"Father..." Ryou Bakura paused, unsure where to even begin his questioning, "...I understand that you sometimes use test subjects, but I always thought you meant monkeys, or apes?"

"While monkeys are a common test subject for most labs, our work in the field of biological prosthetic replacement relies more on us cracking the issue of human organ transplants and rejection. The only animals similar enough to us (in genetic measurements, of course) are certain apes. However, their body structures vary vastly from ours in size and proportion, rendering such studies rather pointless. Not to mention they're virtually all endangered, so obtaining even small samples is nearly impossible."

Ryou nodded in understanding.

"Like I said before, his internal system is very different than ours- he can only subsist on meat, eggs, and certain dairy products." The hybrid didn't flinch as the scientist waved one hand carelessly in his direction. "There may be a need for a small additions of vegetable matter to his diet, if he shows any nutritional deficiencies. We can't completely account for all his lifetime dietary needs yet, as he is so... unique."

Ryou still felt unsure of the whole situation, but decided to take a brave stab at hospitality. "So, um, what is his name?"

The animal-human mix gave the other young adult a nearly imperceptible glance at this question, before turning his gaze back toward the nearest wall.

Mr. Bakura answered instead. "His official designation is Experiment #363. But everyone at the lab nicknamed him 'Bakura' due to his outer appearance," here the crossbreed raised one lip, as though silently snarling in resentment. "Still, he doesn't really answer to either name; so it hardly matters."

As much as he loved his father, Ryou was starting to lose patience with the man's impassive attitude. "Well, it matters to me." The student then gave the indifferent hybrid a soft look. "Can I call you 'Bakura,' then?"

The scarlet orbs only blinked once before resuming their staring match with the wall. Clearly, the hybrid didn't care much for the new situation.

"He may warm up to you more as time passes- he was kept in a minimalist environment in the lab, to help prevent over-stimulation and bacterial exposure; so this is all new to him."

Ryou found his father's claim to be a bit odd- if the hybrid wasn't used to household living, then why wasn't he more curious? Or even scared? He just looked like any other teenager; utterly bored, as though he was used such a middle-class setting already.

"Riiiight..."

"Anyway, I've brought some food home in a cooler- the amounts and mixtures are listed on a sheet taped to the underside of the lid." Mr. Bakura suddenly dragged in a large, styrofoam container that had somehow escaped Ryou's eye. "Keep everything in the freezer, and only take down one meal half an hour before you feed him. Let it thaw on the counter, and then serve it in the metal bowl included."

This sounded rather gross to the teen, who gave his father a quizzical look. "Um, doesn't he prefer to use a plate or something-?"

Mr. Bakura shook his head. "We never had them at the lab- it was deemed too risky as most porcelain and plastics can harbor bacteria in microscopic surface scratches. Stainless steel is far easier to sanitize."

'And no utensils?' Ryou pondered to himself, unsure of how much his father was telling him. He knew there were reasons the celebrated scientist couldn't disclose everything, but it still seemed like an awful lot was being left out-

"So, that's just about everything, then! He is house-trained with a normal toilet ('so no litter box' Ryou realized rather gratefully) but he's a bit averse to bathing as he hates his fur getting damp. You may have to use a wet washcloth the first few times until he's used to you. And if he scratches you, try and apply an antiseptic immediately-"

"Wait, scratches?!" The astonished teen glanced over at the quiet crossbreed.

For the first time since his arrival, the hybrid called 'Bakura' seemed to take an interest in the scientist's words, and he smirked while showing off the tips of his fingers. Each digit was topped with an extra-thick fingernail that ended in a rounded, clear point. Five 'claws' rested on each hand, and Ryou felt some apprehension when he realized just how sharp the glistening keratin must be.

'Oh yikes...' The stunned youth phased out for a moment, not catching all of his father's words.

"-so that should stop shortly enough, if it becomes an issue. But goodness, look at the time! It's almost 8 o'clock! I need to head back to the compound before I get declared 'truant!'" The older man gave a short chuckle as he started gathering up his things.

"Wait! You're not even staying for dinner?" Ryou cried out (perhaps a little more pleadingly than he would have liked). He had barely been introduced to his new 'house-mate' and he still had a million questions! Not to mention, he enjoyed dinner with his father ever-so-rarely...

But of course, the top bio-engineering scientist saw no problem with leaving his only living family all alone with a possibly dangerous creature. "Sorry, but we really are at a critical point in our latest experiment, and I must keep as close to the premises as possible until the second phase of mitosis is developed." He suddenly gave the despondent boy a hug before grabbing his coat. "I only stopped by because I know you needed something to look after, and I wanted to introduce you two personally! You'll be fine, now that you've got your pet! So take care!"

The harried geneticist soon dashed outside towards an already waiting taxi.

Ryou felt the words catch in his throat as he mumbled to the shut door.

"But I need a father, too..." The teen let out another sigh as he felt the harsh chill of the stormy night seeping into his bones. Two taillights sped across the glistening pavement, eventually fading into the foggy gloom.

'So much for a family dinner...' the white-haired youth turned around, only to find that he certainly wasn't alone.

"Gah!" Ryou nearly yelped when he realized the hybrid was standing directly behind him. "O-oh, I'm so sorry; I'm not used to having anyone else home with me!"

The disinterested experiment only looked away, not moving back at all. Evidently he didn't care about his new host's boundary issues.

"Well, um; I guess we're on our own, then." Ryou tried not to sound awkward as he gestured towards the upstairs landing. "Er, would you... like a tour of the house?"

The blank stare he received in return wasn't very reassuring, but the hybrid followed him nonetheless.

Ryou pointed out his own bedroom, as well as his father's (which was always kept locked) before getting to the upstairs bathroom. "And we keep the clean towels in this closest..." Ryou opened the folding doors to reveal a careful stack of fluffy fabrics. "And this is the guest bedroom, although I suppose now it'll be yours- so it's your bedroom, now!" He added a bit gleefully.

The cat-mix seemed distrustful of any positivity, and Ryou noticed how he seemed to glare whenever things were called 'his'.

'So odd... I wish he would speak with me, but I suppose this is a lot to take in...' The hickory-eyed youth glanced at his house guest. "Well, if you're feeling up to it, we can head to the kitchen and I can start making your dinner. Does that sound alright?"

The hybrid paused for a moment, as though considering his options, before nodding once.

The immense relief Ryou felt at that nod was evident in his smile. 'Thank heavens we can communicate somewhat- I was starting to get really worried! I don't know what father was thinking, but something tells me this isn't going to be a simple baby-sitting job like he implied...'

The former experiment seemed content to keep to himself, although his eyes never left the meat package once it was removed from the styrofoam box.