Hello everyone! So this may seem familiar, but different at the same time. I took down the last Bakura fic and tweaked it and changed the storyline a bit. Hopefully you all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing and developing it~!

The soft sunlight streamed in through the pale orange curtains of the apartment window. The sound of birds chirping filled the quiet morning air and the cool breeze blew through the trees, rustling their leaves, adding to the early morning symphony. Inside the room with the orange curtains, a cat slumbered on the sill, his charcoal coat shining lightly in the sun as he purred on, dreams of chasing mice dancing in his head.

Cat aside, the room looked as any other teenager's room would look: a dresser against one orange painted wall, clothes spilling out of drawers like a waterfall, covering the floor in an assortment of shirts and pants. Next to it, stood a towering bookshelf, overstuffed with novels; there were even a few stacks piled next to it. Against another wall was a desk, a computer sitting idle with papers streamed across it haphazardly. A cello case sat against the opposite wall next to a keyboard, sheet music stacked neatly on two or three music stands behind it, ready to be practiced.

Against the window with the orange curtains, lay a bed with matching orange sheets and comforter with a lump underneath. Auburn hair spilled out onto the pillows along with light snores to further add to the concerto of the morning. All seemed right with the world.

However, the clock on the nightstand read 6:59 and then the quiet was shattered.

BEEP. BEEP.

The cat opened his bright yellow eyes and glared at the offending sound from his perch on the window sill and watched as a groan came from the lump and a pale arm ventured out of the warmth of the comforter, searching blindly for the snooze button. Slamming a palm on the large button, the hand retracted itself beneath the blanket with a satisfied sigh as the annoying sound ended and attempted to snuggle into sleep once more.

However, life had other plans.

The tomcat leapt down from his post on the sill and onto the bed. He padded up to the top of the lump and pawed at the opening of the comforter, meowing roughly. The lump groaned again and the pale arm ventured out once more to gently pet the feline, bringing him under the blankets and snuggling him to its chest. The cat purred but pawed at the face underneath the lump, "Mmmrrroowww." He yowled, causing the lump to sigh and push off the blankets.

The girl sat up, rubbing at her bleary amber eyes, "Alright, Shadow, I'm awake." She yawned, scratching him underneath his chin, his eyes closing in happiness, "Come on, let's go get the boys up." She said, patting the cats' side and getting out of bed. Shadow mewled and followed her into the hall, hissing when she shut the bathroom door in his kitty face.

OoOoO

Once she was clean and dressed, the girl padded down the hall, throwing up her hair in a ponytail, "Toby! Jake! Time to get up kiddos!" She shouted, knocking on their door as she made her way to the kitchen to make herself some coffee and set up the griddle and toaster for the morning. She inhaled the scent of coffee and sighed, leaning against the counter, reveling in the early morning quiet. After five minutes of sipping at her coffee, she made her way back down the hall to the boy's room.

Inside the small room sat a bunk bed with two small lumps under the blue and green sheets, both of which groaned when she flipped on the light, burrowing tighter into their blanket caves. She sighed, "Come on, boys. Jake, you have a spelling test today and it's your first day of kindergarten, Toby." She walked over to the bunk bed and striped her brothers of their covers. The twelve-year-old on the bottom bunk cried out, "No! The light it burns!" The girl rolled her eyes and shook him, "Get up, Jake, you can't be late again." He grunted and opened his golden eyes, "I refuse to be subjected to the brainwashing that is the public schools system, Wills!" He mumbled and his sister ruffled his chocolate locks, "It's a little early for your philosophical complaints, Jake."

Meanwhile, the five-year-old above wined, "Willow! I don' wanna go." Willow smiled at him, stepping slightly onto the bottom mattress to reach him, "Oh, baby, you'll love kindergarten. It's like here, you'll get to color and play with other kids." She cooed, gently smoothing out his light blonde curls, "And then you'll walk down the road to Mr. Muto's game shop, just like we practiced, hm?" His golden eyes blinked open, "But he smells funny." He said, wrinkling his nose. The older sister smirked, "Don't tell him that. You'll just have to deal with it until Jake gets out of school and then he'll pick you up. Right, Jake?" She nudged the bundle of blankets with her foot. "Aw, do I have to?" he complained. Willow smirked and sunk down onto the bottom bed. She waited for a moment and then she pounced.

She laid directly on the 12-year-old, successfully squashing him without hurting him. He yelped, "Willow get off!" he shouting pushing up on her. "Aw, do I have to?" She mocked his high-pitched whine, making Toby giggle above them. Jake pushed her, "Alright, alright. I'll walk Toby home from the game shop, geez. Now will you get off?" he groaned. Willow went limp, laying all her dead weight on her brother, "Nah, you're real comfy." She laughed with Toby at Jake's indignant shout, "Willow!" Rolling off of her brother, Willow got up from the bed, "Get dressed and ready for school. I'm gonna make breakfast." She said and left the room.

She made her way to the kitchen to start breakfast, Shadow following her meowing for his own breakfast. Plugging her iPod into the speakers, Willow clicked shuffle and went to feed Shadow, who was grooming himself as he waited patiently for his food. After emptying the can of wet food into his bowl, she petted his head and danced her way to the fridge.

She pulled out the pack of bacon and carton of eggs and set them on the counter. After cutting the strips in half, Willow laid the bacon on the griddle, happily listening to them sizzle. While they did, she popped a few pieces of bread into the toaster and got out plates and rolled up some paper towels. Placing the napkins on one of the plates, she returned to the stove and flipped the strips, keeping her eyes on the doorway for the boys.

Just as she expected, they stumbled into the kitchen dressed and ready for the day. Willow placed the finished pieces of bacon on the paper towel covered plate, "Jake, can you pour the orange juice for you and your brother, please?" she asked, cracking three eggs onto the griddle. The boy nodded, his short brown hair bobbing slightly as he headed to the fridge. "Toby, could you set the table, please?" Willow asked in a slightly sweeter tone. Toby grinned, his golden eyes sparkling. He eagerly took the stack of silverware from the counter and began to set them up on the table.

Taking the toast from the toaster, Willow quickly set them on the plates and salted them lightly. Then, before the eggs had the chance to burn, she scooped them from the pan and placed them on the toast, "Alright, kiddos, food's ready." Taking the plates from the counter, she set one in front of each chair and set the bacon in the middle. Once the boys were all settled, Willow thanked them both for helping and the three dug in. Shadow wormed his way underneath the table, winding his way around the toddlers' chair, as he knew the child would drop food on the floor to his delight.

Just as she began to distribute the bacon strips, there was a knock at the door. The girl sighed and made to get up but Toby beat her to it, "I got it." He exclaimed, leaping from his seat and toddled towards the door a little ways down the hall. Shadow mewled at her from underneath her chair and Willow tossed him bit of bacon, leaning back in her seat a little to watch as Toby threw open the door.

"Joey!" He cried as the taller blonde boy scooped him up into his arms, "Well if it isn't little Toby." Joey gripped the toddlers' ankles and carried him upside-down into the dining room. Jake jumped from his seat and attached himself to Joey's leg, "Joey!" He echoed his younger brother, but his happiness was short-lived as the older boy swung Toby under his arm to reach down and tickle him, "Oh you want in on this too, tough guy?" Joey teased as Jake peeled with laughter. Willow shook her head at the scene, watching the group of boys stumbled about the room, slowly eating her egg and toast.

Joey always stopped by to walk with her to school since he lived just down the road. The two would have a quick breakfast and then walk to Yugi's, where the rest of the gang would meet up before going to school together. Since the boys had moved in with her, he agreed to help her take the boys to school on the way to the game shop.

Finally, she stopped their antics, "Ok, boys, come finish your food before it gets cold." She said, gently lifting Toby from Joey's grip as he set Jake on his feet. As the boys returned to their breakfast, the older boy swept Willow into a bear hug, "Hey, Wills. Good to see ya." The girl giggled, returning the hug, "It's good to see you too, Jo." He set her down and she got him a plate, "Thanks again for helping me get everything set up for the boys. I don't know how I can thank you enough." She said, handing him his plate of food. The boy took it gratefully, but shook his head, "I told ya not to worry about it, Wills. It was the least I could do to help out." The red head nodded and sat next to him at the table, finishing her plate.

A year before, Willow's parents had been hit by a drunk driver and were killed on impact. Willow was old enough to have custody but the judge wanted her to prove it. Joey helped her get a job working at the game shop that Yugi's grandfather owned and find an apartment big enough for her and the boys. It wasn't easy but in the end, the courts allowed her full custody.

After the boys were done, Willow sent them to finish getting ready. Gathering up the plates, she set them in the sink but he batted her hands out of the way when she went to wash them, "Lemme do it, you still gotta make their lunches right?" he asked, chuckling as her golden eyes widened, "Damn, I almost forgot." She cursed and set about making the boys' lunches.

As the two teens finished up, the two younger children walked out into the kitchen one at a time. Toby toddled in first, his jacket open and shoes untied, "Let's go!" he said and almost tripped on his laces as he made his way to the door. Willow scooped him up mid-stride and sat him on a chair, kneeling in front of him, "Hold on sweets, let's tie your shoes first, hm?" She smiled at his eager nod and looped the laces together and zipped up his jacket. Jake walked in after his brother, his backpack slung over his shoulders, he grinned at her as he took the bag of food from his sister. She smiled in return, "Alright, let's go."

OoOoO

"Don't go Willow." Toby begged as he hung onto her leg. The elementary school was buzzing with new children being dropped off, some perfectly fine, others crying and holding onto their parents much like young Toby was doing at the moment. Some parents were looking at Willow like she was something they had never seen before, like some creature they needed to protect their children from but she didn't look their way; she ignored them as she always had. The two teens had split up when Toby began resisting; Joey had gone with Jake to make sure he made it to class, telling Willow that he would meet her outside.

Toby gripped insistently at her pant leg and Willow glanced down at him, hiding a giggle, "Toby, kindergarten isn't that scary, I promise. You'll love it." She reached down and pulled him off her leg and into her arms. He quickly wrapped his legs around her waist and his arms around her neck, burying his face into the side of hers, holding on for dear life. Willow let out a little laugh, "Baby, it'll be okay." She cooed, rubbing his back gently. However, the toddler wasn't buying it and only squeezed tighter. "Toby, you're starting to choke me, sweets." Her hand went from his back to his tummy and tickled him lightly, making him laugh and release her. Willow put him on the ground and kissed his forehead, "It'll be over before you know it and then you'll be at home with me and Jake." He smiled toothily up at her and she ruffled his blonde curls, "Now, go have a good day, kiddo. I love you!" The boy nodded and ran off, his backpack bouncing behind him, "Love you too, Willow!" he called before heading into his classroom.

Willow watched him leave with a smile on her face and went to meet Joey outside. He was leaning against a tree, talking to Tristan when she walked out, "How was he?" he asked her with a grin. She sighed, "After some reassurance he was fine, nearly choked me out though." She laughed, "Good morning Tristan, how are you?" She asked politely. He nodded at her in response, "Morning." The two had never been the best of friends, but they were civil towards each other.

The trio made their way to the game shop, which was around the corner form the elementary school. The boys walked ahead of her, talking animatedly about something, she didn't pay attention, she was busy thinking of her Toby. Her hands worried the end of her uniform as she did, she hoped he was ok and wasn't crying or missing her. Joey seemed to have noticed that she was hanging back, he slowed till his was walking in step with her, "Hey Wills, you ok?" he asked, nudging her shoulder with his own. She gave him a small smile, "I'm fine, just worried about Toby I guess." Joey nodded in understanding, "I'm sure he'll be fine, it'll be an adjustment for both of you." He grinned at her and she rolled her eyes.

When they got to the game shop Yugi was just finishing up his own breakfast. His grandfather welcomed them in with some hellos and offers of food. They politely declined and hung out in the living room making small talk while they waited for Yugi to finish getting ready.

"So, how are the boys, Willow?" Mr. Muto asked, sitting down in the old green arm chair next to the door. Willow looked over from her place in the doorway, "They're good, Toby's first day of kindergarten is today. That boy nearly choked me out when I dropped him off." She laughed, her amber eyes sparkling in the morning sun. The old man chuckled, "I remember Yugi's first day of kindergarten. He reacted the same way, cried and wanted nothing to do with it."

The boy in question walked in the room and groaned, "Grandpa!" Mr. Muto laughed again and grabbed Willow's hand, "They do grow out of it, just keep calm and don't let them push you into keeping them home for an extra year." He said wisely. Willow sighed in relief, "I'm glad for that, thank you. And thank you for agreeing to watch Toby after he gets out of school, it's a big help."

He waved her off, releasing her hand, "Oh don't you worry about it, he's a good kid, good company. I get lonely during the day." Joey slung an arm over her shoulder, "See Wills, I told you, everything would be ok."

The group set out with some goodbyes and were about half-way down the street when Willow's phone buzzed in her pocket, it was Téa,

"Yea?"

"Willow, where are you guys? Class starts in five minutes."

"Relax, Téa, we'll make it…" She glanced at her watch, "Maybe."

"Maybe?! What do y-" Willow hung up on her response and turned to the boys with pursed lips.

"So, Téa says hi…and that class starts in, like, five minutes."

The four looked at each other before running down the street as fast as their feet could take them, which wasn't very far in poor Yugi's case. They stopped just across the street from the school to catch their breath, "Come on, guys! We're gonna make it!" Willow shouted encouragingly, running across the street without looking.

"Willow! Wait!"

"Whoa look out!"

The sound of a horn honking caught her attention, but before she could turn around, arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her out of harm's way. A loud, "Watch where you're going, Avila!" was shouted from the rear window of the car as it drove by and into the parking lot. Her breaths came in short, sharp gasps and she turned to see who her savior was, "Are you alright?" a soft, British voice asked from above her. White hair filled her vision along with brilliant brown eyes, it was Bakura, "Oh, Ryou, thank you! I'm fine, thanks to you." She smiled in gratitude, giving him a light peck on the cheek. He flushed and released her.

"Willow! Are you ok?!"

"You could have been roadkill! What were you thinking, Wills?"

"Grandpa would have killed us if anything happened to you!"

Willow sighed, "I'm fine guys, thanks to Ryou, I'm not hamburger meat." She smiled at him and then giggled at the blush that dusted his cheeks, "I just wanted to get to school before the b-" A shrill bell rang out, startling the group. They froze for a moment before rushing across the street. They stealthily entered their homeroom and sat in the back row without being noticed, except for Téa, who glowered at them for being late. Willow glared right back playfully, before pulling out her notebook and taking notes.

OoOoO

It was right after lunch when Willow got a call from the boys' school. She excused herself from class and took the call in the hallway. Her blood went icy cold when she answered it and heard the words, "There's been an incident with Jacob." But that was short-lived as it was followed up with, "He struck another student." Anger and disappointment bubbled in her chest and she told the receptionist that she would be there as soon as she could.

Thankfully, her favorite teacher understood her situation and allowed her to leave early. Willow told Joey to meet her at the house later with the homework and that she'd explain later. He didn't ask for details, he could tell from the anger simmering in her molten gold eyes that whatever it was, it wasn't good.

She hurried down the hall, racking her brain for any reason that Jake would start a fight with another student. Jake was a good kid, he'd never once been violent at all. He was a kind soul who helped her cook dinner and taught Tobi how to draw treasure chests. She just couldn't see him instigating something like this.

The red head was so caught up in her own internal thoughts that she didn't notice the figure in front of her as she rounded the last corner before the doors until she had already run into them.

Oof.

Willow immediately began to apologize, but the words on her tongue turned to dust as she looked into a cool pair of mahogany eyes. She suddenly forgot how to breathe as her amber eyes stared into them, mesmerized completely. She barely felt the large, warm hands that rested on her waist to steady her, as her eyes ran over a familiar face, the white hair catching her memory. She shivered at the odd sense of safety she felt in his presence; like she had been in this position before. Well, she supposed she had. He did save her in the parking lot earlier. But as she continued to stare into his mahogany gaze, she was reminded of a faded memory that was just out of reach, like a dream.

She shivered again for a different reason than before and just as suddenly as the connection was made, it was broken, "Oh, Ryou, it's you." Somewhere in the back of her mind, a voice shouted that the boy in front of her was not the sweet boy she knew, but something much darker. Willow ignored it, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to run into you. I'm in a hurry, emergency with one of the boys, you know how they are," She rambled. Ryou nodded, his hands still had not left her waist. This time she noticed, "Um…Ryou..?" She placed a hand on his arm, catching his attention, "Oh, sorry. I have to get to class." He said, his voice slightly higher than normal and he released her like she was on fire, hurrying down the hall and around the corner.

Willow shook herself and refocused on the task at hand and pushed open the double glass doors.

OoOoO

Bakura stood pressed against the wall of lockers and waited until her footsteps faded as she left the school. Once she was gone, he released a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding. That was close; he had noticed her weariness of him, as though she could sense that it wasn't Ryou but the spirit of the ring possessing this body.

He hadn't even realized that she was that close to him; he'd been trying to avoid her since Ryou had moved them here. He was just walking around the school, trying to get a feel for the place, maybe try to find the pharaoh. Then suddenly a small body had run into him and his hand had instinctively gone to her waist to steady her, like he had done so many times before. He stared into a familiar pair of amber orbs; they really needed to stop meeting like that, he mused to himself. He felt her shiver against him, not only once, but twice and both times he fought a satisfied smirk. "Oh, Ryou, it's you." A small part of him wanted to correct her; tell her that he wasn't Ryou.

But, he bit his tongue and answered her ramblings with a tilt of his head. He just wanted to stay in this moment, and as childish as it sounded, he missed holding her in his arms. However, everything must have an end, "Um…Ryou..?" She placed a hand on his arm, bringing his focus back to the present. Clearing his throat, he forced his voice higher, to be more like Ryou's, "Oh, sorry. I have to get to class." Then, reluctantly, he released her and retreated down the empty hall of lockers.

Now, he sighed and glared at the clock across from him, trying to put the thought of her warm body against his out of his mind. It was as if the past was deliberately haunting him, causing painful memories to rise to the surface, bringing long forgotten heartache in its wake. A light giggle floated to his ears and a girl with red hair and golden eyes danced across his vision; he closed his eyes and let the memory unfold.

"Come on, Bakura! Dance with me!" She begged, tugging on his hand, the rings glimmering in the candlelight, like the emerald in her eyes. The thief looked at his queen in amusement, whose light pink lips were pursed in a slight pout. He watched his men dance to the music around the hall, celebrating merrily. Then, he turned his attention back to his queen, watching the way her cream gown moved around her as she sat in the chair next to him. It bunched up around her waist as she squirmed in her seat, revealing her tanned legs to his gaze.

She tugged on his hand again, bringing his attention to her face once more, "Please?" she asked, her green eyes growing wide and puppy-like. Bakura sighed and threaded his fingers in hers, pulling her into his lap. She let a shrieking giggle, settling herself on his lap, tanned legs straddling his own, "Bakura, the men could see." She reprimanded, slapping his chest lightly, a blush dusting her cheeks. He caught her hand and laced their fingers together, smirking, "Let them." He said and then pulled her forward, capturing her lips with his own.

Her lips moved against his gently, trying not to take it too far, else they be unable to control themselves. He released her hands and wrapped one arm around her waist, burying his other hand in her auburn tresses. She looped her arms around his neck and tilted her head, changing the angle of the kiss. It wasn't a deep kiss, but it lasted long enough for her to relax in his grip. Though, the whistling and cheering of the crowd interrupted them. She pulled away and rested her head against his shoulder, breathing lightly, playing with his white locks idly.

He gently nipped at her ear, "Would you still like to dance, Kitten?" he whispered, enjoying the shiver it sent down her spine. She looked up at him, her emerald eyes glazed over with lust. Then she leaned up, tracing the shell of his ear with her nose, "A dance of a different kind." She murmured, slowly rotating her hips onto his, making him growl.

Suddenly he stood, lifting her into his arms, bridal-style, "Please excuse us gentlemen, but I believe it's time to consummate this union!" he announced, making the drunken crowd cheer and whistle. His queen blushed and buried her face into his bare chest, "Bakura." She groaned. He chuckled and started walking down the hall.

He sighed and opened his eyes, walking towards his hosts' classroom. That had been long ago, during happier times.

Times he knew he could never return to.

Okay, huge chapter! I needed to set up a bunch of stuff with the boys and Willow's relationship and then the flashback with Bakura for next chapter thanks for making it through to the end!

Lemme know what you guys think!

Until Next Time Lovelies,

~Shikamaru'sLove