AN: Wow, never thought I'd start another story. But inspiration has struck! Anyways, about this story…it's…different from the last one I wrote, where Ryou was a child and Bakura was a teen. This time, both are children (even brothers). Using some of the same stuff, such as the last name, 'Teishin'. (The real last names wouldn't work out too well, ya know?) ANYWAYS! Let's begin.

PS: For all of you that skipped the AN at the beginning, you should have read it.

Chapter One: Two Little Brothers

---School Office---

"Ryou Teishin, and Bakura Teishin. In trouble again." Principal Leo gave the two children a funny look. Bakura he could understand, but Ryou? "What did you do this time?"

"Bakura didn't do anything!" Ryou quickly interjected before his brother could speak.

Leo had to smile at the white haired seven-year-old's eagerness. Ryou was always trying to cover for his brother, but it was simply too obvious: he was too innocent. Bakura, on the other hand, wasn't even close to virtuousness. He fought, fought, and fought some more.

However, Leo was worried about them. While both had excellent grades, their attendance was also a bit shaky. It seemed their ride to school was undependable, and their parents just didn't care. But his main concern was Ryou…with his-

"Harrison threw the first punch," Bakura stated rudely, breaking the Principal's thoughts. He crossed his arms over his chest. "And he was picking on Ryou."

The younger blushed. Leo sighed.

"Either way, it all comes down to the same problem, Bakura." Bakura rolled his eyes. Leo continued, choosing to ignore it, "You fought. You broke the rules. You will have to serve community service."

Ryou jumped out of his seat. His small face shone with determination. "I deserve the same punishment as Niisan."

Silence. Leo stole a glance at Bakura, and saw the older's face twist in pain for an instant before his 'mask' fell in place again.

"Ryou," Bakura whispered, slightly hesitant. "That's not necessary-"

"But you have to do it!" Ryou pouted.

"Yeah, but…you…er…" Bakura, for the first time in Leo's experience, looked uncomfortable. But obviously, they had had this conversation before, by the way Ryou stomped.

"Stop it!" the little one shouted. He bit his lower lip to prevent the flow of tears, but to no avail. "Bakura, stop…" he begged, sobbing as he crumpled to the ground, crestfallen.

Bakura bent down and slung an arm around his brother's shoulders. "Ryou, I'm sorry," the older one murmured. "I didn't mean to." Coaxing his brother, Bakura helped him stand and made his way to the exit. Leo opened his mouth to tell him about the number of hours, but Bakura looked back and glared at him. "Same amount, I know." he said coldly. "15 hours. And Ryou will help me as well."

He slammed the door.

TGIF, Leo thought, ramming into his seat. T…G…I…F.

---On the Way Home---

Ryou sniffled slightly, hiccupping once in a while. Niisan had been quiet after they left the office, deep in thought. He hated it when it was unnervingly still between them, but the thought of how his help was rejected fueled his anger. Using that, Ryou maintained the awkward silence that hung between them. He didn't want to talk to his brother yet. He still hurt inside.

Bakura was worried about something else. How could he finish the community service without Ryou knowing? Why did Ryou volunteer to help? It wasn't even his fault! He always had to jump in with his 'purity' act…stupid. It was too dangerous for him. He could easily kill himself! But wouldn't Ryou be angry if he did all the work alone without telling him?

This was not a good day, but it was just about to get worse.

When they arrived home, no one called out, "Welcome home, honey!" No one ever did anymore. Not that Bakura cared much. He knew that Ryou tried to hide the fact that he missed his parents, but he wasn't very good at it.

Closing the door behind him, Bakura scanned the house with his lavender eyes. Built Victorian style, it was fancy enough. With one master bedroom and three bedrooms upstairs, there was an additional four downstairs. The kitchen and the living room were somewhat connected, while the dining room was positioned near the back of the house.

Even though the Teishins lived without their parents, they were doing reasonably well, financially wise. Both parents being very skilled lawyers, they had left a gargantuan amount of money for their children.

Bakura sighed as he entered the threshold, dumping his backpack on the ground. Ryou huffed in right past him and up the stairs. He was going to his room, like always.

"Look, Ryou, I'm sorry!" Bakura barked, finally fed up. "I didn't-"

Slam!

"Brat," he sneered. He stalked into the kitchen to make himself a snack.

Ryou stood behind his door for a moment, panting, before slowly making his way to his bed. Feeling helpless, he curled up into a ball and cried himself to sleep. He hated this…this…argh.

Three hours later, near dinnertime, the door slammed open and slammed close. Ryou jerked awake, terrified. Loud noises always brought unpleasant memories.

Tea was home now, though. Ryou quickly pushed himself off his bed and tried to rub the sleep out of his eyes.

Wait a minute…Ryou froze. Tea was home. Oh, shit. Dinner.

He ran downstairs as fast as he could, but he was too late.

"Where the hell is dinner?" Tea asked, looking at Ryou calmly.

"Uh…" Ryou tried to force himself from trembling. "I…I…" Tea started tapping her foot. "I forgot," Ryou whispered guiltily.

Tea slowly stepped forward. "You…forgot…" She grabbed the front of his shirt. "Forgot to cook dinner…" Ryou felt the tears running down his cheeks. "For the only person who actually does any WORK!"

Ryou saw a lot of white as he was slammed into the wall behind. He yelped, wincing as Tea dropped him onto the ground. He saw her foot go back, and his only thought was, she's wearing her metal boots again.

But the blow never came.

Ryou whimpered as Bakura grunted in front of him.

"Sis, chill. Ryou had another attack. I got it ready, it's all in the kitchen," Bakura explained, ignoring Ryou.

Tea straightened herself and nodded. She smiled and patted Bakura on the head. "See, I can always depend on you, Bakura." Turning around, she went straight for the kitchen.

As soon as she was out of sight, Bakura turned to face Ryou.

"You owe me one," Bakura said lightly, grinning at him. Ryou just stared at him, then scowled.

"Whatever."

They both got up to get their dinners, when Ryou grabbed his brother's shoulder. Without saying anything, he gently touched Bakura's midsection. Bakura flinched, then it was his turn to scowl.

"It's nothing." Ryou's eyes started watering again. "Aw, Ryou, you're such a crybaby. C'mon, food! Let's grab some grub before sis eats it all."

Bakura turned around and strode down the hall. It kind of hurt to breathe. His stomach was most definetly bruised.

Footfalls were heard from behind him. Ryou was coming.

"Arigato, niisan." Bakura felt a small hand slip itself into his own.

Surprised, he looked up at Ryou, who was smiling.

AN: Well, what do you think? This is just the first chappie. I won't continue till I get at least one review. And, I won't be able to post the second chapter until next week, after Fourth of July. Sorry guys, but I'm going on vaca. When I come back, I'll put up a lot of chappies.

R&R, please! Reviews really get me wanting to write! That means faster progress.

Thanks for all your support, too. It really means a lot.