A/N: Hey! Guess who's back! ME! And, with a new chapter before a month passed. How crazy is that? Also, we finally reached double digit chapters! :D Anywho, I won't keep you guys long. I'll do all my talking in my post-chapter notes.

ENJOY!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu-gi-oh! If I did, I would've cast Liam Neeson and Chris Hemsworth somewhere in there.

Interest: Chapter 10

Anzu sighed, tossing her keys and beach bag down next to the door. That could've gone better. She mused, exasperated. Then again, she supposed, it could've gone worse. If there was one thing Anzu knew, it was that things could always be worse, and they could always be better.

Thankfully, Jou hadn't reacted as violently to the news as she feared he would. As soon as he had found out, Anzu dragged him and Yami back into the Lazy River, so she could explain everything to Jou. Of course, he had been angry and perhaps a little hurt that she hadn't told him, but otherwise, he had taken it better than expected. However, just before they had finished their round, Anzu had threatened Jou with violence, swearing him to silence. She may have been petite, but she was a dancer and could throw a punch when it was required. In other words, he had promised to keep it to himself.

Rolling her shoulders, Anzu hurried upstairs and jumped in the shower to wash the chlorine out of her hair. As she stepped out, she heard the phone ring and wrapped a towel around herself so she could answer it.

"Hello?" she asked, holding the phone in one hand, and keeping the towel from falling with the other.

"Anzu, it's Marik."

"Hey, Marik," Anzu chirped. "What's up?"

" I know it's a bit late, but I was wondering if you'd care to go on our next date?"

Anzu glanced at the clock. It was ten till seven. Seeing as she didn't have anything really planned, she accepted.

"Perfect," Marik purred. "I'll pick you up soon."

"See you then," she murmured, trailing off.

Smiling to herself, Anzu settled the phone back in its cradle.

Biting her lip, Anzu cautiously applied a thin layer of ice blue eyeliner to her bottom lid. Two weeks had passed since that day at the water park, and Anzu was preparing for her seventh date with Malik.

During the past weeks, Anzu had never felt so loved, so wanted, in her entire life. It seemed like they were constantly trying to one up each other with the course their dates took. Anzu was sure that she had been on every kind of date imaginable and frankly found it suprising they were able to come up with new ideas. She had done everything from a sky scraper picnic date to dancing in the rain- two particularly favorite dates. Not to mention, she was able to get Marik out of summer school...

Unfortunately, she was still no closer to deciding who to choose.

Anzu was in quite the pickle - at risk of sounding cliché. As strange as it was to admit, she had fallen in love with both of them. When she thought of choosing between them, her heart clenched painfully, and she had to sit down. Malik was sweet, kind, considerate, though not without a darkside, a willingness to fight for her. On the other hand, Marik was fiery, passionate, dark. When they kissed, Marik ignited a flame inside her that threatened to burn her alive, and as furious as she had been when he did it, Marik had killed for her (she knew Malik had taken part also and was willing to do it again, but Marik had been the one to strike the killing blow). She loved them both. But, for different reasons.

Anzu unceremoniously plopped down on the side of the bathtub and buried her face in her hands. She wasn't getting anywhere although she did have a headache now. Shaking away those confusing thoughts, Anzu stood. She still had time to decide; she had a few more dates with both of them. Though in her heart, Anzu knew that all the time in the world would not be enough.

This was not the time to think of it regardless, considering she needed to get dressed; Malik would be there to pick her up shortly.

Finished with her makeup- blue eyeliner, mascara, and tan lipgloss- Anzu returned to her room. She retrieved a pair of jeans and a brown sweater because Malik had told her to dress warmly. Many dates ago, she had stopped asking what they were going to do. Even if it was as simple as a movie date, they would refuse to tell her until they had arrived at their destination.

After putting the outfit on, she stepped into a pair of tan boots and stuffed a couple of twenties into her pocket. They also refused to let her pay, but she still tried to get around that. Finally, she decided to go down stairs and wait for Malik to arrive.

She didn't have to wait because when she reached the bottom Malik was already knocking. When she realized she was already smiling, Anzu brought her fingers to her lips. She found herself smiling far more than usual- a feat in and of itself- when either Malik or Marik were around. Practically giddy, she padded over to the door.

As soon as she opened the door, Malik stepped towards her and wrapped his arms around her. Her breath hitched, and he dipped her down, slanting his lips across hers. Lips moving passionately, she tangled her fingers in his hair, loving the feel of the soft flaxen locks. He tightened his arms around her waist and delved his tongue into her mouth. All she could do was mewl.

Smirking, he pulled back, and she gazed into his lavender eyes. She mused. They seemed to practically shine.

Stepping back, he righted her and extended a hand. "Shall we?" he offered.

Grinning, she took his hand, threading her fingers through his and replied, "We shall."

Both of them laughed as they exited Anzu's house and bounded over to Malik's motorcycle. Anzu climbed on behind Malik, after accepting the helmet he offered, wrapped her arms around him, and laid her head on his back, revelling in the feel of it.

The engine roared to life, and the couple sped off.

As he pulled into a cement parking lot filled with cars, Malik was also revelling in the feeling of Anzu pressed against his back. Malik had been making every effort to win the blue-eyed brunettes heart. And, in some ways, he knew he had suceeded. However, he knew that Marik had also taken part of her heart.

It hurt him to know that, but there was nothing he could do about it. He would keep trying. If she denied him or - Ra forbid- chose Marik instead, he would keep trying. For the rest of his life if he had to.

Cutting the engine, Malik felt a tinge of disappointment when Anzu clambered off the bike.

"We're here already?" she asked as he put down the kickstand on his bike then stood.

"I'm sorry," he began in mock apology," were you expecting a longer drive?"

"You know it's not fair to answer a question with a question, even if you're being sarcastic," she tossed back, blushing lightly.

Grinning, Malik tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear and grabbed her hand. "To answer your previous question. Yes, we are here." Anzu smiled, and his heart stuttered. Lately, her smiles had caused similar reactions. It was strange to say the least. Not unwelcome, mind you, but strange...

"Where is here?" she spoke again as they began walking, leaning into his side.

"Here is the ice skating rink." It didn't pass his notice the way her eyes brightened at the prospect.

"I haven't been ice skating in years," she chirped. They walked in silence for a moment when she suddenly halted. Tapping his shoulder, she sped off, shouting, "Last one there is a rotten egg."

Malik shook his head at her antics but sprinted after her. She was a child at heart in every since of the world. Her air of innocence added to that. Soon enough, he reached the entrance only minutely winded. Anzu grinned triumphantly, placing her hands on her hips. Raising his hands in surrender, he conceded, "You win... This time." He paused for a moment. "Don't think I'll go easy on you next time," he added.

"Please," she scoffed," like you were going easy on me."

He shrugged his shoulders, not denying what she said, but not confirming it either. Smirking, she wiggled her eyebrows at him as if to say, 'I totally won.'

"Come on," he finally spoke. Malik gestured towards the door. "Let's go."

She nodded as he opened the door for her and entered. Malik followed her inside. When her eyes flitted around the room in splendor, Malik found himself smiling again. Her eyes held that gleam, that sparkle if you will. She was beautiful. Although he had said it- thought it- before, he was finally realizing it to the fullest extent.

After paying for two tickets and retrieving their skates, Malik and Anzu were laced up and ready to go. As they waddled over to the rink, Malik held onto Anzu's arm, willing himself not to fall. Standing on the threshold, the Egyptian teen eyed the ice warily. He was out of his element, but he'd heard that it was fun.

Anzu smiled at him. "Something the matter?"

"No, I- it's just, I've never been ice skating before."

Anzu nodded thoughtfully. "Is that all? Come on. I promise we'll have fun." She grabbed his wrist and eased him out onto the ice. It was a weird feeling to say the least. In order to keep from falling, Malik had to cling to Anzu's arm... and the rink's wall.

Plus, it was cold. Malik hated the cold. However, all things considered, he was having a good time.

After an hour or so- Malik didn't didn't have a watch- Anzu led him back over to the benches where they laced up their skates. Malik sat down and unlaced his skates, rubbing at his aching ankles.

"You were right," Malik told Anzu. "That was fun."

She smiled at him, "Glad to hear it. I'm just ha- Bakura?" She turned to the white-haired yami, who had, indeed, sought them out.. Apparently. "What are you doing here?" She asked.

"Oh, I just happened to be in the area. Then I saw you two-" he nodded to them,"- and wondered how things were getting on. I mean, whose winning?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Anzu asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

Malik's heart stuttered and not in the good way. He knew Marik had told Bakura about.. everything, but they were past that. It wasn't technically even a bet anymore. Bakura could ruin everything. Everything both of them had worked for if he told Anzu now. She would take it the wrong way; she wouldn't understand and assume the worst. Nervously, Malik chewed on the corner of his thumb.

Malik glared at Bakura when he, Bakura, burst into laughter.

"You mean they didn't tell you?" Bakura asked incredulously.

"Tell me what?" She turned to Malik. "What's he talking about."

"No, I suppose they wouldn't tell you," Bakura mused. Malik distinctly felt the urge to punch that smug look off his face.. So, he did. Bakura stumbled back, wiping the blood away from under his nose. "What the hell was that?" he hissed.

"Don't speak of things you know nothing of, Bakura," Malik scolded, drawing out the other boy's name.

"Things I know nothing of?" Bakura scoffed. "I know everything. More than her," he nodded to Anzu." Anyways, what have you told? How did you explain your sudden fascination in her?"

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here," Anzu demanded, eyes flashing angrily. Turning to Malik, she questioned, "Malik, what the hell is he talking about?"

"It's nothing." Malik growled as Bakura howled in laughter again.

"Malik, how foolish do you believe her to be?" Bakura inquired. To Anzu, he explained, "What your 'boyfriend' -or boyfriends, I suppose, if you include Marik- failed to mention is why you suddenly captured their undying attention. Hasn't it crossed your mind? The question of why?"

"I.." Anzu trailed off, sounding unsure.

"Well, allow me to fill you in," Bakura offered. " You see on that first day of summer school Malik and Marik made a little bet concerning yourself. Now," he raised his hands in surrender, "I'm not sure of all the gritty little details, though I do know that in order to win they had to get you to pick between them."

"And I... I fell for it.." Anzu's eyes watered, and Malik felt his heart clench. He damned Bakura to the Nether World, and he damned himself. Malik knew he should've told her; it was a thousand times worse coming from someone like Bakura.

Malik reached out and layed a hand on her arm, "Anzu, I-"

"Is it true?" she cut him off, her tone biting, as if she had already decided.

Malik dropped his head. "Yes." He wouldn't lie. That would only make it worse. Plus, he found he didn't want to lie to Anzu. She deserved the truth. Malik didn't deserve her. Now, perhaps he didn't have her.

When she didn't answer, he raised his eyes to her face. She'd closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her cheeks. "Anzu, I'm .. We should've- I should've told you, but you don't understand. We-" She cut him off by raising a hand.

"No," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "Just don't." Shrugging his hand off, she set her shoulders back and, head held high, strode outside.

Malik ran after her, leaving a cackling Bakura in his wake. When he caught up to her, he called, "Where are you going?"

"Home," was her terse answer.

"At least let me drive you."

"No." She walked over to a payphone. Before she shut the door to the phone booth, she turned to him. "Tell Marik it's over. Between all of us." She smiled sadly. "I-," she shook her head," Nevermind. It doesn't matter."

Malik watched as she picked up the phone and spoke to someone. When she emerged, she walked over to the street and sat on the curb. Malik didn't go sit by her. He'd been a fool. They'd both been fools.

Right now, Malik loathed Bakura with all his being. Marik too for starting the bet. However, he knew his hate was misdirected. While Bakura had been the one to inform Anzu of the bet and Marik the one to make the bet, Malik had been the one to accept. It was on him. He had plenty of people to blame. But if he was honest, he was just as guilty as they were of the crime. The crime of breaking Anzu's heart.

Fists clenching, Malik climbed on his motercycle and glanced over at Anzu. She sniffled as she got in Jounouchi's car. Malik winced; he was recieving quite the glare from the Blonde teen, and he deserved it.

Malik sped off, trying to ignore the pain in his heart.

"Yes, I'm fine," Anzu shouted over her shoulder to Jou, practically tackling her door in her urgency to get in.

She was not fine.

She had been played. Admittedly, she had wondered why they were so interested in her at the begining, but stupidly, she had dismissed it.

Why? Why hadn't she realized? Malik.. It would make a little sense if it was just him , but Marik had "Liked" her too. She scoffed. She should've known. Marik didn't like anyone; it wasn't his thing. Before that first day of summer school, Marik had never paid her an inkling of attention, except maybe to make fun of her. Then he suddenly flirted with her?

How could she be so stupid?

Anzu hurried into her living room and flung herself down on her couch. She hadn't cried yet, except those first few tears when he first told her. Now that she was alone, she let loose. Grabbing a pillow, she gave a cry of anguish as she soaked the soft material.

She was a friendly person. It was in her nature to let people in. To trust them. This time, she wished she hadn't. It.. It hurt. Her heart felt as if someone had taken a sledge hammer to it and then dumped the broken shards into the fireplace.

Through her heartbroken stupor, Anzu registered the phone ringing, but she ignored it. She assumed it was Marik, and that Malik had just delivered the news. Right now, she didn't want to talk to him, to either of them.

After several more rings, the answering machine activated, and none other than Mai Kujaku filtered through, "Anzu? Anzu are you there? You've gotta pick up, hun! Come on. It's.. Look. I warned Marik - " At his name, Anzu burst into tears again, " about taking care of you, but he didn't listen. Not really. Someone's after them, The Ishtars, for what they did, and you got tangled in the web. Get up, run, call someone. They're coming for you."

Anzu looked up fearfully, but didn't move. The silence ensuing was overpowering, stifling, as if movement would cause something to break. When it finally registered, she jumped up, wiping the remaining tears off her face. If what Mai said was true... then.. She was in big trouble.

Heart pounding, she hurried over to the phone and snatched it up. Who to call...

It was too late. Someone suddenly kicked her door in, breaking it off its hinges. Anzu screamed as two men in black masks stormed in, carrying baseball bats. Anzu clutched the phone to her chest, frozen with fear and sizing them up.

She growled in frustration because she had no idea who they were. When one of them lunged for her, she shrieked and jumped back, sucessfully avoiding him. She took off running, towards the kitchen, knocking a vase and several chairs down to try and deter them.

Once in the kitchen, she pulled a butcher's knife out of one of the drawers and waved it threateningly at them. One of them smirked and swung his bat at her. He hit the knife out of her hand, sending a shot of pain up her arm, and she screamed for help. They stepped towards her, and she backed up around her kitchen table. Thinking quickly, she threw a chair at them and, while they were distracted, darted around them straight for the front door.

I can do this, she thought pushing her legs harder. She was almost there. And luckily, she wouldn't even have to open the door, seeing as they broke it off. Again, she screamed when one of them grabbed her ankle, causing her to fall on the floor, though she caught herself on her hands, whimpering at the pain it caused her hurt arm.

Looking back, she saw the other thug creeping towards her. She had to do something. Grabbing a piece of wood from the broken door, she slammed it onto the hand gripping her ankle. With a howl of pain, the thug released her, and she scrambled to her feet. Just as she turned to go outside, her stomach sank as a third creep blocked her path. Turning, she stumbled upstairs and bolted into her bathroom, locking herself inside.

Hoping to keep them out for a little longer, Anzu sat infront of the door, her legs braced against the side of the bath tub. Somehow, she had managed to keep a hold on the phone for that entire time. There was no escape. So, the least she could do was get someone to help, to let them know what was happening.

Quickly, she dialed Malik and Marik's -forgetting that she was mad at them. On the third ring, Malik picked up.

"Hello?" Malik asked.

"Malik, help me! I, oh God-" She screamed when she felt them throwing themselves against the door.

"Anzu! What's going on?"

"Someone- these three guys.. they broke into my house, attacked me. Malik help I think their going to ki-" She screamed again as the door finally gave under the strain. To avoid the dust and splinters, she covered her eyes. Coughing, she scrambled forward on hands and knees, trying to get away.

She cried out when one of them grabbed her shoulders and slammed her head agains the floor. Desperate, she clawed at his face, managing to draw blood. He slammed her head against the floor again. And she was blacking out.

"Anzu! Anzu, are you alright? ANZU!" she heard Malik screaming from the reciever.

"Help.." she wheezed out weakly.

Then she was out.

To Be Continued?

A/N: Well, not really sure how I feel about this chapter... It was really short, but when I sat down to write it, nothing would come out! Originally, I planned to write out all dates, but to be honest, I've never been on a single one and wasn't really sure how to go about it. Plus, I'm trying to get closer to the end of this story, which we are. I'm thinking five more chapters at the most.

Anywho, what'd yall think? Was it okay? I didn't get much feedback on the last chapter, but I wasn't expecting to, considering it was filler.

Thanks to HermioneSakuraGardner07 for beta-ing!

Another thanks to my reviewers:

Tevana,

XxX Warbler's Girl XxX,

PandaTeddyClaws,

RandomObserver,

R3iga1004,

fi13ns,

Numinous-Alqua,

ansolorior1204,

Dragonara,

Grace0331,

and HermioneSakuraGardner07.

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

ONWARD!

-Alyssa