou blinked. "What happened to the squirrel family?" he asked, ears bristling slightly. "You didn't just send them out into the street did you?!"

Dartz's eyes widened. "No, of course not!" He cried, looking hurt that Ryou would even suggest such a thing. "I sold them to a couple who had been looking at getting a hybrid after they found out that they couldn’t have children. They e-mail me every month or so, and the squirrels are doing very well. The babies have grown a lot."

Ryou smiled, looking relieved. "So if I wanted to leave, I'd just have to have a kid?" he said teasingly. "I'll simply have to tell Marik... I'm sure he'd get a kick out of that... he's been teasing me about that for weeks...” he said softly.

Dartz blinked, then laughed. "If you have a kid, I will be very confused!" He shook his head and turned the blow drier onto Ryou's little tail, warming his chilly bottom.

Ryou blushed and giggled. "I'm sure there's a girl bunny here somewhere... and Marik could get back at that cougar down the hall for being an ass." he said laughing. "Then we could go home, and Kheti used to tease Malik about having kits when master still kept us."

"Kheti and Malik know each other?" Dartz asked, fluffing Ryou's tail delicately with a brush. Tuc saw this and charged, attacking the brush that DARED to touch Ryou's tail.

Ryou giggled. "Tuc! Tuc!" he said grabbing the bunny before he could bite Dartz. "It's ok Tuc, he won’t be bad...” he cooed nuzzling him. "He already said he wouldn't touch me."

Tuc was STILL not happy and struggled, but eventually calmed down. Dartz chuckled and got out the lotion to rub over Ryou's skin.

Ryou nuzzled Tuc. "It's ok Tuc, he doesn't want me." he cooed softly.

"He is VERY protective of you." the man smiled as he squirted lotion over Ryou's back and began to rub it in. "Did Marik charge him with the holy quest of defending your honor or something?"

Ryou laughed. "I'm sure Tuc would do it, even if Marik hadn't asked. He's protected me since we met...” he cooed, petting Tuc. "I saved him and Nod from Marik... and ever since they've repaid the favor...”

"I see." Darts said, his hands moving down Ryou's buttocks and to his thighs. And Tuc went nuts again.

Ryou held Tuc tightly. "It's ok Tuc! I promise!" he cooed, nuzzling him. "I wouldn't be calm, if I thought he'd do anything bad...” he cooed, beginning to groom his friend. "You don’t want to make him mad, he's done nothing wrong."

Dartz smiled. "I won't get mad at him, he's just protecting you." the man said, rubbing Ryou's inner thighs before moving down to his calves and feet. "Okay, roll over." And once Ryou did, he rubbed back up his legs and hips and to his chest and belly, covering every inch of him other than his genitals; he was very careful not to touch Ryou there.

Ryou cooed softly to Tuc, to keep him calm. "See? He's not going to touch me, he's not going to be a bad man...” he cooed, nuzzling Tuc, lulling his bunny friend to take a mid-day nap. He yawned himself, stretching slightly. "I feel pampered...” he said nuzzling his now dozing bunny companion.

Dartz chuckled. "You ARE pampered." He said. "And there's nothing wrong with that." He finished rubbing Ryou down with lotion, and smiled as Ryou rolled onto his belly and curled up again. Then he gently groomed and cleaned out Ryou's ears, and then moved to care for his little claws.

Ryou yawned and nuzzled into the blankets of Dartz's bed contently. "I'm glad no one has asked for my friends or I... I can’t bear the thought of seeing them taken away... for that...” he said softly, sighing. "Worse yet, the idea of having to... myself...” Ryou shivered. "Horrible...”

"Well, it's only a matter of time, little one. And actually, Bakura has already been bought once. By that gentlemen who came up to visit. He is quite fond of your skunk friend."

Ryou frowned and looked away. "I wish you'd let us go, we were much happier in our homes... with each other...” he said softly, ears drooping a bit. "I really do not want to be the object of someone else's pleasure...” he shuddered and cringed. "The very idea terrifies me...”

"You'll get over it." Dartz said, finishing with one paw and beginning to work on the second.

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "What if you were in MY position? Would you get over it so quickly?"

The man snickered. "Need I remind you of the hybrids I’ve been with, again?"

"Need I remind you that you WANTED them." Ryou countered. "I don’t even know who will end up wanting me, I won’t know them either. I will just be used, and likely not even know a name at the end of it all, you desired those hybrids, and lay with them willingly."

"You will learn to enjoy life here." Dartz said, finishing and standing. "I have a surprise for you." He announced suddenly, scooping Ryou up.

Ryou squeaked, clutching Tuc carefully, not wanting to wake his snoozing friend. "A... surprise... ? For me?" He said confusedly. "Did... did I do something good?"

"You make me happy." the man said, and walked down the hall. He drew near the lobby of his establishment, and opened a door. Inside, was a lovely bedroom including a large bed, bookcase, desk, dresser and bathroom, and a large mirror on the wall behind the bed. "Welcome to your new room."

Ryou blinked, his jaw dropping. "Oh... oh my god...” he breathed, looking around, clinging to Dartz confused. "You... y-you actually... listened to me?"

"Of course I did." Dartz laughed, and kissed the top of Ryou's head, setting him down. There was a little white and silver kimono waiting for him on the bed and white bunny slippers. And sitting in the corner was a little litter box for Tuc. There was also a little ramp at the foot of the bed so Tuc could get up onto the large bed by himself.

Ryou stood and walked to the bed, picking up the kimono and slipping it on, beginning to explore his new room. "Dartz... Varon was upstairs today... h-he spoke about... rewards?" he asked softly. "I will get... those too?"

"Yes." Dartz said, watching Tuc sniff around the room and nibble at the long plush carpet.

Ryou gently nudged Tuc with his foot. "Don’t chew the carpet." he scolded softly. "Dartz... I... I will try to behave... if... if my rewards can be that Marik come to visit me? In my room?" he asked hopefully.

Dartz sighed, then smiled. "If he also behaves, that can be a reward for both of you." He said.

Ryou smiled slightly. "I hope he doesn't get mad at me...” he said suddenly, looking at the floor, ears drooping. "B-but I think it's better for both of us, if we can’t see each other being picked by people... I would die inside if I saw Marik leave to... to be someone's company for the night... a-and I know he'd feel the same...” He said fidgeting with his kimono. "Do you think he'll be mad?"

Dartz sighed. "I don't know. I don't know him very well, Ryou." He said, petting Ryou's head. "Would you like to have a message sent to him?"

Ryou shook his head. "I... I wouldn't know what to tell him...” he said, looking confused. "But... this really this whole room is mine?" he said looking around once more. "I haven't... done anything good at all... a-and you're giving me such a nice room...” he cooed

“That's right." Dartz said. "Now, I have some things to do. Make yourself at home and I'll check in on you later." And he left.

Ryou blinked confusedly, beginning to explore his new room. "Tuc isn't this room nice?" he asked softly, picking up the bunny. He bit his lip thoughtfully. "Tuc... do you think there's something wrong with this room?"

Just on the other side of the "mirror" above Ryou's bed, the lobby was filling up as the meeting was getting out.

"Gentlemen, for your viewing pleasure while waiting for a computer station to make your selection for the night, or while waiting for your selection to be delivered...” Dartz said. "We now have a viewing room with a live sample of what we offer here at the Twilight Menagerie." the men murmured and gathered around the one way window, looking in on Ryou and Tuc (who was squirming around on the bed, enjoying the feel of the covers).

Dartz looked around at the crowd. "This room is fitted with many fun... toys... who would like little show?"

"Toys?" One man asked, looking amused. "What kind of toys?" Another followed up, many of the men looking more than a little interested in a 'show'.

Dartz chuckled and opened a small panel on the wall, keyed in his access code, and pressed a button.

"That room is now currently filling with a light gas. It is invisible, and scentless."

Ryou yawned softly, curled up on the bed with Tuc, gently petting his friend. "I'm glad we got this room... Marik's pampered me too much... now sleeping anywhere but a bed hurts my back...” he mumbled stretching and flicking his ears. "Do you like the room?"

Tuc looked around after he stopped squirming. He shook his head, his ears flapping about, then snorted as if to say 'nice digs.'

Ryou smiled. "I think so too...” he cooed beginning to groom his own ears. "It just... it bothers me a little...” he mumbled looking around once more. "I feel a bit... awkward here. Like I'm being watched... like... I don’t know… like it's too good to be true...”

Tuc's nose quivered, and he sneezed, looking around, then stretching.

Ryou raised an eyebrow and sniffed. "Are you catching a cold?" he asked softly, petting Tuc once more, sitting up. "Or maybe you are sneezing up carpet you were chewing on." He teased softly, much larger than Tuc, and not being affected yet because of it.

Tuc shook his head again and got up, beginning to hop around the bed, too uptight to relax. Ryou watched him, confused. Tuc's hopping got faster and more frantic, and he started darting up and down his little ramp. Ryou moved to the edge of the bed to watch, knocking off a smaller pillow. Tuc immediately pounced it, and began humping it frantically.

Ryou yelped. "Tuc!" he squeaked covering his eyes. "Oh for heaven's sake! I know its spring but control yourself!" he said scooting away and trying his best to not pay attention to his friend, humping a small pillow. Though he couldn't fail to notice that the room seemed to feel a bit stuffier.

One of the men laughed slightly. "Scaring your hybrids Dartz? Seems new for you." he said amusedly. "I'm hoping that wasn't it...”

Dartz chuckled. "Well, the little rabbit is a LOT smaller than the hybrid. It will take a while longer for the gas to affect the hybrid. The question you should be asking is what will the hybrid start humping?"

The man smirked. "If I had my way, I'd be humping his furry hide." he chuckled, the other men agreeing, amused.

Ryou's ears flicked softly and he shook his head confused. "It's so hot...” he said wrinkling his nose. He loosened the kimono slightly, sighing in slight relief as one of the sleeves fell over a shoulder, inviting the air to cool his chest and arm.

Dartz smirked and watched Ryou. He decided to tell the gentlemen about the rabbit hybrid while they watched him get aroused.

"His name is Ryou, and he's a rare albino rabbit. We've done research, and he's the only male albino rabbit on the planet. He was a special order, but his owner gave him up for reasons unknown. He has since been living with three other male hybrids. A lion is his mate. You may search him up in the database. His name is Marik and he's a gorgeous specimen. His other companions were a skunk named Bakura, and the skunk’s mate, a fennec by the name of Malik. When we brought the skunk in, he had four rabbits with him; the frisky one in there and his mate, and two newly weaned offspring."

Ryou groaned softly beginning to pant, he was so hot! his whole body seemed to burn and ache... Ryou mewled softly and loosened his kimono further. "hot...” he mumbled shaking his head to try and clear it. Soft silk slid from his frame, pooling around his waist, leaving him gloriously nude, and already quite aroused.

Ryou trembled softly, shaking his head and panting, looking to be in quite a bit of pleasure, despite his lack of a partner, and his complete and utter innocence of the whole thing.

One man smirked. "Not badly built for a bunny...” he commented. "I'm surprised you haven't formed a liking to him, with a body like that...” he added, turning his attention back to the nude and struggling bunny.

Dartz chuckled. "Actually I have. I give him a thorough grooming at least three times a week and we have such wonderful conversations. But he's such a little innocent thing... one would almost think that he was completely virgin. He won't let me... touch him in certain areas." The men all chuckled. "And if I get too close, that blasted little friend of his attacks me!"

One of the men laughed. "Oh? Is Dartz forming a lust for the bunny boy?" he chuckled amusedly. "Maybe you should gas him up nicely, and THEN take him for a grooming...” he said smirking. "I doubt he'd mind so much then...” he said motioning to the window, where the 'innocent' Ryou was panting harshly, hands beginning to trail over his body seemingly of their own accord.

Ryou whined softly, closing his eyes and arching his back into his own touches. "a-ahh... M-Marik...” he murmured a soft blush creeping over his cheeks as his hands seemed to know just what to do to ease the aches, though they only fed the fire.

Dartz chuckled. "Perhaps. But for now I simply enjoy grooming him and groping his tail to taunt his little friend." the man laughed.

Ryou moaned, a hand trailing down to begin pumping his arousal. "M-Marik... oh g-god Marik...” he panted, flopping back into the bed, thrusting slightly into his own hand, arching and moaning. He mewled tossing his head from side to side. "M-Marik... I... I need you... oh god I need you...” he mewled, other hand trailing down to tease his own entrance, before sliding in a finger, then two, then more.

The men outside the window all hummed in approval, some a little hot and bothered, some more so than others. The man turned to Dartz. "You have good taste... he even prepares himself...” he said in a sultry voice. "I'm really going to have to get with this little bunny."

Dartz chuckled. "Well, he's in the computer system. He's been in there for nearly two weeks."

"And I never found him?!" One man howled, making Dartz laugh.

"Depends on what you're looking for. He has only engaged in intercourse with two men. He is fully homosexual, and his domination rank is a 1."

There was a thrum of 'oooohs' from the men, as they watched the bunny pleasure himself. "I'll have to go look again, I think I want some company tonight...”

Ryou panted harshly, working at a steady pace, arching and moaning loudly. "M-Marik! Oh god please!" he whimpered his orgasm building. It wasn't long before he released, his frustrated lust spilling over his stomach and hand. He groaned, shivering softly. He'd eased the ache... but it felt like he needed more... that dull ache was building right back up again. He whimpered softly. "O-Oh please... I s-shouldn't be...” he mumbled moaning and shaking his head, his ears flopping onto the bed with the motion.

Dartz smiled. "I must warn you gentlemen... he is VERY devoted to his mate... that is his one draw back. He will not go easily. You will have to dominate him... completely." He watched Tuc going for another round with the pillow as Ryou began to get aroused all over again. He shut off that gas, and turned on the vent so Ryou wouldn't come through this orgasm finding himself in need of a third.

The men all chuckled as Ryou was yet again unable to stop his innocent hands from roaming, trying to soothe the ache that the gas caused.

"Dartz, I commend you. Yet another brilliant way to show us guests what this fine establishment has to offer...” a man said, eying Ryou hungrily, watching the youth begin to pump himself again, looking trapped between bliss and agony, from the gas.

Dartz chuckled. "We reward our hybrids for good behavior. This one has asked for a visit from his mate as a reward. I'll be sure to allow that to happen when you gentlemen are here to watch." He grinned. "The lion rates a 5 on our dominance scale."

"A five? Wow, don’t see many of THOSE in here." another man commented. "There's what? Two of them?" he asked chuckling as the bunny panted, mewling, his sounds unheard, but they could all tell what was going on, just by watching Ryou's lithe body arch and the movements of his mouth, as he tried to find his second release.

"And I know there are some of you in here who might take on the challenge of trying to dominate him. But I'm warning you now... that lion is NOT declawed." He grinned and went back to watching Ryou.

Ryou moaned, panting harshly. "Oh Marik... Marik please...” he mewled, softly, letting out a loud moan when his probing fingers touched a particularly nice spot. He whimpered loudly. "Marik god I need you... Please...” he panted, tossing his head from side to side, craving a partner to ease the ache. This orgasm seemed stubborn to come, he wanted more... and his fingers, although he was trying his best, couldn't satisfy his desires as well as Marik could.

"Hmmm... He seems to be having trouble...” Dartz said with a grin. "Perhaps I should have the lion brought down to help him...”

The men all nodded eagerly. "By all means!" some said, and others cheered at the idea, loving getting all charged up before they ordered their own.

Dartz laughed and walked over to an intercom. "Rafel. Bring the lion down to the lobby, please."

Upstairs, Marik was pacing, waiting for Ryou to be brought back. He had been gone longer than usual, and Marik was getting worried.

With the soft ding of the elevator, Rafel appeared. "You, lion. You're needed downstairs." He said calmly. "Are you going to behave, or do I have to gas you?" he said crossing his arms.

Marik whirled and glared, growling. "What do you mean, I'm needed downstairs?" He asked, slowly backing away from the door.

"Dartz called for you, if you value that little rat of yours, you'd better just come along quietly." Rafel hissed, opening the door. "Come on."

Marik narrowed his eyes and growled, but slowly padded out and waited to be leashed.

Rafel leashed him up and practically dragged him to the elevator. "C'mon you mangy thing. Why Dartz wants you is beyond me." he grumbled, pushing the button that would lower them to the lobby.

Marik snorted. "Couldn't be my charming personality and sexy good looks, could it?" Marik snickered.

"You're about as sexy as a flea-covered horse's ass." Rafel snorted back. "That Cheetah down the hall from you, now THAT'S sexy."

Marik snorted and rolled his eyes. "That's only because she's a whore and shows off whenever anyone walks by. That and she lets YOU fuck her... the rest of us have higher standards."

Rafel chuckled. "Oh really?" He said chuckling. "If you like to think that...” he said, knowing what Ryou was doing downstairs... but not why the lion was called down, but he just as soon assumed he'd be part of the show as well.

Marik snorted and lifted a paw, scratching his ear. He was still doing this when the elevator opened, and his position left his tan and gold kimono hanging open, and he found himself flashing his goods to the entire room full of men. Dartz raised an eyebrow. Marik put his foot down and shook out his mane, then blinked at all of the people standing around.

"Murr?"

"Well at least the king of beasts isn't a pencil dick." One man said chuckling.

Another grinned. "Yeah, that would have been disappointing." another said.

Rafel chuckled. "Well Simba, looks like you gave everyone a free show." He said amusedly. "Here Dartz I brought the mangy thing." He said dragging Marik over and handing Dartz the leash. "I'm going to excuse myself to clean up after those damned chinchillas again."

Dartz chuckled. "You do that, Rafel. And I would hardly call Marik mangy...”

"Yeah!" Marik shot back, growling and showing his teeth to Rafel. "At least I don’t have fleas!"

"Fleas?" Dartz blinked.

"He has fleas!!! I saw one!!!" Marik announced, though he was lying through his teeth. "Give him a flea bath!!!" Rafel was staring at Marik in horror.

"I just might have to...” Dartz said. "I can't have an outbreak of fleas in this place."

Rafel growled. "Likely got them from you if I do have them." he hissed, storming away.

The men chuckled slightly. "C'mon Dartz!" some of them cheered anxiously, gathered around the window still eagerly watching Ryou.

Dartz laughed and led Marik around the corner. He opened the door to Ryou's room and Marik's ears perked up when his senses were overloaded with the scent of his heavily aroused mate.

"Ryou?" Dartz called, poking his head into the room. Ryou yelped and flipped over onto his stomach, horrified at being caught masturbating. "I saw your dilemma on the security cameras and thought I would give you some assistance."

Ryou hunched over whining loudly, pulling a pillow over his head, mewling pathetically. He was horrified he'd been caught, walked-in on and otherwise exposed being TERRIBLY inappropriate.

Dartz laughed and unleashed Marik, who shoved by, eagerly. Then he closed the door and hurried to the window.

"MURRRRUMPH!!!" Marik exclaimed, taking a flying leap onto the bed and pouncing Ryou, tearing the pillow away and beginning to COVER him with licks and kisses.

Ryou groaned and licked at Marik, pawing at him softly. "Marik...” he whined, shaking his head, still needy. "Oh god Marik... please!" he mewled shaking his head, ears back. The dark blush from being caught still staining his cheeks. "I need you so badly...”

Marik held Ryou to his chest. "Ryou... baby... what on earth got you all hot and bothered?" He asked, licking Ryou's cheek and running a paw up and down his back.

Ryou moaned kissing Marik passionately. "I don’t know... oh God but I want you right now...” he cooed, his hands running over Marik's body, teasing him. "T-Tuc's bothered too... it must be because it's spring...” he mumbled groaning loudly and nuzzling into his lover.

Marik smiled and purred. "You want is slow and teasing? Or fast and hard right now?" He snickered.

"FAST AND HARD!!!" Cheered one of the men watching.

Ryou mewled. "Marik if you make me wait so help me I'll not sleep with you again for three years!" he whined, clawing his back slightly, in need.

Marik chuckled. "Riiiiiight... we'll just see how you feel about that in a few days." He said, flipping Ryou over onto his stomach and lifting his hips. With a loud purr, he spread Ryou's buttocks open and licked at his entrance with a rough, warm tongue.

Ryou hissed softly, squirming and panting. "D-don’t tease...” He moaned, shaking his head. "Please please!"

The men outside grinned eagerly. "Heh, that lion's a riot." He said watching Marik's tail swish from side to side, like an eager predator stalking it's prey. "I like his style."

Marik's purr grew louder as he slowly removed his robe and licked up Ryou's back, moving into position and mounting his mate. "I love you...” He moaned into Ryou's ear, then slowly slid his erection into his mate's body.

Ryou threw back his head and moaned loudly, tears falling down his cheeks, not from pain, but from sheer bliss. "Oh God MARIK!" he moaned, his ears quivering. "I love you too...” he mewled panting harshly, his tail flicking softly against Marik's abdomen in his pleasure.

Marik purred loud and began licking Ryou's shoulders and grooming his ears, gripping his sides with his filed down claws as he began to thrust in and out.

Ryou thrust back into Marik moaning. "I missed you so much...” he moaned, his ears tilting back. "Don’t make me wait... f-for the fun this time...” he whined softly. "I'm going to die!" he sniffed, unable to ignore his erection, rubbing against the soft bedding.

Marik growled loudly and pulled Ryou's hips into his thrusts, beginning to move harder and faster upon his mate, and with a near roar, he fastened his teeth onto Ryou's shoulder. But by now, he had managed to exercise enough control not to break his lover's skin.

"Hooray for beastiality!!!" Someone shouted, and the men laughed.

Ryou gasped and had one of the top ten orgasms of his life. "Marik!" he moaned, splashing himself over the bed, panting and enjoying a content feeling of completeness, as wave after wave of pleasure rolled over him.

Marik threw his head back with a roar, letting go and releasing inside of Ryou, who lost his balance. The pair collapsed and Marik curled around Ryou with a purr and began grooming him all over.

Ryou panted softly, nuzzling Marik. "Marik... oh Marik...” Ryou cooed, curling up against his lover and nuzzling him. "I love you... I missed being near you so much...” he cooed, grooming his lover. "I... I guess I must have truly truly missed you...” he said blushing. "D-don’t tell Bakura... oh I'd be mortified...” he mumbled, the dark blush staining his cheeks once more. "I'm already humiliated...” he said hunching slightly.

The men outside the window all grinned. "He's one hot hare." one commented. "I'd love to make that little bunny moan like that, that little guy came off like a shot!"

Dartz chuckled. "For now, Ryou is not for sale." He said. "I want to get him feeling more comfortable before I sell him. He is not taking the adjustment as well as the other hybrids we have brought in."

The room filled with disheartened 'aww's and grumbles. "You're just hoarding him back for yourself!" a few complained.

Dartz laughed. "I've spoken with Dai about this little bunny." He said. "He seems soft and gentle and timid, but apparently if he gets into a situation where he feels threatened, he delivers a NASTY bite. The man has scars on his legs from this little rabbit. And he's very loyal to his mate. I have a feeling that if I were to sell him at this point, someone would need a doctor and I'd get sued." He laughed.

A few men chuckled. "Nothing a little restraining couldn't fix... resident bondage bunny."

Ryou nuzzled Marik and cooed. "Marik...” he whispered, snuggling into him. "I missed being near you so much... oh god Marik...” he hugged him tightly and buried his face in his lover's chest. "I'm so scared... what if Seto never finds us? What if one of us gets... picked?!"

Marik purred loudly. "It's okay." He said softly. "It's not hopeless." He tilted Ryou's face up to his own and gently kissed his lips. "I got you back from Pegasus, didn't I? That seemed more hopeless than this. Seto and Pegasus and Rem WILL find us...” And he purred and nuzzled Ryou, hugging him. He looked up as a tired Tuc hopped up onto the bed and over to them, flopping down beside them. Marik chuckled. "Well well... hello there, Humphrey." Tuc turned and gave Marik a look that made the lion freeze. Then, the rabbit darted forwards and began biting him.

"OW!!! OW!! HEY!!!" Marik howled, leaping away and sending poor Ryou flopping over onto the bed as Marik fell off. "DEMON RABBIT!!! RYOU!!! CALL HIM OFF!!!"

Ryou giggled. "GET HIM TUC!" he cheered the little rabbit on. "Go for the goods!" he added giggling and clapping at the show, that eased his troubles and replaced them with thorough amusement

Marik fixed wide eyes on Ryou, before having to leap away from Tuc again. "RYOU!!!" He cried. "Come ON!!!" Dartz and the men watched, baffled, as the lion got beat up by a fluffy white rabbit. And Marik finally found himself up on top of the dresser, peering down at a glaring Tuc. He bared his teeth and hissed, and Tuc clicked and thumped his foot as he glared up at Marik.

Ryou giggled. "Marik don’t hiss at Tuc! Tuc, come here... he didn't mean it." He cooed softly. He smiled at Marik as the rabbit came back and was showered with love. "C'mon Marik? Don’t you want cuddling too?"

"That's just sad." One man said, blandly, and Dartz laughed.

"From what Dai has reported to me, this lion is very gentle unless threatened. Then a very vicious creature comes out in him."

Marik leapt lightly from the dresser with a meow, and hopped up onto the bed, slowly creeping over Ryou and Tuc, watching Tuc watching him.

Ryou nuzzled Marik. "Be nice to Tuc, and Tuc you be nice to Marik." he cooed nuzzling Tuc. "Marik...” he said softly. "D-Dartz moved me to... to this room." he said softly, deciding now was a good time to tell him

Marik blinked, then his eyes widened. "W-What?!" He gasped, shaking his head slightly. "Why?!"

Ryou sighed softly. "Marik... how would you feel if you saw me being taken away... for...” he asked softly.

Marik shook his head, a look of distress on his face. "I... I would hate it...” He said softly. "I... I would fight to protect you... as best I could... I HATE the idea of someone else using you...”

Ryou nodded. "I'd feel the same... s-so... he moved me. It's... better if we don’t see each other being taken away... maybe we won’t even be picked... b-but at least we won’t know...”

Marik shook his head. "Ryou! No!!" He whimpered, placing his hands on Ryou's shoulders. "I would hate to see you taken away, but... It will be even worse not being able to see you at all! I'll be worried every moment that you're being used every moment! At least if I can see you I know you're safe! It would tear me apart to see you being taken away to be used, but... I would rather know for sure than sit around and imagine all the horrible things you could be going through when you're perfectly safe! I want you near me!!!"

Ryou sniffled and hugged Marik tightly. "Marik... I'll be ok... b-but I cant... I cant. It'd tear me apart to see you taken, and it would break your heart to see me taken. If I stay here, I'll be safe... I... I don’t think Dartz wants to sell me." He said softly, nuzzling Marik. "He... said I'm the only one who... talks to him. Besides... wouldn't someone have ... picked me by now?" He said softly.

"Maybe...” Marik said softly. "I don’t know...” He said, clutching Ryou tightly. "I... I don't want you taken from me...” He sniffled, beginning to groom his lover with tender care.

Ryou nodded softly, nuzzling Marik. "I'll be fine...” he cooed softly. "This way we won’t have broken hearts every time the other is taken away, even for the tiniest thing."

Marik frowned and looked away. "It will break my heart just not being near you...” He said softly.

Ryou hugged him. "Dartz said you could visit me here... spend the night with me even...” he said softly. "As long as we both behaved...” Ryou kissed Marik's cheek. "S-so as long as we're good... we won’t be apart for very long."

Marik's ears perked up and his tail thumped the bed. "R-Really?" He gasped, his eyes lighting up with hope.

Ryou nodded. "Yes really... h-he told me himself!"

Marik grinned and hugged Ryou. "Then I'll be extra good...” He purred into Ryou's ear. "Just for you."

Ryou nodded and kissed Marik's cheek. "Me too... A-and this way we won’t be hurt... see? We'll be ok...”

Marik sighed. "I'll still worry...” He said softly, gently licking Ryou's shoulder where his teeth had left bruises. "Every moment you're out of my sight, I'll worry." He turned and nuzzled Tuc. "You protect him for me, okay?"

The bunny flicked his tail and sniffed. 'Damn right I will.' then he licked Marik's cheek, and the lion purred.

"And no more humping pillows." He snickered, and Tuc glared.

'Watch it, buster... ' He thumped his foot in warning.

Ryou giggled. "Marik don’t tease Tuc, he didn't HAVE his mate present." he said flicking his ears. "I'll try to find a way to get us out of here...” he added softly. "Dartz trusts me... maybe if I'm very good, he'll trust me more than he should...” he said, picking up Tuc and hugging him.

"If I'm good, maybe I'll be able to find a way to tell Seto where we are...”

Marik sighed and nodded. "I hope so." He said, nuzzling Ryou and Tuc both. Dartz smiled.

"As you can see, they are very devoted to each other, and treat that rabbit almost as their child. But anyway... If anyone is interested in purchasing any of our hybrids for the night, you may make your selection on the computer stations." And he gestured broadly to the eight computer terminals set around the room showing the Twilight Menagerie logo.

The men each decided to give it a try, taking their seats at the computers, the last man still examining Ryou. "When does he go up?" he asked calmly.

Dartz turned to face the man. "Were you that... enchanted by his little... performance, Arcana?" He asked with a slight laugh.

The man chuckled. "As entertaining as that was, I'm more enchanted with the little fellow as a whole. If he's as rare as you say, then he's an even better prize...”

Dartz maintained his smile. "He is indeed rare. Many male jackrabbits have been made but just simple little bunny rabbits? The majority have been female. Ryou is the only male albino ever made. He is indeed rare." He looked back in at his rabbit. "Of course, he's not the only rarity we have. We have a skunk, and they are actually quite rare themselves. Not many people like the idea of a skunk as a pet. I believe that outside of the three registered professional breeder farms of skunk hybrids, there are only eight currently in existence."

Arcana snorted a bit. "Skunk. I'm sure... but eight is hardly a comparison to one." he added. "And such a beautiful one he is."

"You should see our fennecs." Dartz said, not really liking the interest that this man was taking in Ryou. "A lovely young prize winning female and an adolescent male with the most original eyes anyone has ever seen. Fennecs have dark brown eyes but his are a light silvery purple. He is beautiful. And this lion is quite valuable as well. A lot of people don't like dangerous hybrids. He's the only lion we have in stock… ehh, as of now. I am hoping to procure another in the near future."

"I'm sure they're all quite nice, but you never answered my question. You said he was not available now, I wish to know when the little rabbit will be." The man said calmly.

"I honestly cannot answer that." Dartz said, shaking his head. "Soon, I hope. But he's very insecure and timid. Skittish... just like a rabbit. Moving him to this room will calm him considerably, as will the presence of that rabbit and constant visits from his mate. I hope to have him calm and ready to work in a couple of weeks. If you would like, we can take your name and number and call you when he is ready and you can reserve him over the phone and be the first to have him."

The man nodded. "That is exactly what I would like." He explained. "Something as rare and beautiful as that shouldn't be left untouched for long."

Dartz nodded. "Of course...” He said slowly. "In the mean time, would you like to sample one of our other rare hybrids? We have a female black bear... female bears are hard to find...”

Arcana smirked slightly. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to keep that bunny from becoming available...”

Dartz chuckled. "I groom him regularly and we talk... I admit that I have a soft spot for him, and he has said that he is terrified of the idea of someone other than his mate touching him in a sexual manner." He explained.

The man shrugged. "He'll get over it." he said calmly. "That's his job now, and I do believe the entire point of this establishment?"

"True." Dartz said. "But I hardly want to be responsible for serious mental issues, Arcana."

"I highly doubt sex will cause 'serious mental issues'. If he's made it this far, then he's well past the prime causes of it." the man reasoned. "Besides, if he's that worried, then give him a bit of that gas before hand, I doubt he'd give a flying fuck who it was touching him after a little of that stuff."

Dartz frowned slightly. "It is an option to consider." He said slowly. "But you see, he was originally made with loyalty enhancements triggered by mating. And he was mated by the lion, and his owner. The conditioning has since been neutralized, but he still fears the act of mating with someone other than his mate."

The man nodded calmly. "I see, but if it has been neutralized then the fear is just in his head. After he experiences sex, he'll realize that it is fine." He explained. "If you go too soft on this one bunny Dartz, it may well ruin your ability to handle others." The man added. "Besides, who's to say that innocent face doesn't hide a devious devil?"

Dartz looked at this man. "You seem a bit overeager to have him." He commented.

"You seem a bit overprotective of him." The man countered. "Is this one becoming another of your personal favorites or something?" he said giving Dartz an impatient look. He'd been a long time member, and seen some of the very best hybrids become personal favorites of Dartz, and oftentimes taken off the roster of available hybrids shortly after.

"Indeed." Dartz said. "but I doubt he will allow me to become... intimate with him. You have nothing to worry about. As soon as he is available, you will be notified. And I will make note that you are to be the first to have him."

"You're growing too soft for this business Dartz." The man chuckled. "If you're THAT concerned over a rabbit's feelings."

Dartz grinned. "You spend time with him and try not to develop a soft spot for him. For god's sake... look at his MATE!!! Is that not the most unlikely pairing? He even charmed a lion! Right into giving up his breakfast, which apparently that rabbit was supposed to be, once apon a time...”

The man laughed. "I can tell he's charming. If not just for his looks, but his softspoken and skittish behavior. If he were up to buy as a pet, I'd request that, but I suppose I can settle for spending nights with him...”

"Of course." Darts said with a smile, and looked back in at Ryou and Marik, who was still grooming his little mate.

The man smirked. "If I didn't know better... I'd swear you were seeing that Gazelle in him."

Dartz winced and turned away. "Not at all... she was not nearly as skittish. And much more friendly and people oriented."

"But you can so quickly compare her to him." the man said smirking. "You do see her in him."

"No, not really." Dartz said after thinking a moment.

"Really? Because as I recall, she was quite skittish, slow to trust and very soft spoken." He said calmly. "She was a treat to be around, and always so calm in demeanor, very well mannered too, and if you scared her, she'd stutter slightly." The man said rolling his eyes. "I don’t know how many times we discussed her over dinner, or even further, she accompanied you."

Dartz rolled his eyes as well. "Enough, please. I miss her still...” He said, looking back in at Ryou. "This rabbit could never replace her...”

The man nodded. "Nothing can ever replace a loved one, but he might fill that void." he said. "And I think you seek your condolences in him... why don’t you tell him how you feel?" he said chuckling. "I don’t think he'd hate you for it."

Dartz looked at his conversation partner. "Since when are you a relationship psychologist?" He laughed.

The man laughed again. "Since I've gotten to know how YOU behave." He chuckled.

Dartz rolled his eyes. "Away with you!" He cried, waving his arm dramatically. "I have business to do! I must give Rafel a flea bath!"

The man laughed harder. "Yes yes." he said patting Dartz's back. "but you should take my advice." he added chuckling and shaking his head. "After all, I do believe I said the same thing about the Gazelle...” he said smirking. "and I think that proves my advice isn't all that bad."

"Arrogant ass... the last thing I want to do is boost that already overly inflated ego of yours." Dartz chuckled.

Arcana chuckled once more. "If it weren't for me and MY inflated ego, you'd have never fallen so deeply in love with that gazelle of yours, and you certainly never would have gotten that love returned. That rabbit is literally a once in a lifetime endeavor. There isn't another like him in the whole world. If you let him slip away, you'll regret it."
Arcana smirked. "Besides, if that clumsy oaf of a lion can win his love, then someone as refined, poised and charming as you can win it just as easily."

Dartz snorted. "Now hold on... I never said I was in LOVE with that rabbit. I just like him. And besides... I have no desire to get mauled by that lion."

Arcana rolled his eyes. "if you're not in love, then lets get that lion out of there, gas him and let me have him." He teased. "You don’t fool me you liar." he added laughing. "You're falling for his little charms, and you're denying it. If you're worried about the lion, I believe you keep them seperate unless they behave don’t you? That leaves you pleanty of time to try."

Dartz rolled his eyes. "Do you want to fuck the rabbit, or do you want ME to?!" He asked, trying to hold back a smile.

Arcana smirked. "Ok, here's how it'll go. Either you fuck him, or I will." he said amused. "I know how you love beautiful creatures Dartz, and there's no creature more beautiful I've seen."

"Hmmm... just wait til we get in our first bird hybrid." Dartz teased.

"Oh? Bunny getting some competition?" Arcana chuckled. "Or is it you can’t decide which would be better to take as your new lover?"

Dartz laughed. "That's enough now. I should see the lion returned to his cage."

Arcana smirked. "Maybe you should treat that bunny to lunch, after de-lioning him." He chuckled rolling his eyes. "I'll be waiting Dartz, if you don’t fuck him, I will. Remember that." he said turning and walking away, laughing.