Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 1

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Ryou giggled slightly as he tugged Marik along in one hand, and held a basket in the other. Spring had sprung, the cold weather was slowly melting away, revealing new life... in more ways than he and Marik had expected. Tuc and Nod had surprised them a couple of weeks ago with 3 little bundles of joy.

"I can’t believe I never noticed Nod was a girl...” He giggled smiling down at the basket. This had been perfect. He finally had something to give Pegasus. He kissed Marik's cheek and rang the doorbell, eager to present his master with the most precious gift of all, in more ways than one.

Marik smiled and nuzzled Ryou until the door opened. The butler blinked, then smiled and stepped aside.

"Hello Ryou." He said, bowing them in. "Master Marik."

"I love being called that." Marik mused with a grin, making the butler chuckle.

"Master Pegasus is in his office." the man said and Marik nodded, following Ryou up the stairs.

Ryou hurried up the stairs. "Master Pegasus!" he called gleefully, practically ramming the door down, basket in tow. "Master! Master!" He called gleefully, stopping in front of the desk, panting softly. He giggled and blushed. "I brought you a present!" he said proudly.

Pegasus looked up, and a large smile spread across his face.

"Ryou!" He exclaimed, standing and moving around the desk, quickly taking Ryou into his arms as Marik entered the room. "Oh, what a surprise! How's my precious baby bunny?" Marik snickered. Pegasus was ALWAYS like this...

Ryou giggled and licked Pegasus' cheek, littering his face with kisses. "I'm wonderful! The weather has warmed up... I can start growing my garden... a-and look! I brought you something special today!" he said, presenting Pegasus with the basket, smiling.

Pegasus looked down at the basket. "Oh? What's this? My favorite kind of cheese?" Pegasus asked in all seriousness. He began moving the little blanket around, then froze, and his eyes widened. There, curled up in the blankets, was a tiny baby bunny...

"Ohhhh... Ryou...” Pegasus breathed.

Ryou grinned brightly. "Tuc and Nod had babies... and I thought you'd like one...” He cooed smiling. "His name is Precious Baby."

The small baby yawned softly, sitting up in the basket and shaking it's head. It's oversized ears flopped slightly, still much too large for it's petite body that was still growing to fit the ears. It was a beautiful bunny, perfectly white, with a little pink nose, and brilliant red eyes.

"I thought you'd like to have a Precious Baby bunny." Ryou said, cooing at the small bunny as it sniffed at Pegasus' fingers curiously. "One that you can keep and love, and when he grows big and strong, he can sleep in your bed with you to keep you warm."

Pegasus smiled and set the basket down on the desk, gently scooping the little bunny into his hands. "Ryou... oh, its adorable...” He said, cuddling the tiny creature to his chest and petting its head with one finger. "Oh, I love him...” And Pegasus' eye sparkled in joy. "Thank you...”

Ryou blushed and grinned. "He's perfect for you...” He cooed, watching the small bunny gently nip at Pegasus' finger, signaling that he was hungry. "And you'll know what he wants, since you can read minds." He added giggling. "Though I think Precious Baby can tell you without words."

He smiled at Marik. "There was only three... we kept one, and Malik and Bakura got one. Bakura acted mean, but we could tell he liked Spunky... and I thought Precious Baby would be for you... since I can’t always visit, I know that he'll take care of you."

Pegasus smiled and set Precious back down into his little basket bed, then turned and crushed Ryou in a hug. "You are so sweet...” He said, kissing Ryou's forehead. "My precious baby bunny... Thank you so much... this is... this means so much to me... who's my good bunny?"

Ryou giggled. "Me!" He said happily, snitching a kiss. "Me, and Precious Baby." he added after it. "I know he'll have lots of fun here, you have so much bunny stuff... He'll get spoiled rotten." Ryou giggled nuzzling into Pegasus' arms. "He'll be so spoiled, but I know he'll have a perfect life, and I know you'll be happier with your precious baby bunny." he cooed sighing contently.

Pegasus smiled and nodded, hugging Ryou again. Then, he looked up at Marik, leaning against the door frame. "Well? Are you going to come in and say hello, or just stand there?" He asked. The lion blinked, then smirked and walked over, and purred when Pegasus began scratching his ears. "What are you boys up to?"

Ryou giggled. "Well... Seto called earlier... well more like last night. He and Yami are coming home soon, and we thought we'd invite you to come welcome them back, and give you this present, in celebration of spring." Ryou said nuzzling Marik. "It's been a long cold winter, and since Yami's coming back, we know the weather will be much nicer. He's a bird after all... they come back when the weather's just wonderful!"

Pegasus chuckled. "I still can't believe that Seto didn't march Yami right back home...”

"He needed the vacation." Marik snickered.

"I know that." Pegasus said, turning and petting Precious.

"Excuse me, sir...” They all turned as a squirrel poked her head into the room. "Can we go outside?"

"Of course." Pegasus said with a smile. "Just stay in the yard." And the squirrel squeaked in excitement and ran off, followed by several other hybrids, all on all fours. "WALK UPRIGHT!" Pegasus bellowed after them.

Ryou laughed. "Marik... did you see her? A SQUIRREL!" He said gigging. "Oh Bakura would just die!" he said shaking his head. "With the way Malik tends to their tails, he'd be all over her with combs... Bakura'd be jealous." He grinned and nuzzled Pegasus. "I'm glad we got a chance to visit... I missed you, but once my garden grows, I'll bring you wonderful treats to eat, and share with Precious baby." Ryou kissed Pegasus' cheek. "Marik and I have to go though... we're going to Seto's house to help decorate for the welcome home party."

Pegasus smiled and hugged Ryou. "Well, you two have fun... I'm going to get acquainted with little Precious, here. Thank you so much, Ryou. This means so much to me. I've missed my bunny...” And he kissed the top of Ryou's head, then gave Marik another scratch behind the ears. Marik purred.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus once more and hugged onto Marik. "Take good care of Precious baby Master... he's still very very small... I hope to see him grow up big and strong, so he can play with me when I come to visit." he said smiling and blushing softly, as he and Marik backed out of the office, slowly leaving the house after one more set of goodbyes.

Ryou smiled at Marik. "What should we name our baby?" He asked smiling softly. "Malik named his and Bakura's Spunky... Master has Precious baby...”

Marik sighed and thought. "Hmmm... How about... Todd?" He suggested. "Then he's named after both Tuc and Nod?"

Ryou laughed. "Marik, do you think that our baby bunny would wrinkle it's nose at that name?" He asked shaking his head. "Poor Tuc and Nod would bite you for that...” he said amused. "You know they like original names."

Marik pouted and scratched his head. "You asked me for my suggestion, and I gave it!" He whined.

Ryou laughed once more and gave Marik a long lick up his cheek. "Oh don’t pout. if you think Todd is a good name, then Todd it is. Lets just hope it's not a girl."

Marik blinked, then chuckled. "Hmmm... that would be a problem... okay... how about... The Fuzzinator!!!" He blurted, then burst out laughing.

Ryou laughed. "I like that!" he said amused. "I think that's a great name! It goes well with Spunky and Precious baby... and he IS very VERY fuzzy...” he said shaking his head as they walked.

Marik flicked an ear, laughing. "I was joking, Ryou!" He said. "How about... Dust? Our own little Dust Bunny!"

Ryou nodded. "That's good. Dust is a wonderful name. Dust Bunny, Spunky Bunny, and Precious Baby Bunny...” He giggled. "Tuc and Nod would approve." he said sighing and taking a deep breath of the warm spring air. "I love the smell of spring... the grass growing... the smell of rain in the air... it's the perfect time of year."

Marik purred and nuzzled Ryou. "It's also the time to get it on! Wanna sneak behind someone's house for a quickie?" Marik asked, snickering.

Ryou giggled and shook his head. "Wait til we get to Seto's house... that linen closet has been calling our names."

Marik grinned and snickered. "That's okay... I got shoved into a kennel in the closet under the stairs for a night for that...” He said.

Ryou grinned. "I'd share a kennel with you any day...” He cooed, wrapping his arms around Marik and groping him slightly. He giggled softly. "Do you think Yami got into a lot of trouble?"

Marik laughed. "Ra only knows!"

"Hey! Marik! Ryou!" They turned and watched Rex come running across the street. "Heading to Seto's?" The coyote asked.

Ryou nodded smiling. Over the winter, he'd slowly begun trusting the Coyote, and had finally allowed himself to become friends. "Uh huh... we're going to welcome them home. Yugi's been planning this for weeks." He said smiling. "He and Mokuba have had nothing but fun with Seto gone... Even Otogi got to have some fun at Seto's house. I'm surprised he left Mokuba to Grandpa Mutoh's care... but then again... he did raise Yami and Yugi without any serious brain damage...”

Rex snickered. "I think that Yugi kid's on a permanent sugar high...” He commented, and Marik burst out laughing. “Him and Mokuba both.”

Ryou laughed slightly. "Oh don’t be mean. He's just over eager... ever since the news mentioned possibly legalizing hybrid genetic alterations he's been off the wall. He's been talking to me for a week straight about the possibilities. Last I heard, he was still on a frilled lizard kick."

"Oh dear Ra...” Marik moaned, rolling his eyes. "Just what that kid needs. Reptilian DNA to make him even MORE freaky than he already is."

"No shit." Rex agreed.

Ryou smacked Marik slightly. "Hush you. If he wants to be a hybrid then we'll support his decision. Besides, just imagine how freaked out Yami would get if Yugi got mad and WHOOSH!" he said making a motion around his neck as though he were a frilled lizard, puffing out his frills, his ears shooting into the air as well.

Marik and Rex stared at Ryou, then both burst out laughing. In fact, they both had to stop and lean on each other to keep from falling over they were laughing so hard.

"GREAT HORUS IN HEAVEN!!!" Marik roared. "What I wouldn't give to see THAT!!! Yami would have a fuckin' heart attack!!!"

Ryou giggled as well. "Oh you know you would too!" He giggled shaking his head. "If he did it to Bakura, I just know he'd puff up like a cat and probably curse something colorful." He said, his ears falling back to his hair, as he began tugging one. "Now come on! We're going to be late!"

Marik and Rex nodded and followed Ryou, still giggling and wiping mirthful tears from their eyes.

"What's with them?" Bakura asked as they walked around the corner, running into the skunk and his mate, Malik.

Ryou giggled. "Just something funny I thought of." He said smiling sweetly and hugging Malik. "I can’t wait until Yami's back... with he and Seto gone... it's been so quiet around here."

Malik laughed slightly. "Well, you can’t complain about a little peace... though some action would be great now. Spring IS here." He chuckled, licking Bakura's cheek. "Though I don’t think I could have missed it... Flower has been frisky for days." He cooed, grinning. Yes... sad but true, ‘Flower’ had become Malik's pet name for Bakura.

Bakura chuckled. "I can't help it!" He whined, wiggling his ears. "And I know YOU'VE been horny, Thumper." He said, smacking Ryou on the ass. "I hear you and Simba playing 'Mighty Hunter' late at night."

Ryou blushed darkly. "Lies! All of it!" He said quickly, burying his face in Marik's chest.

Malik laughed shaking his head. "It's alright... I think just about everyone's horny at this time of year...” He said chuckling. "Humans and Hybrids alike. Something in the air I say...” He added amused, "Besides, it's a wonder you can hear anything the way our bed keeps hitting the wall." He added smirking.

Bakura grinned and ran a hand through the black stripe in his hair.

"You guys are freaks...” Rex laughed.

Ryou chuckled. "Oh, and you haven't had any at all??" He said leaning over and sniffing Rex. "Your scent says otherwise...” he said smirking.

Rex's eyes widened as Marik, Malik and Bakura all turned and looked at him with amused and questioning smirks. The coyote turned red.

"I, uh... ummm...”

Ryou giggled. "You guys... we can grill him later! We're going to be late!" he said quickly, brandishing his wristwatch. "If we miss out I'll feel just awful!" He huffed, dragging Marik forward by the sleeve. "We have so much to thank them both for, we'd be lousy friends if we missed it!"

"Right." Marik said, and they all continued on their way, meeting up with Otogi a block from Seto's place, carrying a large box.

"Whatcha got, Dice Boy?" Bakura asked.

Otogi grinned slightly. "Just the last decorations for Seto's house. Yugi sent me to get them at the last second. They're due home any time now. " He said opening it to reveal confetti, party hats, noisemakers, streamers and a few champagne poppers. "It's gonna be a blast. There's this huge cake platter that has three tiers. The bottom is regular cake, the second is carrot cake and the third is something Rem baked specially for Yami. I think she said something about sunflora cake." He said grinning. "She said it's a special bird treat that every bird she'd had loved."

Marik snickered. "I see." He said. "Think you can handle that big box on your own, squirt?" And he ruffled Otogi's hair since his hands were busy. Otogi hated people messing with his hair, and those who did often met his claws.

Otogi hissed and snapped at Marik, shoving the box into his arms and using his now free hands to fix his hair. "Since you so kindly offered, you can carry it. Thanks." He said walking off suavely, tail swishing slightly as he walked.

Ryou snickered. "See what happens when you provoke people for no reason? You end up with extra work."

Marik snickered and hefted the box to one shoulder, muscles bulging, and placed his other arm around Ryou. "No sweat!" He announced, and continued on their way.

"Man... he is REALLY making you look like a pussy... cat." Bakura snickered at Otogi.

Otogi flicked his tail. "Panthers are sleek and beautiful. Not big overmuscled bulky cats like lions." He replied smartly. "He may show off his muscles, but next to me he's a stray tomcat." he said smugly.

Ryou laughed. "Now come on, there's no reason to be that way." He cooed softly. "We're going to be late!"

Marik snorted. "I've seen several picture of panthers. And they're not as sleek as you claim. They're bulky too! Especially around the middle." And he turned and gave Otogi a teasing smirk.

Ryou bit Marik's arm slightly. "Knock it off!" He huffed.

Otogi snickered. "Watch it, wouldn't want that bunny of yours to put you in your place."

Marik grumbled and glared at Otogi. "You're just jealous that you don't have a gorgeous sexy mate like I do, Dice Boy."

"What would you know?" He said sniffing smugly. He smiled however and turned into Seto's gates. "C'mon guys, we're not gonna get those streamers up in time if we don’t hurry."

Ryou grinned and ran after Otogi. "Wait up!" He said gleefully, ears and hair ruffled by the wind as he ran to catch up.

Marik smiled as he watched Ryou scamper up the front drive of Seto's mansion. Bakura grinned as Malik chased them and moved to walk by Marik.

"Mighty Hunter, eh?"

"Shut up." Marik chuckled.

Ryou grinned and hugged Yugi eagerly. "Yugi!"

Yugi grinned and hugged Ryou back. "Ryou! Isn't it great? My brother's coming home! It'll be just like old times! Finally we'll all be together. For more than a day." He said grinning and turning to welcome Marik and Bakura as well. "You guys look great! It's amazing how far everyone's come!"

Marik grinned and set the box down and Bakura suddenly twitched and began to feverishly groom his tail. He stopped as suddenly as he began and walked into the house and headed for the kitchen announcing that he needed a soda.

Ryou grinned and picked up some streamers and handed some to Marik. "Lets decorate!" he said quickly, and began feverishly decorating the room with the servants, Yugi and Mokuba.

Malik on the other hand snuck into the kitchen. "Something wrong with your tail Flower?" He asked sauntering up to his lover and kissing him. "Or are you just becoming more careful, since I tend to it so often...” he purred.

Bakura grinned as he popped open a soda. "You spoil me." He said. "I'm used to having a perfect tail now. I felt something crawling in it, that's all. I was afraid it was a flea or tick. It was just a lady bug." He slurped his cold beverage.

Malik laughed. "Well of course. Ladybugs love flowers." he teased, wrapping his arms around Bakura's waist and laying his head on Bakura's shoulder. "Are you glad to see Yami back?" He asked stealing the can and taking a drink. "I know you and him didn't get along the best...”

Bakura snorted. "I would have LOVED to see all the shit Seto gave him when he finally found him." the skunk grinned. "But now it's MY turn...”

Malik laughed. "Why would you give him shit Bakura? You owe him a lot you know...” Malik said amused at the idea. "Or is it you just missed him so much that you feel the need to berate him for not saying goodbye?"

"I just like pissing him off." Bakura said with a shrug. "Ruffling his feathers, ya know?"

Malik laughed slightly. "You like him and you know it. It's a love/hate relationship you have with him." He said nuzzling his lover. "If it weren't for Yami, you never would have escaped that day... never would have met me...” he cooed softly. "You owe him a lot, for pissing you off enough to run off that day to find Marik."

"Guys!" Ryou came bursting through the door, wearing a party hat, and handing them each one. "Hurry! One of the servants said the limo is almost here!" He said, trembling in delight to finally have his whole 'family' together once again.

Bakura snorted and eyed the hat, but at a look from Malik, put it on and went to the front hall with the others.

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

Seto got out of the limo, and sighed. “Home sweet home. Thank GOD!” He turned and glared at Yami. “I hope you enjoyed your little migration… because you are NEVER doing it again! GOT IT?!”

Yami grinned. "Yeah. never again for the next 9 months."

Seto growled. "No. Never again as in NEVER EVER again! Or you will find yourself locked in the aviary from September to March!! Do you understand me?!"

Yami rolled his eyes. "Next time I just won’t send a postcard then." He said stretching his wings. "Besides you NEEDED the vacation! You hole up in front of that computer for days on end. You're practically glowing with... damn what's the word? Oh RA I believe it's called ACTIVITY! You are HEALTHY now...” He smirked.

Over the course of their vacation, Yami's skin had tanned and they both had a very healthy glow. Yami's tan only accentuated his brilliantly colored feathers. "Besides I'm a bird, you KNOW you can’t stop me."

Seto glared. "Yami, I swear to God... if I have to, come September first, I will clip your fuckin' wings! NEVER do that AGAIN!!! I mean it! Do you have any idea how worried I was?! I was panicked! I thought you had been stolen or hurt or killed or something!"

"Jeeze, they're lovers and STILL at each other's throats...” Otogi muttered as the pair walked up the front steps.

Ryou giggled. "It's just their way...”

Yami gasped. "You'll do no such thing! I like my feathers how I have them! What kind of hypocrite would you be if you CLIPPED my wings after telling me I couldn't pluck!?" He huffed crossing his arms. "Next time just prepare. I'm thinking of stopping on that little island I passed this year... I heard the other birds say its closer to the equator...” he said thoughtfully, as Seto began unlocking the door.

"Yami, Jesus Christ! I can NOT go gallivanting off on a two month long vacation every year! Two WEEKS, maybe! But two MONTHS?! This was a one fuckin time thing! Do you hear me? If you EVER do that again, I'll--"

"SURPRISE!!!"

"YAAAAAARRRGH!!!" Seto roared and leapt back, loosing his footing and falling back onto his ass.

Yami yelped, his feathers puffing up immediately, but his shock didn't last, when Seto fell on his ass. "Oh Ra!" He howled, stooping to help him up. "Seto...” He said laughing and hugging him slightly. "Look who missed us!" He said shaking his head, and smiling at the group.

Yugi and Mokuba ran forward immediately, each hugging their elder brother. "We missed you!" They chirped in time.

Ryou and the others snickered. "Welcome home Seto and Yami!"

Yami grinned and hugged Yugi tight. "I brought you something from our trip." He said nuzzling into his brother and sighing. "Ra I missed you... It just wasn't the same not having a call from you every day...”

Yugi snorted. "Not MY fault you up and flew to Australia...”

"Yami!!!" Bakura ran forwards suddenly and shoved Yugi aside, seizing the bird's hand. "I must congratulate you. That was FUCKIN' brilliant! You should have SEEN Seto as he tried to process that you had migrated! He wandered around the club in a daze, and then suddenly blew his top and ran out the front door! It was GREAT!! He didn't even realize that his hair was a mess and that he was wearing his shirt on backwards AND inside out!!!" The skunk grinned as Seto glared. "I took pictures!"

Yami laughed and hugged Bakura despite himself. "I missed you too." He said so softly they couldn't hear before grinning and letting go. "It must have been great... I wouldn't have gone, but I just couldn't wait any longer... the last few birds were leaving, and I wasn't exactly sure I could find my way alone...” He said sheepishly. "Despite what Seto sounds like, he had fun." He said rolling his eyes at Seto. "And look, he's finally gotten some healthy computer free activity into his life."

Ryou giggled and hugged Seto. "It's good to have you back... you look great." He said softly, smiling. "The slight tan really brings out your eyes...” He added sheepishly. "Yami looks fantastic as well... It sounds like you two had a great time."

Seto snorted and got up. "AFTER I got over my near heart failure...” He snorted. "I'll be in my office; I'll bet my stocks have fallen into the basement...” And he headed for the stairs.

"No way." Marik said, grabbing Seto and literally picking him up. "Your stocks can wait another couple of hours."

"Couple of HOURS?!" Seto screamed, squirming in the lion's grip. "PUT ME DOWN!!! OR SO HELP ME, I'LL CALL REM!!!"

Yami laughed. "Don’t let him in his office!" he cheered Marik on.

Ryou laughed. "Seto your stocks are fine!" He giggled. "Mokuba has been checking them for you... you DID teach him how to manage the business." He said calmly, and Mokuba beamed.

Yugi grinned. "Yeah Seto we're not babies, Mokuba and I worked together to make sure things didn't fall apart while you were gone. Otogi too!"

Yami chuckled. "Now come on and lighten up... you're always so tense."

Seto twisted around and glared at Yami. "I wonder why? Maybe it's because my BOYFRIEND DECIDED TO MIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE AND MADE ME COME AND GET HIM BUT THEN REFUSED TO LEAVE?!?"

Yami smirked. "I MADE you do no such thing." He said calmly. "You came of your own free will, and you could have left at any time. You STAYED of your own free will as well...” He said smartly, chuckling. "Now stop being a big baby and appreciate the people who gathered to welcome you home. They obviously put a lot of love and effort into making a party for you."

Seto glared and grumbled and muttered.

"C'mon tightass!" Marik said, slapping said ass, making the CEO howl his disapproval. "We have FOOD!!!" And he turned and carried him over his shoulder to the living room, smacking his ass again.

"MARIK!! YOU'RE GETTING THE KENNEL FOR THIS!!!"

Ryou giggled and hurried after Marik and Seto. "No he's noooot!" He sang laughing.

Yami laughed even harder. "I wanna see those pictures next time you have your album out." He said smirking at Bakura and following the group into the living room. He sat on the couch next to Seto, who was now nursing a sore backside. Yami sighed and leaned his head on Seto's shoulder. "C'mon... enjoy the party Seto... You never relax...” He cooed softly, beginning to sing a soft song for him, having learned long ago his singing could sooth even the most tense beast... Seto.

Seto scowled and crossed his arms, but was slowly relaxing.

"Oh, that's funny...” Rex snickered, grabbing a pot sticker and popping it into his mouth.

Ryou smiled slightly and sat on Seto's other side, nuzzling him. "Thank you...” he whispered smiling.

Malik grinned. "We all are really glad to see you two back. We missed you." He said beginning to cut the various cakes, passing pieces out accordingly.

Yami smiled and kissed Seto's temple. "Relax and enjoy yourself... you don’t do it often enough... you're too young to have that much stress." He said calmly. "As for my migrating... we'll work something out. I'm not staying in the AVIARY for the winter... and you're not clipping my wings either." he took a bite of the sunflora cake and blinked. "WOW... that's good...” He said lifting his plate to eye-level to examine it.

The other hybrids snickered at that, but kept quiet. Seto finally sighed and poked a forkful of his own cake into his mouth. "Fine... no aviary and no wing clipping... but NO migrating either!" Marik snickered, then noticed the meat cold cuts and scurried over to them, cramming a fistful of sliced cajun roast beef into his mouth along with some cheddar cheese.

Ryou shook his head. "I had better see at least one celery stick enter that garbage disposal you call a stomach." he called calmly. "You know you need your veggies."

"Seto, I have to Migrate, the cold... is NOT my friend. I'll get sick if I stay through the winter... I really don’t like being sick." Yami said frowning. "Last time I was waited on hand and foot for a week, and half drunk off my ass the whole time." he said taking another bite of his cake, deciding it was perfect. "Besides, you already admitted the tan makes me look hot."

Seto snorted. "We will take a vacation for two weeks, NO MORE, every winter. That's the best I can give you in terms of... leaving Domino." He said firmly. "Someone pass me a ginger ale." Bakura complied. "Thanks."

Yami sighed. "Seto...” he said, obviously not satisfied with the idea of suffering through the cold for all but two weeks of his migration. He resigned to talk about it after the party.

Ryou smiled. "The Jungle has been without a hitch. Otogi took care of any technical problems, since Yami had trained him." He said softly. "I took care of the supplies and audits for you too...” He added sheepishly. "to date... th-the net profit is in the realm of 10 thousand dollars...”

Seto sighed. "Thank you, Ryou. That's a big help."

"What am I gonna do now that Yami's back?!" Otogi whined.

Yami laughed. "Well... I was hoping to be Disc Jockey for a while...” He said calmly. "But we could rotate weeks... that way neither of us are bored."

Ryou smiled and sighed happily, proud to have done something helpful to the great cause Seto was hosting.

Otogi sighed. "I guess...”

"Hey... umm... I could use some help behind the bar...” Bakura suggested. Otogi blinked. "Could you all help me with that?"

“YEAH!!!”

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

The party slowly died down, and guests slowly began leaving the Kaiba mansion, the decorations cleaned up and the food long since eaten.

Yami smiled slightly and gently ran his hands along Seto's back. "Was that so bad?" He asked softly, resting his forehead against Seto's shoulder wrapping his arms and wings around him from behind.

Seto sighed. "No. But now, I AM going to my office." and he stood and left the room.

Yami groaned and followed slowly wings drooping. "How can you live like that? It's a wonder you don’t have wrinkles and heart failure." he said climbing onto his perch and sitting calmly, watching Seto. "Don’t you ever WANT vacations from all your work?"

"Occasionally." Seto said. "PLANNED vacations." He gave Yami another glare.

Yami sighed. "It's not like I did it out of spite Seto... I HAD to go."

"No. You didn't." Seto snapped. "You could have talked to me about what you were being drawn to do and we could have talked something out! Call me crazy, but I'd like to KNOW if you get the sudden urge to fly hundreds of miles away because you're COLD!!!"

Yami sighed. "Seto you would have looked at me like I was a nut and told me to get over it. You and I both know you would have." he said crossing his arms. "You're a logical person, and that WAS irrational of me... but I tried to stay. It was making me crazy!"

"Yami!!! You pulling weird shit like that is making ME crazy!!!" Seto howled as he walked into his office and sat down at the computer, turning the thing on.

Yami sighed and hung his head. "sorry." He said softly, not sure he could or should even bother trying to explain why he was drawn to do the things that made Seto so crazy. "I'll try to... stick around this year...”

Seto snorted and logged on, and quickly began looking over what he had missed. He blindly reached into his desk, pulled something out, and tossed it to Yami, who gave a startled cheep as he caught it. He looked down, and found a new puzzle toy in his hands.

Yami smiled and began peeping softly, playing with the puzzle, contented for the moment to solve the puzzle he'd been given. "Thanks...” he mumbled between chirps, peeps and other delighted noises, at the various noises the puzzle made.
Seto smiled and looked up from the screen; he loved watching Yami enthralled with a new puzzle. "You're welcome." He said gently.

Yami sighed softly. "I'm sorry Seto...” He said as he clicked at the puzzle. "I don’t MEAN to stress you out...” he added looking up, his feathers puffing up slightly, as he peeped at the puzzle. "I know I do weird things... I don’t mean to."

Seto sighed. "I know you don't MEAN to stress me out...” He said, looking up at Yami. "But you have some instincts that you just act upon... impulsively, I might add."

Yami offered a sheepish smile. "Also something I'm not quite used to doing... I really tried to stay home Seto...” He said softly, looking down at the toy. "But it was making me crazy, seeing all the other birds gone... and being the only one left...”

Seto smiled. "What about Kira?" He snickered.

Yami twitched slightly. "Well you'll be glad to know while I was gone, I got used to seeing other birds. No more teasing ME with that stupid bottle of color." He said smugly.

Seto snickered. "We'll just see about that." He said.

Yami crossed his arms. "Bring it on. I was there more than long enough before you even showed up! When there's birds and bird hybrids everywhere, you get used to the colors quickly!"

Seto chuckled. "Do you really want to challenge me?" He asked, looking up at Yami.

"Oh please. What's the worst that could happen? I'll be wrong." Yami said crossing his arms. "It's not like the world's at stake."

Seto smiled. "Yes. But I will be ecstatic to have finally beaten you!"

Yami laughed. "Oh come on. That's sad Seto." He said chuckling. "Cant beat me at cards, so now you're trying to beat me at me natural instincts?"

Seto laughed. "Shut up!"

Yami smiled and hopped off his perch and walked over to Seto. "It's good to see you laughing." He said sitting on the floor, clutching his toy, next to Seto. "I'll make you a deal. I'll try my best to control my urges to do 'weird' things if YOU try your best to relax and live life to the fullest. In other words I want you away from all forms of work for at least 12 hours a day, that means aside from 8 hours of sleep, you have 4 hours you cant be anywhere NEAR work."

Seto stared down at Yami. But then, he sighed and leaned back, still staring at him. Then, he smiled and held out his hand. "Deal."

Yami took his hand and smiled. "Alright then." He cooed shaking hands with him, before slipping the solved puzzle into Seto's hand. "mmm." He said, chewing on the strawberry that had been hidden within. "I love those strawberries... it's a wonder they're so good... especially since they're out of season."

Seto blinked down at the puzzle, then laughed. "You stuck up cock."

Yami laughed. "Watch it Seto, or I'll have to prove who's the stuck up cock around here." He said chuckling.

Seto smirked. "Oh really?" He asked, slowly standing. He loomed over Yami who was still sitting on the floor. "Try it."

Yami chuckled. "It's a little 'early' for you isn't it? What happened to all that work you were so desperate to get in here and do?" He said amusedly.

Seto grinned and seized Yami, picking him up and flinging him over his shoulder. "The birdie needs to be disciplined...” the CEO said, and carried Yami away.

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

"GIVE ME BACK MY COAT YOU FUCKER!!!" Marik howled, chasing Bakura in circles around Malik and Ryou as they walked down the street heading for home to relax for a few hours before heading to work.

Malik laughed. "Bakura give him his coat before one of you two trip and fall down!" he said while Ryou watched them, and appeared to be getting dizzy from the effort. "You're making Ryou dizzy!"

Marik snarled and stopped, turning around and catching Bakura as he ran.

"OH SHIT!!!" Bakura squeaked as Marik wrapped powerful arms around him. Bakura bit Marik, and the lion yelped and let him go. Then the pair were off like a shot, running on all fours down the street for home, Marik in hot pursuit of Bakura, leaving the coat lying on the sidewalk by the bunny and fennec.

Ryou sighed and picked up the coat. "MARIK! WALK!" he shouted after, but he couldn't help but giggle. "Those two...” he said giggling. "What will we do with them?"

Malik smiled. "Let them have their fun." He said. "They've been working hard. And we should know... boys will be boys, right?"

Ryou laughed softly. "I suppose so...” He said smiling. "It's so nice to have my life back... Everyone gets along... I'm surprised you forgave Pegasus for what he did... but I'm thankful as well...” he said softly, looking down. "Thank you...”

Malik sighed. "I wouldn't say I've... forgiven him...” He said slowly, shuddering at the memory of the feeling of the man forcing himself upon Malik. "But... I know he regrets it...”

"The point is that you allow him near enough to visit me... and for that I'm thankful...” He said, giving Malik a soft lick on the cheek. "It's good to have the peace back in our lives... the calm." Ryou grinned.

Malik snickered. "I agree with the peace, but I don't know about the calm." He said, pointing up ahead. Bakura had turned and tackled Marik right back and bitten him, and now Marik was up a tree in their neighbor's yard, treed by their neighbor's dogs (a pair of rottweilers) while Bakura rolled on the ground in laughter in their own yard.

Ryou laughed slightly. "Marik!" He cooed giggling. "How'd you get stuck up there?" he said teasingly, as Malik and Bakura went into their home, Malik tugging Bakura by his tail and scolding him playfully.

"Come down and lets go inside! Dust, Tuc and Nod are waiting!"

Marik whined and clung tightly to the branch he was on. "I can't!! The dogs!!" The dogs were jumping up and down, barking at the lion in the tree, snapping at his dangling tail which Marik quickly snatched up out of reach. He roared at the dogs, which only got them more excited.

Ryou laughed softly. "Marik you're a LION, not a pussycat, if you're that scared...” Ryou put the coat down and walked into the yard. "HEY!" he said taunting the dogs. "Lookie... a BUNNY...” He cooed, hunching down to all fours and hopping slowly forward. "Lookie at the yummy yummy bunny."

The dogs seemed to cackle amongst themselves before taking the bait, now chasing the bunny hybrid around the yard.

Marik howled in distress. "RYOU!!! RYOU!! GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!" He began whimpering and climbing down the tree. He roared and charged the dogs, who turned to meet the charge. But before they clashed, there was a sudden scream from the owner of the dogs.

"GET OUT OF MY YARD YOU FILTHY MONSTER!!! DON'T YOU DARE HURT MY DOGS!!!" And she turned the garden hose onto Marik.

Ryou giggled softly, rescuing Marik from the hose just before he was soaked, "In the house hurry!" He giggled picking up the coat as they ran. Once they were safely inside, Ryou giggled, he was sopping wet. "Marik now look what you did. I'm all wet!" he grinned and shook out his hair all over Marik. "Take that you big pussycat."

Marik sighed. "Ryou... why do you always have to jump into trouble?" He asked, embracing his little lover. "Those dogs could have hurt you!"

"Because you were stuck in the tree." Ryou said calmly. "Besides... how else will I have an excuse...?”

Marik frowned. "I will NOT have you using me as an excuse to get into trouble."

Ryou laughed louder. "That wasn't what I was talking about...” He cooed, slowly unbuttoning his sopping wet shirt and letting it fall to the floor. "I was talking about...” He cooed repeating the action on his pants, and pressing against Marik, now totally nude. "This...” he said blushing softly, but grinning like a little imp.

"ooooh... now you can use me as an excuse for this ANY time... as long as it's exclusively for me...” The lion purred. "Uh oh... don't look now... but we're being watched by some very... young eyes...” Ryou turned to see the newly named Dust peeking around the doorframe at them. Marik quickly spun them around and put himself between Ryou and the baby bunny. "Stop corrupting the youth, Ryou! Oh, his innocent virgin eyes!!!"

Ryou laughed softly, making soft kissy noises. "Hello Dust...” He cooed nuzzling Marik. "Why don’t you go play with Tuc and Nod...? Marik and I have some... business to attend to." He said giggling as the bunny seemed to nod, and hop away. "I love them so much...”

Marik shook his head in amazement. "I will never be able to get over how those rabbits understand everything you say...” He said, nuzzling Ryou.

Ryou nuzzled into Marik. "It's something only a bunny can understand." He said smiling. "I'll give you a hint though... body language." he said seductively, pressing against Marik and grinning. "And I think you know what my body is saying...”

"Hmmm...” Marik mused, then snickered. "Are you cold?" He asked in a slight sing song voice, thumbing one of Ryou's erect nipples.

Ryou shivered softly. "A little... I could... use some warming up...” He mumbled, flicking his ears. "Maybe something furry... and warm... perhaps with teeth."

Marik grinned, but then looked back at the doorway. "Not you!" Tuc ducked out of sight.

Ryou laughed. "See? Now you're drawing attention because there is NO thumping to be heard. No bed rocking, so they're coming knocking."

Marik blinked, then laughed. "Well then... let's rock!" He said, and swung Ryou up into his arms, heading for the bedroom.

Ryou giggled and nuzzled into Marik. Even though they'd been together for months now, it was still exciting to initiate a little intimacy... and that brought him endless joy.

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

"Maliiiiiik...” Bakura whined. "Leggo my tail!"

Malik laughed. "Oh don’t you whine at me. You chased Marik up a tree!" he said dragging Bakura to their bedroom and tossing him onto the bed, grabbing their grooming kit and beginning to meticulously groom Bakura's tail.

Bakura curled up and crooned softly. "I did not." He sighed. "Those dogs did. You know they have that bizarre obsessive hatred of Marik. And he is such a pussy cat when he sees them! He's scared to death of them!"

Malik laughed. "Oh hush and let me work you whiner. You both looked ridiculous running down the street on all fours dressed like that." He said chuckling. "I'm surprised you didn't trip over your coat!"

Bakura snickered, then lifted his head and turned it towards the door, nose quivering. Then he smiled. "Someone is coming to welcome us home." He said, and a moment later the third baby bunny, Spunky, hopped into the room, little pink nose twitching as he identified the scents of his "mom and dad".

Malik cooed and stopped grooming Bakura to pick up the little quivering bundle of fur. "He's just what this lonely little apartment needed." He cooed smiling and placing the bunny on Bakura's tail. "It's good to come home to a greeting. He's so adorable...”

Bakura curled around to gently nuzzle the baby bunny and groom his little ears. "Hello baby...” He crooned lovingly.

Malik smiled. "You acted like an ass when they gave him to us, but you sure seem to love him now...” He said chuckling. "Are you mothering him?"

"No." Bakura said. "I'm fathering him. Mothering him is YOUR job... dear."

Malik huffed slightly. "Oh really? just because I humor you and let you have topsies doesn't mean I'm the 'girl' in this relationship." He said amusedly.

Bakura snorted and looked up at Malik. "You may not be a 'girl', but you ARE more of the mothering type than I am." He said, before nuzzling Spunky again.

"But you're the one who's loving him more than me." Malik said smirking. "Just admit it, you love that little bunny."

Bakura looked up at Malik. "I love the little bunny." He said.

Malik laughed softly and licked Bakura's cheek. "I won’t tell anyone." He said softly and scratched Spunky's head. "It's hard to believe that one of those two bunnies you and Marik had been taking care of for so long was a girl...” he said grinning as Spunky squeaked in approval, and shook his head, his oversized ears flopping from side to side, before he flipped onto his back and tried to catch Malik's finger in his paws like a kitten.

Spunky wasn't albino, though his parents were. Apparently either Tuc or Nod had come from a normal rabbit family, and had just been a fluke born albino, thus Spunky had little black party gloves. Though other from the small black paws, he was white as the snow, with brilliant red eyes. Malik had named him Spunky, because he looked like he had just traipsed around in the mud, and wanted to track it all over the house. A little trouble-maker.

Bakura smiled and curled his tail around himself and began to groom it while he watched Malik play with Spunky.

"I wonder why Nod never popped any out before now...” He said, frowning as he found yet another lady bug in his tail.

"She probably missed Ryou too much to mate with Tuc." He said, watching the bunny pounce onto Bakura's tail and begin sniffing at the ladybug, pawing it slightly.

Bakura smiled, thinking that Spunky really lived up to his name; Precious Baby and the other bunny who was still nameless as far as he knew were very quiet and timid. But Spunky was into everything.

"Anti-rabbit...” Bakura snickered, bopping Spunky on the nose with the tip of his finger.

Spunky pounced on the finger, giving it soft chews from teeth that hadn't truly developed enough to bite flesh. He had just been weaned when Ryou had given him to Bakura and Malik.

Bakura smiled and nuzzled him. "I think he's hungry." He said, looking up at Malik. "Could you get him some of those mashed peas?"

Malik grinned and got up, leaving to get said food. He returned and offered the tiny bunny his green mush. "Here you go...” He said, laughing when the bunny all but DOVE into the green, covering himself in it in his eagerness to eat.

Bakura smiled. "Awwww... told ya he was hungry." The skunk smirked, then watched the baby bunny eat his green mash. "I'm so tempted to have him sleep in the bed with us at night... but he's so tiny, we'd squash him in our sleep!" He exclaimed, glancing at the little basket bed that the bunny slept in at night in the corner of the room.

Malik nodded. "Well... he'll get big soon enough and then he can sleep with us... Until then we can put his little basket closer to the bed if you want. " Spunky made soft grunting noises, as he tried to inhale the mushy peas, his fur slowly turning green from his near wallowing in the food.

"Messy thing...” Malik said laughing. "I bet you just do it for the attention."

Bakura snickered. "Well... I guess we're facing the pleasure of giving our baby a bath." He said, flicking an ear then turning and staring at the wall when they heard a muffled growl and giggle from Marik and Ryou's bedroom. "Heh...” He slunk over and pounded on the wall. "WE HAVE ENOUGH BABY BUNNIES RUNNING AROUND MARIK, COOL YOUR LIBIDO BEFORE RYOU STARTS POPPIN' EM OUT!!!"

"FUCK YOU!!!" Came the reply from Marik.

Malik laughed. "Bakura be nice. SORRY RYOU!" He called, laughing all the more. "Unless you want them to start shouting through the wall at us during OUR sex...”

"Then I'll just tell them that we don't need advice from the peanut gallery." Bakura said with a casual shrug.

"And what about poor Spunky? It'd scare him half to death." He said, picking up the bunny who was now just playing in the goo. "I'll go give him a bath... you clean up this mess here."

Bakura made a face, but sighed and nodded. "Yeah yeah...” He picked up the little Tupperware and carried it to the kitchen, got damp paper towels and cleaned the mess from the bed. Then he went to watch Spunky get his first bath.

Malik had already filled a Tupperware bowl, and was just now placing the squirming bunny into the warm water. Spunky however, wanted nothing of it! He squeaked and made soft hissing and growling noises, squirming to get loose and have more dirty fun.

"Hold still you!" Malik said laughing as Spunky tried to hop away, his little legs flailing in the air. "It wont kill you to be clean you little brat."

Bakura snickered. "Just fill the bath tub with a few inches of water and plop him into that." He advised. "He'll have plenty of space to protest in."

"I would, but Ryou said some Stewart person said to do it this way, so they don’t get traumatized and act up for EVERY bath. I'd rather not deal with this kind of scene every time he's dirty." He said, finally wrestling the bunny into the bowl.

Spunky gave them both HEARTBROKEN looks, while Malik began washing his fur. It didn't take long before there was a dripping bunny scampering though the house, hiding from his masters, thoroughly angry.

"Well... at least he's clean...” Malik said laughing. "Too bad he refuses to let me dry him off... little brat."

Bakura snickered. "Maybe he'll come to me... since I didn't bathe him, y'know... I don't want our baby to catch cold." He picked up a towel and trotted off on all fours, searching for Spunky.

Malik laughed. "Our baby?" He called after, cleaning up the tub.

Spunky was curled up, shivering beneath Bakura's favorite chair, the leather recliner, a little wet sloppy trail of tiny paw prints and water droplets making it easy to find the little culprit.

Bakura smiled and peered under. "Hey, Spunky... awww... you look cold... did mean ol' mommy Malik give the poor wittle baby an awful ol' bath?" He cooed.

Spunky hissed at him softly, seeming to pout about his misfortune. He shivered and sneezed slightly.

Bakura smiled and snatched up the bunny, then wrapped him up in a towel and cuddled him, curling up in the middle of the living room floor and nuzzling him, before starting to rub him dry. "Is that better, baby?"

Spunky pouted nuzzled into Bakura, yawning.

Bakura smiled and continued rubbing him dry, then pulled him from the towel and began gently grooming his messy fur, crooning softly the entire time.

"And you say you're not the mother." Malik teased grinning. He curled up next to Bakura and nuzzled his back. "Spunky has your heartstrings around his little paws."

Bakura glared, but he was blushing. And when the little bunny licked his arm, his glare faded and he smiled and sighed. "Okay, okay... guilty." He admitted, and purred, nuzzling Malik. "I love you...”

Malik chuckled softly. "I won’t tell your little secret." He said softly, beginning to groom Bakura's ears. "It's safe with me...”

And the pair were content to curl up with their "baby" on the living room floor until it was time for work. Though it took a lot of coaxing from Malik to get Bakura to leave little Spunky. The pair were soon dressed, and banging on the door of Ryou and Marik's home.

"Urrrrrg...” Marik groaned, wrapping an arm around Ryou's bare waist and pulling the covers up over their heads. "I don' wanna...”

Ryou giggled softly. "We have to...” He cooed softly. "Come on...” He said getting up and sitting on the edge of the bed, stretching. "It's Yami's first day back, we have to be there to see how he takes things." He said smiling. He gently tugged Marik's ear. "C'mon… up up."

"No...” Marik moaned. Tuc hopped into the room and looked up at Ryou. He flicked an ear.

'Want me to get him out of bed?' His body language was asking Ryou.

Ryou grinned and nodded, amused. "By all means."

Tuc nodded and hopped up onto the bed and burrowed under the covers, creeping around, searching. Then, he found it; Marik's tail. Ryou watched the lump under the blankets stop moving around.

"REEEEOOOOWWAARRR!!!" Marik roared, shooting out of the bed and bolting from the room in a panic on all fours, buck naked. A moment later, Tuc's head poked out form under the blankets. He flicked an ear in a smug gesture.

Ryou laughed. "MARIK! It was just Tuc!" He giggled hurrying after him, shaking his head in amusement. "Stop! Stop! You'll trample Dust if you're not careful!"

Marik was cowering under the sofa in the living room. Bakura was still banging on the front door, and Dust was shaking, huddled into Nod's side in the bunny bed in the living room. Nod was giving Marik a disgusted look.

Ryou giggled. "Nod be nice... he didn't mean to scare Dust." He said gently tugging Marik. "come on... it's time to get dressed... you wouldn't want Tuc to make you run like a frightened pussycat again would you?"

"He BIT me!!!!" Marik whined.

"PUSSY!!" Malik shouted from the front porch. Marik glared at the door and roared, which made Dust jump and bury himself under his mother, who seemed to twitch and glare harder at Marik.

"Ryou, open up and let us in!" Bakura called.

"Just a sec! Marik's still naked!" He shouted, glaring at Marik. "Don’t roar like that. you're scaring Dust." He said crossing his arms. "Now get up and get dressed. " He huffed softly, walking into their room to get dressed himself. "Or I'll let them in to see you naked!"

Marik snorted and just walked over to the door and opened it. "Like they care if I'm naked." He called back to Ryou. "Need I remind you that Bakura and I spent nearly three years in nudity together?"

"Gods, do you have make it sound like THAT?" Bakura snickered, walking in.

Malik laughed. "Ahh, the good old days in camp gonnamissaclothesa...” He said in mock reminiscence.

Ryou giggled from the bedroom, stepping out in his playboy bunny suit, combing his hair. "Marik come on. Seto won’t be happy if you decide to skip out on work...” He said pouting. "And who will keep those frequenting drunk horny men from touching me then?"

Marik's ears immediately flattened, and he growled. Bakura smirked, watching the lion stalk back to the bedroom to get dressed.

"VERY nice, Ryou." He snickered, and winked at the bunny before going to investigate Dust and Nod in the corner.

"Be nice Bakura... little Dust is still frightened from Marik's roar." Ryou said softly, motioning to the small trembling baby bunny. "Marik needs to learn to be a little less ferocious while Dust is still a baby." He said loudly enough Marik could hear.

Malik smiled. "Aww... he's so cute...” he said stooping to pick up the small frightened bunny. "Shh... it's ok...”

Bakura smiled and reached out, petting the little thing on the top of the head with a finger.

"Dust, huh? Dust Bunny I'm guessing?" The skunk said, looking over at Ryou.

Ryou nodded. "Marik named him. It goes well with Precious baby and Spunky bunny." He said amused. "Besides, Dust seems to like his name well enough."

Malik laughed and kissed the little bunny's head. "I'm surprised at how soft they are... I never much cared for rabbits, but now I can’t get enough of the little guys...”

Bakura snickered. "You should have seen him trying to give Spunky a bath! That bunny's STILL mad!" And he turned and gave Malik a quick kiss on a cheek.

"I don't blame him." Marik said, walking in.

Ryou giggled. "Marik won’t take baths without coaxing either." He said amusedly. "But he can hardly refuse a bubble bath...” he said chuckling. "and WON’T refuse a bubble bath with me in it as well."

Malik laughed. "Bubbles? hmm...” He said giving Bakura a thoughtful look.

Bakura blinked and looked at Malik. "Uh oh...” He snickered. "Ryou, you're giving him ideas...”

"Yeah yeah... ready?" Marik asked, heading for the door.

"Yep!" Bakura said, following.

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

Steve Irwin

The Crocodile Hunter, Wildlife Warrior, Reptile Expert, Conservationist...

A Loving Husband and Father.

You were taken before your time.

We miss you.

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