Ok, first the disclaimer: I don't own even the smallest bit of Yu-Gi-Oh. Don't plan to … The characters are just too fun to play with (grins)

Warning! If you don't like OC's and OOC-ness and Mary-Sue's THEN DON'T READ THIS FIC. It was intended merely for the fun on the message board it was created on, with permission from everyone who participated in the RPG this story came out on…

A/N: This has nothing to do really with the actual story at all. I have a message forum for Yu-Gi-Oh and other anime and this little story was cooked up between my friend Blue and me. This is in the fantasy genre because it includes characters with magical powers. We have our characters as well as characters from the show. You will see Bakura acting slightly… ok a LOT ooc in this one. No flames if you choose to leave any remarks. This is strictly for the comic/romance tale to tell…

Well then… On with the fic…

Chapter 4

Welcome to the Family

"Will you marry me?"

Zahara was stunned into silence, her breathing stilled, her heart froze. She began to nervously nibble on her lower lip as she stared down at the ring in his hand. She had been wondering when he had purchased the ring; if he actually purchased it. She recalled running into him earlier that day in town and realized hwy he had been in such a hurry to steer her away from the store they had been standing in front of: Trina's Jewels and Treasures. Her thoughts ran wild in her head. She had been wanting this moment to come, but she could not mistake the look that had been on Bakura's face as he was talking about children. She could not help but think that he had been up to something. She looked up into his eyes, searching for answers.

"'Kura, I… I…" She could not help the little voice in her head insisting that Bakura had been planning this for a long while. Plotting to use her to get to her father. To get his trust and then destroy Atem the first chance he had. The sinister little voice took the thoughts one step farther, remembering the stories she had been told about Bakura and his past. She feared not only for her father's life, but her own as well.

Bakura straightened in his spot as he sensed an odd feeling of despair. He thought it was from himself at first. Then he realized the feeling was coming from her.

"… What? What is it? Do… Do you not want to?" She closed her eyes, the voice in her head becoming more insistent. Normally she would have heeded a warning as strong as this. But she instead, chose to squash the inner voice and follow with her heart.

Please, Ra, don't let this be a mistake, she thought as she reached up and gently touched his face, a soft smile curving her lips.

"'Kura?" He did not move, did not dare while her fingers brushed the side of his face. "I would be honored to be your wife." Her shock was clearly evident on her face when he surged forward and wrapped her tightly in his arms. She remained stiff as a board at first before slowly relaxing and returning his embrace.

"Zahara! It's all I wanted to hear. All I want is to be with you!" She pulled back slightly, looking deep into his eyes.

"Really? 'Kura, you have no idea how long I have waited to hear that…" Her voice trailed off as he slipped the ring over her finger. She smiled again and leaned up to place a tender kiss on his lips. Then she pulled away to gaze down at the ring a little more. He really does care for me- more than what I thought… How could I have doubted him… Doubted a chance for us? Then it happened.

A gasp escaped her throat and she jerked away from Bakura as a vision filled her mind. She had learned early on that she had her mother's ability to foresee the future. The vision being shown was that of Bakura leading a number of people against her father. Then she watched her own brutal murder. Her tanned face went ghostly white and she began to shake.

"No… No it can't be… Ra, please, not now." She closed her eyes with a sigh. "Not when everything finally seems perfect for me…" Bakura became concerned by the sudden lack of color in her face. Her deep blue eyes clouded with fear and concern.

Something is wrong… very wrong. Someone has to be behind this. "Are you alright, Zahara?" She shook her head.

"No… I saw… I saw something I didn't want to see. The deaths of my father and me." She looked up at him, with a numb and blank expression on her face. "At your hand, Bakura. You… You killed us…" Bakura was taken aback and he blinked at her.

"Zahara, I might… greatly dislike... your father," he began, casting a bitter look over his shoulder at Atem. "But I most certainly wouldn't kill him." He turned back to Zahara. "If I did, who would I have around to have a great duel against?" Atem quirked an eyebrow at the remark.

"Okay… Not sure to take that as a compliment or an insult," he mused as Aurora smiled at her response to the question asked.

"Seto Kaiba, maybe?"

"Ha! Seto Kaiba? He wouldn't…" Bakura stopped himself. "Never mind," he said instead as he pulled Zahara close again.

Aurora'ssmiled faded as she looked at her daughter. "Honestly, Zahara, the man risked his life to save yours and you still question his motives and feelings? That is low even for you… It is not fair to him at all." Zahara hung her head.

"I know. I –I'm sorry, Bakura." She may have apologized, but Bakura still saw the worried look in her eyes. Jackie stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I know you are concerned. But you mustn't worry too much about what your mind shows you. There is a possibility that someone could be feeding you these visions."

"You mean like some kind of mild psychic attack?" Sanura asked. Aurora agreed.

"It is possible. It has been known to happen." Zahara made her decision to listen to her heart and cuddled closer against Bakura. She sent a silent plea to him to keep her safe from the voice in her head. Aurora watched them a moment before turning to face Atem. "Well, it seems he actually made a decision… And he has chosen her." Atem nodded silently, still watching them. Aurora tilted her head at him. "So that means we now have a decision to make…" He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

"And that would be?"

"To allow their relationship to go on as far as he has asked…?" Atem's face grew hard and she could see the mild twitch of his jaw as he clenched his teeth together in an effort to keep in control.

"We shall discuss this later…"

Aurora watched as Atem paced back and forth in their bedroom later that night. He had said nothing since Bakura's proposal. So lost in thought, Aurora could not get through to him even by using their own mental link. He had shut her out. She sighed and stood to stop him in his path by placing her hand lightly on his chest.

"You will wear a hole into the floor if you keep pacing, koi," she said lightly, trying to smile warmly at him. "Please talk to me. Let me know what you are thinking." He looked down at her. She had always been patient with him, even at his most difficult moments. He touched her face and she leaned in to the touch.

"I can see why he may have fallen for her. If he has indeed fallen for her," Atem said softly. She blinked up at him.

"You don't believe he is sincere."

"Not exactly. Zahara's vision has me a little more than concerned."

"I see." Aurora took a deep breath. She had expected something like this. "The least we can do is give him a chance. You and I are more than strong enough to take him out if he is indeed using her."

"Aurora, can you go to the dresser and bring me the box there?" She nodded and walked over to find a small golden box resting next to the case that held his royal head dress from his time as Pharaoh. Ishizu had been kind enough to return it to him when he returned. She remembered him gazing down at her own headdress that had been placed inside the case years before he remembered even who she was. At the time, he had thought it to be just some relic her son had managed to get for her. When his memories kicked in, he realized it was what adorned her head when she ruled beside him. Now the two royal pieces sat side by side as they should have always done. They were finally at peace. Aurora sighed and retrieved the box, carefully lifting it and bringing it over to him.

"Here." He took it from her and lifted the lid. Inside there were two golden rings. Aurora recognized them as he pulled one from the box. "The ring that bears the mark of our family? But didn't you already give one to Adais?"

"I did. But the day I had his made, I had two others created as well. I knew one day our daughters would eventually find someone they would see fit to be with. The ones they chose would then be a part of our family. These rings would always be there to remind them of the honor."

"I see. Where are you going with this?"

"One day, he will come to me to properly ask forher hand. He may have been a thief in the past, but even thieves have some kind of honor among them. When he comes to me- if what he says shows me he really, truly cares, then he shall receive this ring. A symbol that he is one of us and worthy of our protection."

"Does that mean…?"

"Yes, as hard as it is for me to believe I am saying this… I will be the one to give my blessing when he decides to ask."

The next day was bright and sunny as the group met on the beach. RIJ had never been informed of the proposal Bakura made to Zahara as he left after dealing with their attacker to pick up their long time friend, Malik, from the airport. Malik was flying in for a special meeting he was to have with RIJ and Bakura. He had no idea only RIJ would be there to greet him. RIJ had no real explanation to give him either.

The group gathered to play beach volleyball and have a small bar-b-q while they enjoyed the crashing waves. Atem kept his eye on Bakura, still wondering if he was making the right decision in allowing the relationship to continue. Seeing the smile on her face, though, had him sighing. At least he knew she was happy. At least he hoped she was. The game of volley ball ended and Bakura sat down on the sand pulling Zahara against him as she sat in front of him, her back resting against his chest, her head leaning on his shoulder. He could not help but lean in and kiss her neck lightly while breathing in the scent of her perfume. His head was still reeling by what he was feeling. A mixture of emotions, ranging from "I should not be here," to "I never want to let her go," to "Why did it have to be her?". The scent of jasmine and lilac combined struck his senses, however and he calmed down, breathing in deeply again.

She… she smells so nice…

I can't believe this is happening, Zahara thought as she rested comfortably in his arms. A sigh left her and she closed her eyes, lost in the peacefulness of the situation. At least it was peaceful for a little while. A thought struck her with a small concern and she sat upright. Bakura jumped slightly at her sudden movement.

"Is everything alright?"

"I think so… I do have a question though." Bakura balked for a moment, concerned. "How are you planning on talking to Father about this?" she asked, looking down at the ring with her worried look. Bakura breathed a sigh of relief before her words sank in and he stiffened, his eyes wide.

"T-talking to your… father?" Zahara frowned.

"Yes, my father…" Oh great, she thought, shaking her head. Foolish pride is going to make it so he won't talk to Father. We will never be happy. He can never fulfill the promise he made by giving me this ring. Maybe I would be better of not wearing it. She sighed. "It is going to be a problem for you, isn't it?" She moved away from him as her voice shook with her unshed tears. She was not about to let him hold her until she got an answer this time. Bakura heard the sound of her tear-filled voice, and knew he had to make a final decision. She had no idea what he truly been going on in his head. What he was supposed to be doing. He wanted to keep it that way. Especially since he had changed his mind on following through with his original plan.

"Please… Don't cry. It won't be a problem," he told her. He looked away and sighed. I only hope the Pharaoh will give his blessing… Zahara looked up at him upon hearing the sigh.

"Are you afraid of him, all of a sudden? I mean – it isn't like he didn't already see the proposal, so he has had time to think about it. Facing him has always been your favorite challenge…" She grew quiet a moment before looking up at him again and speaking softly. "I could be there with you if you want… Unless you want to face him on your own," she added keeping her last retort of "like a real man" back in her head. She turned her head away to hide a sly smile. She knew she had said the right words to spark his actions. The thrill of challenging her father was one he would never turn down.

A thoughtful expression crossed Bakura's face. Thoughtful and worried. "It's not that I am afraid…" He opened his mouth to say more but stopped himself as he thought over his words again. Finally he opted for not saying them and going for something else. "Never mind. I will face him. I'll do it. For us." His hesitation caught her attention and she faced him again.

"Not that you're afraid?" The words hit her. What is he not telling me… Should I be concerned? Bakura saw her thoughtful look and stilled.

"…What? What's the matter?" She shook her head.

"You stopped yourself earlier in mid thought. You said it wasn't that you were afraid to face, Father… so… What exactly is it? Is there something I should know? Something I should be concerned about?" Bakura shrugged trying to hide the nervous look on his face.

"Don't worry… It's nothing, really…"

Why is it I don't believe him? "So… um… Do you need me there? Or can you speak civilly to him alone?" Aurora had been watching the exchange from a distance with Atem.

"Looks like a serious discussion over there. I wonder what they are talking about?" She asked as she turned to glance at Atem. He was silent. Part of him was still trying to process the idea that Bakura had proposed to Zahara. His hand dipped into his pocket to touch the velvet pouch he had placed the family symbolic ring in for Bakura. Aurora lightly touched his arm. "Atem?" Still no answer. She poked his arm gently. "Atem? Earth to Atem, are you in there somewhere?" She shrugged when he still did not answer her. "Guess not…"

Bakura sighed and choked back his pride. He so hated having to do this. But he stood and smiled at Zahara. "I'll be fine. I'll go talk to him alone." Blue and Ryou had also been watching the exchange.

"Hmmm…. Seems as if Bakura is troubled," Blue commented. Ryou shrugged.

"He is… in the mind…" Blue rolled her eyes and nudged him, at the same time flashing him a bright smile.

Zahara smiled back at Bakura. "He is over there with, Mother. No better time than now… Unless you need more time to prepare…" A sly smirk spread over her face as she leaned over to him. "Depends on how long you want to wait on things, I guess…" She winked at him before placing feather-light kisses at the base of his neck. She knew she had pushed him over the edge again when she felt his body shiver under her touch. Bakura sighed and resisted all his basic urges as she teased and tormented him. He eventually pulled himself away and turned to head over to Atem and Aurora.

What do I say? Will they approve? He wondered as he walked. Damn! It had to be the Pharaoh's daughter…

Aurora saw him walking their way and she nudged Atem's arm lightly with her elbow. "Wherever you locked yourself in your head- I suggest you get back out here. You have a visitor." Atem blinked and slightly shook his head.

"Huh? What? Who?" Aurora grinned and motioned to the approaching Bakura.

"Shall I leave you two? Will you promise not to attack him?"

"If I was going to attack him, I would have done it months ago at the bowling alley…" Aurora giggled softly as she remembered that day. "No, he has helped to save her life… He has been … good... to her," he tried to reason with himself. His voice choked when he said the word "good." He found it hard to believe he was saying good and speaking about Bakura of all people at the same time. "No… I think I can speak to him as an equal for once…"

"If you are certain," she said with a sigh before walking and sitting beside Blue, Ryou, and Jackie. Atem turned a hard look at Bakura as he closed the distance between them and stopped before him. He nodded to Bakura in acknowledgement of his presence.

"Tomb Robber." Bakura's nervousness grew as he nodded in returned.

"Pharaoh." A bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face. Atem waited for him to speak, but soon grew impatient.

"Something on your mind, Bakura?" Bakura frowned slightly but continued to hesitate. "Never known you to be so… not at ease in front of me. You are usually trying to find some way to irritate, anger, or destroy me. You are always so confident you can… Yet here you are, trembling before me…" He smiled. "Nice change." Aurora heard him and coughed pointedly in warning. The smile faded from Atem's face and he sighed. "So… What has you so nervous?"

Bakura glared at the former Pharaoh as he tried to control his temper, his anger making him want to kick the ever living crap out of him. I tremble with rage, baka! He thought with a cough. "Hmm… I was wondering…" His voice trailed off and he mentally kicked himself. He must be really enjoying this…ketsuoana… He thought with an angry scowl. Atem was, in fact, enjoying this. It was taking all he could in order to not openly smirk at the thief in front of him.

"Yes…?"

"Can… can…" Bakura mumbled, still trying to spit it out. Atem rolled his eyes and after sticking a hand in his pocket, decided to end the man's torment.

"Are you wanting my blessing for my daughter's hand, or not?" He let his hard look soften and even smiled at Bakura. The thief scowled again.

Grr… is he toying with me? What's with that smile anyway…? "Yes, Pharaoh. Can I…" He coughed around his next word. "Please… have your blessing to have Zahara's hand in marriage?" Atem sighed.

"Always so on edge, thief- thinking the world is out to get you…" Atem shook his head. "You helped save her life, you have been… gentle… with her for the most part. "Atem removed his hand from his pocket and offered it to Bakura. "I give you my blessing." Bakura let out the breath he did not even realize he had been holding as he shook Atem's hand. Atem took the moment to yank the thief closer to him. "On one condition… Hurt her and your world is over…" He released Bakura's hand and stepped back as Bakura looked down at the velvet pouch resting there. He opened the pouch and let the ring fall onto his palm.

"What is this, Pharaoh?"

"The ring is a symbol of the royal family. Being with Zahara means you are one of us now." Atem patted Bakura on the shoulder with a smirk. "Welcome to the family you always loved to hate."

Ahh yes- Zahara's perfume... I actually have a bottle of specially mixed Jasmine and Lilac oils. A beautiful scent indeed...

Atem: Sexual... sweet and sexual... (sexy growls)

(coughs) Ahem... Well, I think I better get going. I still have to finish the next chapter to Eternal Love. It has been on hold long enough...

Hope you enjoyed it so far... see you next chapter.