A/N: Sorry about the long delay. I actually had this chapter written back when I posted the previous chapter. I was debating whether or not to put up a chapter between 3 and this one because I had an idea involving Anzu shopping for her dress, running into Malik again, and later Bakura. The purpose of the chapter was to give a smoother transition between these chapters, which, admittedly, has a sort of choppy transition currently. The problem is that I am just about to start a new semester, and I'm moving into a new apartment, and I don't have a ton of time to write (and I'm a slow writer at the best of times regardless). Since this whole story is essentially written anyways, I'm just going to give you the original. I'll work on that extra chapter, and if I ever finish it I'll put it in just for kicks. For now, you get the raw version without the additional chapter, choppy transition and all. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Four

It was 7:00 on Friday night. Anzu was just making finishing touches on her hair and makeup, waiting patiently for Bakura to arrive. She pulled up strands of her hair one by one, pinning them into an elaborate tangle of dark brown hair with jeweled bobby pins and sparkling azure clips that dotted her hair like flame-bright blue stars. A few curling strands hung loose around the back, and her face was framed by some short layers that bordered her bangs.

Anzu turned her head side to side, admiring her work, and then stepped back to see the finished product. Looking herself up and down, she couldn't help but smile. Her dress, made of a deep azure satin, was a slimming halter-top that left her shoulders, arms, and most of her back bare. The front was a modest v-neck lined with glitter and gems while the main body of the dress clung to her trim dancer's figure. Its delicate ruching, accented with gems and sequins, at the waist line emphasized her hourglass figure, and then, past her hips, it cascaded into rippling layers of deep blue that hung on an angle, gathering in higher up on the left, while tumbling in azure folds on the right.

A pair of sapphire and silver earrings, elegant in their simplicity, hung from her ears. They matched perfectly the sparkling costume-jewelry gems that dotted her hair. A light brush of glimmering silver eye shadow over dark-lined eyes and natural-looking lip gloss completed the ensemble.

I look pretty good, Anzu admitted to herself, pleased with the effect. And if this doesn't get Atem's attention, nothing will.

Stepping into a pair of silver "high" heels—they were only an inch tall—Anzu went into her living room. Right on cue, the doorbell rang. She glanced at the clock and smiled. It was seven-thirty, on the dot.

"Is that your date, Anzu? I want to meet him." Anzu's father said, coming into the front room, followed closely by her mother who asked curiously, "Is it that boy you've talked so much about?"

Anzu cringed. Letting her parents talk to Bakura would be a disaster waiting to happen. His attitude, not to mention his exotic appearance, would put them on edge and the last thing she needed was paranoid parents getting on her case. She hedged, "No, um, it's not. And, you know, he's, er, shy… We're running a little bit late anyways, so do you think we could skip the meet and greet just this once?"

"Anzu…" Her father said, eyeing the door suspiciously.

"Dad, please. Cut me some slack? I promise it's a one-time thing." Anzu said, her hand on the door knob.

After what seemed like forever her father nodded. They encouraged her to enjoy herself, to have a good time, and she rushed out the door.

Bakura stood out on the walkway, just beyond the stairs. Anzu smiled as he gazed up at her, looking slightly taken aback, as though he hadn't expected her to look half as good as she did. Then he smirked. "You got all dressed up for me, Mazaki? I'm flattered, and I must say that I'm not at all disappointed..."

Anzu rolled her eyes and said, "It's not for you," but she couldn't help her smile at the compliment. It was something for Bakura to give any form of praise or offer a kind word, and she was pleased. Then she looked at him.

"You do know this is a formal dance, right?" She said, pointing at his clothes. He wore a pair of dark black jeans, black shoes, and a fitted white tee shirt with a v-neck that showed off his physique to its best advantage. Over the shirt he wore a classy black leather jacket. His hair, tumbling over his back in silver-white layers, seemed to be aflame in the slowly dying light of the setting sun. Anzu had to admit that he looked good; the clothes fit his style, his personality. But the dance was formal…and his outfit wasn't.

Bakura just shrugged. "I don't honestly care for trivial formalities." Then he jerked his head and started to walk back to his car, an old black sports car with a rumbling engine. He surprised her by opening her door before going around to his side. She climbed in beside him and, engine growling furiously, they shot out of her driveway and down the street.

The school was several miles away from her home, but Bakura drove recklessly, taking corners at breakneck speeds so that the car's tail end swung wide, fishtailing behind them. Anzu's fingers gripped the sides of her seat until the knuckles were white, and she gritted her teeth. I'd like to make it to the dance alive, she wanted to say, but Bakura had music playing, its volume loud enough that, when combined with the noisy engine, she'd have to yell. And at that moment she was too scared of imminent death to try and persuade him to slow down.

The result of his insane driving was that they arrived at the school in a matter of minutes. The dance had started at 7:00, and a lot of couples and groups of friends had already arrived at the school. Anzu spotted immediately Atem and Yuugi's green truck near the back of the school's parking lot, and so did Bakura. He pulled in right next to it, parking, she noticed, so close to the other vehicle that the driver, presumably Atem, wouldn't be able to open his door when it came time to leave.

Anzu shook her head and said, "Was that really necessary?" Bakura just smirked.

She stepped out of the car, and he followed, somehow managing to look suave as he slid over the center console and followed her outside the passenger-side door. He laughed at her disdainful look and, without warning, slid an arm around her waist and pulled her close to his side.

"Excuse me?" Anzu said in shock, drawing back, only to feel his arm tighten around her.

"Don't get excited." Bakura immediately said with a chuckle. He looked down at her, and asked sardonically, "After all, we're just putting on a show for Atem, aren't we?"

Anzu took a second to answer, her mind reeling at being so close to Bakura so suddenly. Somewhere in the back of her mind it vaguely occurred to her that they were alone in the far end of the parking lot with no one around, and no one to "put a show on" for. But just as quickly it was wiped away by the feel of his hand, the strong fingers pressed against her waist. She could feel his body's warmth against hers, and felt her own heart pound erratically. Finally she managed to form words to respond breathlessly to his question, "Oh, yeah. I just, well…sure." She looked down at his hand and bit her lip, "And he better notice, for all the effort I'm putting into this."

"Oh, he'll notice." Bakura chuckled, taking a strand of loose hair that framed her face in his other hand and twirling it around his fingers.

Anzu blushed furiously and glanced away from him towards the school, glowing with lights. "We should head in now," She said, and they began to walk towards it slowly. Bakura seemed to be in no rush to get inside, but strangely, Anzu found that she didn't mind. She wasn't sure why she couldn't stop blushing, or seem to catch her breath. Bakura's fingers curled against her side, and her heart skipped a beat. Perhaps going with Bakura to the dance had been a better idea than she'd bargained for…

No, Anzu suddenly thought in a panic, this dance is Just to see Atem's reaction… This is just to make him jealous. There is no way that I could actually enjoy Bakura's company. I'm just flustered because I'm going to see Atem soon. He just surprised me. That's it. I won't let myself get involved with him. It would be reckless, irresponsible, stupid—

Bakura spoke up again, breaking into her concerned musings. "You know, this pathetic dance will be worth it just to see how Atem responds to us." He said, emphasizing ever so slightly the "us" at the end, then he grinned and said with amusement, "Speaking of noticing…" They'd reached the school's front doors where students loitered and milled around waiting for friends to arrive, and, sure enough, all eyes were on them. Bakura's arm had gone from around her waist to over her shoulders, making it abundantly clear that they were together. People began gesturing at them surreptitiously, whispering amongst themselves.

"And you were worried about getting their attention …" Bakura said in a low voice as they entered the school.

Inside the doors there was a table. Administrators sat behind it, accepting tickets and money from students. Anzu and Bakura stepped to the back of the line to wait their turn. Beyond the table was the Commons Area of the school, and off to the side was the gymnasium. The main lights in both areas were dimmed. Flashing lights of all colors streamed over the small crowd of students that had already entered. They moseyed between the two large dance floors casually, testing the atmosphere in each. Most still were simply talking to friends or hovering around various refreshments tables. Several were beginning to ease themselves into the fast, upbeat rhythms that pounded from huge speakers at the far end of the room on either side of the DJ Booth.

Anzu could just make out the outlandish hairstyles of Yuugi and Atem standing by a chocolate fountain. Yuugi was with a girl with long dark hair. Her name was Alia. Anzu hadn't had much opportunity to talk to her, but she seemed like a very nice girl. Atem also had a date with him, standing close to his side and laughing at something he'd said. She had vibrant red hair that was curled in loose ringlets that tumbled over her shoulders and framed her heart-shaped face. Anzu couldn't remember the girl's name, but remembered that she was on the Cheer squad. Anzu hated her immediately.

"I find your jealousy to be rather ironic…" Bakura's voice breathed in her ear.

Anzu started, "I have no idea what you're talking about," She said defensively, feeling embarrassed to have been caught by Bakura, staring at Atem and his date so obviously. She could feel blood rushing to her face, warming her skin, and she said defensively, "The point is to make him jealous, not the other way around."

Bakura just laughed slightly, and lowered his voice, "Of course. Well I think we can manage that…" They reached the table, and Bakura handed the administrator their tickets. The administrator took them, giving Bakura a warning glare.

"No trouble, Bakura, or you will regret it." The administrator said icily, throwing Anzu a sideways glance as though to say, You Too.

Anzu looked between Bakura and the administrator, feeling shocked that she had just been tagged as a Student of Interest by mere association with Bakura. Bakura just rolled his eyes, and pulled Anzu away from the table.

"It must be exciting having a reputation for constant delinquency." Anzu said lightheartedly.

Bakura snorted, laughing shortly. "You're right. It doesn't get much better than that."

They entered the dance floor. More and more students were showing up by the second, and the room was already warming up. The music pounded around them. Finally Bakura said, "So… here we are. How shall we proceed?"

"Well…" Anzu trailed off, not sure herself what to do now that they were there. Should they dance? Should she go "introduce" her date to her friends? Should they just hang around and wait to get noticed by Atem and allow him to approach them? She wasn't sure, but Bakura was waiting for her to answer and so she just said, "Why don't we go dance?"

Bakura grimaced and Anzu laughed, "Oh come on. You do know how to dance, don't you?"

"Just because I know how doesn't mean I have to like it," Bakura replied, rolling his eyes even as he drew her close to him and pulled her into a waltz that matched the rhythm of the slow music playing through the speakers.

"You actually know how to waltz," Anzu stated, her voice surprised. She had assumed that his version of "dancing" was the cheap sway-back-and-forth imitation of dancing. And yet here he was, leading her strongly through each step. "I admit, I wouldn't ever take you for knowing how to dance," she said, laughing slightly as Bakura allowed her to spin out, pulling her back easily. He pressed his hand against the small of her back, holding her close to him.

"I have my mother to thank for that," Bakura said in her ear, his breath warm against her face. "She was always one for keeping my brother and I 'cultured'. That included extensive dance lessons, unfortunately."

"What's so wrong with learning how to dance?" Anzu asked.

"It's a waste of time," Bakura said.

Anzu drew back, frowning, "It is not a waste of time."

Bakura laughed, spinning her again, "If you say so, Mazaki."

Casually, his hand slid down her side, past her waist, resting on her hip, and Anzu couldn't ignore the sudden butterflies that were scrambling in her stomach. She looked up at Bakura, and found herself trapped in the depth of his gaze. Once again she was falling into a starless sky, and she felt blood rise to her cheeks.

Her thoughts were scattered. What was going on here? She'd come to this dance to try to make a point, to show that she wasn't just going to wait around for Atem to notice her, while simultaneously trying to get herself noticed. But now…Atem was nowhere in her thoughts. It was only her and the music and this dangerous, beautiful predator that she had invited into her life.

He pulled her closer. And Anzu found that she didn't want to pull away.

"Bakura…" She said hesitantly, her voice barely a whisper.

"Atem has taken notice of us," He interrupted her. His eyes flicked up, over her shoulder, and he tilted his head in the direction of the refreshments table.

Anzu, jolted back into reality, pulled back, putting some space between her and her date. "Oh, um, yes," she stammered, ignoring the sinking feeling in her gut, "Well, I guess it's about time."

"He's talking to Yuugi now. He looks very concerned…" He chuckled softly, and he looked back down to Anzu, "I'd say mission accomplished."

Suddenly the song changed to a more upbeat rhythm. "Try to keep up," Bakura said over the music, leading Anzu into a swing dance pattern that fit the pace of the song. She gasped in surprise as he twisted her around, pulling her in and releasing her, dancing with skill she would've never expected from him.

Anzu laughed, twirling out, away from Bakura, and then spinning back in so that her back was to him, her arms crossed over her torso, hands linked with his. Shocks like electricity whispered down her spine, and she found herself hyperaware of Bakura's every movement and touch. Their bodies were pressed together, the space between them nonexistent. Her skin seemed to burn where his brushed against it, and she unconsciously leaned into him. His hands released hers and slid to her hips. And then they were swaying together, moving in tandem to the rhythm of the music, and it hit Anzu how this must look to anyone watching. The way Bakura's hands rested so easily on her hips, the press of their bodies, her back to him, and his lips suddenly at her ear, speaking a soft compliment on her dancing, a compliment that brought a smile to her face as though against her will. The way they were dancing… It wasn't how you danced with a friend, and especially not the way you danced with a casual, once-and-never-again date. No, they must look together. They must look very together.

And the strangest thing was that, at that moment, Anzu didn't mind that.

Bakura suddenly grasped her hand and spun her back out. They were again facing one another, their bodies moving in synchronized rhythm. And when the song ended, it seemed too soon. Anzu was breathing heavily, stray hair sticking to her skin. She was pleased, though, to see that she wasn't the only one. Although he was better at hiding it, she could see Bakura's chest rising and falling deeply, could see the faintest tinge of red coloring his cheeks, and—though it may have been her imagination—she thought that there was a new light in his eyes, a sort of excitement. It looked genuine.

Maybe he's actually enjoying himself, she thought. And then, almost guiltily, I know that I am.

Because she shouldn't be enjoying herself with Bakura, should she?

She didn't have time to think about it further, as she realized that they had inadvertently moved towards the refreshment table. Atem and Yuugi's group were standing there, talking, but there were frequent glances in their direction. Especially from Atem.

Anzu made eye contact with the game king, and she knew that there was no putting it off any longer. She'd made her entrance, she'd gotten herself noticed. Now it was time to drive the point home.

She looked down at her hands, realizing they were still entwined with Bakura's, and she shyly released him. His face, expressionless and distant, eyes flitting over Atem's group analytically, turned towards her. And a wolfish smile, all ice and teeth, curled on his lips, sending a shiver down Anzu's spine. Nevertheless, she squared her shoulders and said, "Now or never." She turned towards them, paused, and added, "Remember, we're trying to make Atem jealous…"

"Oh, you don't need to worry about my performance tonight Mazaki." Bakura smirked. He confidently took her hand in his and pulled her back to his side playfully. "It will be nothing if not believable."

Though she tried to quell it, a small grin lifted Anzu's lips. "Great," She said, "Come on."

Weaving their way through the small crowd of people standing between Anzu and the rest of her friends, the strange couple approached the refreshments table. Yuugi, Atem and their dates were laughing and talking animatedly, but Anzu didn't think she imagined the tension in Atem's shoulders, and Yuugi's laughter sounded forced. Jounouchi had joined them at some point, a blonde girl named Irina at his elbow. There was no sign of Honda, Miho, or Ryou, but Anzu was sure they'd show up sooner or later.

"Hey guys!" Anzu said with a smile as she approached them. They all turned towards her, their words falling silent, their gazes averted. Yuugi shifted uncomfortably, but said, "Hey, Anzu."

Anzu felt Bakura's arm go over her shoulders, felt his presence beside her, but she was too focused on her friends' reactions to make introductions, so she let Bakura's presence speak for itself. She was suddenly nervous as she watched the expressions of distaste and utter astonishment cross each face in the group. Then her gaze landed on Atem, and she felt a distinct surge of triumph.

Atem's expression was one of pure disbelief. He met Anzu's gaze, and, finally breaking the awkward silence that had overcome the group, asked, "Anzu, why are you here with him?"

"He has a name." Anzu said sharply, then explained, "Bakura didn't have a date," she paused, "And neither did I." Anzu looked pointedly at Atem, trying to convey through her eyes each and every dagger of pain that he had stuck in her heart. After a long moment, she finally continued, "So I asked him to the dance."

Yuugi scuffed a foot back and forth, his eyes downcast. "I told her it was a bad idea."

"Why is that, Mutou?" Bakura interjected suddenly, his voice falsely pleasant. .

"I think the answer to that is quite obvious, Bakura." Atem practically growled.

"Indulge me." Bakura chuckled. Atem frowned, his eyes narrowed darkly, seemingly unable to find an insult strong enough to fit his anger. At his silence, though, Bakura lifted a hand to Anzu's face, curling a stray hair around his fingers, and effectively sending those stupid butterflies fluttering all over again against Anzu's will. "Do you have a problem with my taking Anzu to the dance?" He asked, and there was victory in his smile. His arm, slung casually around her, tightened ever so slightly, possessively. Anzu could feel his fingers press against her skin and that was when she, somewhat shocked, registered what Bakura had just said…

Anzu, He called me Anzu, she realized. It was the first time he had not called her by her last name, Mazaki. It was a gesture generally reserved for those close to you. And though she expected it from Yuugi, from Atem, from Jou and Honda and Ryou… Never would she think she'd hear her name on Bakura's lips, his tongue rolling over the syllables as though relishing each sound.

Bakura's informal use of Anzu's name had obviously not been missed by Atem, who clenched his fists, eyes intense. Keeping his glare fixed on the white-haired teen, he said curtly, "Anzu, may I speak with you. Without the company of your…date."

"Of course," Anzu said, glancing up at her companion. He smirked his trademark smirk, and let his arm fall from her shoulders. Glancing around the circle once more, he headed down the hall in the direction of the restrooms.

A slow song was just starting and Atem—to the chagrin of his red haired date—stepped towards Anzu, arm held out politely to lead her onto the dance floor. Anzu slipped her arm through his. She could feel how tense the teen was, and she felt a mounting anxiety. As he drew to a stop and faced her, she could feel her face blushing. Why was she so nervous all of a sudden? It was just Atem, they'd been friends for forever… He smiled slightly, brushing a stray hair away from her face, and then placed a hand on the small of her back, folding her right hand in his; she placed her left hand on his shoulder, and they began to move slowly to the beat.

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Bakura stood in a shady corner of the commons area, barely noticeable outside the range of the glowing, flashing lights. His eyes followed Anzu and the "Game King" as they stood close to one another. She had a soft smile on her face, one that Atem wasn't returning. What the hell did she see in him anyways? He narrowed his eyes at them, glaring when he saw Atem lift his fingers and brush some loose hair away from Anzu's face, an unexplainable tightness in his chest feeling as though it were restricting his lungs. He watched them as they began to sway in effortless circles, his teeth grinding slightly.

"Jealousy really isn't becoming of you, Bakura." A voice behind him said.

Bakura didn't turn, didn't take his eyes from Anzu. "Little brother," he greeted Ryou coldly, "Please, spare me your incessant nagging, turn around, and walk away."

Ryou stepped forward so he was standing next to Bakura. "You didn't deny it."

Glancing at him, Bakura laughed derisively, "Because the very idea that I could be jealous over a girl I couldn't care less for dancing with an immature ignoramus is so absolutely ludicrous, I felt it didn't warrant an objection."

"You're clenching your fists," Ryou noted lightly, "and you're tense. I'd wager your heart-rate is up…" He reached a hand to Bakura's wrist as though to take his pulse, and Bakura slapped it away. Ryou laughed, although his tone lacked humor. "Not exactly the type of reaction you'd exhibit over 'a girl you couldn't care less for', Bakura."

Bakura shook his head slightly, a deep laugh coming from deep in his chest. He lifted a hand to Ryou's hair, as though to stroke it, and without warning grabbed a generous handful. "Perhaps that is a reaction to you asking such idiotic questions," he said in a cool voice.

Ryou swallowed the instinctive yelp of pain that threatened to come out, and held very still. "I've been trying to figure it out—you going to the dance with Anzu," The teen began cautiously, "It just didn't make sense. It's not like you to do anyone a favor, let alone the best friend of Atem, not even if it involves getting the satisfaction of petty revenge. You're not that generous, Bakura. You prefer to do things your own way, so when you agreed to this plan, I knew you had your own agenda… I just didn't think it could be this simple…"

Ryou winced as Bakura readjusted his grip, narrowing his eyes at his little brother. Then he continued softly, "You actually like Anzu, don't you?"

The older teen leaned close to Ryou. He smiled, but his eyes were icy. "Did I ask for a psychoanalysis from you, Ryou?" The younger teen just shrugged, hesitantly reaching up to disentangle Bakura's hand from his hair.

Bakura shook his head in disgust and released his grip on Ryou's hair, turning his attention back to the dance-floor. He found Anzu and Atem moving in slow circles, just as before, only now they were talking as well. Anzu looked concerned, embarrassed, she was blushing, the deep pink flushing her cheeks. She seemed to glow under the soft lights, and his breath caught in his throat unexpectedly. He cleared his throat to cover the strange hitch, ignoring Ryou and focusing instead on Anzu's expression. It was the same way she'd looked when she'd asked him to the dance. He frowned, and found himself wishing he knew what they were saying.

"How long have you liked her?" Ryou asked carefully. "Was it before or after she asked you to the dance?"

Bakura didn't answer for a long time. Finally he hissed, "Is the interrogation over, little brother?"

Ryou pursed his lips, and nodded slightly. He followed Bakura's gaze to where Anzu and Atem twirled around the floor. He glanced between his brother and his friend, his eyebrows drawn together.

"…You'll ruin her, Bakura," Ryou said grimly, a soft warning in his tone.

Bakura just snorted again in derision. They stood there in silence until, finally, the song came to a reluctant close. Bakura stepped towards Anzu, but Ryou grabbed his arm.

"Please, if you care about her…just leave her alone," He pleaded, his voice imploring.

Bakura shrugged off Ryou's grip and gazed down on the teen. "Mazaki is not as soft as you think she is little brother…" He grinned slightly and looked to where Anzu and Atem were standing on the dance floor. "She likes to play with fire."

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A/N: Hope you enjoyed! PLEASE REVIEW! And thank you to all of those who have reviewed already. You are all my favorites :) Till next week... Ciao