A/N: This idea randomly came to me while trying to think of ideas for my currently inactive fics. It will most likely be a one-shot unless otherwise stated. It is Yami Bakura-centric which is a first for me. It will also portrays the spirit of the ring in a different light figuratively than he is portrayed in the anime. In other words, he's not the sadistic, pain-loving villain you all know in the series. This depicts him in a more humane sense of mind, so don't flame me as you've been warned. Constructive criticism to a degree is welcomed as this is my first fic with him being more humane. The fic is just after Dawn Of The Duel, but unlike the anime, both Yami Bakura and Yami Yugi remain in the present time, but just like in the anime Zorc was destroyed, but with him went a part of Bakura's evil nature rather than him being destroyed outright.
Brief Summary: Slightly AU set just after the Dawn Of The Duel arc. While watching his host Ryo play with Yugi and the rest of his friends, a melancholic Bakura wonders what his life would be like if he weren't a thief. Hints of Bakura/Yami Bakura. One-shot!
A voice sighed as his normally dark piercing eyes appeared at a first glance, more humane and caring.
The voice belonged to Ryo Bakura's dark side or 'Yami' known as Bakura. Following the events in Egypt, the 5 millennia old spirit began to see things in an entirely new light.
He had seemed to relinquish his evil ways and goals, but still Ryo and his friends continued to harbor their previous fear and distrust of him.
The spirit of the Millennium Ring managed a slight smile as he heard his host's cheerful laughter as the grey-eyed British-accented child continued playing various games with Yugi Moto and his close-knit group of friends.
"They're having such bloody fun. Why can't I have fun like that?" Bakura muttered, his hikari's British influence rubbing off on him in terms of his speech as it usually did.
'Because you're a thief and a tombrobber. Yugi and his friends would never include you in their group, especially after what trouble you've caused them.' Another part of his mind muttered.
'I know that! I just am sick of being feared!' Bakura snarled back in response.
'I see, then.' The other part of him murmured.
"What if I weren't a thief? Would Ryo actually care for me?" He murmured aloud.
The spirit blushed slightly at the mention of his host. "Probably not, as I've been a complete jerk to him…" He replied to his own question, looking downcast once more.
"Yugi and his friends wouldn't fear me either. They may just be mortal kids, but they share a bond I've never experienced before. A bond of friendship. But it's not like I can gain their friendship. After all the trouble I've caused them, they'll hate me for life..." He murmured, a sense of sadness in his voice.
"That's not true at all, Kura-kun." A soft voice told him.
Bakura looked up and saw Ryo standing there in front of him. "What do you mean, Ryo?"
Ryo smiled cheerfully. "I know they'll forgive you."
Taking his host's advice, Bakura went to them, and as Ryo had said was forgiven even by Joey who had disliked him the most, aside from Yami.
Bakura smiled at his host, silently conveying his thanks.
For the first time in 5 millennia he was truly happy…
The End!!