Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one

After weeks, okay more like month+ of frustration

Decided that now was a good time to write the next PoaT

So here it is, hope you enjoy

Toil and Trouble

Chapter One

Kaito frowned down at the small child in front of him, one of many. Bright blue eyes narrowing as he regarded her suspiciously. "Have you been washing behind your ears Sakura-chan?" he inquired.

Dropping to one knee, the magician reached over to pull an egg out of the girl's curly tresses. He blinked, a bemused expression crossing his face. "Now that," Kai announced to the world at large. "Cannot be normal."

The children stared for a moment, eyes wide, before one of them laughed in delight. An older boy tugging on Kaito's sleeve. "Do it again," he urged.

Kai meanwhile struggled to hide his own smile. Succeeding with the aid of long practice to maintain a serious expression. He rather liked children, little bundles of innocence that they were. He rather envied them that to be truthful. It was a little hard to believe he had once been the same.

The young thief was neither innocent nor naive. He hadn't been for a very long time (save the matter of his virginity of course). Maybe since even before his Mother's death. Still, it was nice to pretend he was just like everyone else. If only for a little while.

Which was why Kai was at the park, putting on an impromptu magic show. He had gotten a number of strange, not to mention concerned looks the first time he had done it. Not that the brunette blamed the kids' parents. The world was a dangerous place after all, and he knew that better than most.

As with all things though, with time came familiarity. No one gave him a second glance anymore. At least, not past what one would give to any other teenager frequenting the neighborhood. Ironic, considering Kai was a wanted man.

There was even a reward for information leading to his capture now. Some rich snob had overreacted after Rei had burgled their place. Personally Kai couldn't understand that. The guy had gotten the piece back after all. Besides, the thing had been hideous.

The mishmash of colors caused by conflicting gemstones had nearly blinded him. And the gold they had been set in had not helped at all. If the center-piece hadn't been big enough to possibly hold Pandora the thief would not have touched the thing with a ten foot pole.

This, among other reasons, was why Kaito's visits to the area could not be termed regular by any stretch of the imagination. Nor did he always appear at the park. Sometimes he went to the mall, or just planted himself on a convenient piece of sidewalk.

Location didn't really matter. All that did was that people enjoyed his presence. The magician never stayed long though. He also did not come alone.

"Kai!"

A familiar voice cut through the air. Interrupting what had become an extremely complicated round of juggling. The brunette turned his head to observe his shadow, not missing a single throw. Huyu looked somewhat annoyed as he tapped his watch. It was time to go.

Sighing, Kaito made the objects disappear one after another with an imperceptible flick of his wrists. Ignoring the children's disappointed groans. Not even the last one disintegrating in a ball of fire was able to raise their moods.

"Sorry guys," the magician apologized, ruffling one's hair. "But my keeper awaits." Kai reached down to retrieve his jacket, throwing it carelessly over one shoulder as he strode across the park towards his foster brother. Slightly diverting his path around a large group of people about his age.

"Excuse me," Kai apologized to the crimson eyed young woman holding court. Not giving her a second thought as he stepped over the edge of her blanket. The thief was already occupied thinking about his plans for the evening.

Bakura was in town, and while he didn't especially like the dark spirit. The other was just a bit too bloodthirsty for his tastes, he did know some interesting tricks. Tricks Kaito hoped to learn himself. Or at least learn to imitate. He was utterly unaware the havoc one chance meeting was about to play on his life.

Meanwhile Akako just sat stunned, staring after the figure in disbelief. Oh, it wasn't the other boy's looks that caught her attention. Though she had to admit he was rather handsome. He had ignored her. Her. No one ever ignored her.

The witch was angry. No doubt about that. But she was also intrigued. Just who was this boy? Akako smirked, the seductive expression causing the members of her retinue to sigh longingly. Let's just see what Lucifer had to say about this.

Now that the first chapter is up

Updates should be more regular

At least I hope so

As always please review

It makes me happy

And a happy writer is a more productive one