The Wild

Bunny Love

Hatochiisai & Mally-chan

YAOI WARNING

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

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Chapter 1

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Ryou sighed, looking at the plants in his garden. He still didn't live in the house Marik had worked for him to live in...it was too lonesome without him. He did visit it on the weekends and clean it. Today he was focusing on the garden. It would be harvesting time soon, and some of his plants were looking a little iffy.

The bunnies all pranced around happily in the yard, enjoying the chance to play outside and nibble clover. All except Angel. She'd had her DNA tested...and was indeed not of Tuc, or Nod. She'd had her little heart broken, and though she'd gotten over the outward effects of her depression, she was still hurting inside. She merely sat in a sunny patch of grass, the light filtering through the leaves of a tree. Her ears drooped; today was the first day, in a long time, that she had allowed Ryou to put a ribbon around her neck.

She sighed softly, daring to dream of what she wanted to do, what she'd likely never do. Mutt-bunnies weren't showbunnies. But oh if she just dreamed hard enough that filtered light could be a spotlight...

Ryou sighed softly. "She's so upset at herself for not being Tuc and Nod's baby...I just don’t know what to do." he mumbled to Bakura.

Bakura glanced at Ryou. "Don't look at me, Thumper." He said. "I would have given just about anything to have NOT been my mother's kid..." He shrugged and went back inside as Malik howled for his help. Spunky and his little brother Scamper sat sunning themsleves, but Spunky had been listening to Ryou and Bakura. He sighed and got up, hopping across the yard. Scamp glanced after him, but soon went about digging a burrow.

'Your ribbon looks nice.' Spunky said to Angel, hopping over to her.

Angel jumped slightly and clicked at him. 'leave me alone!' she huffed slightly. 'I dont want your stupid sympathy or fake little compliments!' she said turning away again, bristling. She was very bitter towards all her..adoptive family. Even Tuc and Nod recieved icey comments from time to time.

Though Nod and Tuc had patience of saints with their daughter. She was just hurt and confused.

Ryou sighed. "Spunky you should leave her alone. I dont think she's ready to be talked to." he said softly, ears drooping a bit. He'd been hoping the little skunk-bunny could raise her spirits a bit with that little act of kindness...

Spunky's ears and tail drooped, and he moved closer and nuzzled her. 'You will always be my little sister.' He crooned, then slowly hopped away to amuse himself by causing trouble; he began to dig in Ryou's garden, going after a carrot.

Ryou thumped him on the head. "Spunky!" he scolded. "They're not READY to be eaten yet!" he scolded further. "Get out of my garden you little trouble-maker!

Angel turned, glaring at him. 'Get out of his garden you ugly little rat-thing! Go on! Shoo!' she clicked, hopping towards him and biting his tail harshly. 'And take your stupid sympathy with you!' she squealed furiously.

Ryou squeaked and pulled Angel off of Spunky. "Angel it's ok it's ok! I've got it..." he said hugging her and putting her on his little sun-hat, where she curled up and began basking, happily atop her new 'daddy's hat.

Spunky darted across the garden with a squeal, quite upset and startled by his little sister's attack. He ran through the open door and into the house, leaping on Malik who he had found first. "MALIK!" He cried, trying to get the boy's attentions.

Malik blinked and picked up Spunky calmly. "what's wrong little guy?" he asked scratching his ears. "You get busted for causing trouble?" He added flicking his ears amusedly.

"Spunky trouble!" Spunky announced, flicking his tail, but then pouted. "Ouch!"

Malik chuckled. "What made the ouch?" He said putting Spunky down and looking over his tail.

"Angel." Spunky pouted, curling his tail up around Malik's hand. He sighed and nuzzled Malik's hand, too. "Malik..."

Malik sighed. "Still have a crush on her Spunk?" he asked, brushing his lover's bunny slowly. "I think you should give up...she's too catty. Why dont you try that pretty little garden bunny...what's her name...oh yes! Ginger!" he said smiling. "She's a real cutie dont you think?"

Spunky turned away. "Angel." He said firmly. Bakura walked in.

"Hey Malik, where's the... oooh... can I get a tail brushing, too?" He asked, plopping down and wrapping his tail around his mate. "Hey Spunky." Spunky sighed. Bakura blinked. "Uh oh... what's he upset about?"

"Oh Angel bit him again." Malik said sighing. "He's dead set on liking Angel...but she just...is just too catty." He said flicking his ears. "Why cant she mellow. Jeeze." he grumbled. "Poor Spunk's been trying to court her for days now! She just keeps biting him and hurting his little feelings..." He added sighing. "Then he gets depressed and all I can do is try to talk him out of her..." Malik explained shaking his head. "I even tried to get him to go with Ginger! She's the prettiest garden bunny I've seen!"

Bakura sighed and looked down at Spunky, who he had slowly learned to understand.

'She's depressed. She feels like... an outcast.' Spunky said.

"She is!" Bakura announced. "She's a random bunny that was born from your mom even though she's NOT your mom's kid, and to top it all off, she's like... the ONLY rabbit around here that's not a hybrid other than the garden rabbits!" Spunky gave Bakura a cold glare.

"Bitch." He snarled.

Malik sighed. "I think Bakura's right Spunky...She's just a grouchy little bitch. Are you sure you wouldn't like Ginger? I bet she'd make a great mommy to some baby hybrid skunk-bunnies!" he said smiling. "And she's always following you around...she seems really sweet."

"Bitch!" Spunky spat, thumping his foot. Then he turned and hopped to the pet bed in the corner where he flopped down and stared at the wall.

"Ahhh... teenagers." Bakura sighed, dramatically. "and to think... once Spunky gets out of the this stage little Scamp will go into it." He kissed Malik's cheek.

Malik laughed. "Spunky...she hates EVERYONE!" he said shaking his head. "Ryou told me some of the awful things she says! She hates all her little brothers and sisters now...She calls them hybrid freaks, bites at them when they go near her!" He said sitting near the pet bed and petting Spunky. "Why do you think she'd change her mind for you? She's a lost cause...even Hunter wont play with her anymore...why would she want a hybrid bunny as a mate? She hates hybrids because she's the outcast!" He sighed. "I think you're just fighting a losing battle little guy...and you know it makes us feel bad when you're upset..."

Spunky sighed and flicked an ear. 'It makes me sad to see her sad.' He said, and Bakura translated. 'I don't like seeing her sad. She's my little sister no matter what.' Bakura sighed and nuzzled Malik.

"what do we --OW!!" He jumped and whirled. "SCAMP!!! You little....!" He dashed off after the little barking fennec bunny who was yipping delightedly as he led Bakura around the kitchen table.

Malik laughed shaking his head. "Spunk...I just dont see her liking you...besides she doesnt think of you as family...she BITES you." he said picking up the little skunk. "Look, the only person she lets touch her is Ryou...I think she's just...well I dont think she'll ever love you...I think she's got no love left in her." he explained softly.

Angel sat curled up on Ryou's hat, ears drooping, her little ribbon waving slightly in the breeze. But the sun always hit her gleamingly white fur just perfectly, making it seem to glow. No matter how hateful she acted...she always glimmered and looked as beautiful as her name...an Angel.

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Zaine smiled as he drove down the road, holding Rem's hand in his own. This was an exciting day for the woman he loved; they were one their way to finally bring Marik home from the Willow Ridge Hospital. He looked at her and smiled. "What are you thinking?" He asked.

She laughed softly. "I'm thinking it'll be everything we have to keep him calm enough to ride in here with us." She said chuckling. "And that you're going to have to carry his things out." She added matter-of-factly. "But I'm certainly proud of him... he's worked so hard...I'm glad to see him...happy again." She said leaning onto Zaine's shoulder. "Plus, thanks to my new hired help...who Rex is keeping in line." She chuckled. "I'll have more time to do some living of my own." Varon and Amelda had been given very small charges, for they were innocent of most crimes, hadn't resisted arrest, and were just generally helpful. She'd agreed to hire them on as workers for the petshop. Rex had taken an immediate intrest in them...and Varon had asked her several times if he could adopt Rex. The two were like best friends, and Amelda just made them all the funnier. They were like the three stooges at times.

"Oh I bet he's just quivering in delight... he's so darling!" she said, in her own excitement.

Zaine grinned. "I can't wait to see him lose his sanity upon seeing you." He laughed, pulling up the drive of Willow Ridge. They got out o the car and walked in. Dr. Sachiko Hinaru was waiting for them.

"Hello!" She called and walked over, shaking their hands. "Marik's things have already been picked up, courtesy of Mr. Pegasus Crawford." She said. "Marik is out in the yard, playing with his Treat Ball. I got it for him right after his birthday. I put his vitamins and stuff in there with some treats." She explained. "The ball has a hole in it, and so he rolls it around until a treat falls out and then he gobbles it up so fast he doesn't even notice that it's a vitamin or his monthly flea and tick or heartworm pill." She explained. "It's his favorite toy aside from that blasted Catnip beer bottle and his bunnies." She led the way to the yard.

Rem grinned broadly. "Marik!" She called waving at him once they'd reached the yard. "Marik sweetie! Come here!"

Dr. Hinaru chuckled. "Marik sweetie we have a surprise for you! Why don’t you bring your little ball over here and talk with us!"

Marik skidded to a stop and looked back. His eyes widened and his ears and tail perked as a massive grin spread across his face. He turned and charged after his ball, snapping up a treat that had fallen from it, and began to bat the ball back in the direction of Rem, Zaine and Dr. Hinaru, his eyes on the ground, watching for treats. He ran into Zaine's legs, he was so into watching for more treats.

"OOMPH!" He grunted, falling over and shaking his head. He looked up, blinked, then grinned. "Murrrrumph!" He exclaimed, leaping up and rubbing against Rem and Zaine's legs, prancing and shaking in his excitement; he was even rendered unable to talk. He just continued making his excited lion noises and acting like the happy lion that Rem had known long ago before everyone's world was turned upside down by a certain little bunny named Ryou.

Rem grinned. "Guess what Marik?!" she said in the excited voice. "Guess!" Oh how she LOVED doing this to him.

"MURRRRRRRUPMH!!!" Marik exclaimed, shaking violently and prancing in place. "Murrrrumph!!"

"Be careful, Rem." Zaine laughed. "He's gonna pee his pants if you get him too excited."

Rem laughed. "Who wants to go home?!" she said laughing and petting him lovingly. "I know there’s a bunny who's birthday is coming up...and a lion he'd looove to have come home!"

"RYOUUUUU!!!" Marik howled, and finally lost control. He tackled Rem to the ground and continued his excited noises as he covered her with licks and kisses and purrs and nuzzles.

Rem laughed shoving him lightly. "Marik don’t you want to go home now?!" She said laughing hard trying to get the loveable kitten off of her. "We have your stuff already packed... Ryou's waiting!"

Dr. Hinaru grinned. "Yes Marik, it's time to go home, you've done very well...you're free to go." she said smiling and bowing. "Lets just hope we don’t have any...return trips other than your weekly sessions with me, okay sweetheart?"

"Nyaooooo..." Marik mewed, turning and rubbing up against Dr. Hinaru's legs.

"I think he's thanking you for taking care of him..." Zaine chuckled, listening to Marik's loud purring as he helped Rem to her feet.

Dr. Hinaru smiled and scratched his ears. "I want you and Ryou to remember to visit me." She said smiling. "You don’t have to come back for a month or so ok sweetie? You'll have lots of fun with your bunny lover. Remember what I taught you ok? I'm trusting you to remember. Three words. Reasonable? Compromise? and Patience?" She said calmly.

"If I hear you did well on your own, we'll have a lot less to work on when you get back. " She said proudly. "Now why don’t you scoot on out to their car? I bet that little bunny is just absolutely miserable without his big tough mate to provide for him."

Marik blinked and cocked his head. "Why a month?" He asked.

"Shhhhhh!" Zaine hissed with a grin, pressing a finger against his lips. "We'll tell ya later, Simba." Marik gave him a look.

"You've been talking to Bakura." He snorted, annoyed. Zaine laughed and picked up Marik's treat ball, and Rem the large bunny plushy, while Marik picked up his little one.

Dr. Hinaru grinned. "Be good Marik!" she called after them waving, before scuttling over to break up a fight between two newer hybrids.

Rem laughed and opened up the back seat for Marik. "You're going to love it Marik... But first, we'll have to get Ryou." She said calmly. "He probably went back to his house by now...he just couldnt live without you in yours...he got too lonely waking up alone." She explained. "Though you might consider living at his house...he's got three trees in his back yard...all full of FAT squirrels." She said chuckling.

Zaine laughed. "Fat? That's an understatement! Those things are as big as damn cats!"

Marik sighed. "I wanna go home..." He said, nuzzling Rem from the back seat and purring. "Back near Bakura and Malik... I wanna live in the house I got for Ryou..." H said softly. "Do... do you think Ryou will... want to?" He asked.

Rem nodded. "I dont think he cares where he lives, as long as it's with you sweetheart." She said turning to pet him. "But I think he was too lonely to live there by himself...it had so many memories, and waking up alone every morning probably made his little heart ache." she explained. "He didn't even take his things. He slept in his father's bed every day you were gone."

She scratched his ears. "He's been working very hard...I have to tell you, I dont think he could live without you Marik sweetie...with his school, he's tuckered out every day. Pegasus can hardly get his money's worth asking him to clean. Ryou's just too tired. He's taking double the class-load to catch up to where he was."

Marik sighed and looked down. "Well, he can stop working now. First thing I'm gonna do is ask Seto for my job back." the lion said firmly. "and I'll work hard... I'll even look for a second job... So that Ryou won't have to work." He said. Zaine chuckled at Marik's determination.

Rem laughed. "You know Marik, what might be a better idea, is just working hard at your new job. If you work hard, you get promotions...with promotions come raises..." She said grinning. "With raises...comes more money to spend on things you enjoy." She added. "Like swimming pools, jacuzzi tubs,....travel..." She said grinning. "Anything in the world that you could desire!"

Marik blinked. "I doubt I could ever afford something like that, but..." He sighed and curled up in the backseat, before losing the inner battle he had been fighting. He rolled down the window and stuck his head out, joyfully roaring every now and then just to announced to people that he was passing by.

Rem shook her head as they pulled out to the beautiful two story house that was Ryou's. "Here we are sweetie." She said as Zaine parked. She got out and opened the door. "Now, remember your manners." She said calmly. "Dont scare him, he doesn't know you're here."

Zaine chuckled and got out as well, opening up the backseat. "Now you do what Rem says ok Marik? Oh and here." he said grinning and Handing Marik a velvet box. "After last time, I thought this time I'd give it to you right before you give it to him." He said grinning. Inside was a silver choker with a clasp at the back. The front had a crystal heart with a onyx and pearl yinyang. Along the silver was engraved 'I love you' on one side of the crystal heart, the other said 'My sweet Ryou'.

Zaine smirked. "Lets see anything beat THAT!" he said proudly. "It's custom made, My brother out at Kyoto made it. It's sterling silver, and the yinyang thingy has two diamonds, one of them is a BLACK diamond! This baby is one of a kind." he said puffing his chest out proudly.

Marik stared at the collar, then looked back up at Zaine. "I... I... you didn't have to..." He breathed. "I feel like I should... refuse it... even though it's not exactly for me..." He sighed, and smiled. "Thank you." and he hugged Zaine and nuzzled the man with a purr, then moved up to the front door. He sighed and raised a hand to knock, but then paused, and smiled. Finding the door unlocked, he glanced back at the car and winked before opening the door and silently slipping in.

Zaine raised his eyebrows and looked at Rem. "Uhhhh..."

Rem snickered. "Maybe we should...give them their privacy...something tells me this might get a little raunchy." She said chuckling and getting back in the car.

Ryou yawned, ears drooping. He was dead tired. Sure it was the weekend, but time stops for no man, and he'd been to class just the same. He was just now preparing enough food for his little rabbits. He groaned softly and poured himself another cup of hot tea. "Caffiene..." he mumbled squeezing in one of his lemon slices and putting in a teaspoon of sugar, beginning to stir it. He took a sip and sighed.

After a few minutes, he removed the corn cobs from the boiling water and put them on a plate, slathering them with Bushou's favorite condiment. Butter.

Marik slowly made his way through the house, and came across the bunnies in the living room. Ears shot up in all directions. Marik grinned and raised his hand pressing his finger to his lips.

"Shhhhhh..." He hissed. "Where is he?" He asked, looking at Hunter. The bunny blinked.

'Kitchen.' He replied, and Marik nodded.

"Good. Make yourself scarce, kids." He said, and watched them all glance about at each other, then all bolted off and vanished. Marik grinned, and slowly began to sniff his way to the kitchen, when Ryou called to the bunnies. The lion's eyes widened as he heart Ryou coming. He looked around and dropped, darting into the study and hiding under the desk. Ryou entered the living room, only to find the ten bunnies... gone.

Ryou frowned. "Guys come on! I'm tired! Please?" he mewled putting the bowl down. "Oh fine! When you want your dinner it's in the dining room!" he huffed his ears drooping more, even his eyes looked tired. He grumbled softly and walked from the room, down the hall, down two steps (which were completly pointless, yet somehow included in the floorplan of the house) and into the den where he sat down on the couch and sighing, pulled his bookbag over.

He took another sip of his tea. "Bloody advanced calculus..." he mumbled, his accent a bit greater than when Marik had left, likely brought about by living back in his father's home...or perhaps the taste of home in his tea.

He began taking notes and working out problems slowly.

Marik watched for a bit from the doorway, then slipped his hand in and flicked the lights out, darting out of sight immediately so Ryou wouldn't spot him.

Ryou looked up and sighed putting his books aside and standing. He walked over and flicked the lights back on and walked back to his seat, plopping down and rubbing his eyes. "Ahh..." he mumbled picking his notes up and beginning again. "I hate homework..."

Ryou froze at a scraping sound, and then, the lights flicked off again. Then, he heard footsteps behind him, and a deep breathing that was soon joined by a low growl.

Ryou whimpered. "Oh god not another trip to the infirmary..." he whined loudly. "Can’t you come back and maul me when I'm not so tired?!" he said whimpering loudly. "I mean come on! This isn't fair!"

There was a deep, low chuckle from behind the sofa, getting closer and closer. "No infirmary this time..." Came a low growl, and suddenly, Ryou was pounced and brought crashing to the floor. "Just you, me... and our home and family..." Came the deep purr, and Marik's scent filled his senses.

Ryou mewled squirming before catching the scent. "M-Marik?" he asked hopefully, leaning forward and sniffing at him meekly. "Marik!" he said joyfully hugging him tightly. "Oh god Marik! I missed you so much!" he said latching onto him and kissing him.

Marik kissed Ryou back, nearly crushing the boy against his chest. "I missed you too, Ryou..." He gasped. "Oh gods, I missed you so much. But I'm home now. And I'll take care of you. It's all gonna be the way it was. Minus the bad temper and anger management issues and what not..."

Ryou giggled and nuzzled him, littering his face with kisses. "Oh that's wonderful! This is the best birthday gift ever!" he said excitedly. "I was so lonely!"

Marik grinned. "I'm home, baby... I'm home..." He nuzzled Ryou. "And now WE can go home..." He purred. "You, and me, and all the little bunnies!"

Ryou giggled and nodded eagerly. "Well they're rather big now...but still our little family." he said nuzzling Marik. "Maybe you'll be able to help little Angel.." he said looking down. "She's been miserable..."

"Angel?" Marik asked. "Why?" Ryou sighed and explained the discovery that she wasn't Tuc and Nod's. "... oh... oh poor baby girl..." Marik mewed. "I'll see what I can do with here... but for now... I wanna see what I can do with YOU." And he moaned and rubbed against his mate.

Ryou whined softly. "Marik... I'm tiiiiiiiired." he grumbled nuzzling him. "think I could snag a nap first?" he said grinning. "And maybe a back massage?" he added thoughtfully. "and a nice mate to spoon me?"

Marik blinked, then whined. "But Ryouuuuu.... It's been nearly six months! I'm tired of jerking off and humping pillows!!!"

Ryou laughed. "But Marrrrrrrrrrrik!" he whined back at him. "I'm tired of only getting 5 hours of sleep and constantly working!" he mewled. "Besides, if I'm too tired to move I'd just be a warm pillow!"

Marik whimpered. "But you don't HAVE to work anymore!" He told Ryou. "I will work! I will get my job back and I will work so YOU can concentrate on school!"

Ryou smiled. "Well that's very sweet of you, but that still doesn't make me not tired now!" he said laughing softly. "Let me take a nap, and I'll let you hump me until you and I both cant walk for a week!" he said giggling.

Marik blinked, then smiled. "Okay. On one condition..." He stood, scooping Ryou up into his arms. "We take that nap and do that humping at home." And he purred and nuzzled Ryou. "Curled up in front of the fire place."

Ryou nodded yawning. "ok, but you're carrying me." he said smirking. "And the bunnies, and my books and bag." he added teasingly.

MArik grinned and dropped Ryou onto the sofa and gathered his thingsinto the backpack which he slung onto his back. Then he scopped Ryou up again and walked into the hall where the light allowed Ryou to see that Marik was wearing his 'Don't fuck with me.' t-shirt and spiked leather collars and wristbands. the lion turned and flicked an ear, then roared a call to Hunter, who translated the message to all the other bunnies.

'We're going home!!!' And then, Rem and Zaine looked up as the front door opened and ten bunnies came pouring out followed a moment later by Marik, grinning and nuzzling Ryou in his arms. Zaine grinned and looked at Rem, kissing her hand.

Ryou laughed. "Marik! I just cooked them dinner!" he howled amusedly. "you wouldn't mind grabbing it would you?" he asked nuzzling his lover and licking his cheek. "And your shirt says not to fuck with you...does that mean I'm off the hook?" he teased curling up in his mate's strong arms and yawning happily. "mmm so warm..." he mewled starting to doze before Marik could respond.

Rem smiled. "Aww look how happy he is.." she cooed.

Zaine chuckled. "Looks like you'll have to wait to get that tail...heh but I bet it'll be the best tail you'll get in years!" he cheered, clapping. Rem helped the bunnies into the car, but blinked when Angel clicked at her. 'dont touch me!' she grumbled furiously, watching Marik carry Ryou. 'daddy!'

Marik smiled and lay Ryou in the back seat, then knelt. "Hello, Angel." He said softly, slowly reaching out to her, but not touching her. "How's my little princess doin, hmm?" Tuc and Nod watched, hopefully.

She looked him over for a moment. 'Lunkhead.' she said looking away snidely, before hopping into the car herself, skittering up into the seat and curling up in the crook of Ryou's neck. 'daddy...' she mewled, licking his cheek.

Nod sighed. 'Oh Tuc...' she said softly, looking down. 'I'm starting to think she hates us...'

Marik blinked, then sighed and slowly got in, letting Tuc, Nod and Hunter sit in his lap while Sugar the sugar glider scampered up to his head and made a nest in his mane. Marik sighed and looked down at little Angel. "what's wrong, precious?" He asked her, reaching to pet her on the head as Zaine pulled away from the curb.

Angel clicked at him. 'leave me alone!' she said warningly. 'Dont touch!' she said harshly, turning back to Ryou and nuzzling him. 'c'mon dad...wake up.'

Nod's ears drooped and she sighed. 'She's been like this since she found out...she acts cold to all of us...except Ryou...Poor Spunky's been trying to court her, but she keeps biting him...' she explained, as Hunter translated for her.

Marik winced, then frowned and before Angel could do anything, he snatched her up by the loose skin on the back of her neck and held her at eye level. "What on earth is your problem, Angel?" He asked, frowning, Hunter translating. "there is no reason for you to act like this! What do you want?!"

Angel snapped at him. 'Put me down!' she clicked. 'Dont touch me!'

Nod winced and buried her face in Tuc's fur.

"I will NOT put you down and I will not tolerate your attitude, missy!" Marik said in an authoritative tone, and Rem and Zaine were fighting not to laugh as he scolded the bunny. "Blood relatives or not, Tuc and Nod are you mom and dad and all these bunnies are your brothers and sisters and you have no right to treat them like this!"

Angel flicked an ear. 'No they're not.' she said calmly. 'And if they'd just leave me alone, I'd leave them alone. It's their own fault if they come bother ME.' she added snidely.

"They are your family!" Marik snarled. "You can't just shut them out! Ryou may have let you get away with this behavior, but I won't!"

Angel gave him a stubborn look. 'oh really? If you want to stop me you'll have to kill me.' she said plainly. 'because that's the only thing that will stop me. Go ahead. EAT ME!' she clicked at him, ears back 'C'mon lionboy! EAT ME!' she squealed furiously.

Marik roared at her, then popped her head into his mouth and growled, sitting there with his arms crossed, Angel dangling from his mouth. A moment later, he spat the shocked bunny out onto the seat of the car, and glared at her.

Angel glared back, furiously. 'sissy.' she said clicking at him. 'cant even eat properly.' she added turning her back on him.

Marik snarled and gave her a firm swat to the bottom. "You watch that attitude, little lady. You're not as bad ass as you think you are."

Angel flicked her ears and glared at him. 'more badass than you are lunkhead' She said and nipped him on the hand.

"You are grounded, little girl!" Marik said firmly, then pet Tuc and Nod. "Your poor mom and dad..."

'Good to have the lunkhead back.' Tuc said, closing his eyes and enjoying the petting.

Angel rolled her eyes. 'I dont do anything to ground me from you idiot.' she said waving him off with her ears. 'god you're an idiot...you're worse than that idiot lionbunny.' she grumbled hopping back to curl up in the crook of Ryou's neck.

Nod sighed. 'there's just no getting to her. she's a little ice princess...' she mumbled nuzzling Marik. 'but I'm glad to see you.'

Marik purred and nuzzled Tuc and Nod. "ahhh... if it isn't my breakast from a year ago--ouch! Jeeze, Nod, it was a joke!!!"

Nod clicked at him. 'watch it buddy...I can be catty too.' she said giving him a warning look. 'no eating my family.'

Marik chuckled and gave her a long lick up her forehead, then leaned over into the front seat and gave Rem a long lick up the cheek.

Rem chuckled as they pulled up to the duplex. "Welcome home Marik." she said handing him his keys. "Why dont you go on in." She added smiling. "I think the cat tree is in your livingroom." She added chuckling as lion, and bunnies piled out.

Angel didn't bother going after them into the house. She hopped around the side of the house, and into the back yard. Once again she plopped down in her sunny patch, under her imagined spotlight and sighed, laying in the dirt. Her ribbon crooked and falling off, and her fur dried funny from Marik's spit. She sniffled softly, and if bunnies could cry, she'd be. 'I wanted to be a show bunny...not an ugly old muttbunny...' she mumbled looking down. 'stupid parents...' she grumbled.

She didn't notice Spunky had been in the bushes near where she had settled, but he had noticed her. He slowly hopped over to her.

'You're not ugly.' He said softly, nuzzling her. 'Or a mutt. You're the only one of us who isn't a mutt, other than mom and dad and Precious... but he's fat. You're beautiful.' Spunky said. 'You look like a show bunny.'

Angel's ears bristled. 'how many times do I have to shoot you down before you knock it off?!' she said glaring at him. 'I'm NOT interested.' she huffed. 'I'm your 'little sister' anyway!' she said mocking him. 'Why dont you go play with Ginger, she's obsessed with you and your furry hide.' she added looking away sadly.

She felt bad for being cruel to him, since he'd been only nice to her, but he just...wasn't her type. He was a hybrid, a SKUNK and not the type of bunny she'd ever even pretended to imagine hitching up with...she'd always dreamt of a dark cassanova bunny...with dark fur, and seductive eyes, and a taste for romance. Spunky was...not any of that. He was dark..in places, but he didn't have a romantic bone in his body, and his eyes didn't ever look seductive, or longing.

But Spunky didn't back down. 'You are my little sister. And I will always be here for you. No matter how many times you bite me.' He said, beginning to groom the fur on her head back to decency. 'Who messed up your fur?'

She snapped at him, clicking. 'Back off skunkface!' she said glaring and batting at him with her paws, her back bristling as well now. 'it was that idiot lunkhead...now LEAVE ME ALONE!' she squealed lunging at him slightly. 'Go play with your daddy or something!' She growled at him one more time, before laying back down in the dirt. 'stupid skunk.'

Spunky sighed and his ears and tail drooped. 'Okay... I'll let you alone...' And he slowly turnedand hopped away to alert Bakura and Malik to Marik's return. He hopped inside and into the bedroom where the pair was napping. He leapt onto the bed and nipped their ears waking them. "Daddy! Malik!"

Malik grunted and sighed. "Hey Spunky..." he grumbled sitting up. "Why're you waking us up? You know it's nap time, what are YOU doing up?" he added giving him a fatherly look.

"Angel." Spunky said simply, but then hopped up and down, squeaking.

"What? did you get laid?" Bakura asked, watching him. Spunky gave Bakura a look.

"Lunkhead!"

Malik laughed. "I'm telling you Spunk, she's a lost cause." Malik said yawning. "Just give up already! That Ginger girl's pracitcally spreading her little bunny legs for you, the tail'd be easier to get." he added chuckling.

Spunky growled and pounced on Malik, biting him. "Lunkhead!" He said again, and Bakura laughed and pointed at Malik.

"Hah! You're a lunkhead!" Spunky bit his finger. "OW!!"

Malik snickered. "Oh and looks like you are too." he chuckled smirking. "C'mon Spunk, why dont you go say hi to Ginger?" he said pointing outside, the tan rabbit nosing around in the garden. "She's out...I bet she's looking for you." he said in a sing-song voice. " 'oh spunky! I love you so much please be my bunny mate! I can have lots of babies! I'm good in bed too!' ." Malik teased snickering.

Spunky thumped his foot and sat up on his hind legs batting Malik in the face with his paws, causing the boy to howl, thrash, and fall to the floor. Spunky looked down at Malik, then pounced and started doing it again. Bakura was howling with laughter.

Malik plucked Spunky off and tossed him at Bakura, darting across the room. "damn it! Dont DO that!" he howled, ears back. "you KNOW I hate that!" he grumbled wrinkling his nose and looking out the back door. "Jeeze. Is she REALLY that awful?" he asked blinking. "Oh...hello what's this?" he said raising an eyebrow. "well...looks like Ryou's garden has attracted another bunny..." he said chuckling. "Big black one...."

Spunky frowned. "LUNKHEAD!!!!" He squeaked as loud as he could, and Bakura laughed.

"He's still mad at you Malik!" He teased. Spunky growned in frustration.

"LUNKHEAD!! HUNTER LUNKHEAD!!!" He cried, and Scamp gave an annoyed howl from his pet bed in the corner.

Malik chuckled. "Ohh...." He said realizing suddenly. "I think Marik's back!" he said grinning, and running from the room, still in his boxers. He was out the front door in an instant, and in Marik's side just as quick. "MARIK!" he called listening for the sounds of his friend. "Marik you home?!"

Bakura followed, Spunky hopping at his heels and Scamp, well... scampering after.

"Hey! SIMBA!!! Where are you?!"

"SHHHHHHHH!!!" Came the hiss from the hall, and then Marik emerged. "Ryou's napping!"

"MARIK!!!" Bakura exclaimed, and pounced. Both hybrids went crashing to the floor and were soon going through their old ritual of purring and crooning and licking and nuzzling and chasing each other around in a game of tackle tag. Spunky, Scamp, and the other bunnies watched.

Malik laughed shaking his head. "Oh Marik it's great to see you!" he said tackling him and hugging him. "We've missed you!" he added softly, motioning for Bakura to quiet down. "So...Ryou's napping? I thought you two'd be fucking by now." he said chuckling.

"He's too tired with work and school." Marik said with a grin and a purr. "So I'm letting him nap before I fuck him like an animal." He snickered, then spotted Spunky and Scamp. "Spunky!!! And... and... YOU!!!" He scooped up and pair and nuzzled them.

Scamp blinked and chittered in laughter. He wrinkled his nose 'scuse me!' he squeaked and nosed out the back door, he needed a bush-break. He grinned and planted himself infront of the shrubbery and lifted his leg...

Meanwhile the new black bunny hopped through the yard calmly, looking around. His ears shot up, when he caught sight of Angel though.

'well Hello there!' he said hopping over and sitting near her. 'what's a cute thing like you doing outside laying in the dirt? You're too pretty to get dirty.' he cooed licking her cheek in a very friendly way.

Angel blinked a bit surprised. 'who wants to know?' she grumbled grouchily. The black bunny blinked his brilliant blue eyes and scratched his ears.

'Name's Secret. Yours?' he asked hopefully.

Scamper's ears shot up as he was burying his little...surprises for Ryou and ran back into the house. 'Spunky! Spunky!' he squealed skidding across the floor and thunking into the wall in his attempts to stop. 'ow...'

Spunky blinked and looked at Scamp, who proceeded to rattle off what he had just seen in the backyard. Spunky's ears shot up and his tail bristeled, and to the confusion of Malik, Marik and Bakura alike, he took off towards the back yard in a full battle charge. He headed straight for this Secret fellow and rammed into him, sending them both tumbling. Then he hopped up and began beating on his face with his paws. 'STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER!!!' He all but howled, growling and clicking furiously.

Secret clicked and lunged forward, biting him on the tail and running forward, successfully dragging Spunky through the dirt. One thing the garden bunnies boasted, was the ability to fend for themselves. He stopped and hopped onto Spunky's back and began digging into him with his little claws, as though he were trying to burrow through him. 'Jeeze man what's yer problem!? Angel and I were just TALKING!' he clicked hopping off once he was sure he'd thrashed Spunky.

He kicked dirt onto Spunky and hopped back over to Angel. 'Sorry...Jeeze he's pushy. Big overprotective brother?' he asked. Angel flicked her ears and sat up, looking between the two.

'wow, you thrashed him!' she said in awe.

Secret chittered a laugh. 'Pushover.' he said puffing out his chest proudly. 'Bunnies in my family are all born tough. No foxes take US for a midnight snack.'

Angel tilted her head to the side, flicking her ears in slight interest. 'Really now?' she said, looking back to Spunky.

Spunky slowly got to his feet and growled, raising his large tail in a threatening manner. 'You're not welcome here!' He clicked at Secret. 'There will be no play boy bunnies in THIS yard!!!' (pun intended)

Secret flicked his ears and gave Spunky a bored look. 'Right...' he said chittering a chuckle. 'I see, you're JEALOUS.' he added beginning to groom his ears. 'Why would a beautiful bunny like Angel here, ever want something ugly and freakish like YOU for a mate?' Secret reasoned. 'What are you supposed to be? A skunk? Nature's stink hole? Get a clue scraggly butt. She doesn't even seem remotely interested.' he said, looking to Angel, who was glaring at Spunky.

'Where's your manners?! Daddy Ryou says that ALL bunnies are welcome here!' she said, thumping her foot. 'Secret's just as welcome here as I am!'

'I am not gonna sit by and watch some freaky giant hit on my baby sister right in front of me! And that goes for Sugar, Skitter, Sparkle and Xanga, too!!!' He clicked, thumping.

Secret rolled his eyes and shook his head. 'You're the only freak around here you stinky piece of rotten carrot!' Secret said sitting up tall, thumping his own foot. He lunged forward suddenly and bit Spunky on the paw, turning and forcing Spunky to be swung/drug through the dirt before he jumped on his stomach this time, beginning to burrow into him once more.

Angel stared caught between shock...and awe. At least Spunky'd be leaving her alone now...

Secret clicked furiously. 'Back off! You're just a horny little freak of nature! She'd never want some THING as ugly and stinky as you! You're a pathetic excuse for a mate! A lady like her needs a mate who can provide for her! Who can PROTECT her! You cant even protect yourself!' With that, the black bunny hopped off and kicked more dirt onto Spunky. He hopped away, before turning back around and tackling him once more, biting him several times in quick succession.

Spunky squealed and tried to kick Secret off, but Secret was a large rabbit, three times Spunky's size, and nearly four times the size of Angel. Spunky didn't stand a chance. He bit down on Secret's ear and held on, pawing at his face and kicking at his body.

Secret clicked furiously and slammed a paw down on Spunky's neck. 'Let go.' he said coldly, pressing harder, cutting off the little skunk-bunny's air supply.

Scamp squealed in fright. 'DAD!' he shrieked skittering back and once again slamming into the wall. 'DAD! DAD! SPUNKY!' he barked hopping up and down with the force of his little barks.

Malik's ears shot up. "Bakura! Scamp says Spunky's gettin his ass kicked!" He blurted shoving off of Marik and hurrying outside, eyes widening. That black rabbit...was a LOT bigger up close. "HOLY SHIT! Bakura come look at this!"

Bakura and Marik charged out back and froze.

"Holy shit, that's a... What IS that?!" Marik blurted.

"A rabbit!" Bakura gasped.

"That's a RABBIT?! That's the biggest fuckin rabbit I've ever seen! He's bigger than Bushou!" The lion squeaked, but Bakura charged.

"SPUNKY!!!" He shouted, and a moment later Marik roared and sprang after Bakura, head butting Secret and sending him flying. Bakura scooped up Spunky and cradled him, and Marik plucked Angel up by the scruff of the neck.

Secret clicked at them but huffed aggrivatedly and hopped off through the garden bunny exit.

Angel glared at Marik, flicking her ears. 'Dont look at me, I didn't do a thing.' she said beginning to groom in his grip.

Malik looked over Bakura's shoulder. "Oh Ra spunky! Why on EARTH were you fighting with that mammoth thing!? He could have killed you!"

Marik laid Angel and down in the clover and sniffed her over with a croon. "Are you okay, princess?" He asked. "Did he hurt you?"

"Oh, Spunky..." Bakura cooed. "Malik, could you call Dr. Inogawa and ask him if he can drop by when he has a moment?"

Malik nodded and hurried into the house.

Scamp whimpered and squealed. 'Spunky! Spunky! Are you ok? That black rabbit OWNED you!' he yapped, hopping up and down trying to jump high enough to see, looking like an overexcited puppy.

Angel flicked her ears at Marik. 'I'm fine. I kinda liked that black bunny. Did you see how HUGE he was?! He had the prettiest blue eyes too...' she said tilting her head to the side and beginning to groom again. 'he said I was pretty...'

Marik blinked and whimpered. "I have GOT to learn this crazy rabbit language!!!" He whined, but then lay down and curled up around Angel. "My little princess... I missed you... You've gotten so pretty..." He smiled and straightened her bow that was starting to come untied.

Angel puffed up proudly. 'He called ME pretty!' she said proudly, turning and licking Marik on the nose. 'I'm not ugly! I'm not just another stupid little mutt-freak!' she chittered excitedly. 'oh maybe if I clean up a lot better than I ever have I could be a show bunny!'

Ryou stumbled out of Marik and his' side of the duplex. "What's all the commotion?" he mumbled tripping and stumbling over the pajama pants he was wearing...which were Marik's. He squeaked and managed to not topple over, before shaking his head and stopping to once again roll up the cuffs. "Need...to sew these..." he mumbled walking over to Marik and plopping down, nuzzling him.

Marik purred loudly and nuzzled Ryou back. "There was a HUGE black rabbit out here, Ryou! He was attacking Spunky. Beat him up real bad. Bakura and Malik are taking care of him and have called Inogawa to take a look at him. I don't think he hurt Angel, though." He lowered his head and nuzzled her gently with a purr.

Ryou nuzzled into Marik and yawned. "Huge? How huge? Like Bushou?" he asked sniffing at his lover's hair.

Malik hurried out to Bakura. "He said he's on his way. He was headed out here anyway." He said proudly. "Aww Spunky..." he cooed, licking the little bunny's cheek. "No more fighting with bigger bunnies ok little guy? You're not really...the fighter type. That's Hunter's job."

Spunky whimpered and remained cuddled into Bakura's chest. "Angel." He said softly, and Bakura blinked.

"What?"

'She... liked him...' Spunky said and Bakura's eyes widened.

"Ohhh... Spunky says that Angel liked that rabbit." He blinked and looked down at Spunky again for the moment. "He attakced that guy cuz he saw him putting the moves on Angel."

Ryou plucked up Angel. "Did you finally find a cute little bunny lover?" he cooed at her. "Maybe that'll soften you up a little." he said smiling and nuzzling her.

Angel squeaked and licked his nose. 'he said I was PRETTY! I'm not a mutt! I'm not Ugly! He said I was PRETTY!' she squeaked and chittered gleefully.

Ryou laughed. "I've been telling you you're pretty for weeks you little tease. What? You dont believe me, but you'll believe a total stranger?"

Angel nodded. 'Total strangers are more honest. He didn't know anything about me being a mutt! He thought I was pretty!'

Ryou laughed. "Brat..." he cooed rubbing noses with her and setting her on Marik's head, where she began nibbling his hair. "She says the new bunny said she was pretty...she sounds pretty enthralled." he said proudly. "It's good to hear that she's made a friend...she's been so solitary lately I was worried."

Marik smiled. "She IS pretty! One of the prettiest bunnies I've ever seen! If I were a rabbit, I would go so far as to say she was hot a sexy! But I'm not a rabbit so I won't say that." He said, laying his head down in Ryou's lap with a purr.

Ryou chuckled. "But you'll mate with one. Aren't I sexy?" he teased yawning and licking Marik's cheek.

"I heard there was...a bunny fight?" Dr. Inogawa said at the back gate. "Mind if I come in?" he asked chuckling. Ryou grinned. "Come on in!" He said as Malik and Bakura turned.

Dr.Inogawa nodded coming in, locking the gate behind him. "Rabbit fights...not something I've witnessed often..." He said strolling over and looking at Spunky, who was in Bakura's arms. "Hmm..." He put down his bag and took the little bunny from Bakura. "Hello Spunky...now why were you fighting with another bunny?" he asked, as he moved each of Spunky's legs slowly, looking for breaks.

"Ouch!" Spunky squeaked when the man turned him onto his back to look at his scratched up tummy, and the bunny nipped Inogawa's fingers and tucked his tail up to protect his aching belly. Marik got up and padded over, Angel still in his hair.

Dr. Inogawa frowned. "Now Spunky, I cant make it not an ouch, if you dont let me look at your tummy." he said calmly. "Now put that tail down so I can see the damage." he said sternly.

Ryou whined loudly, having lost his warm fuzzy Marik-pillow. "Marik! I was using you!" he whined sitting up and grumbling.

"NO!" Spunky yelped, and Bakura sighed and grabbed his little tail, pulling it out of the way. "DADDY NO!!!" Spunky squealed, squirming.

Marik turned and licked Ryou's cheek, then purred and nuzzled him, flopping down and pulling Ryou close.

Ryou grinned and nuzzled into him again. "It's good to have my mate back..." he cooed smiling.

Dr. Inogawa frowned. "My goodness...he really tore poor Spunky up...I'm surprised he didn't manage to string the poor thing's innards across the lawn!" Dr. Inogawa said, looking at the torn flesh, and red-stained fur. He opened his bag and pulled out a spray bottle and cloth, gently spraying water onto the wound and cleaning it as best he could. Once he finished, he put the cloth and bottle aside, and pulled out a jar full of green balm. He scooped up a healthy handful and rubbed it over Spunky's tummy. "It'll sting for a minute, then the ouch wont be an ouch anymore."

He pulled out some bandages and wrapped Spunky up, after repeating the process for his back. "There you go little guy...how's that?"

"OUCH!" Spunky whined, and curled up into Bakura's chest when the skunk took him back. "Ouch, daddy..."

"I know, baby." Bakura said, kissing Spunky on the head. Then, Inogawa turned onto Marik. After all... he hadn't seen Marik in about five months. And Marik was overdue for his annual checkup...

He grinned slightly. "Well Hello Marik...it's good to see you out and among the living." He said scratching Marik's ears. "Oh yes, I was headed this way, because I've got important news. You're all due for checkups on the 1st." He said calmly. "I've already set time aside time to see everyone at that time. I expect to see you in my office at nine in the morning on the first." He said firmly. "Do not be late."

Ryou whined. "If you stick that thermometer where it doesn't belong one more time so help me..." he clicked, ears bristling.

Marik laughed and turned, nuzzling him. "I'll just have to losen you up so you won't even notice it..." He snickered, and Inogawa rolled his eyes, not ever wanting to hear something like THAT!

"Well...as nice as that was, I've got to head on out...the Kaiba family needs to hear the same announcement." he said calmly. "nine on the first. do not forget." he said picking up his bag and packing it up, tossing the cloth in the trash as he exited.

Ryou nipped at Marik flicking his ears. "You'll do no such thing." he huffed wrinkling his nose. "perverted lion..." he mumbled kissing Marik's cheek.

Angel squeaked eagerly, hopping up and down. 'bath time! Bath time!'

Marik laughed and caught her in his paws. "I caught that one!" He laughed, looking at Ryou. "She wants a bath!" He flopped Angel down onto the ground and began to tickle her belly. "Does my little princess want a bath? Huh? Huh?!"

Angel squeaked indignantly and squirmed. 'off! off! You're getting me all dirty!' she squeaked squirming.

Ryou laughed and rescued Angel. "Stop tormenting her you big goof..." he cooed nuzzling Marik. "I suppose I'll give her a bath..." he said shaking his head. "But after this, you're mommy for a week...I REALLY need to take a break." he grumbled standing and carrying an eager little brown bunny inside, to clean the dirt from and transform her back to her gleamingly white self.

Xanga trotted out looking displeased. 'baths.' she mewed grumbling. She blinked and stopped at the sight of her favorite brother in bandages. 'Spunky! Oh wow, what happened to you?!' she blurted, sniffing him. 'ew...what stinks?' she added wrinkling her nose and mewing in disgust. 'you smell like...old people!'

Spunky sighed and drooped, laying his head down on the clover where Bakura had placed him.

'I got my ass handed to me, that's what happened to me. And then the Doc made me smell.' He grumped.

Xanga mewed and scratched her ears. ‘Why? Were you fighting with Hunter again?’ She cooed, beginning to lick her little paws, cleaning her sharp little claws. ‘You know he's a better fighter than you, I dont see why you try.’

'No, I wasn't fighting with Hunter. It was a rabbit five times my size!' Spunky exaggerated.

Xanga's ears perked. 'Five times your size?...mmm I bet he'd be fun to fight! I'll have to tell Hunter. We've gotten bored fighting with each other...it's always a tie!' She purred licking his cheek. 'Fighting a GIANT could be just the thing to hone our hunting skills!' she added roaring cutely. 'Which way'd he go!? Oh maybe I can track him down!'

Marik cocked his head at the little tiger bunny.

"Xanga, come here." He chuckled. "Lemme see your best pounce!" He waved the tuft of his tail around.

Xanga mewed softly. 'now you know I wont catch it if you know I'm coming.' she said sauntering closer to him and flicking her tail. 'you'd have pleanty of time to yank it away.' she added flicking her ears and purring.

"No I won't." Marik said. "I wanna see your best pounce!" He said, and Bakura shook his head and scooped up Spunky, carrying him inside while a hyper active Scamp charged around a tree in the corner of the yard over and over and over and over again, yipping.

Xanga mewed once more. 'you missed it.' she said seeming to snicker. She lifted her paw from his tail and grinned at him sneakily. 'I don’t pounce unless I need to...' she added flicking her little tail. 'It messes my fur.'

Marik laughed. "You are SUCH a little girl." He said, smacking her down with a paw and nuzzling her. "I gotcha!"

Xanga mewed and swatted at him with her paws, careful not to claw him. 'Bratty!' she mao-ed at him 'You made me dirty! You'd better be prepared to groom me now!' she huffed, swatting him again. 'horrible daddy.'

Marik grinned and pulled her over to him, behinning to groom her. "Of course I'll groom my little girl." He purred, smiling when he saw Tuc and Nod hop out into the backyard to investigate.

Nod hopped over and nuzzled Marik. 'it's good to see you're getting along with our little ones...' she squeaked, standing up slightly to check on Xanga while Marik groomed her. 'You ok sweetie?'

Xanga purred. 'mmhmm, I'm just gettin a bath.' she mewed rolling onto her side so Marik could get it better. 'He's got such a big tongue I could be done in seconds!' she added amusedly.

Marik choked on his own tongue and laughed. "Nice to know, baby!" He laughed, then playfully tackled Nod. "Maybe I'll groom your mom next. Hey sexy..." He purred, and licked Nod's cheek. "You have gorgeous babies. They've all grown up so well."

Nod chittered amusedly. 'Watch yourself lunkhead, you'll make Tuc jealous with all that sweet talk.' she said licking his cheek. 'It's great to have you back...Ryou's been working himself ragged to take care of all of us...there's more bunnies than he can handle alone... some nights he wouldn't get to bed until past midnight!' she explained squeaking. 'He woke up every day before the sun was even all the way up as well...He was superbunny!'

Marik blinked and laughed, but was esctatic that he had understood all of that. "Ryou loves you very much. But now I'm here to help him. He'll be able to relax. But right now, I have some wood I need him to take care of, if you know what I mean..." He winked at Nod. "and let's hope he doesn't start poppin' em out or we'll have to move to a Rabbit Ranch!"

Nod squeaked loudly. 'if he starts poppin em out, I'm moving.' she said clicking. 'That's just too bizzarre for me'

Xanga mewed. 'You're a nasty nasty daddy!' she said laughing. 'GO get him!'

Marik laughed loudly. "Nice to have my own cheerleading section." He called over his shoulder, trotting into the house and beginning the hunt...

The house was silent, save the squishing as Angel hopped past, still sopping wet, but quite happy about it. 'Oh I'm pretty! I'm soooo pretty!' she squeaked as she squish-hopped past.

Marik laughed and pounced catching her. "Uh oh!!! The beast has caught the beauty!!!" He called, running for the bathroom to find the brush and hair dryer.

She squeaked. 'heeey!' she squirmed. 'put me down!' she said squirming more. 'no fair!'

"C'mon Ryou!" Marik roared. "The show bunny must be ready!!!" And he turned the blow dryer onto her, fluffing her wet fur with a brush.

However, there was no response from Ryou, the house remained absolutely silent. Angel snapped playfully at the air being blown at her. 'mmm waaarrrmmm'

Marik grinned and decided that fucking Ryou could wait; the Primadonna was getting groomed. He brushed her out all over. "Lemme see your tummy, princess." Marik said with a smile.

Angel sat up straight, sitting on only her hind legs. 'I cant believe he thought I was pretty...' she squeaked covering her eyes with her little paws. 'Maybe he'll come back soon...oh I hope so...' she added as Marik dried her tummy. 'He was kinda cute too...those big blue eyes...'

"I think you're pretty." Marik said with a smile, turning off the blow drier and picking her up, kissing her little pink nose. "So do your mom and dad. Where does Ryou keep your ribbons, princess?"

'top left drawer.' she said licking his nose in return. 'I want the shimmery silver one!'

Marik chuckled and sat her down on the counter, lifting out the bow she had wanted. He tied it around her neck, then picked up a bottle of perfume and gave her a small squirt. "There you go, gorgeous. Satisfied?"

Angel squeaked delightedly and darted back outside, her fur gleaming in the sunlight. She pranced around, being exceptionally careful not to get muddy. 'Secret! Secret?! Look! Look!' she squealed hopefully, wanting to be seen at her absolute most beautiful state possible.

And while Angel went in search of her admirer, Marik went in search of his mate... He stalked back to the bedroom, shedding his clothes as he went, and by the time he got there, he was as naked as the day he and Ryou met.

However, Ryou was completly vanished... the room silent, save for the snoring of Bushou, who was snoozing contently on the bed, cuddling a piece of bamboo.

Marik slowly turned and moved out to the living room, where many of the babies were playing in and on and around Marik's kitty play house.

Though there was still no sign of the lost white rabbit Ryou. Skitter romped over and squeaked at him. 'hi!'

"Hey kid." Marik said. "where's Ryou?"

Skitter looked thoughtful. 'Lift me up on top of the bookcase, and I'll tell you' She said flicking her ears a bit.

Marik sighed and rolled his eyes, but scooped her up and placed her on top of the book case.

She smiled, and began climbing up the wall and across the ceiling, taking her place on the lightfixture and wrapping her wings around herself, hanging upside down… Nap time.

Marik cocked an ear and an eyebrow. "Where is Ryou?" He asked her.

'hiding.' she squeaked in reply, and yawned. 'sleep well!'

Marik blinked then sighed and shook his head, dropping to all fours and beginning to sniff aorund for Ryou, looking in his kitty play house, first.

Inside, Sugar, Sparkle and Hunter were taking advantage of the warm milk dispenser. 'mmmm!' Hunter mewed, discovering the cool cream. 'Yum!'

"Hey now!!" Marik laughed, pushing them away. "that's daddy's! Not for babies! You have your own milk dispenser! She's in the back yard, so hop!"

Hunter squirmed back into the kitty play house. 'MINE!' he roared dominantly, lapping at the cream dispenser again.

Marik roared playfully. "Nuh uh!" He called, pinning Hunter down. "this is mine!"

Hunter squealed and roared back. 'mine!' he huffed, trying to lap at the dispenser again, from where he was laying. 'want....more....uuuugh!' he mewed stretching desperatly.

Marik chuckled, and moved a small slat down into place like a door, closing off the dispenser so the bunnies couldn't get to it. Then we went in search of his mate, checking the kitchen.

Xanga was in the kitchen, batting Marik's treat ball around eagerly, snatching up treats whenever they fell.

"Hey hey hey!" Marik yelped, picking it up. "Sweetie, no... that's daddy's. That's where daddy keeps his medicine. If you ate daddy's medicine you could get REALLY sick... so leave this alone, okay?" He said, petting her.

Xanga mewled and poked her head into the hole, snatching out a small kitty treat. 'fine fine...daddy gets ALL the fun toys...' she grunted softly, chewing the treat contently.

Marik sighed and stuck his ball in a high cabinet. "I'll get you some special toys. I'll even get you a treat ball, but we leave daddy's alone, k?"

Xanga nodded chewing her treat. 'ok.' she mewed nuzzling his leg.

"Have you seen Ryou?" He asked her.

She nodded flicking her ears. 'he went outside.' she said calmly.

Marik sighed and rolled his eyes, walking out into the backyard.

Though the only visable thing in the backyard, was Angel, hopping around the back fence, looking for her dark cassanova.

Marik frowned and pouted. "Angel, princess... have you seen Ryou?" He called.

Angel turned and blinked. '...well yes...why?'

"I'm lookin' for him. Where is he?" Marik called.

Angel seemed to giggle. 'behind you.' she said flicking her ears.

Marik whirled.

Ryou grinned impishly, and giggled. "Bath time." he cooed, spraying Marik with the garden hose suddenly.

"AAAACKPTH!!!" Marik yelped, stumbling away and falling flat on his naked ass in the middle of the lettuce in Ryou's garden.

Ryou continued spraying him down, his thumb over the nozzle of the hose the water spritzing out like a shower. "GOTCHA!" Ryou cried triumphantly. "Wet kitty!"

Marik thrashed and struggled. "MAAAAAOOOO!!!" He howled, finally getting to his feet and streaking across the yard and up the nearest tree. "MAAAOOOO!!!!"

Ryou grinned up at him. "HA!" He called up flicking his ears. "Now for heaven's sake let me take my nap!" he said giggling. "you're as bad as the bunnies!"

"Maoooo..." Marik whined, shivering with cold and dripping wet. He fixed large kitten eyes on Ryou and mewled pititully.

Ryou shook his head and squirted Marik again. "You dont fool me!" he said before putting the hose away. "You were going to jump me like a horny bunny in heat!"

"MAAAOOOOO!!!" Marik wailed, climbing higher into the tree, only to yowl louder and fall out of the tree when their evil next door neighbor turned her hose onto him.

"FILTHY BEAST!!" She screamed, and her dogs were soon jumping at the fence and barking at the sight of their favorite victim to torment; until he fell out of their view, that is.

Ryou giggled and shook his head, hurrying over. "You weren't supposed to fall!" he said nuzzling his sopping mate. "You were just supposed to get stuck!"

Marik whimpered and slowly got up, favoring his left front paw. He mewled and began limping back towards the house, shivering.

Ryou shook his head and got up, and helped Marik to his feet. "I'm sorry." he cooed licking Marik's cheek. "Let me tend to you...then we'll have some fun..." he said ears drooping. "Rem told me Dr. Hinaru said you were cute when you got stuck in trees...I ...well I kinda wanted to see.." he admitted sheepishly.

Bushou stirred from his sleep as Ryou lead Marik to their bedroom and shoved him onto the bed. Patting him dry with a towel and beginning to blowdry his mane of hair. "You forgive me right?" he asked pouting. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings...or your paw."

Marik pouted, licking his hurt paw, well, wrist actually, and whimpered every now and then. "I am NOT cute when I'm stuck up a tree!" He huffed. "I'm scared and frustrated!"

Ryou nuzzled him, finishing drying his hair and pulled a small first aid kit from under the bed and beginning to wrap Marik's wrist with a cooling gel pack. "But when you're frustrated and scared...you make the cutest face..." he cooed pinning the wrapping down careful not to prick his lover and kissing the wrapping. "Marik...are..you really cured?" he asked softly, sitting next to him and nuzzling him contently. "Are..you happy with...well...with...ME?" he asked ears drooping. "B-because...I've been worried...what if...you don’t like me as much when you're better..."

Marik blinked and wrapped an arm around Ryou, pulling him down to the bed and against his naked body, wishing that Ryou were just as naked. "I love you more and more every day, Ryou." Marik said softly, nuzzling him, wrapping his other arm around him. "I love you so much. You are mine, and I just.... I feel like the luckiest lion in the world because I have you..."

Ryou blushed and nuzzled him. "Do...you still think you're a runt?" he asked softly. "b-because...I don’t."

Marik frowned and looked away. "that's because I'm so much bigger than you... but... well, let's face it. I was stunted! I've met three other lions... and they've all been so much bigger than me! Even the FEMALES are bigger than me!!!" Marik exclaimed, looking disgusted.

Ryou giggled slightly. "I don’t think you're a runt. Bakura's smaller than you, and he's about the same age isn't he?"

"Well, yeah, but... Ryou... you, Malik and Bakura... fennecs, skunks and rabbits are small. Lions are big... and I'm not. At least, not compared to other lion hybrids... in fact... Otogi is the only big cat hybrid I've run across that's smaller than me."

Ryou coughed. "I was thinking...and...well...master Pegasus was...wanting a new guard.." he said softly. "It might be a good job for you. It'd give you two the chance to bond a little..." he added smiling at Marik.

Marik blinked, then looked down. "I... I was kinda hopin' that Seto would hire me back... at the Jungle." Marik said.

Ryou coughed more, ears bristling. "I'd really... like it if you worked for Pegasus." he said tugging his own ears. "Besides! You'd see me in that maid dress... reaching up to dust hard to reach places..." he said flicking his little tail for emphasis.

Marik smiled, but it was half hearted. "I... I don't know, Ryou..." He sighed. "I mean... first off, I'm going to work so you don't have to... and... I really don't know about being around Pegasus that... much..." He sighed and rested his chin on his paws.

"B-but it's got such good advancement opportunities!" he said quickly. "Master Pegasus would be friends with you, you could get captain easily! Or even become a security guard at his businesses!" he said smiling. "You could make enough for us to...to add a few rooms, get more furniture..." his voice shrank. "maybe… some... more kitchen supplies..." he mumbled.

Marik frowned. "I'm sorry, Ryou, but... I don't feel comfortable enough around him to work for him." Marik said firmly.

Ryou pouted slightly. "H-how about working for Rem? She'd love the help!" he said quickly. "She's been telling me she's been needing help at the petshop, AND around the house!"

Marik frowned and looked at Ryou. "Why are you suggesting this?" He asked. "Do you think Seto won't hire me back? Do you want me to NOT work at The Jungle?"

Ryou twitched. "i-it's not that...it's...j-just...well.." he sighed. "Lets go eat there tonight..." he said offering Marik a smile. "it can be a dinner out for us...a special treat."

Marik looked at Ryou and cocked his head. then he sighed and smiled, nodding. "Okay. Sure." He said, and gave Ryou a slow, tender kiss.

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